After many years of protecting your home and family weather and sun will wear out your roof and you will need to replace it. Replacing a roof can be a considerable expense for many. Happily, there are ways to lower your roofing costs by following the following tips: 1. Understand When to Replace Roofing Before making any plans or incur and expenses, make sure you really need to replace the roof. Skilled roofing professionals will be able to evaluate your roof and advise you. They can let you know if your roof requires replacement or if it can be repaired. If you (they) find leaks, or broken, curled or missing shingles, or if the roofing shingles are missing granules, or has a dilapidated look, replacement is likely to be required. Also, if you want to sell your home, an important facelift and practical advantage will be replacing an old roof. The new roof will serve as a selling point and buyers will find it attractive. Additionally, keep in mind that delaying roof a replacement or repair may really cost you in repeated repairs, more expensive damage. 2. Research Your Options Don't make the mistake that many homeowners make of settling for the first roofing contractor they come across or are recommended to them. Often, these people will end up paying too much for a replacement or ending up with an unqualified roofing contractor. You should avoid this mistake through your own research on different contractors, methods, reputation, reviews, and comparing the bids of at least three contractors. That being said, do not simply choose the lowest bid. You may very well end up with an inexperienced roofer who does substandard work. The right contractor will be qualified, licensed, have good reviews, and charge a competitive price. Also, look for contractors whose materials and installation come with warranties. 3. Time Your Project Correctly The whole roofing industry is busiest during the late summer and early fall since the weather is favorable for home improvement projects like roofing. The static supply of contractor and the surging demand will likely cost you with peak prices for materials and labor. If its not an emergency, consider scheduling your roof replacement in slower times months like late winter and springtime. You will be able to negotiate the cost of your project better and could leverage low-season discounts. 4. Think About An Overlay An "overlay" is a quick and cost-friendly alternative to roof replacement. With an overlay, the professional roofer installs new shingles right over the existing ones. This method will appeal to many since it gives your roof a facelift at a lower cost than a full roof replacement, as it requires fewer materials and less labor. While a roof overlay could save you money, but only when done correctly and carefully. It can be an excellent choice for situations were roofs don't have structural damage, leaks, or rot. Your professional roofing contractor will be able to discuss with you the desirability and viability of an overlay for your particular situation. 5. Try Making A Claim on Insurance or Warranties Most commonly, your homeowners’ insurance will cover roof damage as long as it is not related to negligence on your part such as failing to perform maintenance. As an example, if you incur storm damage such that your roof warrants replacement, your insurance may cover all or part of the whole replacement cost. Check first with your insurance agent to see how much might be covered. In similar fashion, homeowners who may have had already had a roof replacement or repair may have coverage from a warenty. If applicable, the materials and/or labor warranties may cover the necessary roof replacement costs. So, make sure you check your written warranty to see what it covers and under what conditions. You may find that you can save a ton of money. 6. Long-Term Savings You may consider a new roof a very costly endeavor. But you must remember that repairs and replacements are likely to save you money in the longer term. Firstly, technology has advanced and now the roofing materials industry manufactures stronger and more durable roofing materials which have a longer useful life. So you can expect that a new roof will will last longer, perhaps for decades, before needing replacement. Secondly, the energy-efficiency properties of modern roofing materials can go a long way in reducing heating and cooling utility bills. Thirdly, a new roof will likely require less maintenance and fewer repairs over time. Feel free to reach out to Suncoast Roof Pros for roof replacement and repairs in Southern California. They offer top craftsmanship and materials with a 100% guaranty of your satisfaction.