Replacing your roof can be a painful task, and not because it takes a lot of time and money but because of its gruesome process. Even before you start replacing the roof, you need to go through many options, contractors, and other to-dos to ensure the process becomes smooth.
On average, a US homeowner spends about $985, and replacing your roof can cost anywhere from $376 to $1649. But there are a few tips and tricks that will make the big task seem less stressful for you and also help you save some bucks. Let’s get going!
How do you know when to replace your roof?
Before you think of replacing your roof, you must rethink your decision and identify if it’s the right way forward or if it just needs a few fixes. But how will you know that it’s really time to replace your roof? Well, here are the signs:
1. It is older than 25 years
One rule of thumb to know before changing your roof is to check whether it is over 25 years old or not.
Generally, a conventional asphalt roof can stay strong for up to 25 years, after which it requires replacement. And if the asphalt shingles are installed on top of existing shingles, then they’ll last for 20 years or so.
2. Shingles are missing
If shingles are missing from the roof, then you need to replace it. Missing shingles are caused when they become weak and the adhesive joining them also starts to chip off.
However, if it’s the case with only one or two of them, you can easily repair it with the help of a handyman.
3. There is grit in the gutter
Asphalt shingles have grit embedded in them, and this grit creates a protective layer between the sun rays and the shingles.
While it’s normal for a grit or two to loosen and fall off into the gutter, the problem arises when the grit keeps on falling. If the granulated layer of grit is absent, the sun rays will bake the asphalt and curl them.
Things to Consider When Replacing a Roof
Now that you know the conditions under which your roof needs to be replaced, it’s time to look at some of the things to consider before you make the big decision:
1. Scale of replacement
A lot of homeowners make the mistake of opting for a nail-over reroofing instead of completely replacing the roof.
A roof replacement means completely tearing off the old roof and nailing on a new one and while it might seem like a tedious job, it will bear positive results in the long run.
A nail-over roof is done on top of the existing one. Even though it’s cheaper, it won’t be of the highest quality and might be more prone to wear and tear.
2. Type of materials
Since roof replacements are done once every 20-25 years, you might not be updated with the latest roofing materials in the market. So, remember to do your research thoroughly before choosing one.
For example, you can now get composite roofing materials like slate, cedar shake, or Spanish tiles instead of the conventional asphalt and clay ones.
3. Synthetic vs Natural
Though synthetic roofing materials cost slightly more than natural ones, they have greater long-term benefits.
Moreover, they don’t have to be maintained as often as traditional roofing materials, which means that you’ll be able to save quite a lot of money!
For example, wooden shakes require a lot of upkeep, whereas composite shake roofs look and feel the same and require almost zero upkeep.
4. Warranty
All trusted & experienced roof replacement companies offer you a decent warranty on their products and services, which is why you must research before choosing a company.
At LA roofing Materials, we have a great warranty policy in place that protects all our clients from paying for any kind of damages for the insured period.
5. Contractor
If you’re looking for a contractor but don’t know anyone, start by asking your neighbors and friends. Other than that, you can also look online. Wahetver medium you may pick, don’t forget to seek customer reviews and ratings.
6. Budget
Understanding the kind of money that you’ll need for roof replacement is crucial. But to ensure that you don’t go overboard, it’s best to determine a budget beforehand.
Even though roof replacements are expensive investments, there are still a few affordable options available. For example, asphalt shingles are quite economical and easy to maintain.
Over to you…
This guide must have certainly given you a kickstart on your roof replacement journey, but if you’re still not sure, contact our experts at LA Roofing Materials, and we’ll help you make the best decision – both for you and your roof!