Replacing your roof may be a big job, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add on a few extra renovations while the job is being done. This can often be more cost-effective because roofing contractors are more likely to discount work if it’s being bundled in with another major project. The crew is already being sent out to complete your roofing replacement, and it’s often easier to do these additional exterior projects at the same time as a roofing replacement.
If you are thinking about getting a roof replacement soon, consider adding on these other projects.
Replacing Soffit Vents and Fascia
Soffit vents help ventilate attic spaces, and they are essential to regulating the temperature of your home. If your current soffit vents need to be fixed, or more need to be added, the perfect time to replace them is during a roofing replacement job. If the soffit venting is adequate, but the fascia is old and worn-out, replacing it will give you a fresh new look to complement your new roof.
Attic Insulation and Additional Ventilation
Attic insulation is critical to keeping your home at the desired temperature, it can also help extend the life of your roof by preventing damage from moisture. There are many types of attic insulation but blown or spray foam insulation is the most efficient at insulating your attic space. Blown-in insulation creates a more evenly distributed across your attic space than insulation options like rolled-in cellulose. f Make sure your roofing contractor offers this service so that your attic is correctly insulated before any other work is done.
Improved ventilation will help control moisture and temperature levels in your home’s attic space, which may reduce the risk of pest infestations and mold growth over time. Improving ventilation can also help control insects such as ants and bees that may build nests inside the walls of an unvented roof structure; these tiny pests often come from debris left behind during construction projects like roofing replacements.
New Gutters
Gutters are a crucial part of your roof’s drainage system. They collect and channel rainwater away from your house and must be cleaned regularly to ensure that they don’t become clogged or damaged. Most gutters are made of metal or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), though you may find other materials on buildings that have been around for a few decades. Gutter replacement is a simple process, especially if you are already having your roof replaced. If you are replacing the fascia on your home, the gutters will need to be taken down anyway, so replacing them with something newer and more efficient is a very, very simple process.
New Flashing
Flashing is a metal or plastic sheet installed on the roof to prevent water from getting in places like vents, chimneys, etc. Flashing should be replaced every 10 to 15 years, so it’s essential to do it every time you have your roof replaced. Otherwise, you risk having leaks after a while, which can cause damage to your roof and your home.
Chimney Crowns and Caps
While many roofing contractors don’t specialize in chimney work (there are specific companies for this), this is also a good renovation to make when your roof is replaced. Chimney crowns and caps are the decorative pieces that cover the top of your chimneys. They help protect against water damage by keeping the water out of your chimney and the structure below it.
Make sure to coordinate this renovation between the contractors you work with as it is dangerous for the renovations to be done at the same time. We recommend replacing your chimney crowns before having your roof replaced.