If you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, a new roof can be a good investment. Unfortunately, it’s often the case that a roof that looks fine needs to be replaced due to unseen damage underneath the shingles. When this happens, it’s cheaper to replace the entire roofing system than to fix the damage that has been done.
If you’re ready to get your roofing project underway, you’ll want to ensure you’re informed about all the various aspects of it. So let’s explore some of these fundamental questions and answers in more detail.
Basic Questions & Answers
You may have seen the signs for roofing companies all over town in the spring and summer, but if you’re like homeowners, you haven’t thought much about your roof since it was installed. Does that mean you shouldn’t? Absolutely not.
As we all know, things can change fast–just when you think you don’t need to worry about something, that something can turn into a significant problem. If you’re still unsure whether or not it’s time to call a roofing company, check out these FAQs:
Q: When Is It Time to Replace My Roof?
A: It’s almost impossible to give a general answer that applies to all roofs because every roof has its own life expectancy depending on the quality of materials and the area you live in. But there are some signs of wear and tear that you can look out for. If your roof looks more than ten years old, or if you see any of these issues, it might be time for a new roof:
- Missing or broken shingles
- Frequent leaks
- Cracks in shingles that are exposing the underlayment or plywood underneath
- Shingles curling up at the edges, exposing bare plywood underneath
- Leaves and other debris accumulating on the roof deck above the shingles
Q: Should I Replace the Shingles or the Entire Roofing System?
A: If your frame is still sound and in good condition, it might be best to replace the aging shingles. You’ll need to decide how much you can afford to spend on repairs or replacements and how soon you want them done.
The type of roofing system you have and the damage it sustained is often the deciding factor in whether you should replace just the shingles or the entire roof. Shingles are usually the part of a roof that wears out first because they are exposed to weather elements, such as rain and sun.
When they become worn out, they start curling up and may even begin to crack. If you have just a few rotten shingles, you can replace them instead of replacing the entire roofing system. However, shingles wear out more quickly than metal or slate systems, so if you have more than 50% of your shingles that need replacement, it is more economical to replace the entire system with metal or slate.
Many homeowners insurance policies cover replacing the entire roof under a standard policy.
Q: Can I Replace My Roof in the Winter?
A: The short answer is technically yes. The long answer is that the season you choose to replace your roof will affect how much it will cost and how long it will take. While there are certain situations where you can replace your roof in the winter, many people are more likely to do so during the summer months.
There are a few reasons why this is preferred:
- It’s easier on the work crew–they have more daylight hours and less inclement weather to deal with during their work day.
- There’s less chance of damaging any plants or fixtures around your home.
- There are fewer impactful elemental problems, such as moisture affecting the work sites on or around shingle installation.
Roofing is an outdoor project that requires good visibility; it’s not wise to be up there with snow and ice, even if it’s not falling right at that moment. If you live in an area where temperatures routinely drop below freezing in winter, you may have to wait until spring to start the project.
Q: Will a New Roof Lower My Energy Costs?
A: A new roof doesn’t directly impact your energy bills in an immediately obvious way. However, it does improve your home’s durability and resistance to inclement weather, which can lead to reduced energy bills over time.
The idea is that better protection from rain and wind means you don’t have breakdowns and problems as much as you did before (and can thus avoid a lot of repairs). That means less time spent indoors running the heating or air conditioning system, which means lower utility costs.
Bringing It Home
Installing a new roof is one of the most expensive home improvements you will ever make. But it’s also one of the most important. A leaky roof can damage drywall, carpeting, and the supports in your house’s frame. If the problem isn’t corrected, it could cause damage that requires the replacement of other elements like walls, floors, and ceilings.
No doubt, a new roof will be a sizeable investment, but you can feel more confident about your decision if you’re aware of what a new roof will and won’t do for you. At Arrow Roofing, we understand what it takes to correctly replace your roof the first time and strive to provide excellent customer service!
Get in touch today to learn more!