Five Tips for Saving Money on Roof Costs
by Lorraine Watkins

Roofs have limited life spans due to exposure to the elements. Here are five tips to help you save money on a new roof.

1. Inspect at Least Annually
   Depending on the material you roof is made of, its life expectancy is normally anywhere from 15 to 40 years. Generally, roofs do not fail catastrophically unless completely neglected, but begin to wear out with age. Sun, wind, rain, ice, tree branches, leaves, and moss cause deterioration of shingles. Do not wait until you see obvious signs of damage before inspecting your roof or having a professional do it for you. Preventative maintenance can save you money.
   
   
2. What to Do if You have Leaks
   If you have a leak, you may not necessarily need a new roof. Leaks can be caused by deteriorated or damaged flashing or missing shingles. Missing shingles or tiles are easy to spot, but damaged flashing (the metal joints between roof seams) is not always obvious. Roofing companies are experienced at tracing the source of leaks.
   
   
3. Two Options for Roof Replacement
   If you need a new roof, your options include taking off your existing roof and replacing it with a new one or putting a new roof on top on your exiting one. If you already have a replacement on top of your original roof, you may have to start afresh; roofs are heavy, and you must have enough support for all the material.
   
   
4. How to Choose Materials
   The location, age and condition of your home and the pitch of your roof, all must be taken into consideration when selecting the type of material for your roof covering. Composite tiles are increasingly popular because they are light weight, highly fireproof, and aesthetically pleasing. Other choices include slate, wood, and asphalt shingles or clay tiles.
   
   
5. How to Choose a Roofing Company
   There are a number of steps to take when you determine that you need a new roof: ask neighbors for recommendations, get at least three written bids; thoroughly check references of all bidders; get written guarantees of the life of the roof and the quality of the installation. If recommendations or prices of roofing companies are wildly different, get an additional bid or two. Be wary of very low or high prices. Finally, do not pay in advance for work in order to get a discount.