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What To Know About Replacing A Roof

Start Planning Your Roof Replacement Before Its Needed

Consumer Reports: What you need to know about replacing your roof

A roof will last somewhere between 20 and 30 years, but problems can arise long before this best-by date.

Water leaking into a home is perhaps the most insidious problem a homeowner may face, said Jack Pinard, COO of residential real estate redevelopment company Summit RE Group LLC. He recommends that you base the decision to replace your roof on how old it is instead of how damaged.

If a roof is not currently leaking but is over 20 years old, it may be wise for the homeowner to begin planning for a replacement, he said.

Examine Your Roof Framing

The roof framing supports your roofing material and prevents water from entering your home. To help your roof last longer, take advantage of a roof replacement to check for leaks and do any necessary repairs. Its also routine for roofers to examine the flashing or framing on the vents so they can determine if any rust or rot requires vent replacement.

Tarping During A Roof Replacement

Professional roofers will use a lot of tarps while preparing your roof. You should be aware they may need to enter your home. Tarps are used on the sides of your home to make certain any falling shingles will not damage your siding, windows, decks or plants. If it starts to rain, tarps will be used to protect your shingles and your roof during installation.

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Roof Has Water And Moisture Damage Signs

Water and moisture are the biggest enemies of your home that can cause huge damages. Once water finds its way into your roof shingles, it can penetrate further into the house. When this happens, you risk various health problems and property damage.

A leaking roof is a clear sign that you need to replace it immediately before it causes more serious problems. You may identify signs of a leaking roof through mold, peeling paint, and discolorations on the ceiling or walls. Dont attempt to patch the leaking area, as that puts you at risk of more extensive water damage in case of a heavy downpour.

The Process Of Replacing Your Roof

Roof Replacement by American Renovations LLC

First, the contractor will remove your old roof down to the decking. They will then inspect the decking to make sure it is in good condition and make any necessary repairs. When they do this, they will also install new flashing around any vent pipes or chimneys.

After the is repaired, the contractor will install a layer of ice and water shield, which is a self-adhesive membrane that helps prevent leaks. They will then install new felt paper, which provides an additional layer of protection.

Once this is installed, they will put new shingles on, making sure to overhang the edges of the roof by about ½ inch. Finally, they will clean up any debris and make sure that your new roof is in good condition. The process of replacing your roof can take anywhere between a day and a week, depending on the size and complexity of your roof.

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You Might Not Need To Replace Your Roof Yet

Indeed, there are many things to consider when replacing a roof. Fortunately, you may be able to hold off on replacement for now and rejuvenate your roof instead. With the help of Roof Maxx, you can revive your old roof and extend its life. Get your free quote today and enjoy years of added roof life and savings!

Sign #: Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the material placed around objects that protrude from roofs, such as your chimney and roof vents. Flashing is designed to prevent the movement of water into your roof by averting the water away from seams where water runoff is greater. It is made up of thin pieces of impenetrable materials aluminium and galvanized steel are most popular.

Your flashing may be damaged as a result of the caulking material under the flashing drying out or deterioration of the material caused by weather and oxidation. Loose flashing is another common problem having loose flashing can cause water to seep, leak inside your walls and ceilings and cause extensive damage such as mould and mildew growth and rotted wood, which can cause irreparable damage to your roofing structure.

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Signs It Is Time To Replace Your Roof

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You know when it is time to get a new car because the signs are generally quite obvious. One such sign would be your car continually breaks down and needs constant repairing. It is also easy to tell when you need new furniture, which is essentially when you can no longer stand how torn, stained or scratched it is. However, do you know when it is time to replace your roof? When it comes to roof replacement, the point at which you need to replace your roof is not always so obvious. In fact, it rarely is . And, while some people might think that simply repairing their roof by replacing a few shingles will do the trick, in most cases, that only solves the problem in the short term. So, how do you know when it is time for a new roof? Here are 5 signs you need to seriously consider replacing your roof.

Cheaper Materials Will Lead To Damage

Dr. Roof- What to Know About the Roof Replacement Process

Homeowners also try to save money by choosing cheaper roofing materials. However, you know the saying: You get what you pay for. This holds especially true when it comes to home construction, which includes your roofing. So, if you buy cheaper materials for your roof, the odds are not in your favor in terms of avoiding repairs.

Cheaper materials, though if installed correctly, can be okay for a few years. But if you are looking for materials that will last and wont need to be repaired or replaced within a few years, you will save more money overall by paying for the high-quality materials upfront.

