If you own a home, there might come a point where you have to replace your roof. Roofs are meant to last for a long time, but even the highest-quality roofing system has an expiration date. Leaving your roof past its lifecycle will leave your roof vulnerable to the outside elements.

Roof replacements are necessary, but it can also be an overwhelming and frustrating experience for homeowners. Most people only do it once, so it would be understandable that many are unfamiliar with the processes.

It’s best to be fully prepared before partaking in a massive project like a roof replacement. If you’re planning to get a new roof for your home, we’ve gathered several of the frequently asked questions about getting a roof replacement and offer the following answers:

FAQs About a New Roof

What Are the Signs That I Need a New Roof?

Many types of damages can compromise a roofing system to the point of needing replacement. If you feel comfortable performing a roof inspection on your own, begin by inspecting your roof’s condition from the inside out. Look for obvious signs like holes, leaks, missing shingles, or traces of animals living in your attic.

Other good indicators for replacing your roof include finding curled, cracked, or misshapen shingles as well as damaged flashing, ice dams, and discolored ceilings and walls. Although, there are times when a roof has naturally reach the end of its lifespan.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know where to begin to look, and homeowners aren’t sure what they are looking for. That’s why hiring a roofing professional to perform inspections is a smart investment. They know the kinds of damage that occurs on the roof and where to look for them.

Can My Roof Be Repaired or Reroof Instead?

Replacing a roof is a significant investment, so not many homeowners choose it as a first option. They would prefer settling with the easier and less expensive option of repairing instead of a full replacement.

However, the work needed to be done will depend on the level of damage to your roof. Repairs are more suitable for damage situated within a few shingles of the roof. They’re also ideal for extending the life of your current roof until it’s time to tear it off and replace it with a new one.

When it’s time to get a new roof, you have the option of either re-roofing or complete replacement. A re-cover involves installing another layer of shingles over a preexisting roof. Many prefer this for its low cost. However, building codes don’t always allow multiple re-roofs. It’s also not an ideal solution for roofs with existing problems with the sheathing or roof deck.

Roof replacements are more common in roofs nearing the end of their service life and showing signs of deterioration after years of constant exposure to outside elements. A complete roof replacement isn’t cheap, but it is necessary when the damage is too severe to consider re-roofing, as well as if the roof has already gone through re-roofing.

This is a full-blown process that involves tearing off the existing roofing system. It’s sort of a last resort to roofs that cannot be fixed with simple roof repairs anymore. Talking to a professional is the best way to know whether only minor repair, re-roof, or full roof replacement is necessary for your situation. The wrong choice can result in either further problems down the road or spending more than necessary.

Can I Do the Work Myself?

DIY roofing can be a tempting endeavor. Trying out the work yourself can save you a lot of money from labor costs. It can also be a fun way to spend your free time. However, a roof replacement is not something you should do on your first try.

Roof replacements are a project of magnitude and importance that have the same level of risks no matter how capable you are of handling roof work. Roofing is a dangerous line of work, especially to those unfamiliar with walking on top of the roof or who have no idea how to spot potentially dangerous conditions. You can get yourself seriously injured with just one wrong move.

There’s also a high chance that you don’t have the same knowledge or experience as a professional. As a result, you won’t easily find any problems or mistakes that could occur during the project, resulting in compromised performance. You can end up spending more time and money on fixing your mistakes.

There’s also the matter of warranty. Many shingle manufacturers will refuse to honor their warranties if the shingles are not installed by a certified roofer. This means that you’ll be on your own if any problem arises from installation errors. If there really is a defect with what you’ve received, you can’t get your money back.

How Long Does the Job Take?    

There isn’t exactly a fixed time when it comes to determining the length of time it will take to replace your roof. It varies based on several factors, including the weather, the complexity of the project, and the accessibility of your home.

In general, an average residence’s roof of 3,000 sq. ft. installed during optimal weather can be replaced for 1-3 days. Larger homes and steeper roofs would last longer as contractors would need a lot more time to install a quality roof. Unless you have a large home, you can expect that your roof replacement won’t take too long.

How Long Can I Expect My New Roof to Last?

An average roof system is expected to last for 20 years. However, a roof can last longer depending on factors such as its materials, installation, level of maintenance, ventilation, weather, and so much more.

When it comes to longevity, choosing the quality and type of materials to use are especially important. Each roofing material has different lifespans. Slate roofs and clay roofs last the longest, with a lifecycle averaging to a hundred or more years. However, they’re not often seen in households. Using these roofing materials means investing in extra framing to ensure that your home can support its weight.

Homeowners typically use asphalt shingles. They’re useful in all environmental conditions, and their upfront costs are low. Although, you should not expect them to last for as long as slate or clay roofs. Asphalt shingles need a replacement after about 20-25 years, but they can last longer with maintenance.

Metal roofs have also gained traction because of their strength, durability, and lifespan. This roofing material is also lightweight and can be easily installed over your home. Most importantly, they can last about 60 or more years with little to no maintenance. The only downside is that the installation costs are higher than asphalt shingles, but the amount you’ll save in the long run offsets the costs.

What Will It Cost?

The price of a new roof varies in every project. You need to factor in the materials involved, roof shape and slope, local labor prices, and other factors. For exact numbers, your best bet is to schedule a consultation and have your roof inspected by a contractor. After assessing your roof, they can provide a complete estimate of all material and labor costs.

However, some contractors may take this as a chance to add hidden charges. The best way to avoid this is to choose a trusted local contractor. Make sure it’s someone whose reputation and reliability are central to their success. Although, you also shouldn’t forget to check if their estimate is transparent and complete, even if they’re to be trusted.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy and reliable local roofing contractor, Universal Contracting of Florida has you covered. With our team of professionals in Florida, you can rest assured that your roof will be provided with the best care and get the job gets done. Visit our website at www.ucroof.com or call us at (866) 404-8045 to learn more.