Investing in a new roof is one of the most significant decisions a homeowner can make. The roof is your shield against the elements for your family, belongings, and everything in the house. It protects against weather conditions, moisture, heat, and structural damage. But oftentimes, the most important decisions are not easy ones to make. Getting a new roof can feel confusing. Before you know it, you will be trying to answer what feels like a million questions. How do I know when I need a new roof? What does a realistic budget look like for a project like this? What materials should I choose for the job? How do I choose a contractor? What is the process going to be like?
It’s completely normal to have a list of questions before starting such a major project. After all, a roof replacement is something most homeowners only go through once or twice.
Getting a new roof is a lot more involved than just choosing new shingles. You are going to need to understand your roofing system, evaluate your options, plan a proper budget, hire a high-quality professional, and know what to expect during the project.
Luckily, we are here to guide you through the process from start to finish. We are going to give you everything you need to know before, during, and after you get a new roof!
How Do You Determine When You Need a New Roof?
The first part of the process in any project like this is to determine if you truly need a replacement or not.
Not every problem with the roof calls for a complete replacement. Some problems can be solved with repairs, while others are an indication that the roof has reached the end of its lifespan.
Some of the common signs that indicate the need for a new roof include:
- Frequent leaks
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Curling or cracked shingles
- Bald spots from shingle granules deteriorating
- Sagging spots in the roof
- Water stains visible on the ceiling or walls
- Noticeable roof deterioration
- The expected lifespan is coming to an end
Usually a roof does not suddenly fail or break. A lot of the time the roofing system gradually declines over time. Small issues might seem like they aren’t in need of fixing at first, but these issues can quickly compound and create a deeper problem. Even seemingly harmless damage cna lead to water intrusion, insulation issues, mold growth, and expensive interior repairs.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
The expected useful lifespan of a roof is going to depend on various factors such as:
- The type of material used
- Quality of the installation
- Type of weather exposure
- Quality of maintenance/upkeep performed
- Quality of the ventilation system
- Local climate conditions
The range of typical roof lifespans include:
- About 20-30 years for asphalt shingles
- Several decades for metal roofing, depending on the type of metal
- Wood roofing is highly variable based on local climate and quality of upkeep
- Often several decades for tile roofing
- Slate roofing can last many decades
One of the most important factors here is going to be how well the roof is maintained. A well-kept roof is going to last longer, and a roof that hasn’t been well-maintained or was poorly installed is likely going to need replacement sooner.
Repair or Replace: Which is the Choice for Me?
Nobody wants to spend unnecessary money. But that is exactly what can happen when making the wrong decision between replacing and repairing. We are here to help prevent that from happening.
Roof Repair Is Recommended If:
- Damage is limited to one area
- The age of the roof is still relatively young
- The roofing materials are still in good condition overall
- Only a small number of shingles are missing or damaged
- There is a clear solution to the problem
Some of the types of repairs that are often done include:
- Replacing missing shingles
- Repairing flashing near valleys or chimneys
- Fixing the sealing near vents
- Repairing a small leak
Replacement Is The Better Option When:
- The roof is aged
- Problems keep arising after repairs
- Widespread damage is present
- Multiple leaks appear
- Roofing materials have been deteriorating
- Repair costs are significantly adding up
Generally speaking, roof replacement is going to be the better choice when your priority is long-term investment, or if repairs are only going to temporarily coverup a larger underlying issue.
The Different Parts of the Roofing System
Usually when we think of a roof, we are only envisioning the visible outer layer. However this is only the roofing material, not the entire roofing system. Let’s go over the different components that make up this system:
Roofing Material
The roofing material is the outer layer you see when looking at the home. This keeps the home protected from the natural elements.
Types of roofing materials include:
- Asphalt shingles
- Wood shakes
- Slate
- Metal panels
- Tile
Underlayment
The underlayment refers to the part that sits directly beneath the roofing material. This is meant to give an extra layer of defense to prevent moisture from entering the home.
