Top Reasons To Replace Roof
Signs of damaged roofing
- Shingles that have curled along their edges
- Heavy growth of mold or moss on the shingle surface
- Deteriorating Shingles that have lost their granules
- Leaks in multiple places on your Roof
- Rotted roof Sheeting
Its important to replace your roof at the right time. Waiting too long to replace your roof or installing a new roof before its necessary could end up costing you more. Some times just trying to repair the roof wont solve your problem.
Besides having a leaky roof, there are other reasons why it might be smart to consider roof replacement.
Here are some reasons to have new roofing installed on your house:
TESTIMONIALS
Installing Asphalt Shingles Is Doubly Challenging In The Cold
If youre planning to replace your roof, youre probably looking at asphalt shingles as a top option. But mind you, asphalt shingles are ideally installed at least 4 degrees Celsius. So, and you can pretty much imagine how hard it is to install them in wet and snowy weather. In addition, some manufacturers dont offer a warranty if these shingles are installed during winter.
If you feel the need to install asphalt shingles this winter, just know that it will be challenging and a bit risky. Its a choice best reserved for the fall or summer when you can have all the advantages of installing asphalt shingles in dry conditions.
The Ultimate Guide To Getting A New Roof In 2022 Homeowners Guide
A new roof is a costly investment with practical and aesthetic implications the roof is your homes most important protection against rain, snow, and natures elements. The roof can also significantly impact the appeal of your home in the eyes of potential buyers.
This guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to re-roofing, whether its adding a new layer of roofing to the existing roof or tearing off and replacing the old roof.
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Roofing Costs By Type
Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for most homeowners today. Theyre affordable and durable, lasting up to 50 years in some cases. But if youre looking at replacing your roof, youve got lots of different options, as long as your budget is relatively large. Heres a roof replacement cost comparison of different roofing materials:
| Roofing Material |
|---|
| $25,000 or more |
Home Equity Line Of Credit
A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, allows you to borrow against the equity in your home while using the home as collateral. The biggest difference is the line of credit is open, or revolving, and is usually accompanied by a variable interest rate. You can borrow against it and pay it back, but the line of credit will remain open so that you can borrow against it again.
A home equity line of credit can be a nice solution for a large project like replacing a roof. However, since the full cost of a roof replacement is usually specified in advance, a personal loan or home equity loan with a fixed interest rate might be a more prudent option.
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Neglecting The Roof’s Gutters
Gutters are essential to the overall health of your roof. According to GutterMaid, gutters collect rainwater and direct it to the ground. This process protects your roof and the rest of your home from sustained water damage. Without gutters, most basements would flood, and foundations would suffer water damage. Properly maintaining your gutters is key to the success of your roof and the rest of your home. Keep them free of dirt, leaves, and other outdoor debris that run off your roof with rainwater.
Gutters are an essential component of your roof . Properly maintaining them will help your home avoid ice dams and the large repair bill that comes from fixing up their fallout. Ice dams are sheets of ice formed by trapped water. Constantly melting and freezing, they ruin your shingles and can cause severe water damage to your roof. To avoid them, clean your gutters a minimum of twice a year in the spring and the fall. Be sure to avoid common gutter cleaning mistakes.
Not Working With A Licensed And Insured Contractor
When it comes time to replace your roof, don’t leave yourself vulnerable to fraud and shoddy work by choosing an unlicensed contractor. According to Schorr Law, there are three main reasons to hire a licensed team. You can guarantee that they have the work ethic and the base skill level necessary for a legal permit. You can also be sure that the contractor is at least aware of local construction laws and building codes, so it’s more likely that they will follow them. Finally, they are more likely to be a trustworthy partner in redoing your roof because they operate a legal business.
You might think it’s easier and cheaper to have your cousin or a friend of a friend do the work for you, but if you want professional, on-time results, then it’s best to go with an actual professional .
