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Even the best roof can't last forever. When your roof is nearing the end of its usable life, you'll naturally need a replacement. If this is your first time having a roof replaced, though, you may be unsure of how the pros go about this. Roof replacement is a straightforward but involved procedure, so look at how Old Fort Roofing replaces a roof to learn more about the process.  

Choosing the Right Roofing Materials

Every roof is unique, with materials being one of the big differentiators between different homes. For many, this will be the asphalt shingle we're all so familiar with. Shingles are popular because they're so inexpensive and easy to replace. Ripping off a few shingles when they become damaged and replacing them with new ones is simple, so any future repairs to your roof will likely be easier as a result. However, many opt for a metal roof. Metal roofs have a higher upfront cost, but when well-maintained, they last much longer than other options. They're also quite good at repelling damage and will even resist rusting. Metal roofs come in a variety of materials, as well, including steel, copper, zinc, and aluminum. Regardless of the type of roof you choose, finding a roofer that prioritizes quality materials is a must. Roofs made with substandard materials aren't worth any savings you might get from cutting corners, so you should always opt for the best roofing materials to get the job done right. Roofing materials don’t leak, it is the quality of the installation.  

Should I Hire a Professional Roofer?

Trying to DIY a roof replacement is a tall order the average homeowner can't do. The amount of work involved is enough to make the task unfeasible all on its own. Between that, safety concerns, the potential to violate the law, and the risk of doing a poor job, you should hire a professional roofer to take care of your roof replacement.  

Obtaining the Right Permits and Prepping the Area

The first step of any roofing job is securing the permits. Permits ensure that contractors are held to high standards and perform all the duties they should during a job, resulting in a safe and complete roof at the end of the process. Most remodeling jobs will require a permit, which naturally includes a roof replacement. After securing a permit, the contractor will prep the area for the replacement. This means removing any damaged or old materials along the area of the roof being replaced. This can be a small section up to the entire roof. Before proceeding, They will remove the moisture barrier and inspect for further damage.  

Installing the New Materials

With the area prepped, the installation can finally begin. After repairing any damage - small holes or entire sections of the roof decking - the moisture barrier is replaced along with the flashing. After that, new shingles or metal sheets are nailed/screwed into the roof, forming the outer layer of the roof.  

Sealing and Refining Your Roof

A finished roof needs to be checked for gaps or imperfections, as well as sealed up to prevent leaks. Once sealing is complete, the contractor does one last inspection and cleans up the area, including any old materials, stray nails, and similar bits. Only then can the job be considered truly complete.  

Professional Roofers in Fort Wayne

A good roof can be hard to come by unless you work with Old Fort Roofing LLC. We're the best roofers in the Northern IN area, providing our community with excellent service and quality repairs and replacements for over 40 years. Our warranty is the best in the business, and we require zero down payment before our jobs. Contact us today if you need our help with your home.  

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    Shingles are the most common form of roofing material, with most houses you'll encounter (and likely the majority that you'll live in) being outfitted with them. One of the best aspects of shingles is how easy they are to replace, though this can be just as much a curse as a blessing, given their tendency to become damaged or fall off. If you're removing old shingles or replacing your whole roof, don't just toss them into the trash. You can do much more with old shingles, so consider your options before wasting a great opportunity.  

What You'll Need to Get Started

If you've found yourself possessing many shingles with nowhere to put them, you'll want to assess your options to get the ball rolling. Try to find constructive ways to eliminate your shingles before throwing them in a dumpster. Not only can this be a cheaper alternative, but it's also an environmentally responsible way to handle your surplus. The Fort Wayne area has several options for what to do with old shingles. Two of your best options include:  

Recycling

Recycling shingles is a way to reuse their raw materials. This disposal method can be particularly useful, as it isn't limited by material type. Wood, plastic, concrete, asphalt, and metal shingles can all be broken down and used for other things instead of taking up space in a landfill. Considering asphalt is the most common type of shingle, you can expect your old roofing to be used to pave roads. Recycled shingles do not need to be in good condition, though they do need to be asbestos-free. You can also ask your contractor about recycling options; some will take your shingles off your hands and recycle them.  

Donating

Like many other things, shingles can be donated to a worthy cause. Donations frequently use donated shingles to construct new homes or help patch up low-income housing. Some charities even take pieces or scraps of shingles to recycle, meaning that any part of your shingles could be desirable for donation. Either way, you can feel good knowing that your old shingles have been put to good use. Donating shingles comes with quite a few caveats, however. For one, they can't be in bad condition, as this would defeat the purpose of reusing them. This means they usually can't be broken, tattered, or moldy. They must also be asbestos-free. As a result, most donated shingles are only a few years old and replaced by the original owner for cosmetic reasons.  

Reliable Roofing Services

In general, you won't end up with a bunch of shingles for no reason. Recycling or donating shingles is most commonly done after a roof replacement or major repair job, so if you need this kind of roof work, Old Fort Roofing LLC has you covered. We're the most reliable roofers in the Northern IN area, having served our neighbors for more than 40 years in all things roofing. With the best warranty in the industry and zero down payment, we can help you with whatever you need, be it re-roofing, repairs, or shingle disposal.  

Contact Us Today

Disposing of your old shingles is a fairly simple task that allows you to do good in the world. If you need help with recycling or donation for your shingles, or if you require help with any other roofing issues you might encounter, contact Old Fort Roofing LLC today.  

