Answering the question: “when should I replace my roof?” may seem like a daunting feat. From tracking warranties, climbing into attics, and looking for rot, knowing your home’s roof lifetime expectancy seems like a challenge. We know it’s easy to forget about the literal roof over your head in your home until something wrong pops up.
But there are a few simple tips and tricks you can use every day to monitor your roof’s condition and give it the care it needs. Whether you notice a slight drip, a saggy spot, or some unwanted greenery growing, you can easily know the answer to, “When should I replace my roof?” and keep your home in beautiful condition.
Know What You’re Working With
There are many different types of roofs out there. Copper, slate, tile, wood shake, cement, and asphalt/shingle are among the most popular. When you’re wondering when I should replace my roof, you should know your roof’s lifetime expectancy. Copper, slate, and tile last roughly fifty years. Wood shakes last roughly 20 years. Cement last 25, and asphalt/shingle combination roofs last 20.
Start Inside The Home
Now that you know what your roof is composed of, it’s time to start digging. Go up into your attic or crawl space with a flashlight in hand to search for any beams of light peeking through. It’s best to do this on a sunny day, so you can easily see any weak spots. You should also check for water stains or streaks.
Look Through the Paperwork
Most homes come with receipt of work that’s been done. Review your home project records to check for any work that’s been done on your roof like reshingling or updating asphalt. Having a paper trail is also helpful to track your roof’s lifetime expectancy. Remember to know what type of roof you have and cross-check with your paperwork to see if the answer is yes to your question of when should I replace my roof.
Take a Look at Your Shingles
Shingles are easy to repair, but when they start falling off, cracking, and bending, you may want to take a closer look. Wind damage, water damage, and sun damage all play a role in impacting your roof’s lifetime expectancy. If your shingles are falling off, curling, or are missing granules, you’ll need to replace those shingles and maybe even your roof, if it’s old enough.
Check For Rot
This is probably the worst fix to have when you’re asking, “When should I replace my roof?” Rot can take a roof out very quickly, so it’s important to catch it early before it impacts your indoor spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. Check for wet wood, dips in your roof, and plants growing on or around your roof to combat this silent killer.
When it’s time for a new roof, call Evergreen! With over 20 years of experience in the roofing game, we can give your home a beautiful new roof that will last for years to come. Call now at (253) 303-7994 to schedule your free estimate today!
Roofing and siding are two of the most important elements when it comes to protecting your home from the elements. From extreme heat to bitter cold, the Pacific Northwest has to deal with a wide variety of weather, so it’s important to make sure your home’s exterior can stand up to all the elements thrown our way. So, when it’s time to upgrade your roofing and siding, how can you find the best contractors for the job? Well, it’s easier than you think. We know, looking into all the nuances of construction and renovation can seem daunting, but when you break it down into a few simple categories, you can easily find a great contractor who will get the job done right for you.
Do Your Research
Like almost every decision you have to make, it’s important to do your own research. Whether you’re looking online at the best roofing and siding contractors in your area or are asking friends what contractors work on their home, it’s important to take the time and find the best fit for you. That may mean putting in a little extra effort. Things like calling the company, setting up a meeting, or even scheduling an estimate can significantly aid in your search to find the best contractor for the job.
2. Consider Only Companies for Roofing AND Siding
Whether you need both or just one, it’s not uncommon to find companies that offer both roofing and siding to their clients. If a company can provide you with those two services together, that’s usually a good indication that the company is experienced in exterior remodels and renovations.
3. Look For Who’s In Charge of What
Also, look into who manages the roofing and who’s in charge of the siding. It’s not mandatory, but it’s an even better sign when the company has a team that specializes in just roofing or just siding. Companies, like Evergreen, have team leads who have over ten years of experience in their specialized field, so you know that your roping and siding will be handled by experts.
4. Check for Financing and Other Services Contractors Offer
Another good indication of reputable contractors for roofing and siding is financing. Companies that offer 100% financing on all of their projects have the ability to account for the cost of your renovation upfront. That means they have enough money in their business to provide you with the funds to get the job done. Instead of going to a bank and seeking a loan, you can streamline your renovation process with financing through your contractor. This makes payment easy and consolidates the whole process into one entity.
