Making the decision to replace your roof is a choice that can come with a lot of roofing questions. And searching for answers can sometimes be difficult, especially without knowing the right questions to ask. For homeowners who don’t know much about roofing, this can feel like an overwhelming task, as there are so many factors to consider.
If you’re in the market for a new roof, then we’re here to help! While it’s hard to answer any and all questions you may have about purchasing a new roof without inspecting your existing one, we’ve compiled a list of the common roofing questions we get asked to help you with this process. Keep reading for the Top 5 Roofing Questions: ANSWERED, to become an informed consumer.
Table of Contents
– How Do I Know When it’s Time to Replace My Roof?
– How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
– What is the Best Roofing Material?
– How Long Does it Take to Replace My Roof?
– How Can I Find a Roofing Contractor I Can Trust?
1. How Do I Know When it’s Time to Replace My Roof?
Lifted shingles, like the ones pictured above, are a tell-tale sign that it’s time for a roof replacement
As far as roofing questions go, this tops the list. Unfortunately, many homeowners typically don’t even think about their roof until there’s a problem. Roofs don’t need to be replaced very often, however, knowing the signs to look for and knowing when to replace your roof can potentially save you time, money, and a major headache in the long run.
For example, knowing when it’s the right time to replace your roof can save you from roof leaks, and even water damage that can affect other areas of your home. If you know what to look for, you could spare yourself from having to replace or fix the ceiling, light fixtures, and even damaged paint and plaster on the walls. This can also cause mold and mildew, as well, leading to an unhealthy living environment for anyone in the home.
With that being said, if your roof was installed properly, your attic is ventilated, and your roof is well maintained, you shouldn’t have to replace your roof until it’s near the end of its lifespan. Depending on the roofing material, this means anywhere from 20-50 years. Below are a few of the common signs that you may need a roof replacement:
- Shingles that are missing, curling or buckling
- Granule loss
- Roof sagging
- Moss accumulating in areas of your roof
And that’s just to name a few! It’s also important to consider storm damage, and if your home has been impacted by a strong storm or a hurricane, then your roof may need to be replaced sooner than later. If you have been impacted by a storm, or notice any of these common signs of roof damage, it is highly recommended to call a quality contractor to take a closer look.
2. How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
When it comes down to it, this is probably the most common roofing question we get asked. Replacing your roof is a huge investment, so it’s understandable to be concerned about costs and your budget. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give an exact price without inspecting the roof itself, as there are a lot of factors to consider including:
- The size of your roof
- The damage your roof has sustained
- Accessibility
- Desired roofing materials
- How detailed and ornate your existing roof is
Each and every roof is different, and certain aspects can cause a fluctuation in cost. However, in general, the average cost to replace a roof on a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, easily accessible house with architectural asphalt shingles is around $15,000. This can double in cost if you are wanting to upgrade to a composite material or a luxury brand, but depending on which roofing materials you choose, the cost could range in price from $12.00 per square foot to $30.00 per square foot.
3. What is the Best Roofing Material?
A common roofing question almost everyone has is, “what is the best roofing material?” With such a big and important investment, homeowners want to make sure they’re getting the best of the best, and rightfully so! All roofing materials serve their purpose, however, so it all comes down to choosing the material that’s best for you and your particular situation.
When choosing the best roofing material for you, you will want to think about the aesthetic that you’re going for, your price range, and how long you want your new roof to last. An architectural asphalt shingle roof is a great option for those with price on the forefront, as it is one of the most economical. If you have some wiggle room when it comes to your budget, then you may want to consider upgrading to luxury shingles, as these will surely make your home stand out.
With that being said, if you’re looking for a roof that’s going to make a statement, you may want to check out premium roof materials. A composite shingle roof, a slate roof, or a cedar shake roof is a great way to turn heads, but they will come with a heftier price tag. Sitting down and consulting with a knowledgeable and vetted contractor is the best way to weigh your options, and choose the best roofing material for your needs.
4. How Long Does it Take to Replace My Roof?
It’s hard to answer this common roofing question, as every roof is different, and the needs of each client vary and are specific to them. Factors that can impact how long it takes to replace your roof include the size of the roof, its accessibility, and even outside forces like the weather can play a huge role. With that in mind, most roofs can be replaced in a day.
It’s also important to consider the type of roofing material that you’re having installed. For example, standard architectural asphalt shingles come in long strips for a quick and easy install. Slate tiles, on the other hand, have to be installed one at a time, and a project like this can take longer to complete. If you have a lot of roof decking that also needs to be replaced, this can make the process take longer, as well.
As you can see, from the weather to the complexity of your roof, there are a lot moving parts when it comes to giving a roof installation timeline. And in extreme cases, it can take anywhere from three days to three weeks. However, unless it’s a large home, most roofing projects can be completed in a full day’s work.
5. How Can I Find a Roofing Contractor I Can Trust?
This question is often overlooked, but is probably one of the most important roofing questions you can ask. Finding a knowledgeable, experienced and vetted contractor is the best way to ensure that you get the most life out of your roof, and that you won’t find yourself in need of repairs or replacement prematurely. Below are a few ways to find out if a potential roofing contractor may be a good fit for you and your needs:
- They are licensed, bonded and insured in your state
- They offer a 25-year or lifetime workmanship warranty
- They are certified by shingle manufacturers
- They have great reviews and can provide references
Asking a potential contractor these important roofing questions is a great way to choose the company that’s right for you, and to ensure you’re working with a quality team you can trust. This will also create peace of mind and confidence in your decisions, and help you to accomplish your roofing goals with ease. Check out our recent blog, “5 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofing Contractor [For Professionalism and Peace of Mind],” to help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a contractor for your roofing needs.
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Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship, and incomparable quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only are we fully bonded, licensed, and insured, but we can provide any references you may need, and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at 470-350-3024 for a NO-COST initial consultation and inspection, or fill out our online form for more information!