A buying guide for your new roof in Oklahoma!
Getting started
Is it time for a new roof? You may be able to put off some home repairs for a while but cracked, curled, or missing roof shingles are a pressing matter. If neglected, they can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.
One good way to check your roof is to use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles. If you spot some, it may be time for a new roof. Also, make sure to check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vents for cracks.
Estimating costs
Consumer Reports does a good job of explaining how to estimate your cost in their Roofing Buying Guide. “To estimate how much roofing you’ll need, multiply the overall length and width of each roof section in feet to measure its area and add 10 percent to allow for waste. Then divide by 100 to determine how many squares you’ll need. Figure on about 30 squares for a typical 2,300-square-foot house, plus roughly $3,500 to $10,000 for labor. Keep an extra bundle of shingles for minor repairs, like after a heavy storm.” – Consumer Reports: Roofing Buying Guide
Think twice about layering
Where two layers of roofing are already in place, building codes typically require stripping the roofing down to the sheathing. Most roofs are strong enough to hold two layers. But installing some of the heavier laminated shingles over even a single layer may over-stress some rafters and other structural parts. Another reason we recommend complete removal is so you don’t miss any rot, water damage, or insect infestation underneath. Figure on an extra $100 or more per 100 square feet to strip off and dispose of the old shingles.
If you are putting in a new roof or the old shingles are being removed, you’ll need new underlay (roofing felt) to create a moisture barrier between the roofing and the wood sheathing and rafters underneath. The sheathing may also have to be replaced if it’s damaged.
Check the details
Roofing warranties tend to include full reimbursement for materials and installation, but only for a limited time. They usually don't cover winds above 85 mph or faulty installation, so get a labor warranty from the installer. Save all receipts, invoices, and a bundle of shingles for repairs. And be sure roofing has the highest fire rating, Class A.
Weighty options
Some of the best roofing could be too heavy for some homes. For instance, some laminated shingles weigh 100 to 200 pounds more per square than others that performed almost as well when we last tested them. That could over-stress rafters and other structural parts if you shingle over an existing layer.
Will you be filing an insurance claim because of a storm damaged roof?
If your need for a new roof is the result of storm damage from our Oklahoma storms and you plan on filing a claim, check out this article on common insurance claim mistakes.
