Roof replacements never come at a convenient time and cost an arm and a leg, especially if you don’t know how to maximize your investment. Rather than ripping it off like a bandaid, paying a high cost, and trying to get it over with immediately, consider looking into these roof replacement strategies that could make the job more cost-effective in Hartford, Connecticut, and nearby counties. 

At A1 Home Improvement, our family-owned and -operated business with over 30 years of experience values transparency, efficiency, and integrity. In this roof replacement guide, we provide five roof replacement tips to make this renovation project economical without jeopardizing quality.

Reaching Out to a Reputable Contractor

Whether you’re receiving flyers in the mail or online ads are bombarding you after one Google search, you’re probably confused by the number of professionals out there. It’s difficult to tell who’s right for you when everyone is highlighting their benefits and services, some exaggerating to make a quick buck. So, you should conduct research rather than pick the first contractor that comes along.

Many residents begin by asking their neighbors, family, or friends for referrals, especially if they’ve had an excellent roofing job done recently. Try to get more than one company name to compare rates, cost of materials, and other factors that could affect the price of the build. However, ensure you’re not skimping on quality as you try to stay within budget by looking for the following credentials as well:

• Five-star online reviews
• Notable awards or certificates 
• Accreditation (such as from the Better Business Bureau)
• Licensing and insurance
• Top-tier installation techniques that follow industry best practices

These credentials keep you and your contractors from having accidents that could result in high medical bills. It also prevents the need for costly repairs or replacements in the near future to remedy a poor installation in the present. 

Considering Timely Replacements

If you have a hole in your roof dripping water or weak material causing poor insulation, you may not have a choice but to call for immediate partial or full roof replacement strategies. However, if you stay on top of your roof’s condition with regular maintenance and repairs, you may notice issues before they get this bad, allowing you to hold off on a replacement until the time is right. 

Roof replacements are common from late spring to early fall since this dry season helps guarantee optimal weather for working on the peak of your home. In comparison, the late winter into early spring is an off-peak time when contracting companies focus more on scheduling future dates on their production calendar than performing jobs. 

Scheduling your job for this time lowers labor costs and material prices since these companies have fewer jobs, which raises competition with rival companies. 

Picking the Right Materials

One of the most important things to know about roof replacements is which material to go with.

According to  The Spruce , asphalt is the most cost-effective and common of all roofing materials in North America, costing $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. The fiberglass or cellulose material topped with asphalt and granules is lightweight, making not only the material but the installation cost cheaper since it’s easier to haul and install. 

Unfortunately, this material also has the shortest roof lifespan of 15 to 30 years, meaning you’ll need more repairs and replacements with asphalt than you would with its more expensive counterparts:

• Metal roofs cost $6 to $14 per square foot and last about 80 years
• Clay tiles cost $10 to $18 and last 50 to 100 years
• Slate costs $9 to $20 and lasts 50 to 200 years
• Concrete lasts $10 to $20 and lasts over 50 years

However, our roof replacement strategies include considering these more expensive roofing materials. Although they may have a large upfront cost, they can help you save money in the long run since these more durable materials require fewer services to keep them in top condition. For some products like clay or slate, you also won’t need another roof replacement in your lifetime, barring future installation costs. 

Increasing Energy Efficiency

Having a well-insulated roof is the first step to cost-effectiveness. It prevents extreme outdoor temperatures from entering your home and rivaling your HVAC unit, which could cause your unit to run longer and raise your electricity bills. 

However, you can take energy efficiency one step further by using cool roofing technologies that allow sunlight to bounce off your roof so your home won’t absorb UV rays. The reflective coating bars provide additional warmth to your home during the summer, reducing energy costs. According to the  Department of Energy , some cool roof options include:

• Choosing singly-ply membranes with light-colored pigments that reflect light
• Spray a polyurethane foam
• Consider a vegetative roof that protects against stormwater and UV rays

By increasing energy efficiency, especially with solar tiles and shingles, you may also qualify for government incentives and rebate programs, which help you save more on your investment. 

The best way to learn more about potential savings and roof replacement costs in 2023 is to speak with a reputable roofer.

Scheduling Regular Maintenace

Even with the highest quality materials and the most professional installation services, your roof will quickly degrade without regular maintenance. 

One common example includes moisture seeping under your roof materials and reaching your house’s wooden structure. Not only could you notice water damage, leaks, or stains, especially on your attic ceiling and walls, but a musty smell from toxic mold and mildew growth could also occur. 

By adding a seamless gutter or proper flashing, water sits on your roof for less time, barring costly repairs, but you must catch these issues early on during maintenance checks. 

Get More Roof Replacement Tips That’ll Help You Better Understand Roof Replacements!

If you want to learn more about roof replacement strategies, you’ve come to the right place. Our next-level roofing contractors are A1 in all services, from remedying storm damage to replacing roofs nearing the end of their lifespans. Call our team at A1 Home Improvement at 860-259-6783 to start with a free roof inspection in Hartford, Connecticut, or learn more roof replacement basics .