When Should You Replace A Roofand How Much Does It Cost
Least surprising news of the day: Replacing a roof is undeniably more expensive than repairing it. While repairs might start as low as several hundred dollars , the average low-end cost to replace a roof starts at $5,000 to $8,000, with more high-end roofs costing as much as $15,000.
Thats nothing to scoff at, which is why staying on top of minimal repairs is so important. At some point, though, you might need to dish out the cash for a full replacement.
When damage is too extensive, and around 40% to 50% of your roof is affected by the needed repairs, then its a good idea to consider a full replacement, Johnson says.
Need A New Roof Heres Your Roofing 101
Replacing or repairing your roof is a large decision. Become educated before buying.
Have you been thinking of installing a new roof or wonder if you need to repair your roof? The roof of your home is the first layer of protection against the elements. It also serves an important function in your homes insulation system. A failing roof may happen slowly: a clogged gutter can push water under the shingles of a roof, soaking the plywood support underneath causing buckling. Shingles may have poor connection points and allow rain to leak in. The waterproof barrier may be of poor quality and allow moisture to deteriorate the trusses holding up the roof. Ventilation may be poor, allowing moisture to build up in the attic and creating a matted insulation layer that stops functioning. Or a failing roof can occur suddenly: a branch or tree that falls on the roof and damages a section may cause minor tears or major holes. All of these issues will eventually create an inefficient and structurally inadequate protection for your home and your family.
How Long Do Roofs Last
If you suspect your roof needs replacing or repair, schedule an inspection with West Michigan Roofing. While some roofing repairs truly can be a DIY project, theres a chance that more is happening beneath the surface that could lead to bigger problems if ignored. A thorough inspection can give you peace of mind, confirm the severity of any issues that are present, and prevent further headaches and expense down the road.
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Sign #1: Gutters On The Ground
Roof shingles rely on an overlapping system to be fully functional, and these tiles are kept in place by sealants that act as glue. If you notice parts of tiles or excessive amounts of granular material on the floor or in the gutters, your roof might be telling you something.
Tiles are made to last for years, but these tiles tend to get exposed to constant and extreme changes in the atmosphere, which most likely be the cause of sealants losing strength that eventually will cause tiles to weaken, crack and chip off parts. It is important to check your roof if the weather permits. If not, you might evidently notice parts or granules of your tiles on the floor or in the gutter, and it might be time to call your roof repairman, or for you to change or repair your roof before those chipped off parts hurt someone.
Get in touch with Findley Roofing & Building Yorkshire to arrange a free, no obligation roof health check today.
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Consider Your Roofs Age
One of the first things to consider before you begin inspecting your roof for cracks, breaks, and other issues is its age. A roof that is 25 to 30 years or older may require a complete replacement, even if the roof itself appears in good shape from the naked eye.
Older roofs were often created with materials that are no longer useful or considered strong today.
If your roof is 10, 15, or 20 years old, it may be time for a thorough inspection and potentially investing in an entirely new roof altogether, especially if your roof has been laid over a previously installed roof.
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Many Of Your Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs
Are any of your neighbors replacing their roofs? The homes in your neighborhood were likely all built around the same time, so that could certainly be a sign that its time to seriously consider a roof replacement. This can also be the case after a severe storm comes through. If your neighbors sustained substantial roof damage, theres a good chance you did as well. It could be worth an inspection and contacting your homeowners insurance regarding widespread damage claims.
Furthermore, if you are looking at selling your house shortly, then replacing your roof may be a wise decision. Down the road, if all your neighbors roofs are newer than yours, potential buyers could get hung up on that. Keeping your home up to date with your surrounding neighbors curb appeal is a good idea for both roofing and siding.
You’re Finding Granules In The Gutter
If you just got a new asphalt shingle roof and you see a bunch of granules in the gutters, there’s nothing to worry about: Those are just loose, extra ones. But if it’s been 10 or 15 years, that’s a sign of a bigger problem. “Granules help keep the sun off the asphalt,” says McGavic. “Once the granules fall off and the shingles start to bake, the quality will deteriorate in a hurry.”