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Do I Need My Skylights Replaced When Getting A New Roof
Skylights can be found on just about every other home in the median price range on up. Theyre obviously a functional way to save money, and they nourish the brain by ushering in real sun rays. Like all parts of a home, skylights have lifespans, but there is one instance that may disrupt the tenure of a skylight: roof replacement. Having to install a new roof is a significant construction job that requires a lot of strain on elements that protrude through the roof decking. Many homeowners ask if they need their skylights replaced while others have no clue that its a big debate.
If you look around the online forums, youll see a good deal of debate on this subject. Roofers, handymen, DIY warriors, and homeowners often chime in with conflicting answers like:
- Your skylights will be fine.
- Just add extra caulking around the skylights.
- Youll need new flashing around the skylights.
- Always replace skylights when installing a new roof.
- Only replace certain types of skylights like the bubble kind.
As an expert in cedar shake roofing contractor, Shake Guys can safely say that only one of these is the correct answer.
The Roof Has Outlived Its Lifespan
How old is your existing roof? Depending on the material, the lifespan of a roof could be between 20 and 50 years, but it varies by the roofing material.
- Asphalt shingles tend to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years in Florida.
- Metal roofs are more expensive but require few repairs and last 30 to 50 years.
- Clay tiles also fare well in Florida and last 40 years on average.
You should know when your roof was installed so you can estimate the lifespan for your roof. If youre not sure exactly when your roof was installed, you can check home improvement records to find out. It also depends on whether the old roof was removed and you only have one layer of shingles, and if it is properly ventilated. If the roof was installed over another layer or several layers and it is older than 20 years, chances are you need a new roof.
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Potential Signs That Your Roof May Need To Be Replaced:
Your Roof Is Nearing The End Of Its Life
The life of a roof is how many years you get out of it. As long as your roof has been properly installed and has adequate attic ventilation, you should get pretty close to the manufacturers specified lifespan.
With that in mind, you want to replace your roof when its near the end of its life before it starts leaking or fails completely. A reputable roofing contractor will recommend that you replace your roof somewhere around 80-85% of the manufacturers specified lifespan.
For example, a dimensional asphalt shingle roof has a lifespan of 30 years. You should start considering a replacement around the 27-year mark.
Dont wait until its too late, get ahead of any potentially costly problems and replace your roof before the end of its life. To learn the lifespan of your new roof, read this article on how long your new roof will last.
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Cost To Replace Roofing Vs Repair
Perhaps the damage to your roof isnt extensive. Should you repair it instead of replacing it? Before you conduct any sort of repair or replacement, especially on your roof, its always a good idea to get the opinion of a trusted roofing contractor. As long as the damage isnt extensive or you want to change the material of your roof, its possible that a repair may get the job done. If thats the case, youre in luck. Roof repairs are certainly less expensive than a replacement.
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For a minor roof repair, you can expect to pay an average of $325 to $1,377 if you have an asphalt roof. Premium materials will cost more, and the hourly rate for labor will likely be around $45 to $65. Below, weve listed some of the most common reasons for a roof repair.
- Damage to the flashing. The thin metal strips that lie along the joints in your roof are called flashing. These can become damaged or worn over time, which can lead to leaks in your roof.
- Worn or curling shingles. Asphalt shingles have a long lifetime but when they get old, they can curl up, allowing water to seep into the space underneath. Replacing a section of curling shingles often requires the purchase of a single bundle of shingles, which typically costs about $30 to $50.
- Pooling water. Water that pools on your roof can cause damage to your home in as little as 48 hours. Thats why its important to keep up with any roof repairs that need to be done.
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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How Does A Reroof Compare To Other Home Renovations
If you have decided to do some kind of home renovation before you sell your home, the return on investment of a new roof makes it a good option. A new asphalt shingle roof is more cost-effective than several popular home remodeling projects, including adding an upscale master suite, a backyard patio and a mid-range bathroom.
