The Guide You Need For Your Upcoming Roof Replacement
Now you know how much a composite shingle roof replacement costs, what impacts the cost, and the return you get out of it. After reading this article, you should have a good idea if a composite shingle roof is right for your replacement.
But what if it isnt the right fit for you? Or what if you just want to learn more about the other roofing material options?
If you answered yes to one or even both of these questions, then we have the guide you and other homeowners need. The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof includes all information you need for your roof replacement and helps you make all the right buying decisions.
Go into the roof replacement process as informed as possible get your free buyers guide below.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services to residents in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and other surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. Weve guided thousands of homeowners through the replacement process, and we know we can do the same for you.
Heres Your Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof to learn what you need to know about your upcoming roof replacement and to make all the right decisions.
How Long Do Different Types Of Roofs Last
Each roofing material comes with a specific lifespan, either from the manufacturer of the materials or expertise from the roofing industry.
Just like I mentioned above, the different roofing materials will get close to their maximum lifespan as long as theyre installed properly and your attic has adequate ventilation. Lets get to the lifespans of the 5 most common types of roofing materials.
What Impacts The Cost Of Your Composite Shingle Roof Replacement
Like I said earlier, its impossible to give an exact price on your composite shingle roof replacement. While I gave you a price range above, where you fall in that price range depends on many factors.
Below is a list of the factors that directly affect the price of your composite shingle roof replacement.
- The type of roof you choose
- The number of roof penetrations
- Your roofs size and the complexity of it
- The amount of decking that needs to be replaced
- Operating costs of your roofing contractor
This is just a quick rundown of the different cost factors. For a deeper breakdown, check out the 9 factors that impact the cost of your new roof.
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How Long Does A Metal Roof Last
Metal roofing can last for decades, which is one reason that it is popular in many areas.
In addition, the look of a copper or zinc roof can be aesthetically pleasing and add value to your home due to its appearance and longevity.
After all, what potential buyer wouldnt be interested in a beautiful roof that can last for decades?
More importantly, a metal roof can last for 50 years or even longer if they are well cared for and no major disasters or other problems occur.
In fact, copper and zinc roofing can last for well over five decades and can be fully functional for 100 years or longer, which might make these types of metal roof costs well worth the investment if they are the right style and fit for your home and your style preferences.
Metal roofs have become increasingly common due to their longevity as well as their energy efficiency, since they can often keep your property cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Standing seam roofing systems are the most common types of metal roofing systems that youll see in most residential neighborhoods, and they can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years to over 100 years depending on the material, construction techniques, and the location of the property itself.
Standing seam roofs can be crafted from a variety of materials including stainless steel, copper, titanium, and zinc.
Another affordable option for metal roofing is ribbed metal panels, which offer many of the same benefits but work well on steeper or gabled roofs.
Other Types Of Roofing Material
When considering a new roof, or building a new home, think about the style of the home. If youre building a home with Cape Cod architecture, architectural shingles will really complete the overall look. If youre buying a starter home a little two-bedroom bungalow and the price is an issue, consider something less expensive.
If youre building a 5,000-square-foot home with all of the bells and whistles, well, finances probably arent an issue. At least talk to the architect about premium shingles to see how they will fit into the overall aesthetic of the home. You paid top dollar for those travertine tiles in the foyer, dont skimp on the roof!
Metal roofing and slate roof materials will last 50 years up to more than 100 years if properly installed and maintained. Cedar wood shingles or shakes have a very distinct look and are right at home atop a lakeside cabin. But they require the most maintenance and will need to be replaced every 30 years. There are also metal tile roofs that replicate cedar shake shingles, so you can have the look you want and the longevity you need.
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Composite Roof Life Expectancy
Compared to asphalt roofing, composite shingles are made to stand the test of time. This type of roofing typically lasts 20 years. However, with the right materials and proper maintenance, composite shingles can last up to 50 years and beyond. Accordingly, many composite roofs carry a warranty of 20 to 50 years, but the warranty length will ultimately depend on the manufacturer.
How Long Does A Clay Tile Roof Last
As plenty of archaeological sites have proven, clay tiled roofs are incredibly long-lasting. Some clay roofs have a lifespan of up to 100 years. When it comes to a shorter lifespan of a clay tiled roof, it is usually the underlayment and flashing that are the cause for early replacement. Or if tiles are installed on a mortar bed system, they are susceptible to slippage and can last as little as ten years. Installation by professional roofers is critical, especially ones that have experience laying clay tiled roofs.