How much time you’ve got left: If you don’t have a new roof and you just started to notice the granules in the gutter, the shingles are probably halfway through their lifespan, McGavic estimates.
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The Threat Of Not Replacing Your Roof
Now that you know what to look for on your roof that might indicate a replacement in your near future, you need to understand the cost of not replacing. Replacing a roof can be quite expensive and the price is often times enough to dissuade a family from contacting a roof company. Its unfortunate, but simply replacing your roof will be less costly than dealing with the damages that can occur if your roof begins to leak.
If youre beginning to see leaks in your home, then chances are there are already thousands of dollars worth of damage hidden behind your walls or ceilings. Dont let it get to this point. As we mentioned earlier, the average cost of water damage is $100,000 per inch of water. This means that if your home floods and the depth of the water is one inch, there is likely to be $100,000 worth of damages.
It might not seem like the water can really do that much damage, but removing the water, discarding everything that got ruined by it, and replacing all that was lost can quickly build up. The bottom inch is the main source of structural integrity for your home. Once thats compromised, everything that depends on the first inch of your home is threatened.
What You Need To Consider Before Replacing Your Roof
You just learned that you should get a roof replacement when its the right time for one. You also learned the 3 signs that its the right time for a new roof.
Before calling a roofing contractor or jumping right into the roof replacement process, there are some things you need to consider. To help you even further, we’re going to give you the 5 main things every homeowner should think about before getting a new roof.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the residents of Nashville and surrounding areas with high-quality roof replacements since 1990. We take pride in our reputation and are proud to provide you with a lifetime warranty to protect your roof investment. If youre local to Nashville, dont hesitate to contact us for a free no-obligation roof assessment from one of our experts today.
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What Are The Main Roofing Options
Asphalt shingles continue to dominate the roofing market. In recent years, metal has made the largest gains. Here are your options, their estimated market share, and a brief overview of each.
- Asphalt shingles , about 75%: Fiberglass reinforced asphalt shingles are offered in several styles to fit your budget and homes appearance. Specialty options combat climate dangers your home might face.
- Metal roofing , about 15%: Metal has durability advantages and new product styles that make it quite appealing.
- Wood shingles and shakes , about 5%: This classic roofing material continues to have advocates that appreciate its natural beauty.
- Clay, cement and fiber cement tile , about 5%: Tile remains a popular option, especially in warm climates such as Florida and California, and fiber cements lightweight durability is making it the most popular type.
- Single-ply/built-up roofing , about 3%: This is the best roofing option for low-slope and flat roofs.
- Plastic or composite shingles , about 1%: These products mimic wood shakes and slate but cost more and last longer. Theyre also less of a fire hazard than natural wood shakes.
- Natural slate , about 1%: Lasting 100+ years, natural slate is the epitome of luxury.
See Roof Costs in Your Area
Roofers Arent The Same
Some roofing firms have a strange perspective on the job: They know that you wont need a new roof for another 2 to 3 decades, so theyre not too concerned about gaining repeat business from you.
Getting recommendations from friends and neighbors, or at the very least reading Google reviews, is essential before you choose a company so that you can learn about how theyve treated other people.
An excellent example of this kind of advice/recommendation is what we provided earlier about Perkins Roofing Corp.
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Signs Your Roof Need To Be Replaced
The age of your roof is a big factor. Some roofs can last 50 years or more, but a typical asphalt shingle roof often needs to be replaced after about 20 years. Of course, you may not know how old your roof is or when it was last replaced.
The best way to extend the lifespan of your roof is through regular maintenance, but all good things must come to an end. If you know what to look for, youll see the signs roof replacement is imminent:
- Leaks are present
- Shingles have lost most of their granules
- Many shingles are broken or missing
- Frequent repairs are needed
How long your roof lasts also depends on the materials used and the quality of installation. Harsh weather can also reduce its lifespan.
Asphalt Roof Shingles Are Buckling
Seeing asphalt roof shingles buckling is the final reason why shingle should be replaced. A multitude of factors can cause this to occur such as old roof felt, bad roof ventilation, and improperly laid shingles. Furthermore, buckling can eventually lead to further leakage and rot.
