There are many reasons homeowners may choose to repair their roofs. A broken shingle is an eye-catcher and a leak waiting to happen.
However, extensive damage and the approach of an aging roof’s expected lifespan often prompt a complete replacement. Roofers will usually recommend a full reroof if it’s time for one. Contact Montana Roofing Solutions for professional help.
Roof replacement, or reroofing, is one of the most costly house renovation projects. On average, homeowners spend between $9,117 and $46,000 on a new roof. However, roof replacement is a critical project that may not only fix problems like leaks and mold, but increase the overall value of the home.
The most important factor in determining the cost of a new roof is the material. There are a variety of materials on the market, ranging from basic asphalt shingles to luxury copper. Choosing a more expensive material can make the cost of a new roof go up, but it could also save on energy costs or add value to the home.
Other factors that affect the cost of a new roof include the pitch (angle) of the roof, and any special features. The higher the pitch of a roof, the more difficult and expensive it is to replace. The same goes for features, like skylights, dormer windows, and chimneys, which require additional flashing and careful cuts to ensure the roof’s structure is waterproof.
In addition to the cost of the new roof, a homeowner should consider the price of tear-off and disposal of the old one. If the old roof has to be removed before the new one can be put down, this will inflate labor costs. Other associated costs can include permit fees, debris removal, and landfill charges.
There are a number of ways that a homeowner can finance their roof replacement. If they have built up 20% equity in their home, they can take out a Homeowners’ Equity Line of Credit, which is similar to a second mortgage but with fixed interest rates. Another option is a personal loan, which typically has higher interest rates than a second mortgage but is less risky than putting your home on the line.
If your roof is only damaged in a small area or the damage is due to age, then it might be more cost-effective to repair the damages rather than replacing the entire roof. However, if the damage is widespread or your roofing materials are nearing the end of their lifespan, then it’s likely time to start considering a new roof.
Materials
The material used to cover your roof adds both a functional element and visual appeal to your home. It is also a key component of your roof’s longevity and energy efficiency, and certain materials are better suited for particular climates. While cost is a factor, it’s important to consider your preferences and the long-term impact of the type of material you choose.
While asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing choice, other materials are available, such as wood shakes, slate, clay tile and metal. The type of roof you choose will influence the overall look and style of your home and may affect its resale value. If you’re considering upgrading your roofing materials, ask a contractor about the pros and cons of each option. Also, consider the weight of each material and how it might require special framing or meet local fire codes.
Aside from the type of roofing material, it is also crucial to know whether your new roof will have a warranty and if so what it covers. Typically, manufacturers offer a 25-to-30-year or (preferred) lifetime warranty on their products. Some warranties are limited to specific contractors, while others include both the materials and workmanship. Make sure to research each contractor to find out if they have a good reputation, years of experience and recommendations from past clients.
The best time of year to replace your roof is fall, but it can be difficult to schedule an appointment with a contractor in the prime season. If you have a flexible schedule, you can often find more availability during the winter or spring.
Besides the obvious signs of damage, a major indicator that your roof needs to be replaced is when granules are being lost from your gutters or in downspouts. These are pieces of asphalt that give shingles their color and UV protection. Losing granules is normal and happens over time, but it’s a sign that the integrity of your roof is in jeopardy.
Be sure to check the sheathing (also called roof decking), which is the wood foundation layer. This is especially important in older homes. If there is rot or water damage, it can compromise the structural integrity of your roof. Replacing sheathing is an important part of any roof replacement.
Insurance
Most homeowners understand that the roof is a crucial part of their home, protecting it from extreme weather and other threats. And most also know that their homeowner’s insurance will cover some kind of damage to the roof. But what exactly is covered and when?
The best way to figure out what to expect is to review your policy. The first thing to note is that any coverage will be dependent on the cause of the damage. This is because most homeowners policies are written as either “named perils” or “open perils”. Named peril policies only cover damage caused by the specific perils listed in the policy. Open peril policies are more comprehensive and usually cover any damage not specifically excluded from the policy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the age of your roof can affect how much the insurance company will pay for it. Many policies only cover a roof up to a certain age and then the amount is depreciated just like a new car would be. And finally, many policies only pay for a roof to be replaced when it is damaged beyond repair.
So what does all this mean? The most important thing to remember is that you should always contact your insurer before attempting any repairs or replacements. This is because the adjuster will want to see the damage and will often need to make a decision before you can perform any work. It is also possible that your insurance company may decline to cover the damage if they feel that it is due to neglect or wear and tear rather than an act of nature.
The other important thing to remember is that your deductible will be an amount that you must pay out of pocket. This is something that most people don’t take into consideration and can often be a surprise to those looking at the overall cost of their roofing project. However, it is a good idea to speak with your local roofer about this so that you can have an estimate of the total costs and then determine if your homeowners insurance will cover any of this.
Installation
When a roof replacement is installed, it’s important to consider the conditions of the warranty. This type of warranty is offered by the manufacturer of your roofing materials, and typically covers any defects or problems with the material. Depending on the company and warranty, extended warranties may be available that cover labor and installation as well. These are usually more expensive, and require that the work be done by certified contractors on an authorized list and meets specific criteria.
The first step in a roof replacement is to remove the old roofing materials. A crew of skilled workers will come to your house with trucks and trailers to load up the old shingles. They’ll also use tarps to protect your property from debris. If your roof is over a steep slope, they’ll set up safety harnesses for workers to climb up and down the ladders as needed. They’ll then begin tearing off the existing shingles, working from the furthest corner of your roof away from the driveway. This allows them to move their trailers and dump the shingles without putting too much strain on the gutter system and roofing materials.
Once the old shingles are removed, the sheathing will be checked for rot and damage. If it’s in good condition, the sheathing will be used as the base for the new roof. However, if it’s in poor shape, a new sheathing will be required. This is especially true for older homes with cedar shingle roofs that are susceptible to decay and rot.
During the roof replacement, workers will apply metal flashing around chimneys and projections and in valleys to cover joints and prevent water leaks. The drip edge along the sides of your roof will be replaced as well. If your old roof was a wood shake or tile roof, these materials will be replaced as well. These types of roofs are more durable than asphalt shingles, but they do cost more and require a structurally sound building frame to support the weight.
You should also prepare your home for the upcoming roofing project by clearing the attic of sentimental items. The attic will collect the most dust during a roof replacement, and it’s best to store any valuable items on the lower floor of your house or in a garage until the roofing work is complete. You’ll also want to keep pets indoors during the work to avoid the noise and disturbance, as well as the possibility of stepping on a nail or stray shingle.