It is common for a clay tile roof to last for 80 years, so manufacturers often offer warranties for 50 years or more. You can prolong that length of time, by avoiding walking on your tile roof as much as possible and replacing cracked and broken tiles as soon as you spot them.
Despite their expensive price, clay tiles are still a popular choice due to their long lifespan, resistance to mold, hail, fires. Since clay tiles are created from sustainable materials they are also an excellent eco-friendly roofing option.
They are also able to withstand winds over 125 MPH, and are an ideal choice for Texas home as they allow air flow between the tiles, which keep your home cool during the hot summer months!
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What To Consider When You Are Replacing A Roof
One important thing to consider when you are choosing a roofing system or purchasing a new property is the resistance of the roof to wind uplift, which is the suction effect created by wind forces as the air flows parallel to the surface of the roof.
When a gust of wind hits the side of a house or other building, some of that air moves upwards across the roof, creating a pressure differential that can blow off or damage shingles or tiles, or even entire sections of the roof altogether.
Roofing systems are rated based on the amount of wind uplift they can withstand measured in miles per hour.
If you live in a particularly windy area or one that is prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, youll want to ensure that you go for a higher rating for wind uplift to avoid a wind damage roof.
Youll also want to consider other factors before replacing your roof or purchasing a property the age of the roof, how many layers of shingles there are, and whether the roof is properly braced and ventilated.
A roof inspection performed by a professional can help you answer these questions and more, and you can also visually examine the roof yourself for curling or buckling shingles, missing shingles, damaged shingles, damage to the flashing or seals around the chimneys, skylights, or dormers, granules or debris in the gutters or around the ground near your home, and other signs of future problems.
Is Metal Roofing The Best Value
For a homeowner who lives in a home for 30 to 40 years before selling, a single $22,000 re-roofing expense might be the only one ever incurred if using metal roofing. And if you are shopping for a new home, buying one with a metal roof may mean you’ll never face a re-roofing project at all. In many ways, standing-seam metal roofs might be a more cost-effective option than the far more popular asphalt shingle roof.
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How Long Do Architectural Shingles Or Dimensional Shingles Last
Architectural or dimensional asphalt shingles are thicker and more durable and therefore more suited to places with more extreme weather conditions.
That said, they are also more expensive but they do last between 15 to 25 years and can withstand wind uplift for up to 110 miles MPH, or even up to 130 MPH with specialized installation techniques and roof bracing.
Get The Tips You Need To Hire A Great Roofing Contractor
After going through these comparisons, you should have a good idea if a real slate/cedar shake or a composite roof is the right choice for you. If youre still on the fence about which one is right for you, take this Roof Type quiz to assure yourself youre making the right decision.
But if youve already decided and are ready to move on to the next step of getting your new roof, its time to start looking for a roofing contractor. Choosing the right one is the biggest and most important decision youll have to make for your roofing project.
Because of this, you need to know how to find a great one in your area. Thats why were going to give you 7 tips that will help you find a great roofing contractor.
Since 1990, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roof replacements in Nashville and surrounding areas. Our expertise in all roof types ensures you get the most of your roof investment, no matter the material you choose.
If youre local to Nashville, dont hesitate to contact us for your roofing project today.
If you arent local, dont think were the right fit, or just want to learn more, check out 7 Tips to Find a Great Roofing Contractor, so youre able to make the right hiring decision.
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Composite Roof Labor Costs
Labor costs typically make up 60% of the total project costs. That means, of the $14,400 you can expect to pay for a 2,400-square-footcomposite roof, $8,640 of which is the labor cost. Because roofing work is complicated and dangerous, it almost always makes sense to leave this to a professional roofing company in your area.
Average Roof Lifespan How Long Does A Roof Last
If you are in the process of buying a new home, you probably want to know the age of the roof and how much longer it will last. Similarly, if youve lived in your home for a while, you are probably also wondering about the current condition of the roof and whether its time to consider some viable replacement options.
This guide outlines the expected lifespans of most popular roofing systems for homes. Print it out and use it to assess the life expectancy of any roof when buying a new home or planning for future roof replacement needs in your own home.
Right Off the Bat: A typical asphalt shingle roof will normally last anywhere from 15 to 25 years before requiring a replacement.
That said, there are several different kinds of asphalt shingles, as well as other roofing materials to consider when estimating longevity of a particular roofing system. Lets get started.
