When To Replace Your Roof
Your roof plays a critical role in helping to keep your home and everything in it safe from the elements. If you built your house, then you probably have a good record of the roof installation and a general idea of when the roof may need to be redone. However, if you bought your house, you might not know the exact history of the roof and when it should be replaced.
So, how will you know when its time to replace your roof?
The Guide That Has Everything You Need To Know About Your Roof Replacement
Now you know the cost to tear off and replace your roof based on the roofing material you choose. You can use the cost numbers above to help you determine which roofing material fits your budget.
But theres more to choosing the right roofing material for your replacement besides the cost. Thats why we created a Buyers Guide for homeowners who are about to get a roof replacement.
It contains the advantages and disadvantages of different roofing materials that will really help narrow down which one is right for you. But thats not all.
The guide also has the other roofing components youll pay for, how to hire a great roofing contractor, payment options, and more. Start the roof replacement process by being the most informed homeowner in the roofing industry and get the Buyers Guide now.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services to homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. Giving you a roof that lasts for decades is our goal, and we back that up with a lifetime warranty.
If youre local to Nashville, Tennessee, dont hesitate to contact us for your roof replacement needs.
Heres The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof to learn everything you need to know about getting a roof replacement.
Install Step And Dormer Flashing
Its possible to reuse existing step flashing and dormer flashing, but the best way to get a watertight seal is to tear off the siding in those areas and install new flashing. Start by running self-stick underlayment at least 6 in. up onto the walls. This provides an additional barrier if water does get past the flashing. Cover the front wall first and then work your way up the side wall. Overlap the sidewall underlayment around the corner onto the front wall about 1 in. or so.
Install the shingles right up to the front wall. Cut a couple of inches off the vertical portion of the dormer flashing, and run the horizontal portion past the side wall that same distance. Nail the dormer flashing to both the wall and the shingles.
Make a 1- to 2-in. cut with a tin snips at the bend in the first step flashing. Run a bead of sealant on the corner edge of the dormer flashing, and then run that step flashing past the dormer flashing the same distance you made your cut. Bend the step flashing around the corner onto the dormer flashing with your hammer.
Install your next row of shingles over that first step flashing, then cover that row with a step flashing, and so on. Nail the step flashing to the wall toward the top of the flashing at the end thats closer to the peak, so the next step flashing in line will cover the nail. Dont nail them down through the shingles. For information about flashing around chimneys, see Installing Chimney Flashing.
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What Temperature Is Too Hot To Replace Roof Shingles
Given the difficulty in replacing shingles in the winter, you may think summer would be a great time to replace your shingles. However, the ideal temperature range for replacing shingles is between 40-85 degrees. Similar to colder weather conditions, shingles can also be difficult to work with in hot temperatures. Some common issues include: shingles sticking together, shingles damaging more easily, and shingles tearing during installation. This is why we recommend shingle repair and installation work in early spring or the fall, when temperature conditions are mild.
Does A New Roof Increase Home Value
A new roof on your home can increase the value by an average of $17,000. Similarly, a house with a roof in dire need of repair can see the price drop significantly. Roof replacements are necessary after a certain period of time, therefore it is only logical that the newer the roof, the better the house value.
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Tear Off And Replacement Cost Of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The cost to tear off and replace 3-tab shingle roofing is about $3.75/sqft, or $375 per square for a simple roof that needs little to no prep work, installed by a local roofer near you.
This price generally includes covering all bushes and areas around the roof with tarps to catch the falling debris. Removal or tear off of old shingles with a shingle stripper tool and minor repairs to the plywood underlayment. After prep is completed, the roofing company will install new felt paper or underlayment weather barrier, install new asphalt 3-tab shingles, replace the ridge vent if equipped, all new metal flashing where needed, and a complete cleanup and disposal of the old roof tear off.