Flashing
Flashing is applied to areas of the roof that are particularly susceptible to water entry. You will usually find flashing around:
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Roof valleys
- Vents
- Where the walls intersect
Ventilation
The ventilation system is applied in the attic. It helps control the moisture and temperature of the attic. If the ventilation is poor, the lifespan of the roof can be negatively affected and lead to issues like:
- Mold
- Condensation
- Shingle deterioration
Gutters and Drainage
One of the main functions of the roof is to help the water flow away from the home. If your drainage system is in poor shape, you may find yourself dealing with leaks and problems with the foundation.
Before you can begin researching, it is important to get a full understanding of all the components of the system. Now that you know about the different parts of the system, we can move on to the next step.
Picking The Proper Roofing Material
With the wide variety of options available, choosing the right roofing material can feel a little overwhelming at first. However, this decision is an important one, so you will want to take the time to take all the relevant factors into consideration.
To find the right material, you’ll need to determine your budget, home design, local climate, and your goals as a homeowner.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are probably what you envision when you think of the roof on an average home. That is because they are the most common roofing material for residential buildings.
Benefits:
- Affordable pricing
- Almost always available
- Many color and style options
- Easy to repair
- Good performance-to-price ratio
Shingles will come in different styles with different benefits. For example, architectural shingles tend to be thicker and look nicer than three-tab shingles.
Drawbacks:
- Shorter lifespan compared to premium materials
- More susceptible to wear and tear from extreme weather
For the average homeowner, asphalt shingles provide the best overall middle ground between cost and quality.
Metal Roofing
The popularity of metal roofing materials has increased in recent years due to its durable properties, long lifespan, and because it compliments the modern home aesthetic.
Benefits:
- Long life expectancy
- Easy to maintain
- Strong weather resistance
- Improvements to energy efficiency
- Fire resistance
Drawbacks:
- Higher pricetag
- Requires skilled installation
Metal roofing is an excellent candidate for the homeowner who prioritizes a long-term solution.
Tile Roofing
Tile has an attractive and unique appearance, while also offering great durability.
Benefits:
- Long life expectancy
- Strong weather resistance
- Appealing aesthetics
- Easy to Maintain
Drawbacks
- Heavy weight
- Higher pricetag
- Proper structural support is required due to increased weight
In most cases, those who choose tile are looking for long-term value with a more appealing design.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is considered a premium material, chosen for its desirable appearance and durability.
Benefits
- Extremely long life expectancy
- Natural aesthetic
- Incredibly durable
Drawbacks
- Very high cost
- Needs specialized installation
- Weighs heavy
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
A wide range of estimates exists when it comes to determining roofing costs. That’s because there are many factors that determine the cost, not just simply the material. These factors include:
- Size of the roof
- Roofing material used
- Complexity of the roof design
- Cost of labor
- How much old material is removed
- Required structural repairs
- Upgrades to ventilation
- Geographic location
An estimate from a contractor is going to be made up of more than just the price of the materials, which works to your benefit. You’ll want to know and understand exactly what was included when the contractor determined the estimated cost. It should include:
- Materials
- Labor expectations
- Removal and disposal of old material
- Warranty information
- Expected time to complete the project
- Possible additional costs
Save money in the long run by making an informed decision. Quality materials and contractors can save you money as opposed to jumping immediately to the cheapest option.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
One of the biggest determinants of the overall quality of the finalized project is the contractor you choose.
You can select the most premium materials, but if installed incorrectly, they won’t perform correctly. Here’s what you should look for:
Experience
Look for a contractor with a history of experience installing the material you want.
Licensing and Insurance
Homeowners should verify that the contractor has the proper insurance and licensing to meet local requirements.
Reviews and References
If you see consistent positive feedback from customers, or you got a personal reference from someone you trust, that’s a good sign you have found a quality contractor.
Written Agreements
You will want a professional contractor that provides a written contract going over:
- Scope of work
- Materials
- Costs
- Payment schedule
- Warranty details
- Completion expectations
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Once you find a contractor you think can handle your project, here’s some questions to ask before you go signing any contracts.
