Most likely, the average homeowner doesn’t know much about their roof or where to begin when they need it replaced. But don’t worry—we have some amazing roof replacement tips that will make your the process seamless, easy and make sure you get the most out of your investment.
Know the Signs of Needing a Roof Replacement
People probably never think about their roofs except when they buy the house, and then again, if something goes wrong with it. But getting ahead of damages or wear and tear can be vital to ensuring you get your roof replaced at the right time and mitigating any damage that can be dangerous and costly.
Some tell-tale signs indicate you need a roof replacement. Some are obvious, some not so much—but we’ll help you prepare by walking you through all of the signs that it’s time to invest in a new roof.
Your roof is 20+ years old.
Most roofs aren’t going to last forever unless you have slate or clay tile that can last up to 100 years. But the most common type of roofing material used on residential homes today is asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles last on average 15 to 20 years, and if your roof is reaching the end of its life expectancy, it might be time to get it inspected and replaced.
You notice signs of water leaks or damage.
If you ever notice water spots on your ceiling or wet spots on the attic floor (if you have access), that can be a sign of a leaky roof. It can also be caused by trapped moisture in the attic, which relates to poorly insulated or ventilated roofs.
Either way, the last thing you want is for mold and mildew to grow in your home, so check on any potential leaks right away. Granted, it could be a simple repair rather than a replacement, but a professional roofer can determine that for you.
You obtained damage in a recent storm.
Storm damage can often be remedied with a few minor repairs like replacing hail-damaged shingles. But more severe damage, particularly on an older roof, can definitely be an opportunity to get your roof replaced.
And if the stars align, you should be able to get most of your roof covered by insurance depending on how much damage is due to wear and tear vs. the actual hail or wind.
You want to boost curb appeal or are selling your home.
People who have recently purchased a home may want to replace the roof (if it’s old) to boost curb appeal and give the home a refresh. On the other end, homeowners looking to sell may find it beneficial to replace the roof and up the value of the home and selling price. Of course, this isn’t always the case depending on the market and other factors, but it’s something to consider. A new roof is definitely a major selling point.
You notice your neighbors getting their roofs replaced.
If you live in a neighborhood that has homes built around the same time, and you notice neighbors getting their roofs replaced, it could be a trigger that you should do the same. Often, homeowners don’t know how old their roof is if they weren’t the ones to install it. So be mindful of your surroundings and get your roof inspected if you notice those around you taking that step.
Read Through Your Insurance Policy and See if You Can Get it Covered
Replacing your roof is definitely a costly investment, but there are ways to offset the cost. One way is by checking if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers roof replacement.
This varies depending on the company and plans you have, so it’s best to read through your policy or give customer service a call. Often, damage from wind or hail is covered, so if you have any damage from a storm in the past couple of years, it’s worth checking.
Do Your Research on Roofing Materials
Asphalt shingles are not the only type of roofing material available, even if it’s what you already have. There are over a dozen roofing materials to choose from for residential homes, and it’s worth seeing what’s best for you and your budget.
Some roofing materials are very expensive, but that cost is offset by how long they last—some lasting 50, 75, or even 100 years with minimal maintenance. Here is a list of common roofing materials used on homes, plus their expected lifespan:
- Asphalt Composite Shingles: 15-20 Years
- Solar Tiles: 25-30 Years
- Wood Shingles: 25-40 Years
- Green Roofs: 30-50 Years
- Synthetic Slate Tile: 40-50 Years
- Metal Roofing: 40-60 Years
- Stone-coated Steel: 40-70 Years
- Concrete Tile: 50 Years
- Clay Tile: 50-100 Years
- Slate Shingles: 100+ Years
Do You Want Value or Affordability?
If you have a small budget but still want to get a new roof, asphalt shingles are going to be your best bet. However, it’s essential to know you’ll probably be looking at another roof replacement in 20 years which can be another considerable expense if you plan to stay in your forever home.
More premium roofing materials like metal, slate, or stone-coated steel will have much higher upfront costs. However, these roofs last so much longer, with much less maintenance, making it a wise investment. You’ll probably never have to think about replacing your roof again, and if you sell, your home will have increased value thanks to having a premium roof that will last the new homeowners for decades as well.
Setting Your Budget
When you start your roof replacement project, it’s important to set a budget for yourself. First, you should research what other homes in the area are going for with an asphalt shingle roof and then compare that to how long yours has been working and any damages or repairs made over time. This will give you a good idea of where your roof falls in terms of value and how much you can expect to spend.
Your budget may change as you decide to upgrade to more premium roofing materials. You should also keep in mind setting aside money for future repair costs, plus potential increases in insurance premiums.
Find Yourself a Reputable Local Roofing Contractor
Finding a great contractor to do your roof replacement is vital to get one that not only looks good but is installed well. Poor installation is a leading cause of leaks and damage to residential roofs. So you definitely want to find one that is reputable, has good reviews, and can show work they’ve done—along with satisfied customers.
A good roofer should:
- Have good reviews, which you should read through (good and bad).
- Be licensed in your area
- Be insured and bonded
- Obtain manufacturer certifications
- Offer FREE estimates or consultations
- Offer references or portfolio work
- Not use high-pressure sales tactics
Get a Thorough Roofing Inspection
Once you find a reputable contractor, you should get a thorough inspection of your roof. If you are filing an insurance claim, you will likely get two inspections: one from the insurance adjuster and one from your roofer.
The inspection will mark damaged areas, find any wear and tear, and offer an accurate estimate of a roof replacement.
Prepping for Your Roof Replacement
Beyond budget planning, finding a contractor, contacting your insurance, and choosing a roofing material—what else can you do to prep for your roof replacement?
Well, there are a few things you can do before your contractor arrives to ensure the process goes smoothly.
- Fix any interior leaks that have occurred due to damage on the roof—this is important because if they’re still leaking during installation, it will cause issues for everyone involved and prolong the project time. Contractors can technically do this as well, but if you want to save some time and money, you can handle minor repairs to prep.
- Make sure there is no outdoor furniture or items in their way—you want them to work quickly and safely, so having any large items out of the way will help with this. Additionally, you may want to cover any landscaping or ask your contractors to do so when they arrive.
- Make sure you have a place for the old roofing materials to be dumped when they’re removed—most contractors will take care of this with a giant dumpster or catch-all net, but make sure it can be put somewhere without causing hassle to you or your neighbors.
These tips will help alleviate any stress you may have about having to replace your roof. If you can get your finances sorted, learn a few things about your roof, and hire a good contractor that won’t leave you in the dark—you should be so pleased with the final results.
You deserve a roof that protects your home without sacrificing style or your budget. To get started on your roof replacement, reach out to Impact Roofing today!