Along with this, the underlayment and ridge vents should also be of higher quality. At First American Roofing, we take a systematic approach for roofs, where everything is designed to work together. This includes the flashing of the roof, which if you choose not to replace, can allow easier access for water into your home. That can cause some very, very costly damage to your home. For us, making sure that all these other parts of your roof are functioning properly is part of the job. We dont cut corners. Period.

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Installing The New Roof

Follow all the manufacturers roofing installation instructions to get the new roof down in place. When laying a shingle roof, make sure to use starter shingles at the bottom and sides. Stagger each row to keep shingles from leaking water. All the nails holding the shingles in place should be just under the tar strip on the shingles and installed so that no heads are showing.

When installing a new metal roof, get everything square before starting and screw up the vertical edge, screwing into each of the ridges rather than the flats. By screwing each vertical row before moving to the next the roof will go on flatter. Stick with quality screws that have wide rubber washers for maximum coverage and protection. Screwing into the ridges rather than the flats helps protect the screws from pooling water and will naturally keep water away from the fasteners overall. We highly suggest hiring a local contractor when doing a metal roofing installation.

While Youre At Itcupola

Tearing off an old roof offers the opportunity to have your roofing contractor add one of these upgrades.

Before ridge vents became standard, cupolas were used to cool houses and barns. Fitted with louvers, or electronically controlled windows, they help draw cool air in through soffits or open windows, then vent warm air from the top of the building.

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What A Great Roof Looks Like And Being Sure You Get One

There are just a few keys to getting a new roof you enjoy now and one that serves you well in the years ahead:

  • Before selecting a material and specific color, look at a lot of houses, in person or online, to narrow your choices to what looks good on homes like yours
  • Research the materials youre considering by searching RoofingCalc.com to find consumer guides on the materials, costs, comparisons to other roofing types, and even information on top brands
  • Understand the warranties available for the roofing materials youre considering
  • Find a roofer using the tips above

Ultimately, the goals are to select quality roofing that looks good on your home, get competitive estimates from some of the best roofers in your area and then get to know them and their work before making your decision.

What To Expect If You Replace Your Roof Before You Sell:

Roof Replacement or Repair?

If your home demands a full roofing overhaul to sell, then prepare to fork up a significant sum to cover the project. HomeAdvisor reports that homeowners spend on average between $5,346 $10,787 on roof replacement, though Jennifer and Andrew Oldham have witnessed clients spend as much as $60,000.

The good news is, a roof replacement returns a fair amount of investment: 61.2% to 65.9% by Remodeling Magazines estimate. Industry research leaders the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Realtors echo this calculation in their joint 2019 Remodeling Impact Report. New roofing ranks the number one project for appeal to buyers and likely added value to home at resale. The report estimates that a new roof brings an average $8,000 return, with 33% of agents stating that a new roof has helped them close a sale.

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Covering Deductibles Is Illegal

It is illegal for a contractor to offer to refund the cost of your insurance deductible to receive the job. Reject any contractor who attempts to violate that rule. But how will they know right? Your insurance company can ask for proof that you paid your deductible before it pays the full amount of your claim. You might have to show a canceled check, money order receipt, credit card statement, or a copy of the payment plan with your contractor. And just in case getting mixed up in fraud allegations is not a large enough warning, please understand that a contractor who covers your deductible is likely making up for it somehow on the installation. So in other words, just say no to waiving deductibles.

The Real Cost Of Hiring A Cheap Roofing Company

A good roof is going to cost you more, but the payoff is significant. With something like a roof that protects your home and helps it run efficiently, you wont want to cut corners. Lets talk about what the actual cost of cheap roofing services is, which can include an increased likelihood of repairs, as well as causing damage to other parts of your home.

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Get A Professional Roof Inspection

With your amateur inspection complete, its time to phone the pros: roof inspectors.

We encourage all sellers to go out and get a report because then you can properly disclose to your would-be buyers the condition of the roof and what it takes to fix the roof, Andrew Oldham emphasizes. And theyre going to give us a bid basically on what they think needs to be done and how much life it has left.

With a detailed analysis, a professional roof inspector can even evaluate damage hidden underneath the shingles using an infrared scanner. With your inspection report in hand, you can move forward confidently knowing if its time to replace or repair your roof.

According to HomeAdvisor, a roof inspection costs between $119 to $303, though those utilizing infrared technology bump up to $400 to $600. The Oldhams recommend reaching out to your real estate agent to find a dependable, fairly priced roof inspector.

