A new roof is expensive, and you're not always prepared for the cost. However, if you put off getting a new roof when it's needed, you might have to pay even more to repair water damage caused by a leaky roof. Here are some ways you might save money on a new roof when you have a tight budget.
Choose The Least Expensive Roofing
Fortunately, the most affordable roofing material, asphalt shingles, is also the most popular. You don't have to worry about having a subpar roof on your house just because you need economical roofing. Basic builder-grade three-tab asphalt shingles are a common roofing material, and they can last for years. They also come in different colors so your home will look attractive, even with budget roofing materials.
Have Your Old Roof Covered
There are two ways to have a new roof put on. One is to rip off the old roofing and apply new materials from the deck up. The other is to leave the old roof in place and put new shingles on top. The advantage of leaving your old roof in place is that you can save money since the crew doesn't have to spend time tearing off the old roof. However, if your roof currently has two layers of roofing, you won't be able to put on a third layer, and your roof has to be in fairly good shape. Talk to your roofer about whether your roof is a candidate for an additional layer of shingles so you can save money.
Avoid Scheduling During The Busy Season
Roofers are busy during the spring, summer, and early fall when the weather is more agreeable. However, the busy season is also the most expensive time to have a roof installed. Roofers aren't lacking for work then, so they don't have an incentive to offer discounts. Plus, building materials tend to be more expensive since they're in demand. Scheduling your work for early spring, late fall, or winter might work to your advantage.
Roofing materials may be discounted toward the end of the year, and roofers may be more apt to offer discounts to get more work. However, you want to be careful about waiting too long since a new roof has to be put on in a certain temperature range. If it's too cold, adhesives won't work as well, and your roofer may not want to work in bitterly cold weather.
If a new roof is out of your means and you don't want to finance one, then talk to your roofer about patching your roof to make it hold until you can afford a new one. By at least making repairs if it's possible, you can prevent water damage to your home.
Contact a local residential roofing company for more information.
Roof problems can go from minor to really scary in no time at all. One day you have a little leak, and the next you're left with major water damage in your attic. But it does not have to be this way. Well-informed homeowners know how to recognize roof leaks, and they know the importance of regular maintenance for roof longevity.
How do you become one of those well-informed homeowners? By visiting our website, of course! Here, we have articles about common roofing problems, hiring a roofer, choosing a good roof, and even DIY repairs. Every home has a roof, and every homeowner should know the basics about roofing.