Do I Need A Permit To Replace Shingles
If youâre following the steps above to complete a minor repair, you donât need a permit, as thatâs considered routine maintenance. However, if youâre replacing a larger area of the roof, even if it isnât the full roof, youâll need a permit as thatâs considered reroofing. To be sure, just check in with your local building department to determine what constitutes a âlarge areaâ to make sure youâre in compliance.
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Patching Damaged Areas Of Your Roof
Lets say that instead of losing a few shingles, you have a lot of damage concentrated to just one or two small areas. If the damage covers less than half of your roof, youre probably wondering if you can just patch the damage.
As always, we recommend you talk to your local roofer first. What might look like a small patch job on the outside could be more serious once your roofer gets up there to make a close examination. Your roofer will look to see if theres any water damage to the underlayment or seeping into your attic.
If theres no serious water damage, you might be able to get your roof patched. Remember that its tough to match roof color, especially if your existing shingles have already seen a bit of weathering. You may not get an exact match, so the patch could be noticeable. But, if it will save you money and keep your roof in top shape, patching might be the way to go for you.
Should You Replace Your Roof Yourself
However, the questions you need to be asking yourself are: Do you want to, and should you do it yourself? It is generally not recommended for a homeowner to get on their roof, let alone try to repair or replace it. If you are not sure what you are doing, you can do severe damage to your roof and, more importantly, to yourself.
The DIY websites usually show very straight forward roofs, and if you are handy enough and follow all safety instructions, you could be able to roof your own home. But it is not as simple as it may look. Also, if you have a steep roof or a roof with special flashing concerns, please dont try it yourself.
You may do a decent job on a small, straightforward home, with just a few penetrations, but those houses are rare. Also, for repairs, if you need to replace one or two shingles, you might be able to do it. But also, you should ask yourself why one or two shingles are missing in the first place and if there may be more extensive damage somewhere. If its a leak, you need to hire an expert.
If you have t-lock shingles, you will have to replace the whole roof since they are discontinued, but your insurance will usually cover the costs. Architectural shingles are sealed to each other, and if that seal is broken, you need to replace it.
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How To Replace Damaged Shingles
The upper shingle is curled up, revealing the nailing area. The nail is placed on the tar line and driven through both the new shingle and the older shingle underneath it.
What Is The : 1 Ratio
The base of your ladder should be placed one foot away from your house for every 4 feet of height you plan on climbing. For example, if you are climbing a 20-foot ladder, the base should be placed 5 feet away from the wall for safety and stability. In addition, avoid putting your weight on the top two rungs of any ladder or stability will diminish.
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The Cost To Tear Off And Replace A Slate Roof
A slate roof is a premium roof system made primarily out of natural slate roofing materials. Its one of the longest-lasting roof systems on the market and provides a huge boost to your homes curb appeal.
For labor and materials, you can expect a slate roof to start around $15.00 per square foot and has the potential to get up to around $30.00 or more per square foot.
Be aware, your home has to be built or retrofitted to be able to carry the weight of a slate roof. If youre strongly considering a slate roof, just know its one of the most expensive types of roofing materials on the market today.
Do I Need To Replace My Whole Roof Or Just The Shingles
Theres nothing worse than learning that you have to replace your entire roof. However, if this is the case, its important to do so your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, and a roof thats in bad shape not only offers poor protection, it can end up becoming a danger to your home and to your family.
However, in some cases you can just replace the shingles on your roof and not the entire roof itself. This is, of course, a much more preferable action as it will take less time and cost much less to replace shingles than it will cost to replace the whole roof. So how exactly can you tell whether you can get by with just replacing your shingles or whether you need to replace the entire roof?
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Final Cleanup After Your Shingle Replacement
Working with roof shingles can generate hazardous debris. Clean up well after your shingle replacement work. Pick up and bag all the shingle waste. Collect all the nails you can see then, use a magnetic sweeper to pick up any stray nails.
If you are replacing a large section of roof, you may find using a small rental dumpster is easier than bagging all your old shingles and hauling them to a landfill yourself.