However, a new roof is not as cost-effective as other home renovations, including minor kitchen remodels, upscale garage door replacements and the addition of a manufactured stone veneer. These renovations have the potential to increase home value by over 80 percent, compared to a new roofs 68-109 percent, depending on their existing condition and market factors.
Should I Repair My Roof On My Own Or Hire A Professional
If youre comfortable with the thought of getting onto your roof using a ladder or via an upstairs window, theres a good chance youd be able to handle a minor roof repair, like replacing a few damaged shingles. The tools youll need, aside from the shingles, are roofing cement, a putty knife, a few roofing nails and a hammer.
For more extensive repairs, you may want to hire a roofing contractor or repair person to ensure the job is done correctly, especially if youre dealing with water damage. And if its a full roof replacement, a contractor is a must unless you yourself are a builder or contractor. Its a job that requires extensive knowledge to ensure your roof is done correctly, and that the substrate can handle the particular roofing material being installed.
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Begin By Inspecting Your Roof From The Inside Out
Once you have started to brainstorm the idea of investing in a new roof, begin conducting your own research at home by inspecting the condition of your roof from the inside out. Take a flashlight with you to your attic or to the space in your home where the interior of your roof is visible and look for the following potential signs that may indicate a more serious issue:
Beams of Light: Light beams are common in roofs that require replacements or repairs. For best results, inspect the interior of your roof during the day to catch and identify any light beams.
Leaks: Inspect the interior of your roofing area for drips and potential leaks. If your roof is beginning to leak, other areas of your home and its foundation is put at risk, especially if you do not address the roofing problem as quickly as possible. Water dampness can lead to additional rot along with mold growth that can contribute to breathing and other health ailments.
Streaks and Stains: Take note of all of the interior of your roof and look for potential spots, stains, and streaks. Inspect any discolored area of your roof for further information on its cause and potential leak culprit. Stains and streaks within the interior walls of your roof can signal a deeper and more serious problem involving your roofs durability.
Look For Shingle Issues
Inspecting your roofs shingles is another way to determine whether or not your roof requires additional attention or a replacement entirely.
When inspecting the exterior shingles of your homes roof, be sure to look for any cracks, mishappen shingles, or shingles that have curled or bent upwards.
Shingles that are curled, cracked, or misshapen may require a further inspection to determine whether or not they can be replaced individually or if you are better off investing in an entirely new roof.
Finding shingle granules on your roof or piling up in your gutter can also be a sign that it is time for a complete and thorough roof replacement. Excessive shingle granule loss is a surefire sign that the roofs condition is not where it needs to be to provide maximum protection and insulation for your home.
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Tear Off Or Second Layer
It was once common to lay a new shingle roof over the preexisting layer at least once, or sometimes even twice. This roofing practice is no longer allowed in some jurisdictions, where complete tear-off of the previous roofing is now required. Even where layering is allowed, applying a new layer of shingles over the old should be carefully considered based on its pros and cons:
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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Metal Roofing Types And Features
Metal roofing has come a long way in the last few decades and now is a viable option for any house including upscale luxury homes. Heres an overview of your options.
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Standing Seam:
Standing Seam
This is the most popular and most pricey type of metal roofing. It can be roll-formed on the jobsite to reduce transportation costs and create a custom fit for every house. The purpose of the standing seam on these vertical roofing panels is to keep rainwater from penetrating them as it cascades off the roof.
Two popular types of steel standing seam are galvanized steel dipped in zinc and Galvalume steel dipped in a blend of aluminum, zinc, and silicon.
After steel, aluminum is the next most frequently used metal in roofing. Aluminum and zinc make for a great choice in coastal areas and heavy salt spray environments.
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Metal shingles, shakes and tiles:
Tamko MetalWorks Steel Shingle Profiles
Metal can also be stamped in interlocking shingles, shakes, or tiles that are about the size of asphalt shingles and can resemble other materials including slate tiles, cedar shakes, asphalt shingles, and clay or concrete tiles. Stone granules can also be added to these materials to reflect sunlight to help lower surface temperature.