Average Lifespans for Most Popular Residential Roof Systems:
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Maintaining Your Composition Roof
Every roof needs maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This makes getting annual roof maintenance one of the most important factors to ensure you get the most life out of your composition roof.
When you have annual roof maintenance, common roof problems are caught before they can cause too much damage. Its also a way to keep debris off the roof, out of the valleys, and off the gutter line.
Without maintenance, debris sitting on your composition roof will stay wet. This makes your shingles saturated, and they wont be able to perform their main function, keeping you dry.
If you have a composition roof, its important to have it maintained at least once a year.
Fiberglass Shingles Are Cheaper
The installation process of fiberglass shingles is easier and less expensive than that of organic shingle roofing. This roofing material consists of a fiberglass base mat covered with a waterproof asphalt coating. Ceramic granules are also included in the shingle to shield it from the suns harmful UV rays. Because fiberglass shingles require less asphalt than organic shingles, they are lighter and thinner. Another benefit of fiberglass shingles is their longer warranty. The material was first developed in the 1980s and quickly gained popularity as a replacement for organic shingles.
Aside from their lower price, fiberglass shingles have other advantages. They are lighter and easier to transport. They are more environmentally friendly because they use less asphalt, which means less waste going into landfills. Besides this, they are more environmentally friendly, since they do not absorb heat. Also, they dont dry out, change shape, or absorb moisture. Therefore, they are better for the environment than other roofing materials.
The cost of installing fiberglass shingles is lower than that of organic shingle roofing. You may pay between $8 and $16 per square foot depending on the size of the roof. But the durability of fiberglass shingles is better and you will save money in the long run. And you will have a roof that lasts longer than your old one. Its also better if you live in a colder climate.
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Understanding The Structure Of Your Roof
No matter what type of roofing material you choose to install or that already exists on your property, you should learn about the way that it is built it will help you understand how long it can last, how roof inspections work, when and how your roof might need to be repaired, and even what kind of roof you should get if you are building a new house or replacing an existing roof.
A roof is built based on the deck, or the underlying surface that supports everything else.
This base layer also includes an ice and water barrier and a drip edge, which helps water fall off the eaves and away from the roof and the rest of the house.
It is essential that the deck be clean and dry before the rest of the layers are put into place and that the old shingles or roofing material is completely removed before the new layers are applied, since adding new product on top of the old can lead to a variety of long term problems that will shorten the life of the roof.
And then there is the underlayment, which helps keep the deck dry and adds another barrier against extreme weather conditions.
This layer also includes the ventilation and the flashing the ventilation helps air circulate and the flashing is what keeps things watertight around the chimney, skylight, dormers, or other features.
Making an investment in a high end watertight underlayer is always a good idea, especially in wet and cold climates like the northeastern U.S. and the northern Midwest that have long freezing winters.
How Does Composite Roofing Compare To Standard Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles are currently the most popular choice for shingles in the United States, with composite shingles running a close second. Although they share many qualities, composite roofing unlike traditional standard asphalt roofing normally carries a longer warranty and can be manufactured to mimic the look of most if not all roofing materials. Composite shingles are also lighter in weight than asphalt shingles and thus easier to transport and install.
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Installation Costs And Lifetime Value
Asphalt roll roofing is normally installed on roofs with a relatively flat peak, so a 2,000 square foot house will have very close to 2,000 square feet of roof area.
Average costs for installing this roof are about $2.25 per square foot, for a total average cost of roughly $4,500. But assuming that this roof will likely need to be replaced perhaps 12 times over 100 years, total costs over this period, in today’s dollars, can be as high as $54,000 over 100 years.
They Use Less Asphalt
When deciding on a new roof for your home, you should consider the durability of asphalt fiberglass shingles. This type of roofing material is often superior to organic asphalt shingles, which are prone to rotting. Another benefit of fiberglass shingles is their increased fire resistance. Compared to organic asphalt shingles, they are thinner and lighter. In addition, high-quality fiberglass shingles can last for 20 years or more and will never lose their shape. Fortunately, manufacturers such as Owens Corning, IKO, and BP offer industry-leading warranties.
A fiberglass roof can last between 25 and 50 years, which is considerably longer than an asphalt roof. However, there are many factors that can affect the lifespan of a fiberglass roof. The average lifespan of a fiberglass roof is 25 years, compared to about 15 years for an asphalt roof. Despite the difference in lifespan, fiberglass shingles can add significant value to your home. In addition, fiberglass shingles are durable enough to last for thirty to fifty years, outlasting most other roofing materials.
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