Your roof is vital to the protection of your home. Over time, your roof deteriorates due to the constant barrage of Mother Nature and Father Time. If you notice broken shingles or it’s been several years since you’ve had it inspected, then you may find out you need a roof replacement.
You might be worried about the cost and what goes into roof replacements, but we created this guide to help you. It covers everything you need to know about getting your roof replaced, so you go into it with as much knowledge as possible.
Don’t wait on getting it done, so know everything about it.
The Average Cost to Replace a Roof
You called several roofers and got estimates from each one. The cost have varied based on their experience, etc., how large your roof is, and the type of shingles you choose. The low end of the average is about $5,100, but it can go to $30,000 or more.
Generally, roofing contractors charge $3-$5 per square foot of roof. The price goes up if it is a steep roof or other reasons why replacing the roof is more difficult. If you have solar panels, then it can also increase the cost of roof replacement.
You pay for the cost of labor, which increases based on the size of the roof. You also pay for the roofing materials. It’s a substantial cost, but homeowner’s insurance usually covers it.
You don’t want to wait on getting your roof replaced. It’s possible you don’t see the bulk of the problems and a leaky ceiling can be just the beginning of your roofing issues. A leak travels far from the source and ruins your supports along the way.
You may think that problems such as broken shingles or pooling aren’t big deals, but every day they go unchecked is another day they erode your roof’s protections.
How much to replace a roof can vary, but you need to take care of it quickly. Hire only licensed and certified roofers with liability insurance such as Point Roofing. They may cost more, but it’s because they do the best work and take care of problems if they arise.
Roof Replacement: Removing All Shingles
If you only need to remove and replace the shingles, then the average cost to tear a roof off will be on the low side. The roofers bring in a dumpster and have a special tool to remove the shingles quickly. They place the old shingles in the dumpster.
Once they remove the old shingles, they inspect the wood structure underneath. If the roof is old and water damaged, then it likely extends into the wood as well. If it does, then they must remove part or all of it as well.
If the home has an inside leak, then they’ll inspect the wood supports and make sure they’re not rotted. If a leak goes unchecked, then eventually it causes a roof collapse. The weight of the water inside the ceiling and roof is too much for the supports.
This is not only dangerous for you and your family, but it could leave your home open to the elements. It’s best to take care of it as soon as possible.
Along with the shingles, they remove the underlayment, which is the protective barrier placed on the deck.
Remove and Replace Flashing
Your roof isn’t uniform and there are structures on it such as roof valleys, chimneys, and areas of heavy water runoff that are particularly susceptible to water damage. Flashing is a metallic protective barrier laid against these areas to stop water from getting in.
It’s reinforced with protective material to seal any cracks and keep water out. The edge of the roof also has a protective metal edging, which is also replaced.
Replacing Shingles and Underlayment
If the wood deck isn’t damaged, then the roofers bring up shingles and replace the underlayment. The shingles are brought up via a lift and workers grab what they need. Shingles must be placed in a specific way to maintain water protection.
The most common type of shingle is asphalt. These have a protective coating of asphalt on the outside, but there are many other shingle types as well. You can go with the same type as before or ask your roofer for recommendations.
Roofing shingles were once only available in a few colors, but today they come in a variety of colors to match your home and outdoor décor.
Your roof has ridges that must be protected with ridge capping. It’s customary to use 3-tab shingles for these areas.
Removing Roof Vents
Your attic is filled with insulation and gets hot in summer and cold in winter. If there is no ventilation, then it drastically reduces your roof’s lifespan. The roof vents are metal and can rust or get damaged.
If they are OK, there is no need to replace them, but the roofers will if they are damaged or worn.
Shingles Over Shingles
If you have only a single layer of shingles and they aren’t too damaged, you can choose to have a new layer placed on top of the old shingles. This isn’t nearly as good as a roof replacement, but it can drastically reduce the cost.
The biggest problem is there is no way to verify there is no damage below the shingles in the deck or the supports. The new roof shingles should take care of any leaks, but it won’t fix the existing damage below the first level of shingles.
Also, insurance companies only allow a certain number of shingles layers for a home, so check them before proceeding.
A New Roof Is Worth It
A roof replacement is a costly endeavor, but for the safety of your home and family, it’s worth it. It’s an expenditure you only do every decade or two, especially if you check for problems regularly and have them fixed before they get too bad.
If you want to learn more about roofing, then please explore our site.
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