Knowing the signs of shingle damage is sure to give you a heads-up on when it is time to replace your roof shingles. You can also read this article if youre curious as to how often you should be replacing your roof shingles in Ontario.
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Your Roofs 25th Birthday Is Approaching
Shingles manufactured 25 years ago dont have the same longevity of shingles made today. If your roof is getting up in age, it may be time to start planning on replacing the entire roof. It does depend on the type of roof you have, of course. For example, an asphalt roof is recommended to last about 20 years, so it would fall within this time frame. Metal roofing, however, can last closer to 30-50 years. Things like climate and proper maintenance can affect your roofs lifespan as well. Read more about the longevity of varying types of roofing materials here.
Youre Frustrated By Your Cooling Bills
In Florida, keeping a home cool takes constant energy sometimes, almost year-round. There are several ways that a good roof can help keep the cool air inside, reducing your energy bills. First, any leaks in the roof can allow air to escape. Second, the color and material of your roof can make a difference. Lighter colored tiles or reflective surfaces like a metal roof help to reflect the hot Florida sun. Adding solar panels to your roof is another great way to save electricity.
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Signs Of A Near Future Replacement
When assessing your roof, there are a few features that youll want to keep an eye out for which tend to signal the end of your roofs life. If you notice any of these issues on your roof, you might want to continue watching for further development, or contact a roof replacement company to get a quote. When it comes to the health and safety of your home, its best to act fast before its too late.
When the shingles on your roof begin to curl at the corners or the edges, its typically because of age. Roofs are built to last and when the shingles are losing their adhesion to the roof itself, its a warning that age is beginning to take hold of your roof. Another sign that could signal the end of your roof is cracked or missing shingles. This plays into the same idea as the curled edges shingles are a great messenger as to the health of your roof.
The age of your roof is another fantastic indicator as to the health of it. While shingles are being built to last, there still exists a time limit for how long theyll be good for. The average life of a roof is 20 years, so if youre getting close to that mark on your roof, you should consider replacement options. While its possible a roof can last longer, this is the recommended replacement time.
Signs You Need A New Roof
When trying to determine if you need a new roof, ask yourself the following: How old is your roof? Does it look worn or have stains? When was the last time it was inspected? Did you just get hit with severe weather? Have you noticed a leak or water stains on your ceiling? Proactively answering these questions will help you decide whether you should repair or replace your roof.
Here are some major signs that its time to replace your roof:
During this self-inspection look for:
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When To Replace Your Roof: How To Tell If Its Time
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
Last time you climbed up a ladder and cleaned out your gutters, you got a magnified view of your roof. A few turned up shingles, moss, some rust action are these blemishes normal, or are they signs that you need a new roof?
When you start noticing your roofs age, bring in the experts to determine if its time for a replacement. Roof damage can lead to leaks and cause significant structural damage. Plus, beyond protecting your home, your roof plays a key role in curb appeal when its time to sell.
We want our houses to look as good as possible from the curb and from the photographs. And now that we use a lot of aerial shots and drone shots, the roof is much more visible. So its just that much more important that the roof looks good, shares top real estate agent Andrew Oldham, who, along with his partner Jennifer Oldham, sells 70% more single-family homes in San Jose than the average agent.
Dont let a roof in disrepair bring down your homes value. Follow these six steps to determine if you need to replace your roof.
What To Look For On The Roof
The second way to check the state of your roof is probably closer to what you originally envisioned: climbing a ladder and taking a closer look from the outside. This should be done only if you can safely walk around your roof and easily manage a tall ladder. If you have a fear of heights or arent feeling so spunky about a climb up on the roof, call in a professional to have a look for you.
If youre feeling fairly confident about a DIY inspection, then youll want to pay attention to the conditions of your roof materials once you get up there.
Take notes on the condition of the roof shingles, the nails, the chimney, sealant, and the gutters, says Melanie Johnson, marketing manager for Fantastic Services Group. All these elements are important and need to be in good condition, and clean of rust. If any of these elements is damaged, youll need to make repairs.
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