Ensuring the safety and comfort of your family is paramount, and your roof plays a crucial role in achieving that. That’s why it’s vital to prioritize roof maintenance.
Stay proactive by conducting regular inspections and promptly addressing any necessary repairs. Keep track of your roof’s age and consider setting aside an emergency fund for unforeseen home renovations, like roof replacements. With proper care and preparation, you can safeguard your home for years to come.
In this homeowners guide to roof replacement, we’ll cover the basics of roofing 101 and walk you through some of the ins and outs of finding a professional roofing contractor for your residential roof replacement.
- Understanding Residential Roof Replacement
- Why Roof Replacement is Necessary
- DIY or Hire a Professional
- Cost and Budgeting for Roof Replacement
- Planning Your Budget
- Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
- Evaluating the Contractor
- Preparing for Roof Replacement
- The Roof Replacement Process
- Maintaining Your New Roof
- Regular Inspection
- Immediate Repairs
- Final Thoughts on Roof Replacement
- Frequently Asked Questions
KNOW THE SIGNS
Understanding Residential Roof Replacement
And though the roof might often be overlooked when renovating a house. Shingles typically need to be replaced every 15-20 years, depending on where you live in the U.S., weather severity, and other conditions.
Compare that to more durable solutions, such as metal roofing, which can last for as long as 50 years.
Why Roof Replacement is Necessary
Roof replacement is necessary thanks to years of environmental abuse. Cracked shingles, leaks, or broken tiles can jeopardize the roof’s structure, requiring repairs or replacement.
Why Roof Replacement is Necessary
- Heavy winds
- Torrential rains
- Hail, snow, or ice
- Pests
- Harsh sun
- Extreme heat
- Falling debris
- Subzero temperatures
- Fluctuating humidity levels
Even without these environmental issues, all roofs will eventually wear out over time and need to be replaced. More durable roof materials such as metal are available, which can last almost three times as long as traditional asphalt shingles.
Signs you need a home roof replacement include:
- Your roof is older than 20 years
- Missing, cracked, or deformed roofing or flashing
- Damaged vents, which can be fixed temporarily by a qualified roofing professional but still indicate a replacement is needed
- Water leaks or damage
- Sagging ceiling
- Loose or falling pieces of roofing
- Visible daylight through your roof
- Mold, moss, mildew, or algae
- Decrease in energy efficiency
- Rodents and bugs in the home
- Rot
You’ll also want to watch for regular signs of wear and tear. As these issues grow in number and severity, it may be time to consider a roof replacement:
- Visible dents from hail damage
- Fading color and deterioration from UV (sunlight) exposure
- Curling shingles and stress cracks from high winds
- Dark spots, which may indicate granular loss
- Streaking
If you’re not sure about the condition of your roof, Fisher Construction LLC offers a free, no obligation inspection that can help you make the right decision. To learn more, get a free estimate and book your inspection today or call 1-309-203-2111 for more information.
WHEN TO ASK A PRO?
DIY or Hire a Professional
You might be wondering whether roof replacement is a do-it-yourself, or DIY, home project, but it’s wise to hire a professional to do the job since it’s a complex undertaking.
Whether your roof is currently shingles, tile, wood, slate, or metal, replacing your roof is best done by a qualified contractor. Professional roofers can help you select the best materials and ensure your home is outfitted with the best roofing solution in the safest way possible.
Trained installers understand how to handle where different surfaces meet and how to properly create a water barrier to prevent leaks and other issues. Consider these additional benefits of having your roof professionally installed:
Roofing contractors typically offer a thorough inspection of your roof to identify potential issues, such as sources of leaks, and assess the size and complexity of your roof.
After conducting an inspection, professional roofers recommend the best materials and options for your home based on their findings.
There’s no risk of injury as you won’t be climbing ladders and working on the roof yourself.
Building codes vary from area to area, and these codes can be quite complex. Experienced roofing installers are familiar with the building codes in your area and can ensure that your new roof is up to code.
Working with an insured professional roofing contractor means higher-quality work and compliance with building codes, plus protection from liability for any accidents or injuries.
You won’t need to sacrifice family time at the weekend to get the job done.
While the roof material will come with a warranty, if you install the roof yourself, you’ll be responsible for fixing any mistakes that might occur as a result.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR WALLET
Cost and Budgeting for Roof Replacement
A roof is an investment that increases the value of your home and is not something you want to fail – it’s protecting your home and, therefore, your family. The cost of residential roof replacement varies widely depending on a number of factors, such as:
The slope and pitch of your home’s roof factors into material and labor costs for roof replacement.
The cost of residential roof replacement depends on the materials used for the new roof. From various kinds of wood to different metals, and asphalt to clay to fiberglass, all ranging in styles, roofing material costs vary across the spectrum.
The labor involved in replacing the roof also factors into the overall cost of a roof replacement. How labor-intensive the work is, as well as how long it takes to complete, impact the bottom line.
Ongoing maintenance may not be considered part of upfront costs, but regular maintenance or repairs may increase the overall cost of roof replacement. Though you might spend less upfront, as with traditional asphalt roofing, you might just end up spending more in the long run due to the necessary maintenance and upkeep.
For instance, asphalt roofing is the most affordable material, but it requires more upkeep than other materials, such as metal. Metal roofs require less maintenance than traditional asphalt roofing, so while upfront costs may be higher, the roof’s lifespan is longer.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Planning Your Budget
Book your free Fisher Construction roof inspection to review what needs to be done, and then determine the best materials for the project. This will allow you to create a budget for the overall cost of the roof replacement.
If not, Fisher Construction LLC also offers financing, with tens of thousands of customers taking advantage of this feature for additional financial flexibility.
