Replacing your roof is a big project that’ll have lasting effects on the comfort, safety, and value of your home. This means that — in addition to working with a reputable roofing contractor like Frogtown Roofing — you’ll want to carefully consider a number of things before you make any final decisions.
We’ll try to make this easier below, by sharing a few of the key things Toledo residents should consider when installing a new roof.
9 Important Considerations When Considering Roof Replacement in Toledo, Ohio
There are a number of things you’ll need to think about when having a new roof installed, including any problems your old roof suffered from, your home’s style, and the best way to increase your home’s curb appeal.
But the following nine issues should be at the forefront of your mind:
1. Toledo, Ohio’s Weather
The extreme weather that often affects the Toledo, Ohio area can wreak havoc on your roof. From heavy snow in the winter to torrential rains and hail in the spring to high humidity in the summer, your new roof will need to be able to withstand everything Mother Nature is likely to throw at it.
Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality roofing materials that’ll stand up to the local weather, and they’re available in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes.
2. The Materials You’d Like Used for the Roof Replacement
There are a variety of different types of roofing materials available to modern homeowners, but most Toledo area residents will find that either asphalt shingles or metal roofing will be the best choice.
Asphalt shingles are typically the more affordable choice (although there are exceptions), and they are far and away the most common roof covering type used in Toledo and the surrounding area. Asphalt shingles are also relatively easy to install, which helps keep the labor costs associated with shingled roofs low.
Metal roofing provides greater durability and more aesthetic options than shingles do, but the material itself is more expensive. Metal roof installation also costs more than asphalt shingle installation, as it requires specialized techniques that not all roofing contractors can implement.
3. Your Proximity to Lake Erie
The closer you are to Lake Erie or the Maumee River, the more moisture the air will tend to hold (especially in the summer). This means that if you’re having asphalt shingles installed, you’ll want to opt for algae- and mold-resistant varieties.
Many of the best shingles for these kinds of high-humidity locations will feature specialized copper or zinc granules embedded in the surface. When it rains, tiny amounts of these chemicals wash down your roof, helping to prevent microbes from growing on the surface.
4. Compliance with Local Building Codes
It’s always important to have your roof replacement conducted in accordance with local building codes (and any other relevant local regulations). This is the only way to ensure that your home and family will remain safe, the roof will function as intended, and that the roof (as well as the underlying structure) will pass home inspections later on, when and if you decide to sell your home.
So, be sure that you emphasize to any potential roofing contractor that you’d like the roof replaced in a manner that satisfies all local building codes. Most high-quality roofing professionals will do so as a matter of practice, but it is still worth mentioning.
5. Pick Materials That’ll Provide More Energy Efficiency Than Your Existing Roof
Many people think about energy efficiency when upgrading their home’s HVAC system or installing new windows, but it is also an important factor to consider when having a new roof installed. After all, your home’s roof helps to keep warm air inside during the winter and shields your home’s interior from the hot sun in the summer.
Most high-quality roofing material options will provide improved energy efficiency when compared with budget-priced alternatives, but some are specifically designed to help provide energy efficiency, such as cool roof shingles.
Additionally, the type of underlayment you select, as well as any insulation you have installed between the roof deck and the roof covering (which is commonly done for metal roofs) will also influence the amount of energy savings your roof will provide.
6. Ensure Proper Ventilation When Replacing Your Roof
To function correctly, prevent moisture from building up, and ensure your new roof lasts as long as it should, you’ll need to select a contractor who intends to examine your roof’s ventilation system as part of the roof replacement process. This is especially important for Toledo-area residents, as the yearly temperatures change so drastically from one season to the next.
In some cases, your roof may already have adequate ventilation, so no additional work will be needed. But in other cases, you may need to add more ridge vents to allow more cool air to enter the attic space.
7. The Cost of Replacing Your Old Roof with a New Roof
Whether you’re installing a new skylight or trying to protect your gutters from leaves and debris, costs are always a factor when considering home improvements. However, they’re especially important for roof replacement projects, given that new roofs typically require a pretty significant investment.
However, that does not mean you should opt for the contractor who provides the lowest priced estimate. On the contrary, you should consider a variety of factors, including the contractor’s track record and local reputation, the materials they have experience installing, and the type of customer care they provide when selecting a specific roofing contractor.
Additionally, you’ll want to find out if the roofer you’d like to work with offers financing options, which can help spread out the cost of your new roof over time.
8. Timing of the Roof Replacement Process
Many new homeowners want their new roof to be installed as quickly as possible. But while this is understandable, it is wise to consider the time of year in which you’ll schedule the work to start. This can help you avoid inclement weather, which may delay the project or even saddle you with additional costs in some cases.
Given this, it’s usually recommended to schedule roof replacement for the spring or fall. The overall temperatures are mild during this time of year, and severe weather is less likely to occur than it would in the summer or winter.
9. Warranty and Maintenance Plans
While most high-quality roofing materials will last for decades, defects occasionally occur in the manufacturing process. Fortunately, many premium roofing materials are backed by lengthy warranties, which will help protect you in the off chance that you receive defective materials.
So, while roofing materials that are backed by warranties are often more expensive, the additional costs help provide additional protection for your investment. They can also help cover the costs associated with potentially expensive repairs you may need in the future, should your new shingles start to fail or your metal roofing materials start to warp. In some cases, they will even pay for the full replacement of your roof.
It’s also important to note that a manufacturer’s warranty may be voided if your roofing contractor does not carry out the installation process properly. This is yet one more reason why it is critical that you work with a licensed, experienced, and professional roofing contractor.
One Final Consideration During Roof Replacement in Toledo: Pick the Right Contractor
There’s one more thing that you’ll want to consider when replacing your roof: the contractor they select to complete the work.
Even if you select the right roofing materials, schedule the work at a wise time, and emphasize the importance of performing all of the work in a code-compliant fashion, you could still end up with a poor-quality roof if you just pick the cheapest roofer you can find.
Instead, you’ll want to select a local roofer, who not only knows the specific challenges the climate in your area presents, as well as local building codes, but also has the skill and professionalism to carry out the work correctly.
One good way to help identify the best roofers is by checking the reviews and ratings their previous clients have left on Yelp, Google, and other platforms.
Trust the Pros at Frogtown Roofing for Your New Roof in Toledo, Ohio
There are certainly a number of things to think about when you’re having a new roof installed, but don’t feel overwhelmed! The professionals at Frogtown Roofing are here to guide you through the roofing replacement process. We’ve been helping homeowners in the Toledo, Ohio area with their roofing needs for more than 10 years, and we’d love to help you too.
Book an appointment today and get started replacing your roof now!
