The Top 7 Roofing Questions Answered
Roofing is one of the most critical components of any home, yet it’s often the least understood. From materials and maintenance to repairs and replacements, navigating the world of roofing can be daunting for homeowners.
Rescue My Roof has been working with homeowners for over a decade, educating them through every step of the roof-replacement process. We understand that the more information you have, the better the decisions you’ll be capable of making for your home and families.
To shed light on the most crucial aspects of a roof replacement, we’ve compiled a list of top roofing questions and provided expert answers to help you better understand and care for your roof. Ultimately, you’ll be empowered to take on your roof replacement with pride.
1. How Do You Know It’s Time for a Roof Replacement?
Roof replacements aren’t a common occurrence for a homeowner – they are meant to be replaced once, and last a home’s lifespan. But knowing when it’s the right time to replace your roof can save you from leaks and possible water damage to your home’s interior.
With that in mind, you shouldn’t need a roof replacement unless your roof is near the end of its lifespan. If your roof was properly installed, your attic is ventilated, and you do regular roof maintenance, your roof should last as close to its maximum lifespan.
Depending on your style of roof, its lifespan could be 20 years, or even up to 50+ years. But if you haven’t replaced your roof in your home’s lifetime, it’s time to start looking for signs it needs a roof replacement.
Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
- Curling or cracking shingles
- Granule loss (bald shingles)
- Missing shingles
- Roof sagging
- Moss and algae growth
- Leaks
If your asphalt roof has any or all of the above, there’s a good chance it’s time for a replacement. Consult with a local contractor to determine the extent of the roof’s damage, and get a free estimate.
2. How Do I Find A Trustworthy Contractor?
Hiring a high-quality roofing contractor helps you get the most out of your roof. But finding a good contractor can be difficult.
That’s why it’s important to do the research and even talk to multiple roofing companies. But even then, there are some things you can do to make sure you’re looking at the right companies.
Here are some tips to help you hire a contractor you can trust:
- They have a local phone number and physical office location
- They have proof that they’re licensed and insured in your state
- They have recommendations from local homeowners
- Positive reviews from the last 3 months
- They offer a workmanship warranty
- They’ve been in business for over 5 years
- They are a shingle manufacturer-certified installer
While these tips can get you started, the best way to ensure you hire a great contractor is by asking the right questions when you meet with them.
Here’s a checklist of 8 questions every homeowner needs to ask a roofing contractor with the right answers you should get back.
3. What’s the Best Roofing Material?
Other than choosing your roofing contractor, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is picking the type of roofing material you want. Some homeowners try to find the “best” roofing material.
But the truth is, you need to find the best type for you and your situation. When trying to find the right type of roofing material, you need to consider the look you want, your budget, and how much life you want to get out of it.
If you’re on a tight budget and looking for affordability, an architectural asphalt shingle roof is probably the best option. But if your budget has some range and you want a roof that stands out more, luxury asphalt shingles are a great option.
If budget isn’t an issue and you want a roof that turns heads, a standing seam metal roof, a composite (synthetic) shingle roof, a cedar shake roof, or a slate roof is the way to go. Just know these are premium roof systems that come at a price most homeowners can’t afford.
4. How Much Does A New Roof Cost?
This next one is probably the biggest question (and concern) homeowners have about getting a new roof. This, of course, is how much a roof replacement costs.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give you an exact price for your roof due to the multiple cost factors. However, we can at least give you a general idea.
The national average of a roof replacement is approximately $12,000. However, it can range anywhere from $8,500 to upwards of $20,000.
When you break this cost down by square footage, you’ll find that many companies will charge around $4.75 – $7.00 per square ft. However, these prices can vary widely depending on many factors like the complexity of your roof, labor, and materials.
5. How Long Does A Roof Replacement Take?
You’ve been dealing with an old or leaking roof and now your replacement is scheduled – but how long will it take to complete?
The exact timeline for every roof replacement is different depending on weather, roof size, material, accessibility, and complexity. However, for a standard asphalt roof, most can be replaced in a day.
6. Does A New Roof Come With Warranties?
After your roof is installed, you’ll have two types of warranties to protect your investment. The first warranty will be on the workmanship of the roofing contractor you hire.
The length of your workmanship warranty depends on the local roofing contractor you hire and varies from company to company. They range from 2, 5, 10, 25 years, or even a lifetime warranty.
Remember, you need to look for a roofing contractor that offers a lifetime warranty or close to it. If they don’t offer at least a 10-year workmanship warranty, don’t think about hiring them.
The second warranty is on the roofing materials themselves, and each roofing material offers a different type of material warranty.
For example, asphalt shingles come out of the package with a warranty from the manufacturer. On the other hand, metal roofs come with a warranty on the painted finish that protects the metal panels.
Composite shingles have a limited lifetime warranty that’s prorated after a certain number of years. But when you get to a cedar shake or slate roof, you won’t have a material warranty because they’re naturally made.
Both of these warranties are crucial to protect your roof investment. But as long as you find a great roofing contractor and invest in quality materials, you should get the best warranties available.
7. Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage?
Homeowners insurance is meant to protect your home if there’s ever a problem. However, homeowners insurance won’t cover your roof just because it’s leaking.
Homeowners insurance typically covers the following:
- Acts of God
- Discontinued shingle colors
- Extensive roof damage
Roof damage caused by extreme weather events, like storms or high-speed winds, is known as an “Act of God.” Insurance will cover damage under this category, ranging from fallen tree limbs to hail strikes.
Insurance will also cover a roof replacement when your shingle colors are no longer in production (discontinued). With this in mind, you won’t have to have off-colored patches or a Frankenstein roof. Your roof will look clean and uniform.
Additionally, homeowner’s insurance should also cover extensive roof damage.
Your policy should contain a clause detailing the damage over a percentage of your roof. This is the minimum damage your roof must have to be covered by the insurance company.
Once you have thoroughly reviewed your policy, find an accredited roof inspector to assess the damage properly. Damage may not be immediately visible, but an experienced inspector will know what to look for.
After the inspection, an insurance adjuster can determine if your roof meets the criteria.
You may need multiple roofing bids for this process. Contact your insurance before scheduling estimates to determine how many you need.
Get Everything You Need to Know About Roof Replacements
Navigating the world of roofing can be complex, but armed with knowledge and expert guidance, homeowners can make informed decisions to protect and maintain their roofs effectively.
By addressing common questions and concerns, we hope to empower homeowners to take proactive steps in caring for their homes and ensuring the longevity and safety of their roofs for years to come.
You can learn more about getting a roof replacement with “Top 5 Homeowners Insurance Questions Answered” and “Does A Roofing Company Need to be Licensed and Insured?”
Additionally, you can download our Buyer’s Guide to learn everything from materials to choosing a contractor to what to look for during the final walkthrough.
Are you looking for a reliable contractor in southeastern Wisconsin? Rescue My Roof has got your back. Contact us today to get a free estimate.