Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Replacements Vol. 1
Roof replacement is a major undertaking, and it can be daunting for homeowners, especially those who have never done it before.
If you think your roof needs to be replaced, you likely have many questions. Usually one of the first questions homeowners ask is, "How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Roof?"
Major home improvement projects, like roof installation, should not be taken lightly.
You need to consider many factors, like whether or not your roof needs to be replaced to choosing which roof repair company should do the replacement for you.
In the article below, we discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about roof replacements in volume one of this ongoing series.
Do I Need To Repair Or Replace My Roof?
The first question you need to ask yourself is if your roof needs to be replaced or if it just needs a simple repair.
Chronic small issues are often a sign that your roof needs to be replaced, while something more significant could be fixed with a simple repair.
Here are a few signs that may tell you you need roof repairs:
Your shingles are buckled, cracked, or curled
You have a damaged roof deck
You find granules in your gutters
You have damaged flashing around vents and chimney
You notice higher heating and cooling bills
There is leaking or water getting into your home
These are some of the more significant warning signs to be aware of.
If you happen to notice any of these signs, whether they are due to storm damage or wear and tear, you need to act quickly and contact a roof repair company to schedule an inspection and free estimate.
Not everyone is lucky enough to fix the problem they're having with their roof with a simple repair, and a replacement is in order.
Below are some signs that you might need a replacement:
You have missing or broken shingles.
You have visible roof damage.
There is mold, mildew, or other signs of water damage on your ceiling or walls.
Your energy costs are higher than average.
You can see daylight from your ceiling.
Your roof is sagging.
You have an old roof. Most roofs need to be replaced after 20 years, depending on the material used.
You may notice similarities between these two lists.
That means these signs don't exclusively mean you need one or the other.
You might have granules in the downspout because your shingles are near the end of their life, and they need to be replaced.
And noticing a broken shingle doesn't automatically mean you need to start saving for a roof replacement.
Are Roof Leaks Always A Sign It's Time For A New Roof?
Your roof doesn't necessarily need to be replaced if you notice a leak.
It all depends on what is causing your roof to leak.
If you have an older roof with several worn spots and missing shingles, your roof likely needs to be replaced.
If there is leaking coming in from around a roof vent or there's a single missing shingle, a repair might be all you need.
The only way to know for sure is to have your roof inspected and repaired by a certified roofer.
Also, as a homeowner, you should have regular roof inspections and routine maintenance that will help prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.
Can I Choose A Different Roofing Material?
If you have asphalt shingles and you want to use a different roofing material, like metal or tile, chances are you will be able to.
Two main factors will affect whether or not you can have a different type of roof installed.
First is the slope of your roof.
Certain materials, like slate, are ideally installed on steep slopes.
The other factor is the weight of the material you want to use.
A roofer can install a metal roof on just about any home, thanks to how lightweight metal roofs are.
But materials like tile and slate are much heavier, so they can't be used as freely.
Can I Put My New Roof On My Old Roof?
Many people wonder if they can save money by having their new roof installed over their old one.
As a homeowner, it's understandable wanting to save money where you can, especially if your replacement isn't covered by your insurance company.
A common practice to keep costs down is to reroof over your existing roof instead of tearing off the old one.
If you already have several layers on your roof, you will have to have them removed.
Adding a third layer of shingles isn't advisable because this will increase the weight on your roof, putting added stress on the underlying support.
It's also against many building codes to add that third layer.
Work With A Trusted Local Roofing Company
If you're due for a replacement or aren't sure if you need a repair or a replacement, the best thing for you to do is speak to a professional roofing contractor.
Tk Roofing and Gutters has been the trusted roofer in Northeast Ohio for over 15 years, and they can answer all of your roofing questions.
Whether you need a repair or a replacement or help handling a claim from your insurance company after a storm, the roofing specialists at TK will provide you with excellent service on time and help give you peace of mind.
When you start your search for a reliable roofer in your area, you can trust Ohio's Best Roofing Company With Your Roofing needs today.
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