5. Get Free Estimates
You can also take advantage of free estimates on roofing and siding by multiple contractors or companies. That will help you to get a good gauge of how much things will cost. When a company offers an extended estimate (over 30 days), that’s a good sign as well.
Choose the Best Company for You
In all things, go with the company that works best for you. At Evergreen, we take the time to understand our clients’ needs and make communication a priority. Work with our roofing and siding contractors for 100% financing on your projects – roofing and siding included – you can make payment easily. We also offer a 60-day guarantee on all of our estimates, so you don’t have to make a rushed decision.
Answering the question: “when should I replace my roof?” may seem like a daunting feat. From tracking warranties, climbing into attics, and looking for rot, knowing your home’s roof lifetime expectancy seems like a challenge. We know it’s easy to forget about the literal roof over your head in your home until something wrong pops up.
But there are a few simple tips and tricks you can use every day to monitor your roof’s condition and give it the care it needs. Whether you notice a slight drip, a saggy spot, or some unwanted greenery growing, you can easily know the answer to, “When should I replace my roof?” and keep your home in beautiful condition.
Know What You’re Working With
There are many different types of roofs out there. Copper, slate, tile, wood shake, cement, and asphalt/shingle are among the most popular. When you’re wondering when I should replace my roof, you should know your roof’s lifetime expectancy. Copper, slate, and tile last roughly fifty years. Wood shakes last roughly 20 years. Cement last 25, and asphalt/shingle combination roofs last 20.
Start Inside The Home
Now that you know what your roof is composed of, it’s time to start digging. Go up into your attic or crawl space with a flashlight in hand to search for any beams of light peeking through. It’s best to do this on a sunny day, so you can easily see any weak spots. You should also check for water stains or streaks.
Look Through the Paperwork
Most homes come with receipt of work that’s been done. Review your home project records to check for any work that’s been done on your roof like reshingling or updating asphalt. Having a paper trail is also helpful to track your roof’s lifetime expectancy. Remember to know what type of roof you have and cross-check with your paperwork to see if the answer is yes to your question of when should I replace my roof.
Take a Look at Your Shingles
Shingles are easy to repair, but when they start falling off, cracking, and bending, you may want to take a closer look. Wind damage, water damage, and sun damage all play a role in impacting your roof’s lifetime expectancy. If your shingles are falling off, curling, or are missing granules, you’ll need to replace those shingles and maybe even your roof, if it’s old enough.
Check For Rot
This is probably the worst fix to have when you’re asking, “When should I replace my roof?” Rot can take a roof out very quickly, so it’s important to catch it early before it impacts your indoor spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. Check for wet wood, dips in your roof, and plants growing on or around your roof to combat this silent killer.
When it’s time for a new roof, call Evergreen! With over 20 years of experience in the roofing game, we can give your home a beautiful new roof that will last for years to come. Call now at (253) 313-7943 to schedule your free estimate today!
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’re building the house of your dreams, working with home improvement companies that finance provides you with more options, better deals, and a more manageable payment plan. From a simple bathroom remodel to a full roof renovation, there are multiple ways you can pay for your home revamp. Personal loans, home equity loans, and refinancing mortgages are just a few ways to pay for an expensive remodel, but perhaps the best way to finance home improvements is through the company providing the remodel.
Home improvement companies that finance projects provide a number of benefits for customers, so let’s dive a little deeper into what those perks are!
Workmanship + Quality of Life
High-quality, professional home improvements are never cheap. So, why not just do renovations in little increments to mitigate the cost? That could work, but think about the endless stream of contractors who will be in and out of your home for the next several months. Okay, let’s just reduce the scope of the project! Do you really want to compromise on something this important? If you’re already paying thousands of dollars, you should get exactly what you want.
When you work with home improvement companies that finance, you’ll be able to get the work done quickly, efficiently, and at a high level of workmanship. Interior or exterior home improvements should never be categorized as “cheap,” and spending that little extra to get exactly what you want will be worth it in the end.
