What type of contractor do you need?
While you can find a general contractor to do your work, you
really want a Chicago roofing and siding specialist. The reason for this is
simple. Most of the general contractors will sub contract the siding and roof
on new constructions. They do so because it is very particular work in which
experience and skill rules. The roofing and siding connect to form the
protective shell for your building. It is the most important aspect of your
home and one you should keep in the hands of professionals for care.
What you need to do as a homeowner
As a homeowner, your first job is to know how much you can
truly afford. While everyone loves getting a good price, you don't want to be
cheap. You need to know what is in your budget, and get an idea of the ballpark
range for jobs in your area. Don't go off a national average for a roof cost,
each geographical area of the country will have different prices. What you are
looking for is an estimate that stays within 10 percent of the local average – anything
more, there could be an issue with material quality or labor. You will also be
the one to take care of any parking permits and notifying your neighbors about
the work.
How to tell if you need repair or replacement work
Most repair needs can be detected by looking for stains,
drips, mossy growths and dried or missing caulk and sealant. If your roofing or
siding has begun to crack, split, peel up or just plain fall off – you need to
have a replacement installation and not a repair. A good Chicago roofing and
siding company isn't going to do a repair on a roof that is failing, that would
put their liability at risk. Be realistic about the work you need, and have it
evaluated. A good way to determine the actual work needed is to spend the money
to have a home inspector come out and look at your roofing and siding. This
will tell you what you need to know about keeping the resale of your home.
Why roof repair almost always means siding work is on the
way
If your roof needs repair or replacement, chances are your
Chicago roofing and siding company is going to point out repairs or replacement
needed with your siding too. This isn't because they are trying to sell you
something, it’s because the roof and siding work together as a protective unit.
If one part of the unit becomes damaged, then you can be sure that damage has
begun on the other. When the integrity of a roof is compromised it means the
elements are coming in and can also seep under the sheathing beneath the roof
and siding.
Keeping your cost down
The best way to keep your cost down for any Chicago roofing or siding job is to not skimp on repairs or replacements. Talk to the contractor about the type of maintenance
your job needs to stay in good shape. Cleaning gutters, power washing siding, and
seasonal touch ups on caulk and flashing are all a part of maintaining the
exterior of your home so you can keep your roof and siding in good shape
longer. Most major repairs are needed due to neglect, not the roof or siding
wearing out. Just by taking a few moments to ask what you should do on a
seasonal basis can help keep you from having to spend money on repairs that
could have been avoided.
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