3 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof

There are plenty of easy to spot warning signs that will let you know when it’s time to replace your roof. The edges of your shingles might be curling, shingles might be cracked or balding, or it’s just getting on in years.

Under normal conditions, your roof should be checked out by a roofing contractor or a general construction company at least once a year, but if your roof has been around for 20 to 25 years, its probably time to get it replaced. Your neighbors can also be a good guide when it comes to replacing your roof: if their roofs are worn out, it’s likely that yours is too. Not only were their houses likely built around the same time as yours was, but they’ve also experienced the same weather damages and overall conditions.

If these warning signs are looking all too familiar to you, don’t wait. A sound roof is essential to your home’s value, efficiency, and safety. Before you start browsing for a construction company or scouting local construction contractors and roofing contractors, check out these three important facts about roofs.

1. Not all roof damage is created equal. A full roof replacement for a home between 2200 and 2600 square feet costs homeowners anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 if they do the work themselves. Professionals charge between $2,000 and $8,500, and usually charge by the “square” andmdash; a ten foot by ten foot patch of roof space. The average roof has about 22 to 26 squares.
   
   But if you’re dealing with damage from a specific natural disaster, weather event, or other accident, your roof may just need a makeover, instead of a full redo. But the extent of the work, and the cost of the work, vary based on what you need to fix.
   
   If you’re facing water damage, expect to pay about $2,386, and if you need to remove standing water you’ll fork over an average of $2,688. Fire and smoke damage will cost you around $4,172, and wind damage is your worst enemy, with a bill between $5,757 and a whopping ten grand.
2. A new roof can be expensive, but it WILL save you money. Are your energy bills higher than they should be? Up to 40% of a home’s heat is lost through the attic. That means a worn out roof could be letting the coziness out, and costing you big bucks on a daily basis. Invest in a repair or a replacement to save yourself money in the long run (and stop wasting electricity on heating the outdoors).
   
   If you’re interested in a super efficient roof, ask your construction company about Energy Star qualified roof products. They can lower a roof’s surface temperature by up to 100anddeg;F, which means less AC-blasting and lower bills.
3. For longevity, consider metal and meddle less. While other roofing materials usually last up to around 20 years before requiring replacement, metal roofs have been proven to last more than 30 years, even with minimal maintenance. That’s a whole extra decade of no roof-replacement woes.
   
   If you opt for a painted metal roof, it will retain around 95% of its original reflectance and emittance over the years. And most metal roofs of all types are made from at least 25% recycled materials. That means that when your metal roof’s long life is finally over, it can be fully recycled and put to good use again. That’s something to feel good about.

Know the signs of a worn out roof, and choose the best kind of replacement roof for your needs. Enjoy lower energy bills, higher efficiency, and peace of mind with your brand new roof!