Managing Payments
Paying off the large sum of money that comes with a home improvement project in one go can be daunting. And even just the thought of trying to get a bank loan is enough to make anyone think twice about renovations. But when you work with home improvement companies that finance, you don’t have to worry about either of those headaches! The best way to finance home improvements has to be manageable, and financing through your contractor or home improvement company offers you just that. The customer and seller coordinate a payment plan, so you don’t have to come up with a lump sum. Plus, the down payment can be flexible, making achieving your dream home even more manageable.
Time Efficiency
Working with home improvement companies that finance not only benefits you long-term but also saves you time in the short-term. Instead of waiting for banks to approve your loan, you’re able to directly coordinate with the company to get your renovation, remodel, or revamp done as quickly as possible. Plus, the home improvement companies that do offer financing are typically more reputable. In fact, 96% of the top home improvement companies offer financing.
So, whether you’re just starting your home improvement journey or are ready to make that leap, the best way to finance those home improvements may be through the company itself.
At Evergreen, we are proud to offer financing options to our customers. If you have questions, just call or text the team at (253) 320-5383 and we’d be glad to help you.
When you’re looking to update or renovate your home, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right contractor for the job. When you’re hiring a contractor, a checklist is a great way to get things started to make your home the best it can be. Whether it’s a new kitchen or updating your windows, there is a lot to consider. Who should you trust? How much will it cost? Will everything be done up to code? These are all valid questions you should be asking because many people who go with substandard contractors end up regretting it. So, let’s go over the checklist for hiring a contractor and five important things to consider.
1. Get Multiple Estimates
Like any other industry, when you’re hiring a contractor, there’s competition. From your local contractors to nationwide renovators, there are lots of options to choose from. One of the first things to keep in mind on that checklist for hiring a contractor is price. When you start shopping around, you’ll find that prices can vary a great deal, but don’t settle for the cheapest one right away. One helpful tip on hiring a contractor when it comes to price is that the cheapest may not be the best option. Typically, if you’re getting your home renovation for a “steal,” there may be other things you’re sacrificing. The quality, finish, and workmanship may not be as professional as you would like if the price is lower. Working with a trusted company may mean higher rates, but the results will last longer, and you won’t have to worry about touch-ups as often.
So make sure you do your research and look for multiple contractors who can suit your specific needs.
2. Check Their Past Work
It may seem difficult to vet a contractor, but simply looking at their work will be a good barometer of what you can expect. This is perhaps the easiest box to tick off on your hiring a contractor checklist. Ask them for a portfolio and talk to some of their other customers. That can tell you exactly what you need to know about the company’s craftsmanship and crew.
Another helpful tip on hiring a contractor: the more work they have to show, the more they have to offer you. If your potential contractor has a diverse portfolio that ranges from outdoor hardscaping to indoor finishing work, they’re more than likely a good candidate for your next home improvement.
3. See What Financing Options Are Available
Pricing your renovation can be a headache. Budgeting for a project, only to see it go way over budget, can be a huge problem, especially if you are relying on loans. If your contractor company offers financing, that’s a good place to start. There are many tips on hiring a contractor when it comes to financing, but most reputable contractors will offer 100% financing on any job. So, you won’t have to jump through all the hoops a bank requires to get a loan.
4. Check Their Insurance
This is one of the most important boxes to tick off on your hiring a contractor checklist. It is crucial to have a licensed and insured contractor working on your home. If not, workers could end up suing you and costing you thousands. If a company has the right insurance for the job, they’ll gladly share their COI (certificate of insurance), and you’ll be able to call the insurance company and verify it all with the policy number.
5. Keep a File
Keeping track of all the work you’ve done leading up to your home renovation is a great way to stay organized for future projects. It’s important to keep your checklist for hiring a contractor and use it as a reference when you’re shopping around. Take detailed notes of exactly what you want done in your house. Keeping everything you have on your list at-the-ready will allow you to effectively communicate what you need from a contractor and get the most out of your project.
In all things, do what works best for you. If that means scaling back a bathroom renovation to meet your budget, then do so! When hiring a contractor, a checklist is a perfect way to make sure you get exactly what you want and hire the best crew for the job.
Call Evergreen at (253) 320-5383 to get any questions you may have about our contractors answered and get started today!
