You’re part of an exclusive group: homeowners. You keep the lawn green, lush, and well-trimmed. You’ve probably got the TV perfectly centered in a well-decorated living room. Perhaps you’ve got art on the walls, or plants perfectly placed throughout the home. No matter how you’ve got your home set up, you’ve put time and energy into your living space. But what about the roof that keeps it all protected? Do you give it the same thought and care?
If so, you know that sooner or later, you’re going to have to consider replacing your roof. You could wait until there’s leakage, storm damage, a failed inspection, or an insurance issue. Or you can stay one step ahead of the stress by staying informed!
A roof is more than just its shingles. You can get the highest quality materials for your roofing, and still run into problems if you don’t get a quality installation. A roof is only as good as the roofer who installs it. What about estimates? How do I know I’m getting a fair one? Most people look for the lowest, but there’s more to it than that. Permits? Do I need any? How long is it going to take? Are warranties worth it?
It can seem a bit overwhelming at first, there is a lot to navigate. But don’t worry, By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to navigate your roof replacement like a pro and avoid the most common mistakes!
Is Your Roof Right For Replacement
How do you determine if your roof is ready for replacement? First it’s evaluating if your roof is displaying signs of damage or weakness. Then the next step is determining how widespread the issue is. Let’s go over the factors to consider.
First is evaluating any existing damage or warning signs. But what should you look for? We‘ve compiled an overview of the most common instances you are likely to encounter:
Shingles That are Cracked, Curled, or Cupped
Examine the structure of your shingles. Are there any cracks running through them? Are the edges starting to curl, almost like they are being peeled off? Do you see the edges arching upward, almost like someone is pinching them together?
Granule Loss
If you’re looking at your shingles, and the surface texture appears patchy (almost like someone took sandpaper to your roof), you are likely experiencing granule loss.
Gutter Clutter
If you’re experiencing granule loss or if pieces of shingles have cracked and broken off, they may have ended up in your gutter! Maybe you’ve cleaned the gutters and noticed something more than sticks and leaves. If you see shingles in your gutters, it’s definitely a smart choice to take a look at your roof.
Leaks or Stains
Notice a spot on your ceiling that wasn’t there before? Perhaps you got on a ladder and felt it to find out it was wet or damp? This leakage is a sign of damage to your roof.
Sagging
This happens when the angular slant of the roof is no longer even, and part of the roof starts to look like it is sinking in.
Moss or Algae
Large sections of moss or algae growing on your roof could be signs of moisture issues.
Old Age
Nothing lasts forever. Even if your roof has held up well for many years, eventually the wear and tear of time will leave its mark on an unmaintained roof.
One of the biggest factors to consider is how old the roof is. The most common roofing systems are Asphalt shingle roofs. These can last for about 20-30 years if installed properly with quality materials and well-maintained. If you are interested in an option that lasts longer (assuming its well maintained), consider metal, tile, or slate.
As you see by the list above, age is not the sole factor to consider when deciding if you need a replacement. A proper installation will last longer than a low-quality one. So even if the previous owner replaced the roof not long ago, you still want to examine the quality of the installation. There are professional inspections that can be done to determine the condition and quality of your roof.
Roof Replacement: More Than Just New Shingles
When most people think of the roof of a home, they are really just picturing the visible shingles/panels on the outer layer. The truth is, a roof is a system made up of different layers and parts to keep your home protected. Let’s go over the different components:
Decking
The roof decking lies underneath the roofing materials and acts as a structural foundation for the roof covering. When taking on a roof replacement project, it is important to check the roof decking for moisture or structural damage.
Underlayment
Inbetween the decking mentioned above, and the outer roof material, lies the underlayment. This layer is meant to act like a shield, preventing water from getting in as well as other weather damage.
Flashing
Does your home have a chimney? Skylights? Vents? If so, your roof should have flashing installed near these areas to prevent water from entering and causing damage. If you’re experiencing a leak, checking for damage on installed flashing is a good place to start.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation isn’t just for maintaining a comfortable temperature. It also plays an important role in regulating moisture. Without proper ventilation or a poor installation, you may experience mold growth, shingle damage, and higher energy bills!
Drainage/Gutters
How do you ensure water is properly flowing away from your home? By checking the gutters, downspouts, and any other drainage systems installed! You want to ensure water is properly drained off your roof to prevent leaks and damage.
Knowledge is power, and having a proper understanding of how all the components of a roofing system come together is a big advantage when it comes to making decisions about roof repair and replacement. Now that you know why a quality replacement is more than just putting a pretty new layer of shingles on, what comes next?
