Common Questions About Roof Replacements

Investing in a new roof isn’t as exciting as a kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel, but it is a significant investment that happens only once (or twice) in a lifetime.  Because a roof replacement isn’t a regular purchase, many homeowners aren’t very familiar with the process, how to choose the best shingles, or even how to choose the best roofing company for the job.  There is a lot more to the roof replacement process than what we can cover here, but below are some of the most frequently asked questions, and a great place for you to start your research.

1.  How do I know I truly need a new roof?

Some of the older roofing shingles have a 15-30 year lifespan, which depends on the brand and quality of the shingles, the location, climate, tree cover of the home, and how well the roof was installed.  If you’ve had your roof for at least 12 years, you should inspect regularly for some of these warning signs: missing shingles, curling shingles, bald spots where the asphalt granules have fallen off, evidence of leaks on the ceilings, missing or rusted flashing, or visible cracks/holes.

It is always recommended to have a professional roofing contractor do a thorough inspection to determine if you need a full roof replacement, or if a few repairs can extend the lifespan of your roof.

2. How much will a new roof cost?

The cost of a new roof depends on several variables, such as: the brand, grade, and type of roofing shingles you select, the size of your roof, the shape of your roof, the slope of your roof, and the quality of the roofing contractor you choose.

Never base your decision solely on price.  Yes, a new roof is going to be expensive, so you may think going with the cheapest estimate is the best route, but keep in mind that you’ll end up paying more in the long run due to the extensive damage a sub-par roofing job can cause.

We offer free roofing estimates with no obligation at your convenience.  Just fill out our contact form or call (205) 942-8374.

3. Will gutters and downspouts need to be replaced also?

If your gutters and downspouts are in good shape, no, they do not need to be replaced.  Our crew will be able to work around them without causing any damage.  If they do need some minor repairs, we can provide that service as well.

4. Do I need to do anything special before the work begins?

A complete roof replacement job is going to be messy and loud, although we do everything possible to minimize the interruptions to your daily life and to keep your property clean.  Consider making plans to go somewhere else while the roofing crew is removing the old roof in order to avoid the loud noise.  Keep your pets in mind too.

We will place tarps over bushes and other landscaping elements to protect them from any roofing debris that may fall.  We use a special piece of equipment made specifically for roofing companies that allows us to keep all roofing debris off of the ground.  If you have valuable items in your attic, either remove them or cover them with tarps for protection.  Be sure to park your vehicles on the street so we can get all of our trucks and equipment as close to the house as possible.  Be sure to protect any items inside your home that are very fragile or that you would be upset about if they broke.

5. Can you install a new roof on top of my old roof?

While it may seem like the easiest and cheapest way to go, installing new shingles on top of your current roof is not a good decision if you are looking for longevity in your new roof’s lifespan.  Many roofing companies are willing to nail new shingles on top of old ones, typically if you only have one layer of shingles on the roof.  We recommend removing all of the old materials all the way down to the roof decking in order to inspect for defects and potential problems in the truss system and roof deck.  Also, keep in mind that a roof is built to hold a certain amount of weight, so the more layers you add to it, the more likely it is to start to sag or deteriorate.

Whether you know it’s time for a roof replacement or you’re just doing some research because you know it will be necessary in the future, we would love to help guide you through the process.  Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 205-942-8374.