Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?
Replacing your roof is one of the homeowners’ most daunting tasks. But how do you know when it’s time to replace your roof? The first thing that should raise a red flag is if the shingles are curled, cracked, or curling upwards. If this happens, you need to get on top of this and have someone come out as soon as possible.
Next, if you have seen a lot of leaks in your attic or around the roofline, it might be time to replace your roof. If there are any visible signs that water is getting into the walls and ceilings inside your home from underneath, you need to get on top of this right away before mold sets in or permanent damage occur. But before you start looking around and getting quotes from contractors, make sure that you have considered six important things about replacing your roof.
Roof Age
The age of your roof determines if it’s time to get a new one. A good rule of thumb is that if the roof is 18-20 years old, it might be time to consider replacing your shingles. That’s because roofs typically last 20 years or so before needing replacement. However, as the roof ages, certain issues will set in, and the roof will become more and more prone to damage.
Roof Material and Condition
What type of material does your roof have? Is it metal, wood shake, tile, or shingles? Is it in good condition, or does it need to be replaced because of wear and tear, age, or other factors such as storm damage?
If your shingles are curling or cracking, without a doubt, it’s time for a replacement. However, if you don’t want to wait until the water is getting in through these cracks, this indicates that it’s time to replace. On top of checking for these signs, you will also want to look at the roof’s overall condition.
The shingles should be relatively flat and uniform in color, with no missing patches or apparent damage from a storm. If they have curled-up edges, are yellowed, or are discolored in places, then it is time for a replacement. The metal sheets that make copper and galvanized steel roofs have a life expectancy of about 40 years. Therefore, when the wear becomes noticeable, it is time to replace them as well.
Lastly, if there’s too much moss growth or algae on your roof that has done significant damage, then you will want to take action before these grow into leaks, and more significant problems need to be fixed.
Costs
The cost for a roof replacement varies widely depending on the type of material you’re using. Roofing materials are rated by different grades to help determine how much they should be expected to last. The higher a material’s grade, the more it will cost in relation to its life span and durability. For example, a metal roof typically costs more than asphalt shingle roof replacements do.
Roof costs also vary in location. Different regions of the United States will have different charges for roof replacement. For example, in New York City, an asphalt shingle roof replacement can cost $25 to $30 per square foot, while a metal roof could be as much as three times that amount! The type of material you choose also influences the price and market availability.
Saving up beforehand is a good idea so that you’re not left with the stress of having to pay for it all at once and then being in debt for years because what happens if your roof needs repairs? You would need money on top of just getting the new one again, which can be more expensive than initially thought.
Geographic Location
When deciding on getting a new roof, it is essential to consider your location so that you’d be able to choose well on what type of roofing material to use. At the same time, it’s good to know how much extra money would be turned out for repairs in case of catastrophic events such as hurricanes, flooding, or high winds conditions. This is why climate considerations like snow and ice accumulation in colder climates, hurricanes, and high winds for coastal regions are very crucial. Also, ask the question: How long will a new roof last before needing replacement again due to climate?
Choose Your Roofing Contractor Wisely
You may have a new roof, but if you don’t choose the right contractor that will be able to look after your needs, then it’ll end up costing more than what was planned for, so make sure to hire someone who knows about the job and is willing to do it.
When deciding on getting roof replacement services, get one from an experienced contractor and make sure that the contractor is able to provide an estimate without any hidden extra charges. If you need a roof replacement service, it’s advisable not to do the work yourself. There could be potential hazards in doing so, such as rolling out tarps which can cause problems with insulation, or installing tiles incorrectly that may lead to leaks. There are a number of things to consider when getting roof replacement services, and they include the following:
- What is your budget?
- How long do you want it for?
- Do you need assistance with engineering design work, such as determining if there are problems in the home’s structure that should be corrected before installation or renovation begins, or are there problems in the home’s structure that should be corrected before installation or renovation begins?
- How experienced is your contractor with roof replacement services, and how long will it take them to complete the work?
- Is this an insurance claim, a personal project, or a rental property?
Prepare your Home
Getting a roof replacement can be a loud, messy and dangerous job. So it is crucial to prepare your place prior to getting your roof done. Also, if you have pets and children, make sure to have them in the house for the day of installation. Preparing your home will also include the following:
- Closing all windows and vents throughout the structure to prevent dust from entering inside.
- Moving any furniture around or removing it entirely depending on what is appropriate for your space.
- Cover up anything that you don’t want to be damaged by these types of work.
- Ensuring that the property is clean and tidy before any construction begins so that it can be left in top shape once finished.
- Protect your lawn, plants and clear your vehicles from the garage or driveway.