Choosing the Right Roofing Material
Most things aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the same applies to your roof. The quality of the material is crucial to getting the desired performance and lifespan of your roof. When choosing material, you will have to balance factors like price, lifespan, aesthetics, and maintenance. Let’s go over some of the options and there characteristics.
Asphalt Shingles
The most common roofing choice, and for a reason. This material offers a good balance between affordability and performance.
Pros: More affordable, variety of aesthetic choices, simple repair/replace process, almost always available from contractors.
Cons: Vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, won’t last as long as premium materials.
Metal Roofing
Increasing in popularity because of its strength and modern look, metal roofing is another option when choosing your materials.
Pros: Lasts a long time, fire resistant, handles severe weather better than asphalt shingles, low maintenance, energy efficient.
Cons: Greater upfront cost, doesn’t always aesthetically match the look of the home, and installation requires professionals.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing has an impressive lifespan, and a unique look that most people find pleasing.
Pros: Nice architectural style, exceptionally durable, high-quality weather-resistance, good insect resistance.
Cons: Costs more, weighs heavily, which means only homes with proper structural support can use them, and repairs are not as easy to make.
Slate Roofing
When it comes to a balance of eye-pleasing and long-lasting, slate roofing is the premium choice.
Pros: Incredible long lifespan, has a pleasing natural style/aesthetic, extremely durable even in harsh weather.
Cons: High cost of installation, heavy weight so it is dependent on proper structural support, and it requires a specialized installation process.
What is the best choice for you? Consider your budget, the design of your home, and the type of climate you live in. Once you have a good understanding of these factors, you can better analyze which material is right for your home.
Roof Replacement Costs: What You Should Know
When taking on a big project like roof replacement, cost is often the first concern to come to a homeowner’s mind. It’s important to understand that pricing will vary depending on several factors like:
- Roof Size
- Type of Material
- Pitch/Steepness of the Roof
- Labor
- Location
- Amount of old Roof Material to Remove
- Structural Repairs
- Repairs/Adjustments/Upgrades to Ventilation or Insulation
Everyone likes a good deal. But the lowest price isn’t always the best option. Be mindful when getting professional estimates done. If you notice one is significantly lower than the others, that might be a red flag. That lower cost could come from cheaper materials or skipping repairs, which doesn’t do anyone any favors. When getting an estimate, you want a full understanding of why everything costs what it does. Here are some things to look for in estimates:
- Type of Materials Installed
- Labor Cost
- Waste Removal/Disposal Fees
- Warranty Pricing/Information
- Timeline of the Project
- Possible Additional Costs
The more detailed the estimate the better, nobody likes surprise expenses. Don’t jump immediately to the lowest estimate option. Take the time to weigh all the factors.
Hiring the Right Contractor
You can get the highest quality materials, but if you skimp on the installation service, all the advantages you paid extra for fly right out the window, (or fall of the roof)! If your installation is performed incorrectly, the nicest materials won’t save you. So we are going to give you an overview of what to research when looking to hire a roofing contractor.
Licensing and Insurance
Depending on your location, the contractor may be required to have certain licensing and insurance. If accidents or damage occur during the repair or replacement, having the insurance in place defends homeowners from liability.
Experience
As with any craft, experience is highly valued. The longer a contractor has been working, the more scenarios and roofs hes scene. The more experience, the better they can navigate challenges that arise during the process, weather considerations, and more! The longer the contractor has been working, the better.
References and Reviews
If a friend or family member has had work done on their roof, ask them about their contractor and how they like the work they did. Recommendations from someone you trust is always a good starting point. Another option is reviews. Do some research and see which contractors have more positive reviews. Don’t ignore the negative reviews either, they can give you insight into how they handle problems when things don’t go as planned. You want a contractor that can handle things professionally
Written Contracts
As much as we like to trust a handshake and verbal agreement in day-to-day life, when it comes to business, you always want to make formal agreements through written contracts. This way the scope of work, materials, payment, schedule, warranties, responsibilities, and all details are outlined. This gives both parties a clear understanding of their roles in the agreement.
Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask a Roofing Contractor
Knowledge is power, and one of the easiest and most direct ways to get the information you need is to ask the contractor directly! Here is a list of questions that you can ask your roofing contractor to get a better understanding of the project and their qualifications:
- How long have you been performing roof installations?
- What Licensing and insurance do you have?
- What materials are best for my roof and why?
- Are the roofing materials old or new?