Our favorite inspector does home and termite, as well, so you can get three done at once. And sometimes the roof will be free if youre also getting the home and termite, Jennifer Oldham adds.

The Installation Of Necessary Products

How to fix a shingle roof. Shingle tab replacement. Easy! Home Mender.

It is a good idea to have all of the necessary pipes or vents on your roof replaced at this time. This includes your flashing. The roofer should be using copper or aluminum flashing. Using a roofing caulk is the best method for sealing the flashing to your chimney bricks. Other areas may need to be sealed as well. The gap in between the bricks and the flashing should be filled completely.

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Clear Away Old Roofing Material

One of the most important parts of installing a new roof is taking off the old one. If it is an asphalt shingle roof you will have to push a shingle fork underneath the shingles and pry them upward to curl the roofing off. Start at the top and work your way down. Remove the ridge cap shingles first and begin sliding the fork underneath each row of shingles and prying them up until they are loose. Put the removed shingles into the garbage and slowly work your way down until you remove all the shingles successfully.

To remove a metal roof, use a full size pry baror drill if the screws are not too weatheredto pry loose the easterners holding the panels in place. Remove the ridge cap and slowly remove all the fasteners in one panel at a time working your way from one side of the panel to the other. After the panel is completely unhooked pull it off and set it down on the ground. Continue this process until all the panels are removed during your roof replacement.

You Can See Sunlight In Your Attic

This one is pretty obvious. If you can get a peek into your attic and you see outside light coming through, that is not a good sign. If light can get into your attic, so can rain, cold air, and snow. Check for light or water stains on the attic floor. If you do see water stains, check on them when it rains. If they change shape and size, then you have an active leak.

Its worth noting that some homeowners rarely use their attic and wouldnt initially be aware of this problem. If you suspect roof damage, taking a peek under the roof after you look at its exterior is never a bad idea. Checking your attic on a semi-regular basis is good practice in general.

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They Have Good Reviews And Referrals

Reviews and referrals matter more than anything when it comes to hiring a reputable roofer. To find the right one, it definitely requires taking some time to read through good reviews and especially bad reviews. Plus, before you ever start your search, try putting out feelers to friends and family for referrals. If someone you trust would refer a company to you, it is probably a good bet they can also be trusted.

On these roofer websites, look for testimonials and customer feedback or reviews. If they can showcase some positive feedback from customers, thats a good sign! Do your research and dont just look at the star rating, read some of the reviews, and see what people are saying. It can be the difference between an okay roofer getting reviews, and an outstanding roofer who would have people coming back again and again if they could.

Asphalt Shingles Types And Features

When Do I Repair/ Replace My Roof?

Since asphalt and metal own such a large part of the market, we want to take a closer look at each.

Fiberglass asphalt shingles are offered in three basic grades:

  • Three-tab shingles are the most affordable and deliver the classic look of a shingled roof. 3-tab Shingle Roof on a House GAF Marquis WeatherMax Autumn Brown
  • Dimensional/Architectural shingles feature a base layer with a top layer fused to it that is cut to resemble wood shingles and shakes. Timberline American Harvest GAF Shingles Roof
  • Luxury Dimensional/Architectural shingles are built like standard dimensional but with more material and a higher profile that produces visual contrast and shadowing. GAF Premium Asphalt Shingles: Camelot Williamsburg Slate

Each type of shingles is available in an impressive range of colors. While the basic 3-tab shingles are only rated for 60 MPH to 80 MPH wind uplift, architectural/dimensional and luxury shingles are rated for 110 mph wind uplift, but with enhanced installation techniques, the warranty can be boosted to 130 MPH on many architectural shingle lines.

Solar/heat resistant cool shingles, impact resistant shingles and shingles treated to resist algae staining are worth considering if your climate conditions require it. Most residential roofing products come as dimensional shingles, but there are also a few basic three-tab shingle options.

Popular Asphalt Shingle Brands

Other top brands of shingles to consider are Owens Corning, IKO, Tamko, Malarkey, and Atlas.

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Consider Peeling Off Or Layering On

Another crucial choice is whether to remove the existing shingles or just layer the new ones over them. Building codes prevent shingles on a roof from being layered more than twice. To avoid damage from the second layer, remove the old layer of shingles before installing the new ones. However, if you dont have a budget, you can forgo and put new roofs over the original layer.

Keep in mind that when the old shingles are curled or if the roof is uneven, its recommended that you remove the original layer. When your roof is made of anything other than asphalt, removing the old material becomes more difficult. Apply more ways to protect your roof, and you can expect them to last for longer times.

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