The roof is one of the essential parts of a house because it’s the main barrier between the inside and outside of your home. As a homeowner, you should be concerned about replacing a roof for many reasons, including structural integrity, safety from leaks, energy efficiency, and more!
Getting a New Roof
There are many reasons why homeowners need to get a new roof. Some of these reasons include age, storm damage, or even a leaky roof that needs to be repaired. Prior to getting your roof done, you can follow the following tips for your to plan your new roof expenses:
Start with a Price List
A price list will help you determine the best route to take. You can use a price list from your local contractor or manufacturer, or you can do an online search for prices and reviews of different contractors in your area.
It’s important to note that this process may require more than one visit before deciding on a new roofing company. Take your time to find out about their warranty and their reputation for customer service.
Identify Potential Problem Areas
If you’re worried about your roof because of the age or any visible damages, it’s important to contact a reputable contractor as soon as possible. A good time to do this is in the fall, when they have more contractors available to come out right away. They will be able to assess the damage and give you a quality estimate of what it will take to fix the issue.
Inspecting your roof should be done by professional Manhattan roofers since a thorough inspection can be difficult to do from the ground. In addition, new York roofers will identify potential problem areas, and you’ll know where your money is best spent.
How to Pay For a New Roof You Can’t Afford
Some people think getting a new roof is an impossible task because they don’t have enough money saved up. If you’re in this situation, don’t worry! There are several affordable ways to get a new roof without breaking the bank.
1) Roof Grants
Applying for roof grants can be a great way to pay for a new roof. Many organizations offer grants and don’t require homeowners to make any kind of repayment commitment, but there are some that will charge interest or other fees. Check with your state’s department of energy efficiency for information on available programs in your area.
Programs may have different eligibility requirements, such as income levels and the home’s age or type. If you’re interested in applying for one of these grants, it’s important to know what they require before you submit the application. For example, some programs only work with homeowners who have a specific type of roofing material installed on their homes already. Others may require that you take up to three energy audits before they provide funding for your new roof – and these can be expensive! The best way to find out what grants are available in your area is to contact your local department of energy efficiency.
2) GoFundMe Campaign
GoFundMe has become a popular way of asking friends and family to donate money on social media while also providing updates on the status of your roof. If you want to go this route, be sure to set up an account with them first in order for you to receive donations securely. Consider adding photos or videos as well- people are more likely to donate if they can see the problem you’re trying to fix.
How to start a GoFundMe Campaign:
-Sign in on your GoFundMe page
– Click “Create new campaign”
– Fill in your name and the goal amount you’re trying to reach.
– Add a photo or video of what needs to be repaired, if applicable.
-Make sure that they can’t request a refund once someone donates money through GoFundMe’s website.
– Consider creating a “Why I need your help” section to give donors more information on why they should donate and what you will do with the money once it’s received.
If you’re in desperate need of funds, this may be worth considering as an option for funding. However, make sure that if there are any other viable options available, you explore those first.
3) Payment Plans
If you can’t afford to get a new roof without taking out a loan, consider contacting your bank or credit union about setting up an installment plan. Depending on the situation and company, you can sometimes pay off the cost in monthly increments that are either more affordable than paying it all at once or with less interest charges.
Maintain Your Roof
Now that you already got a new roof keeping it to last long is the challenge. Maintaining your roof is vital to keep your home in good condition and avoid costly repairs. Here are some tips for maintaining a roof:
- Keep trees trimmed back from the edge of the roof, at least three feet away; this will limit the damage caused by branches that rub against or break off on the shingles.
- Clean and inspect your gutter regularly to avoid the accumulation of piled-up dried leaves or debris that will potentially clog up your gutter as time goes by.
- Keep your roof clean to avoid algae and other organisms that can cause a foul odor.
- Seal any leaks or tears on the roof with sealant specially made for roofs. Also, use an ice dam prevention kit in areas where there is snowfall during the winter months.
- Check fascia boards, vents, gutters, and down sprout lines for any broken or loose trim boards.
- Add insulation to your attic floor, which can help control temperature fluctuations and prevent ice dams during the winter months.
- Use a water sealant treatment specifically designed for roofs at least once every five years for optimum protection against leaks and cracks in shingles.
Whatever the reason you need, either a new roof or roof repair services, it can be an expensive expense that not everyone has the funds available for right now. That doesn’t have to be the end of the line, though. Instead, follow those as mentioned above, few simple and inexpensive things that homeowners can do right now to extend the life of their roof and make it last as long as possible, so they don’t need an expensive replacement any time soon.