- How long have you been performing roof replacements?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What materials do you recommend for the project?
- Who will perform the installation?
- What happens in the event of unexpected damage?
- What warranties are included in the service?
- What is the expected timeline?
A trustworthy contractor will comfortably answer all of those questions and can explain their answers.
What to Expect During a Roof Replacement
In order to best prepare for the project ahead, you’ll want to know what the steps of the project are going to be like.
Step 1: Inspecting the Roof
A contractor will arrive at your home and evaluate the existing roof. He will then determine the scope of work that needs to be completed.
Step 2: Choosing Materials
Once you select the roofing material, color, style, and any upgrades you desire, the next step can begin.
Step 3: Prepping Your Home
You are about to begin a big project, so preparing your home will be a big help. You’ll want to protect your landscaping, relocate outdoor items and furniture, and prepare an area for material delivery.
Step 4: Removing the Old Roof
The old roofing material will be removed to prepare for the new material and inspect the underlying structure.
Step 5: Checking the Decking
The contractor will check the roof deck for rot, moisture damage, and structural issues. If problems are present in the decking, this will need to be fixed before installing the new materials.
Step 6: Installing the New Roof
The new installation can now begin. The underlayment, flashing, ventilation upgrades, and roofing materials will be installed to the home.
Step 7: Cleanup and Final Evaluation
A quality contractor will take the time to remove debris, and will do a final walkthrough of the project to make sure everything was done properly.
How Should You Prepare Your Home for Roof Replacement?
During construction, there will be a lot of noise, movement, and activity. Here’s what homeowners can do to prepare:
- Remove fragile items hanging from the walls or ceiling
- Protect or relocate personal items in the attic
- Moving your vehicles to a safe distance away from the work area
- Ensuring children and pets stay away from the work area
- Notifying neighbors about potential noise
Preparation will help keep you and your family comfortable and safe until the project is complete.
What Should You Know About Roof Warranties?
Not every contractor offers the same warranty. Generally, there are two types of warranties you will come across.
Manufacturer Warranty
These tend to focus on covering certain defects in the roofing materials themselves.
Workmanship Warranty
These warranties tend to cover installation-related issues from the contractor. This is why you’ll want to ask about the warranty when talking with your contractor. You will want to get an understanding of:
- What is covered?
- How long does the warranty last?
- What kind of maintenance is needed?
- What would void the warranty?
Maintenance and Upkeep of Your New Roof
Just like any other major investment, you’ll want to put the time and effort into maintaining it. The roof is no exception. You should be sure to keep the gutters clean, check the roof after severe storms, clear out debris, check for moisture in the attic, and schedule professional inspections as needed.
Checking in on the health of your roof even after it is newly installed will help you catch problems early and maintain the roof for many years to come.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Only Choosing Based on Price
As we’ve discussed, the lowest upfront cost isn’t always the best solution. You want to consider all the relevant factors and determine what is the best balance between quality and cost.
Ignoring Ventilation
When you have proper airflow and moisture prevention, your roof works better and last longer. Maintianing proper ventilation is the key here.
Skipping Research
You don’t want to make such a major decision without doing some research. It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you follow all the advice in our guide, you’ll have everything you need to properly research.
Delaying the Inevitable
Sometimes a repair is all you need. Other times, a repair is just pushing back a replacement that will inevitably be required.
Making The Smart Roofing Decision
A roof replacement is no small project, it’s one of the biggest projects a homeowner can take on. It can seem overwhelming at first. But when you have an understanding of the process and what to look for, it becomes easier. Some of the most important decisions to make are:
- Knowing when a replacement is necessary
- Choosing the correct material for your needs
- Selecting a qualified contractor
- Understanding costs and warranties
- Keeping up with maintenance after installation
A roof is more than just the cover over your head. A roof is the most important protection for everything that makes your house a home. You’re investing in the safety, durability, and value of your home. By following the information in this guide, you can make that investment with confidence.