April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also do damage to a
roof already in need repair. Even if there’s no visible damage, winter
weather can cause unseen deterioration and spring rains can worsen the
problem. *
The National Association of Home Builders
recommends home owners schedule inspections every three years. However,
following an especially harsh winter, an “emergency” inspection may be
in order. A professional contractor can inspect for:
• Warped and missing shingles
• Chimney flashing damage
• Broken skylight seals
• Loose gutters
• Leaks into the attics and crawl spaces
It’s not uncommon to delay roof repairs and replacements because they
are among the most expensive of all home repairs. According to Homewyse,
a vendor-neutral online resource for consumers seeking home and
construction information, the average cost of a new asphalt roof on a
1,200 square foot house runs between $4,000 and $6,000 in larger
markets.
Since water damage can add to repair costs, it’s important to
schedule the inspection and take care of any needed repairs or
replacements, before the spring showers begin. It’s also a good idea to
understand options on how to pay for a new roof or find financing for a
new roof to make a financially-sound choice.
Financing Roof Repairs
Finding a qualified roofing professional requires research. After
hitting up family and friends for referrals, check paid referral
services such as Angie’s List
for roofers with many satisfied customers. The Better Business
Bureau is also a great source to find roofers with a BBB accreditation.
During research:
• Make a list of at least three roofing contractors.
• Before financing roof repairs, ask
roofers for bids and recommendations for the project. Compare the
answers before making a decision.
• Don’t automatically choose the lowest
bidder. If a vendor’s bid is 20 percent lower than the competitors,
proceed cautiously. Hidden costs may materialize on the less expensive
roofer’s final invoice.
• Get everything in writing, from agreed upon materials, project timeline and estimated cost. Also ask:
o Are the roofing materials covered by a warranty?
o Will special materials be used such as tiles that are fortified against damage from high winds or extreme weather?
o Ask the roofer if the chimney needs repair. The best time to repair or replace one is before roofing repair or replacement.
Paying for a New Roof
Homeowners needing to replace a roof should take the same actions as
those who need only roof repairs with one additional step: They should
determine how many layers are on the roof and how many layers actually
need replacement.
If the roofer recommends replacing three layers of the roof, make
certain that the contractor intends to check the surface of the roof
(below the damage). This critical step should be included in the written
plan.
Factors that Add to the Project Cost
Pitch
The slope of the roof, or pitch, affects cost. The steeper the slope,
the higher the price for repairs because it creates additional work for
the contractors as well as the need for specialized equipment.
Materials
Keep the cost of the project down to help finance roof repairs by
choosing affordable, yet sturdy materials. Asphalt shingles are the most
popular roofing material, according to Consumer Reports. They’re light
and easy to install, so it should save on material costs and
installation.
Composite slate roofing shingles are also light like asphalt, and
they look like actual slate. The composite is cheaper than real slate,
but more expensive than asphalt.
Metal is another material, with copper being the most expensive
metal. Regardless of the materials the homeowner selects, they may
wonder how to pay for a new roof.
LoanMe has Options for Financing a New Roof
Many consumers have turned to LoanMe for unsecured, personal loans to
cover the cost of home upgrades, including roofing projects. Qualified
borrowers can receive funds quickly – sometimes within hours of
completing an application through LoanMe’s easy, online application
process.
LoanMe makes the entire application process a breeze by telling
borrowers the loan terms up front. Best of all, LoanMe borrowers can
enhance their credit scores with each payment because LoanMe shares
credit histories with major credit bureaus.
Labels: LOANS