Many of us don’t give our roofs much thought until the worst happens. But, if your roof is more than 20 years old, it’s time to start paying more attention to it. By being proactive, you can help avoid dangerous and expensive water damage by replacing your roof before it fails. To help you prepare to get a new roof, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of roof replacement FAQs with the most important things to know.
Continue reading to get the answers you need to help you feel more prepared for your roofing project.
What Are the Most Common Signs That I Need a New Roof?
One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is about how to identify issues with a roof. Fortunately, there are some tell-tale signs that your roof is in distress and about to fail, so long as you know what to look for around your home.
Knowing What to Look for
Ice buildup on your roof in the wintertime can create what is known as an ice dam. An ice dam created when melting snow runs down from the top of the roof and re-freezes on the overhang. This can cause water to backup underneath the roofing materials, causing significant damage. With proper ventilation, insulation, and under-layment, ice dams can be avoided.
The area surrounding the chimney, especially older ones, can also be problematic. Many were built without a saddle (a small roof behind the chimney that diverts water to the sides of it) which causes water to collect. If a chimney is missing its saddle, the good news is one can be installed. Flashing around the chimney can also rust, come loose, and not fit right in the first place, causing leaks. Siding and windows can also be common areas that contribute to a leaking roof. When having a professional roof inspection done, homeowners should be sure that these areas are included. The roof deck is the base of the entire roofing system. It is an extremely important part and should be completely inspected when the roof is being replaced. Any damaged areas should be replaced immediately.
The drip edge, also referred to by professional roofing contractors as ODE, is critical to the proper drainage of water from the roof. It allows water to shed away from the edges of the roof. These areas should also be professionally inspected and cleaned or replaced as necessary. Valleys of the roof are particular problem areas as well. Large amounts of water converse in these areas during a rainstorm and can cause mechanical damage to the shingles. It is especially important that these areas were installed correctly and that they are kept free of debris.
Damage to Your Shingles
Start by giving your roof a visual inspection. If you notice cracked, missing, curling, or loose shingles, it’s a good indication that you need to replace your roof. You might also notice granules in your gutters or moss and algae growth on your shingles. These are also signs that your roof is starting to fail.
Large Leaks
If you notice a small leak after a storm, it may just need a simple repair from a roofing contractor. However, larger or more persistent leaks usually indicate the need for a full replacement. At the first sign of a leak, call the SHS Pros team for further inspection to help you determine whether you need repairs or a full replacement.
Interior Water Damage
In some cases, you may have a leak without even realizing it. In that case, keep your eye out for interior water damage in the form of streaks, water spots, or stains. When you have a roof issue, you might notice these signs of water damage in your attic, on your walls, or on the ceiling. If you see signs of water issues, get your roof inspected before the damage gets worse.
You Notice Your Roofline Is Sagging
Your roofline should be strong and straight. If you notice that it’s starting to sag, then you need to schedule a roof replacement project as soon as possible. A sagging roofline is often caused by water sitting on your roof deck. If you don’t address the issue as soon as possible, you run the risk of your roof eventually caving in, leading to serious home damage.
Do I Need to Replace the Shingles or the Whole Roofing System?
When thinking about your roof, your first thought is likely the shingles. But, there are many more parts that make up your whole roofing system, including the following:
- Leak barrier, which prevents water from coming into vulnerable areas
- Starter strip shingles, which prevent your shingles from coming off your roof during windy weather
- Synthetic roof deck protection, which provides another layer of protection against rot
- Ventilation, which allows for airflow to prevent damage and increase energy efficiency
Whether you’ll need to replace only your shingles or parts of your whole roofing system largely depends on the state of your roof. After our team does a full inspection, we’ll be able to give you a better idea of what needs to be replaced.
What Materials Should I Use?
Once you decide to move forward with your roof replacement, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which material to use. Asphalt shingles are the most popular option on the market because they’re cost-effective, available in a variety of colors, and durable.
Here at SHS Pros, we proudly install asphalt shingles from two of the leading manufacturers on the market: GAF and CertainTeed.
Both companies have extensive product lines so you can choose the perfect shingle to complement the rest of your home’s exterior. Both manufacturers also have great warranties, helping you to protect your investment.
What Time of Year Should I Schedule My Roof Replacement?
While many homeowners opt to replace their roofs in the spring, summer, and fall, the reality is that roofing services are a year-round option. You can replace your roof at any time throughout the year, so don’t put off necessary services until you think it’s the “right” time.
However, keep in mind that the weather can impact your project. Rain, ice, or snow may delay work on your roof, which can be inconvenient. When you hire the SHS Pros team for your project, we’ll communicate with you about any weather delays so you’ll always know what to expect.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
Another common question we get from homeowners is about cost, as they try to budget for their projects. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How much your roof replacement will cost largely depends on the following factors:
- The size of your roof
- The extent of the damage to your roof
- The complexity of your roof’s design
- The materials you choose
- The roofing contractor you hire for the job
Our team would be happy to give you a more accurate estimate once we come out to evaluate the state of your roof.
Will Insurance Cover the Cost of My Roof Replacement?
Some homeowners insurance policies will cover the costs of roof damage, but not all policies will cover the whole replacement. We recommend working with your specific insurance company to determine how much they’ll cover for your replacement project.
Is a New Roof a Good Investment?
Speaking of costs, many of our customers wonder if replacing their roof is a good investment. The short answer is yes! Here in North Carolina, a roof replacement using asphalt shingles offers an average 58% return on investment, which is excellent.
Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the near future or you intend to stay in your house for the long term, replacing your roof is a good way to boost your home’s value.