Can You Patch A Roof Instead Of Replacing It
In some cases, replacing a few shingles is all you need to restore beauty and function to your roof. Asphalt shingles are designed to last for decades, and todays modern roofing designs are engineered to last for as long as you own your home.
Before you decide to replace shingles, however, its important to have a professional inspect your roof to determine if any of the underlayment or decking is damaged. Theres a big difference between a few missing shingles lost during heavy winds and a leak that extends through the various layers of your roof. If the damage is extensive, its usually a better idea and a better value to replace the entire roof.
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The Importance Of Regular Roofing Inspections
Checking your roof for signs of damage twice a year allows you to analyze the integrity during multiple climates. You should also schedule inspections before and after severe storm warnings, such as hurricanes.
Keeping on top of your roof maintenance means replacing shingles less often and reducing costs in the long-run. Not to mention its a whole load safer too, especially if a storm is to hit.
If you require residential roofing help in the Danville, Kentucky, or surrounding areas, .
Cost Materials And Process
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.
Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with over 40 years of experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. He is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
Steven Puetzer / Photographer’s Choice RF / Getty Images
Of all major home repairs, installing new roofing is arguably one of the most important. You have many things to consider when replacing a roof, but you never want to let an old roof fail water can destroy the inside of your home, from the attic insulation down through the painstakingly remodeled kitchen, right on through to the basement family room with a big-screen TV. Fewer home problems can be more disastrous than a failed roof.
Roof replacement is not something to take lightly, nor is it a repair you should delay. It’s not too difficult to replace or repair a single shingle, but if one shingle fails, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected to check the rest of its integrity.
You might also need a permit in your state or locality to repair a roof, depending on the size of the area and the type of repairs. A permit may also be required when reroofing. When you sense that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, brush up on these basics before soliciting bids from roofing contractors.
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How To Replace Asphalt Shingles
Simple Instructions to Remove and Replace Asphalt Shingles on Your Roof.
Asphalt shingle roofs, when properly installed, typically require very little maintenance one of the main benefits of a shingle roof. However, there may be the odd occasion where a little fix is needed, and, fortunately, asphalt shingles can easily be removed and replaced in just seven steps. Even though the process is straightforward, IKO recommends that only properly trained professional roofing contractors engage in the shingling or repairing of roofs.
Your Roofs 25th Birthday Is Approaching
âAn asphalt shingle roof should last between 20 and 30 years,â says Claude McGavic, executive director of The National Association of Home Inspectors. âIf you have a 40-year-old roof,there could be a problem even if it looks good from the ground.â
How much time youâve got left: Five to 10 years, depending on your roofâs condition. If you live in a development and your neighbors are all starting to replace their roofing, that could be a sign that you should do the same.
Build date in hand, compare your roofs age to these average material life expectancies:
- Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
- Architectural shingles: 25 to 30 years
- Wood shingles: 30 years with regular maintenance
- Clay tiles: 50 years or more
- Metal roofing: Up to 70 years
- Slate tile: 50 to 100+ years
How long your roofing material lasts largely depends on the climate you live in. For instance, a 30-year roof composed of asphalt shingles may live up to its life expectancy in Oregon, thanks to the cooler climate. In a climate like Florida, on the other hand, the same 30-year roof may only last 10 to 12 years under the stress of humidity, heat, and turbulent tropical storms.
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The Cost To Tear Off And Replace A Metal Roof
Your two metal roof options are a standing seam metal roof and a screw-down metal panel roof. Just like the types of asphalt shingles, they both have very different price points.
A new screw-down panel metal roof costs around $4.50 per square foot to start.
On the other hand, you can expect a new 24 gauge steel standing seam metal roof to cost around $12.00 per square foot for a one-story house with a basic up and over roof with no penetrations and no valleys.
For a more complex roof on a one-story home, you can expect a new 24 gauge steel standing seam metal roof to cost around $15.00 per square foot.
If youre seriously considering a metal roof for your residential home, I recommend a standing seam metal roof to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
