Roof replacement is among the most dreaded renovation projects among most homeowners. Typically, the average cost of a small roofing project is about $6,000, but you can easily spend more.
Regardless, roof replacement isn’t a discretionary undertaking. It commands a top priority due to the vital role a roof plays in your home. Ignoring a roof replacement can compromise your home’s structural integrity, which may decrease its overall value over time. While roof replacements require a significant investment, understanding some roofing basics can help you avoid common pitfalls. Here’s what you need to know about roof replacement.
You can look for certain signs to determine whether your home needs a new roof. While some may allow you a few months before the roof becomes obsolete, certain defects require immediate action.
Shingles often warp for various reasons, including age and subpar workmanship. Regardless of the cause, the defects eventually lead to leaks. In addition, missing or damaged shingles indicate your roof is compromised. Ideally, meticulous repairs can solve the problem, but replacement may be imminent when the damage is extensive.
If you notice loose granules in the gutters, your roof may need replacement in the future. The granules indicate the protective coat on the shingles is breaking away, leaving the roofing material prone to weather damage. Most importantly, your roof often requires an overhaul after 20 or more years. Most asphalt roofs require major repairs or replacement after two or three decades.
Roof replacements for most homes cost between $5,848 and $12,879. However, the exact cost depends on the roof pitch, size, labour, materials, and location. Typically, you’ll pay between $4 and $11 per square foot.
A significant portion of the costs goes toward materials and labour, but labour accounts for about 60% of the total costs. The amount includes structural repairs, dismantling the old roof, and installing the new roof.
The final price quotation depends on your roof pitch since steep roofs are complex and dangerous to replace. This means high-pitched roofs involve additional labour costs. The roofing materials often make a significant difference in your project costs. For instance, asphalt shingles tend to be cheaper than copper materials.
Similarly, location and roof design may contribute to the overall costs. Roofs with unique features may require more work, and some locations have higher permit costs. Regardless of your circumstances, consulting a professional contractor can help you determine the exact costs depending on your preferences.
The best roofing season starts from late spring to early fall. However, experienced contractors can work under snow conditions and deliver a perfect job. Don’t hesitate to contact a skilled team to replace your roof during off-season months. You can easily get affordable prices and discounts since the workflow and demand are low. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to involve a large team of roofers during off-season periods. This helps you get the job done in hours instead of several days.
When you understand the roofing replacement basics, you can make a wise decision when you’re ready to install a new roof. Typically, a medium-sized home requires about three days to replace the entire roof.
The first step is to remove old shingles, valley flushing, and drip edging. Most contractors use protective screens to avoid damaging your flowers and shrubs as they tear off damaged shingles and other materials. In addition, they use magnetic tools to collect metal objects and nails from the lawn.
If the roof has eminent structural damage, replace the wood and plywood sheathing to ensure it’s strong enough to support the new roof. Depending on the roof condition, install ice dam protection where necessary. The ice guard membrane is a waterproof material that prevents melting ice from penetrating the sheathing, which may lead to severe structural damage.
Asphalt roofing paper is laid over the sheathing to create an inner barrier to prevent water from dripping into the house. The rows overlap towards the peak and are held in place with staples.
It’s vital to install new valley flashing along areas where roof planes intersect and ensure they’re fastened with nails and sealed with roofing caulk. When installing shingles, start at the eaves and work your way up towards the peak. If your design includes roof vents, the shingles are installed from the lowest point towards the top.
Flashing material is vital in leak-prone areas like the chimney, stack vents, and around skylights. Ideally, installing the flashing material yields the best results when fixed as the rows of shingles move toward the roof peak.
Finally, installing ridge vents along the roof peak facilitates air circulation in the attic and can help expel hot air from your home. While ridge vents may not be present in older home designs, it’s important to include them during a roof replacement. If the design doesn’t allow ridge vents, installing alternative vent designs is a great idea.
Your homeowner’s insurance may not cater for roof installations resulting from wear and tear and normal aging. However, damage from weather elements like wind, thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, snow, and hurricanes is covered. Some policies may cover damage from debris and trees. A partial replacement is easier to claim than a complete roof replacement, but eligibility depends on the damage and your justification for a replacement.
In most cases, homeowner insurance has a predetermined deductible that you must pay out of pocket before the insurance company pays your claim. On the other hand, home warranties often cover leaks and common wear-and-tear problems, but you can sign up for other add-in options to maximize coverage.
Most manufacturers provide a warranty on roofing materials and may offer replacements if defects occur during the promised lifespan. However, these warranties have specific exclusions, including inappropriate installation and poor maintenance. In addition, some contractors may offer work guarantees for a certain time.
Replacing your roof is a huge investment that improves the safety, comfort, and overall value of your home. Understanding the roofing process and knowing how to identify subtle signs of deterioration can help you ensure a successful roof replacement. Ultimately, investing in professional roof replacement keeps your home safe and maintains its visual appeal.
