Your home’s roof is crucial to your family’s safety and comfort. It provides protection from the elements and when it starts to leak, or if a storm damages it, you need to replace it as soon as possible. Replacing a roof isn’t like purchasing a shirt or a pair of shoes. It’s an expensive commitment that will cost you thousands of dollars. It can take weeks or even months to complete. Before you start the process, there are some important considerations that you should think about.
Here are the best five things to ask yourself before replacing your home roof:
How old is your roof?
If you’ve had your roof for a number of years, it may be due for replacement. A roof should typically last 10-20 years when properly maintained. However, the quality of the materials used in the construction of your home can affect how long your roof will last.
A shingle roof is generally considered to need replacing after 20-30 years, as they have a shorter lifespan than other types of roofs. The type of shingles you select for your roof will also affect its lifespan. Slate, clay, and concrete tiles usually last more than 50 years but require significant amounts of maintenance to ensure they stay watertight.
Consider getting an accurate estimate from a professional to know the age and type of roof you have before deciding if you need to replace it or not.
What are the underlying problems?
Before you start the process, you need to identify and address any vulnerabilities in your roof. These could be as simple as a leak or as large as a storm that caused damage. If there are persistent leaks, this can lead to mold growth or structural problems in your home. A storm may have damaged the roof and caused multiple leaks or ruptures. These problems require immediate attention.
It is important to note here that those with metal roofs should always make sure there is no water pooling on top of the metal when there are weather events; like rainstorms.
Do you have enough living space indoors?
If you have a great deal of living space indoors, then you can get away with having a roof that has some damage. But if you don’t have a lot of living space indoors, then it might be best to invest in roof repairs instead of a full replacement.
Is it practical to replace your roof now?
It’s important to understand the process of replacing your roof. This includes understanding how long it will take, and what you can expect. The time frame to replace your roof depends on the size of your house and the types of materials you are using. If you have a small home with a flat roof, it could be completed in as little as two days. However, if your home has steep slopes or elaborate architectural details, it could take months or years to complete.
1) Is it practical to replace my roof now?
2) What type of material should I use?
3) Where do I find an expert who can do this for me?
4) How much will a new roof cost me?
5) What style of roof should I choose?
What style of roof do you want?
The style of roof you want will determine the cost, the time it takes to get a quote, and the contractors you will need. There are different styles of roofs that you can choose from:
- Flat roof – if you want a flat roof, it will take less time and cost less than a sloped roof.
- Sloped roof – this is the most popular style because it offers the best protection from rain. A sloped roof will be taller in some areas than others.
- Gambrel roof – also referred to as a “barn” roof, this style is typically found on farmhouses. It’s created by two slopes that intersect at an angle.
- Curved roof – this type of roof is highly sought after because it was popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright.
How much can you afford to spend on a new roof?
Your budget will be a major factor in determining the type of roof that you install and the materials you use. Replacing your roof is an expensive investment. You can expect to spend anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000 on installation costs alone. Roofs made with clay tiles are cheaper than asphalt shingles and metal roofs.
The cost of materials like insulation, sheathing, and flashing varies based on the type of roofing material and how much coverage your roof needs. For example, if you have an extended roof, you’ll need more materials than someone who has a shorter roof.
If you cannot afford a new roof right now, it’s worth considering whether or not you can spread out your payments over some months by financing your project through a home equity loan or line of credit.
If you’re in the Greater Northwest, we’d love to serve you for all your home roofing needs! Our professional roofing contractors serve all of NW Oregon & SW Washington.
You can call and talk with Western Pacific Roofing at (503) 659-7663 for all your home roofing needs.
