Way Up on the Roof

Maintaining a home — no matter how big or small — can be a costly endeavor. From HVAC and plumbing to electrical and structural components, there's a lot to stay on top of. One area of your home where you won't want to overlook maintenance, however, is your roof. If your traditional asphalt shingle roof is looking a little rough, it may be time for repairs or replacement. Looking to stretch your dollars on your next roofing project? There are some money-saving strategies you won't want to overlook.

Get a Second Opinion

If you've had a roofing contractor come out and make a recommendation for a repair or replacement, it's never a bad idea to get a second opinion. Spending a couple hundred dollars to hire an independent roofing inspector can be a great way to get more information and possibly some extra peace of mind before you commit to a repair or replacement job.

Re-Roof Instead of Replace

A typical roof replacement job involves completely removing your home's existing roof before installing a new one. However, you may be able to save a pretty penny on labor and demolition costs by opting for a re-roofing or roof overlay project instead. While this option isn't ideal for all homes, there are certainly instances where a re-roofing job may make financial and practical sense.

Take Advantage of Warranty Coverage

How old is your current roof? If it's less than a couple decades old and you've done your part to maintain it, there's a chance it may still be under a manufacturer warranty. As a result, you may be able to submit a warranty claim and have some or all of your repairs covered. This isn't always the case, and there are many things that can void a warranty, but this is certainly something to look into before you spend money on a roofing project.

Get Help From Your Insurance Company

If your roof was damaged by high winds, a storm, or hail, check with your home insurance agent to see if your repairs or replacement might be covered. You'll probably still have to pay your deductible, but this could still be significant savings over what you'd pay out-of-pocket otherwise.

Time Your Roofing Project Carefully

Roofing companies tend to be busier during the spring and summer months; if you live in an area that sees colder fall and winter months, you might be able to score a discount by timing your roofing project appropriately.

Contact a local roofing contractor to learn more.