When is it time?
As a homeowner, in addition to the mortgage, insurance, taxes, and utilities can be challenging. Then there are unexpected expenses for maintenance and upkeep, like the siding, windows, or roofing. It is helpful when we have options for some of these things, like roof replacement vs repair.
Yet, either way, roof replacement vs repair is an expense that is not everyone is able or prepared to pay. So, many homeowners may need additional roof replacement assistance in paying for this cost, which leads them to ask questions, hoping that the answers are helpful in finding that help in paying for the expense, such as:
Will my insurance pay for a new roof?
Depending on your homeowner’s insurance policy, the condition of your roof, and the reason it needs replacement or repair, you may be fortunate enough to have coverage that will pay for the cost. Most policies provide coverage for roof replacement vs repair if the roof needs it because of fire or storm damage. Where you may have an issue is if our roof is simply reached its life expectancy or if you have kept maintenance up on the roof, i.e., roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, etc.
If your homeowner’s insurance won’t pay, you’re asking yourself, “How can I afford a new roof?” now. There isn’t any doubt or question that a new roof replacement and insulation is an expensive repair, with an average cost of around $7,000 to $10,000 for the average size home. Very few of us have that kind of money in the bank, and even fewer have that kind of credit limit on a credit card.
So, when you’re facing that kind of expense of a roof replacement vs repair and don’t have the money readily available, what can you do? Here are four options that are commonly used when you know what to do if you can’t afford a new roof?
Installment Plan: Some roofing companies offer payment plans for roof replacement vs repair. This allows you to get the roofing job you need now and make regular, timely payments to the company, or a finance company they work with. Like any type of loan, there will be interest added, so make sure what that interest rate will be, the monthly payment amount and date, and make certain you are good with the contract before signing it. No two roofing companies will be alike, so shop around, which you should do anyway in getting quotes for the job.
FHA Title I Loan: This is a home and property improvement loan the federal government secures it, a loan that most lenders will find less risky. With this loan, if you can show that your home needs not only roof replacement vs repair, but other repairs, like the foundation, siding, or windows, you may be eligible for up to $25,000 and have twenty years to repay the loan. Keep in mind, any loan amount over $7,500 will require you to put your house up for collateral, meaning if you default on the loan, you lose your house.
Home Equity: When you’re trying to determine a way to pay for roof replacement vs repair, if you still owe on your home, you may borrow against the equity you have built. This can be a cost-effective way to get your roof taken care of, working with your current bank or mortgage company, or even take your equity loan request to another bank, shopping for the best deal. Just like the FHA Title I Loan described above, you’ll be placing your home as collateral and could risk losing it if you fall behind on the payments.
A Personal Loan: If the options we’ve covered aren’t something for you, you can try to get a personal loan for the amount needed. These are sometimes more difficult to get because you’re not using anything for collateral, so the lender is pretty basing their decision on whether they believe you’ll be good for the money.
What is included in a roof replacement?
When you shop for a roof replacement vs repair, you need to get several quotes and you need to understand what each contractor’s quote includes. There are several products and services included on a roofing quote, which may include the following:
SHINGLES – this is the main item and a contractor’s quote should include the brand, color, and type of shingles to be used. The manufacturer’s warranty should be stated. The estimate will also indicate the length of the manufacturer’s warranty for that type.
FLASHING – this is metal sheets that will fit around the chimneys, dormers, skylights, and vents. It also used in valleys and where roof levels change like add-on rooms, porches, etc. The contractor should show you a drawing of your roof as if you were looking down at it that will show you where the flashing goes.
UNDERLAYMENT – this is a layer of waterproof protection between the shingles and the decking. Some contractors will list it a felt paper.
DRIP EDGE – If the contractor doesn’t have this listed and quoted, ask for it. It is installed around the gutter lines and eaves. Without this drip edge, some shingle manufacturers will not honor their warranty.
ICE and WATER SHIELD – Another item you need to ask about if the contractor doesn’t have it included in the quote. These allow proper water flow so that high winds, ice, and rainstorms do not build-up ice dams. They are installed along with chimneys, eaves, valleys, sometimes over the entire deck.
Additional parts of a roof replacement vs repair that should be quoted are valleys, ridge vent, chimney cricket, fans and pipes, gutters, fascia, soffit, plywood, sheathing, and most of all the warranty. There should be a statement of guarantee or warranty on any roof replacement vs repair quotes you receive.
Can you replace the roof yourself?
Well, any DIY homeowner probably could, by why would you want to? First, the height of your house could be an issue, especially if you have a multi-story house. That alone gives an element of danger to the situation.
Next, do you know what you’re doing? If you make any error, it could be a costly error with leaks, which can be more expensive. Those DIY websites make the job looks easy, but they aren’t there first-hand looking at your roof. They aren’t covering all the safety precautions either, or, if you do the job wrong, you won’t have a warranty with the shingle manufacturer.
Fortunately, when it comes to roof replacement, how often it is needed isn’t as frequent as changing your HVAC filter. For any homeowner, it is important to do those recommended monthly inspections so you can make small repairs yourself as they are needed. Letting things slide could end up costing you – a lot. Is it time for your roof replacement in Houston, TX? Call 346-375-9679 today for quality replacement from Cash Affordable Roofing.