Other options for planning your budget include:
- Home loan
- Personal loans
- Credit cards
- Emergency funding from housing grants
Roofing contractors typically offer a thorough inspection of your roof to identify potential issues, such as sources of leaks, and assess the size and complexity of your roof.
After conducting an inspection, professional roofers recommend the best materials and options for your home based on their findings.
There’s no risk of injury as you won’t be climbing ladders and working on the roof yourself.
Building codes vary from area to area, and these codes can be quite complex. Experienced roofing installers are familiar with the building codes in your area and can ensure that your new roof is up to code.
Working with an insured professional roofing contractor means higher-quality work and compliance with building codes, plus protection from liability for any accidents or injuries.
You won’t need to sacrifice family time at the weekend to get the job done.
While the roof material will come with a warranty, if you install the roof yourself, you’ll be responsible for fixing any mistakes that might occur as a result.
WHO TO TRUST?
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
When you’re looking for someone to fix your roof, you want to be sure to choose the right roofing contractor. Consider the following factors when hiring a professional roofer.
Factors to Consider:
Evaluating the Contractor
When looking for the right roofing contractor, evaluate the business and interview the contractor.
Consider the following:
Discuss when your roof will get done, how long it will take, and when you will be billed for it.
With over 6 years in business and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, Fisher Construction LLC has the experience and the integrity you need in a roofing company.
Preparing for Roof Replacement
Prepare your house and yard for roof replacement. Some tips include:
The Roof Replacement Process
1. Initial assessment
Get a roof inspection and measure your roof. It’s important to understand the size, slope, and overall complexity of a roof replacement. Some contractors offer a free roof inspection and quote or estimate for roof repairs or replacement.
2. Tear-off vs. overlay
Remove old roofing and make necessary repairs.
- Tear-offs are the removal of your existing roof. They’re typically more expensive than overlays and last longer. Tear-offs are the preferred method as they ensure installation is uniform, generally last longer and result in less issues over the lifetime of the roof.
- Overlays add roofing on top of the existing roof. They may be less expensive than tear-offs and add weight to the roof.
3. Choosing materials
Research the various roofing materials available and speak with your roofing contractor about the best roofing solution for your home. From wood to metal to concrete, what’s right for your home may depend on your outdoor environment and weather.
4. Selecting the right style
Discuss the right style of roofing – for example, Spanish Tile, Shake, or Dimensional Shingle – that will best suit your home, environment, needs, and budget.
5. Installation
Once the old roofing material is removed and damaged areas are repaired, there are a number of other components that must be in place before the roofing itself is installed. These include the underlayment, drip edge, flashing, and snow & ice guards. Gutters are reinstalled if necessary. Think about replacing gutters or adding gutter guards as the roofing company can often do this at the same time.
6. Post-installation inspection
Once the roof replacement is complete, a post-installation inspection confirms the finished job to ensure all work was completed as asked.
TAKING CARE
Maintaining Your New Roof
Maintain your new roof so it lasts as long as possible. How much maintenance, time, and money you spend depends on the type of roofing material you choose to go with. Affordable options featuring lower upfront costs, such as traditional asphalt roofing, require more time and money in the long run due to higher maintenance.
Metal roofing features the least amount of maintenance, resulting in lower costs, time, and effort for your new roof replacement. Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, so the upkeep is minimal, and they last a long time.
DON’T BE SURPRISED
Regular Inspection
Regularly inspect your roof. Look for signs of damage, water leaks, mold or mildew, bugs, or anything that appears out of the ordinary. Though you can safely check over your roof from the ground, it’s best to hire a professional to inspect it in-depth from the top.
Roofing specialists, such as those from Fisher Construction, inspect your roof inside and out for shingle deterioration, damage to the roof or gutters, faulty flashing, or structural concerns.
DON’T LET A SMALL PROBLEM BECOME A LARGE ONE
Immediate Repairs
Address any roof damage immediately so the problem doesn’t get worse. If the damage is in an isolated spot, simple repairs can fix the area. Contact a roofing professional to make sure the job is done safely.
GO WITH AN EXPERT
Final Thoughts on Roof Replacement
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to residential roof replacement. From the initial inspection to the final showcase, roof replacement requires multiple steps. With a variety of materials and a range of styles to think about, working with a roofing contractor can help make the process easier.
Contact a roofing professional to find out if you need a new roof. Get a free quote from the roofing experts at Fisher Construction and learn what you can do to improve your home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get the Facts
Asphalt is one of the most common materials used for roofs in general, and steel is the most used metal for metal roofing. With benefits ranging from durability to low maintenance, metal roof replacement has become popular with homeowners. Other common materials used for roof replacement are wood, clay, slate, fiberglass, and concrete.
Roof replacement is a multi-step process that requires planning, building, and execution. From measuring your roof to the final inspection, the roof replacement process can take some time.
Residential roof replacement can take anywhere from days to months, depending on who you hire, the materials you use, the size of your home, and the environmental conditions at the time of roofing.
Some companies are faster than others. Fisher Construction is one of the fastest in the industry, from the quoting process to typical installations taking less than a day.
It’s necessary to replace a roof if it’s past its average lifetime (20 years or less) or you notice any water damage.
Other signs it’s time to replace your roof include:
• Loose or missing roofing material
• Broken or deformed roofing
• Sagging ceiling
• Increase in energy bills
• Pest infestation
A reputable roof replacement company will walk you through the entire roof replacement process. Look for a company that will inspect your roof, give you a quote, and work with you to achieve your desired result. Follow this roofing 101 guide to help you find the best professional roofer.
FIsher Construction is a professional home renovation company servicing the nation with residential roof replacement, specializing in metal and asphalt roofing. Choose styling from dimensional shingles, Spanish barrel tiles, or wood shakes. Installed by expert roofers, Fisher Construction’s metal roofing is ultra-durable, features an appealing aesthetic, and is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
