What You Need To Know About Getting a New Roof
Replacing your roof can be a scary and overwhelming process. Today we are going to break down what you need to know about getting a new roof. And hopefully take some of the fear out of it.
When Do I Need To Replace My Roof?
Age
Most asphalt roofs only last between 20-30 years. If you’re at that mark it is probably time for a new one.
Storm Damage
High winds, tornados, and hail can wreak havoc on a roof. Not to mention the branches and other debris they may drop on your home along the way. This is probably the most obvious but severe storm damage often warrants a roof replacement.
Leaks
We got in depth about roof leaks here but for the sake of brevity the tell tale signs are:
Musty odors
Water damage
Mold growth
If you have a leak in your roof it’s, at the very least, in need of repair.
Look at Your Roof
If you see shingles that are cracked, damaged, or buckling it’s time to have an inspection done. If you see something dramatic like sagging or holes, odds are you need a full replacement.
Things Are Growing Up There
If you see things like moss, algae, fungi, or mold growing it can be a sign of a much bigger issue. Sometimes those issues are repairable, but sometimes they require a total roof replacement.
Can I Replace My Roof In The Winter?
This one is dependent on your location. Places with warmer and dry climates, roofs can be replaced pretty much all year round. Colder climates are where this gets tricky. The issue is some roofing materials cannot be set when it is wet or too cold out. Some necessary machinery can also malfunction at lower temperatures.
Need a roof inspection? Call us today!
Can I Just Have A Roof Installed Over The Old One?
Roofing materials require a new seat and sheeting. You cannot do that over old shingles. Putting new shingles over old ones also makes it so you cannot check the state of the roof underneath. This will make it impossible to find larger issues like rot and decay.
Can I Install It Myself?
The short answer is, possibly. The long answer is no. There are many safety risks when it comes to roofing. Someone who is improperly (or not even) trained can seriously hurt themselves. If that isn’t enough of a reason, well it’ll probably cost you more to DIY.
Without experience roofing can get very tricky very fast. Yes plenty of DIY roofing guides exist but they are normally shown on straightforward and easy installations. As any roofer can tell you, your roof is probably not a straightforward and easy installation. A bad roof installation will at best need to be replaced or repaired much sooner than a properly installed one. At worst we are talking about total roof collapse. When you hire a roofer you are paying for the materials but you are also paying for their labor and experience.
How Long Does A Roof Last?
This question depends on what type of roof you have and where you live. But asphalt roofs are by far the most popular and last about 20-30 years. This is of course assuming they are being maintained, were properly installed, and no major storms have damaged it.
Will It Lower My Energy Bills?
Yes, older roofs can have poor insulation or damage which causes them to lose heat or cold. This means your heating and cooling systems have to work harder to keep a consistent temperature, costing you money. Or as your parents might say ”I’m not paying to heat/air condition, the whole outdoors!” A new well insulated roof fixes hot and cold air escaping, which in turn, lowers your energy bills.
And a nice bonus if you live in a climate with a lot of snow. A well insulated roof also helps prevent ice and ice dams from forming during storms.
Need a roof inspection? Call us today!
Is A Roof A Good Investment?
Yes, the energy savings alone seriously help cut costs in the long run. Not to mention a more energy efficient home is a more environmentally friendly home. And as long as things are properly installed and maintained, you shouldn’t have to worry about your roof for at least a decade or so. That peace of mind can be invaluable.
If you are looking to sell your home, the answer to this is still yes. Buyers are much more likely to make an offer on a house with a newer roof. Houses with older roofs are normally passed over since re roofing is expensive. Many people just don’t have the means to afford re roofing after they just put all their money into a new home.
How Much Will A Roof Cost?
This is dependent on a lot of different factors, including but not limited to:
The structure of your roof
What kind of roof you are replacing
What kind of roof you are installing
The list goes on. Roofs can run anywhere from $4,000 to $17,000. We know such a wide range doesn’t help narrow things down much. The best person to ask about this is a licensed roofer. They can give an estimate based on your particular needs in a much smaller price range.
Do I Have To Replace Gutters and Downspouts?
It’s not compulsory but it’s also not a bad idea to handle all of them at once. When a roof goes on gutters have to be taken off. If they are too damaged to still be functional or nearing the end of their life it just makes sense to replace them then. Since they are already off and can be worked in with the re roof. If your gutters and downspouts are in good shape they will simply be put back up once the roof is replaced.
There you have it. A basic rundown of what you need to know about replacing your roof. Hope we helped take some of the mystery out of the process. Transparency is what we strive for in all the work that we do. Give us a call today at (636) 699-0449 or request your free inspection today. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. If you’re in the St. Charles County area and looking for an experienced roofing and siding contractor, we are bringing forth over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry. That’s something you can trust and especially if we’re in your neck of the woods.