- If unexpected damage occurs, how will you handle that?
- What warranties are included in the project?
- What protection measures do you have for the property during construction?
An experienced and professional contractor will be able to clearly answer these questions and should be able to provide you with documentation as well.
Preparing Your Roof for Replacement
The contractor will take some protective measures for your property, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and take some extra time to prepare your home.
- Remove fragile wall and ceiling decorations
- Move or cover valuables stored in the attic
- Keep vehicles a safe distance from the work area
- Take protective measures to secure pets and children from the worksite
- If you want to be extra friendly, inform neighbors about potential noise
There will be drilling, hammering, and all sorts of action going on around the house, so take the time to give yourself a little extra safety and comfort through preparation.
The Roof Replacement Process: What to Expect
Uncertainty causes stress, and our goal is to make the process easier, so let’s go over what to expect when beginning your roof replacement journey.
Step One: Inspection and Estimate
Once you hire a contractor, they will evaluate the roof. This involves taking measurements, inspecting for damage, and collecting all the information needed to give a proper recommendation. Depending on the recommendations, the contractor can then give you an estimate of the cost.
Step Two: Material Selection
As the homeowner, you get to select the roofing materials and colors, as well as any upgrades the contractor may offer.
Step Three: Property Preparation
Before they start working, the contractor will take some steps to protect the property. This may vary based on the property but it can include things like landscape protection or removal of outdoor furniture.
Step Four: Removing the Old Roof
Once the old material is removed from the roof, the contractor will likely inspect the decking for any additional damage.
Step Five: Repair and Install
If there is any structural damage or issues that need fixing, this will be taken care of first before new roofing materials are added. Addressing structural issues before installing the new roofing materials is essential for a quality installation.
Step Six: Cleanup and Final Inspection
After the repairs are done and the new roofing is installed, the contractor will likely do some debris cleanup and then perform a final inspection. If the roof passes their inspection, they will go over the finished project with you.
How About The Weather?
Just like any other outdoor event or project, weather is a factor that needs consideration. Not just for the comfort and safety of the workers, but also for a proper high-quality installation. In fact, certain roofing materials require certain weather conditions to be installed properly.
If you live in a climate subject to rain, storms, strong winds, or extreme temperatures can cause delays. While unpleasant, a delay isn’t always a bad thing. It is better to have a responsible contractor that pays attention to the weather and adjusts the plan accordingly, than a contractor that wants to rush the job by putting quality and safety at risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others mistakes is a piece of advice that every homeowner should take. Let’s review a collection of common mistakes homeowners make that they later regret:
The Cheap Estimate
Defaulting right to the cheapest estimate isn’t always the best choice, even if your priority is to save money. If you get a low estimate, it’s crucial to insure that no necessary steps are being skipped, and that low-quality materials aren’t being used.
Ignoring Ventilation
If the core problem is the ventilation, a new roofing material won’t get you the results you want, and won’t work properly.
Install and Ignore
Just because it’s new, doesn’t mean it won’t need another inspection. Keep the gutters clean, check for flashing or any other small problems that appear. If you address problems when they first appear, you can solve them before it turns into a major issue.
Understanding the Warranty
Make sure you have a full understanding of what is covered in your warranty, and for how much time. Get all the details of both manufacturer and contractor warranties, as they possibly cover different issues.
Blind Buying
Do your research! Reading this article is a great first step, but make sure to use the lessons here to perform deep research on your contractor and their recommendations.
What Your New Roof Will Do For You
While a new roof can drastically improve the look of your home, that’s just one aspect! You can look forward to:
Better Protection
Strong winds? Heavy Rain? Tons of snow falling on the roof? No more stress! Your new roof will weather the storm and keep your home protected.
Improved Energy Efficiency
With a proper roof installation with quality materials and ventilation, you can keep the AC from leaking, reducing the energy bill!
Higher Home Value
A new roof, or a roof that has been well maintained after a fresh installation adds value to the home and can justify a higher price when selling the home.
Making The Right Replacement Decision
While it may feel overwhelming at first, if you follow the advice in this guide, you should have all the information you need to make the right decision, without all the stress. As we’ve stated, knowledge is power. Now you know what the process is like, what materials are available, how to find a reliable contractor, and how to balance quality and value instead of searching for the cheapest option, you have nothing to worry about!
Everything in your home rests under the protection of your roof. So the decisions you make when repairing and replacing matter. If you properly research, ask the right questions, and follow this guide, you can handle this project with confidence and live happily under a quality roof for many years.