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Even a great roof can't last forever, so you'll eventually have to decide when to replace your roof. Many factors go into this decision, but one of the biggest is obviously the cost. If you've never replaced a roof before, here's the average cost to tear off and replace a roof, with some extra guidance based on roof type, how to tell when a replacement is necessary, and how to find the best roofer for your home. Old Fort Roofing in Fort Wayne, IN.

Asphalt Roofing

As the most common type of material, most people looking to replace their roof will be in the market for an asphalt roof, i.e., shingles. Roof replacement cost varies greatly due to all sorts of factors, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much it would cost to have new shingles installed. On average, though, expect to pay around $10,000 for a whole roof replacement.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a more durable style of roof, meaning it won't need to be replaced as often as shingles. On the other hand, this durability and the quality of metal materials means the upfront installation/replacement cost tends to be higher. The average cost for a metal roof replacement can range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Knowing If You Should Repair or Replace Your Roof

Deciding to repair or replace your roof is always a tough call to make. An expert opinion can make the choice much easier, but if you want to do an evaluation on your own, try to keep a few things in mind. For one, how old is your roof? If it's relatively new (only a few years old), it can almost certainly be repaired, maybe even under warranty. Older roofs, though, may be nearing the end of their lifespan, so going ahead with a replacement is the better investment. The extent of your damage should also be a factor. Heavily damaged roofs will likely need to be fully or mostly replaced, but those with more minor damage can likely get away with repairs. Shingles are uniquely helpful in this regard, as damaged shingles can be easily removed and replaced as needed, meaning a full replacement can be avoided for longer outside of major damage.

How to Pick the Right Roofers

Your roof is an investment and protects everything underneath it. A good roofing co should show you the value of the warranty they are able to provide along with the value of the product they offer. Not just any roofer will do when so much is on the line. If you've never replaced a roof, or this might be your first time, it's wise to do your research, and see how long roofing companies have been in business, before calling someone out to work on your home. A good roofer should be upfront about their pricing and business model, not simply trying to make a quick buck off their clients. They should also be experienced in the type of roof you need replaced, whether it's asphalt shingles, metal, or something else. It's also a good sign if the owner of the company stands by the work and oversees jobs, as this indicates a degree of faith in the product they deliver and a professionalism that fosters better results. Old fort roofing requires no payment until the job is complete.

Roof Replacement for Homeowners in Fort Wayne, IN

No matter where you are or what materials it's made of your roof will need to be replaced eventually. If you're in Northern IN, choose Old Fort Roofing. We've been in business for over 40 years and can comfortably work on all roofing types in the area. With the best warranty in the industry and zero down payment. You can be confident your roof will stand for years to come. Get in touch today to learn more about our roofing services and to get a price quote.  

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At Old Fort Roofing, we know that there are fly-by-night roofing contractors. However, we work hard every day to hone our skills and establish ourselves as an industry leader. This is how we became an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our skills and experience. We've invested significant time and effort in establishing a direct relationship with Owens Corning, the leading manufacturer of roofing materials. This partnership has allowed us to stay at the forefront of industry trends and master the use of cutting-edge tools.

What it Means to Be a Platinum Preferred Contractor

Only some roofing companies can be an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor. Old Fort Roofing wants you to understand what it means to be one. It includes:

• All Platinum Preferred contractors require a standard of licensing and level of insurance coverage. This ensures you and Owens Corning that you're dealing with a professional roofing company.
• An enhanced warranty of Owens Corning shingles of up to 50 years can only be offered by Platinum Preferred contractors.
• All Owens Corning contractors receive extensive training and display the ability to place shingles optimally so you get the best roof work possible.
• The company has outstanding ratings and feedback from its past customers. Owens Corning reviews each company's information before awarding them Platinum Preferred status.

You can rely on the work of a Platinum Preferred contractor.

What Contractors Need to Do To Be Approved

Becoming an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor is a complex process. It includes:

• Each contractor must have at least a million-dollar insurance policy covering the business in case of a problem or other disaster.
• Contractors must have good credit without any bankruptcy on their credit file. Owens Corning is selective about the contractors they associate with.
• The contractor must have a good rating with the local Better Business Bureau. This helps ensure Owens Corning's prestigious name.
• Each contractor must be licensed on the city, state, and federal levels where they do business.
• The contractor must be accepted into and complete the Platinum Preferred Contractors program. It shows their commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
• After completing the program, the contractor must pass the Workmanship Inspection. This ensures the contractor meets the level of excellence required by Owens Corning.
• The business name must be at least three years old. This helps to rule out beginners and companies that change their names after building a negative reputation.

Old Fort Roofing is proud to have met all these qualifications to become a Platinum Preferred contractor.

What Does This Mean to Homeowners?

As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor, Old Fort Roofing brings peace of mind for homeowners. You know that you're working with an established roofing contractor who has a history of excellence in craftsmanship and service. The honor means that you have access to warranties for your roof that you might not otherwise have. When you hire an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor, like at Old Fort Roofing, you know that they have the necessary licensing and certifications to build you a roof that lasts for decades. They also use only high-quality Owens Corning shingles so that if something catastrophic happens, they're insured to protect you, the roofers, and your home.

Where to Find Platinum Preferred Contractors in Fort Wayne, IN

Whether your roof needs repairs or to be replaced, you want to work with a reliable contractor that does the job right the first time. Old Fort Roofing strives to provide outstanding work to each customer. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor, our roofers create high-quality roofs with the best available materials from Owens Corning. Contact us today to have peace of mind for all your roofing needs.    

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