What Does the Roof Replacement Process Look Like?
We get it. Replacing your roof isn’t exactly a fun home improvement project. But, when your roof is damaged, it’s a necessary one and it’s a high-value project at that. Here in the Charlotte area, a roof replacement has an average return on investment between 55% and 60%.
Before scheduling your roofing project, continue reading through this guide to learn what’s included in the price so you know exactly what to expect when you hire the Southern Home Services team.
- Initial Roof Inspection: Before we do any work on your roof, we’ll start by giving it a thorough inspection. We’ll use this time to assess any damage, take measurements of the area, and create recommendations for your roof replacement. This is also when we’ll give you an accurate estimate of the budget and timeline for the project.
- New Roofing Materials: After we complete your inspection, we’ll talk to you about the different materials available for your project. Here at Southern Home Services, we proudly install high-quality roofing materials from industry-leading companies like GAF and CertainTeed.
- Removing Your Old Roof: Once you’ve selected your new materials, it’s time for our team to get to work! We’ll start by removing your old roofing materials, down to the decking. If your decking is still in good shape, we’ll use it, rebuilding your new roof on top of it. However, if it has any signs of damage, we’ll talk to you about removing it and replacing it with new decking that’s more structurally sound.
- Installing Your New Roof: This stage of the roof replacement process generally takes the longest, especially if you have a large or very steep roof. During the process, we’ll install a water shield, new sealants, and flashing, to protect your home from water damage. Then, we’ll install a replacement drip edge, ridge ventilation, and your new shingles to finish up the project.
- Cleaning Up: After we finish installing your new roof, we’ll go through our extensive clean-up process. We’ll remove any debris from the project, carefully checking your yard for nails and other materials. We’ll then haul away the debris and recycle or repurpose these materials when possible. Our goal is always to leave your home in immaculate condition as if we were never there. Finally, we’ll give you a complete overview of everything we’ve done and answer any remaining questions you have.
What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for My Roof Replacement?
When you hire the SHS Pros team for your roof replacement, we’ll go above and beyond to minimize distractions to your life and take care of all the heavy lifting for you, cleaning up after ourselves when we’re done working.
That being said, there are a few small things you can do to make your replacement a bit easier. We recommend removing loose items from your walls so they don’t fall or get damaged during the replacement process. It’s also a good idea to clear your driveway and remove anything that might make it difficult for our team to access your roof.
How Long Will My Project Take to Complete?
The timeline for your project may vary based on a number of factors, such as the time it takes to order your roofing materials (if needed), or the complexity of your roof. However, in many cases, we can complete your roof replacement in as little as one or two days. When you hire our team for your project, we’ll be able to give you a more accurate estimate of how long your project will take to complete.
How Long Will My New Roof Last?
We understand that replacing your roof is an investment and one that you want to last. One of the reasons that we proudly install GAF and CertainTeed shingles is that they’re made with durability in mind and built to last.
However, even the best materials will start to degrade eventually. As a good rule of thumb, you can expect your new roof to last around 20 years. So, depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, this might be the only time you have to replace a roof in your lifetime!
How Do I Choose the Right Roofing Contractor?
Not All Roofing Companies and Contractors are the Same. When choosing a roofing contractor, it is vital for a homeowner to ask the right questions. Companies may use inferior products, not maintain a reliable crew to complete the job within the time frame given, or greatly exceed the estimate initially given for the job. Doing research and knowing which questions to ask can save homeowners major headaches and money in the long run.
What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor
In addition to workmanship and efficiency, the quality of the materials used in a roof replacement or new roofing project is vitally important. As a trusted roofing contractor in Charlotte for nearly 20 years, Southern Home Services has partnerships in place with some of the top manufacturers in the industry.
SHS is a GAF Certified Master Elite Contractor, which allows the company to offer all GAF products with an extended warranty. CertainTeed has a similar program in place, with only a small number of approved companies in North Carolina. This seal of approval ensures homeowners they are working with a CertainTeed expert.
Perhaps the most important decision you’ll make when planning your roofing project is who to hire for the job. When searching for the right company, keep the following tips in mind.
Read Customer Reviews
Start by reading through reviews from past customers to get a better idea of what it might be like to work with a particular roof replacement or repair contractor. Another important factor in hiring a roofing contractor is the general experience of the company. Homeowners need to know that the contractor can complete specific roofing projects in an efficient and cost-effective manner. For example, if a home needs new flashing, the company should have experience using flashing cement to keep the flashing around the chimney or edge of the roof in place.
Ask About Licensing and Insurance
Before hiring a roofing for your company roof replacement, ask for proof of licensing and insurance. The right licensing gives you peace of mind that a company is trained and certified to install your new roof safely. They should also have liability insurance, which protects you, as the homeowner, should an accident occur on your property. Researching the background of a company can also help homeowners make an informed decision. If a company has had any recent financial issues, judgments or liens against them from former customers, these are obvious red flags.
Ask for a Written Estimate
We’ve heard too many horror stories about homeowners getting a verbal estimate for a project, only to receive a much higher bill after the completion of their roof replacement. You can help avoid this by asking for a written estimate upfront.
Here at SHS Pros, we operate with honesty and transparency and will always communicate with you if something changes that could affect the cost of your project.
Use These Roof Replacement FAQs to Prepare for Your Project
After reading through the list of our roof replacement FAQs, we hope you feel more prepared about what to expect when planning your project. We also hope you’ll agree that the SHS Pros team is the best choice for your project.
As the Charlotte area’s leading roof replacement contractor, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners like you over the years and would be honored to work on your home next. To schedule a roof inspection with our team, contact us today.
