Learning that you need a roof replacement is never fun. You can do nothing apart from learning as much as you can before starting the process.
It is understandable that research is time consuming and overwhelming. But it’s important to be as informed as possible.
For more than 30 years, the team at Gikas Roofing has helped homeowners like you prepare for their roofing investment. I’ll give you the information you need to start your roof replacement journey.
In this article, you’ll learn what a roof replacement is and the 6 things you need to know before replacing your roof.
What is a roof replacement?
So, what is happens when replacing your roof? A roof replacement cuts off your old roofing materials down to the deck and installs brand new roofing components (underlay, shingles, etc.).
Keep in mind that just because your roof is leaking doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. The treatment for your shingled roof will always depend on what your roofing contractor finds during your roof inspection.
Be aware, a new roof is an investment. Like any other investment, it’s not going to be cheap.
Some people who are on a tight budget opt for a nail instead of a full roof replacement. A nailer cuts critical steps out of the replacement process, but saves money on materials and labor.
You just learned what means replacing your roof. Now you need to know 6 essential things to get your new roof. Hiring a local Montclair roofing contractor, investing in quality and more helps you get started on the path to your new roof.
1. What you need to know if you really need a roof replacement
Remember, just because your roof leaks doesn’t mean you need a new roof. Before you replace your roof, your local roofing contractor will determine if you need a complete replacement or just a repair.
As long as it’s properly installed and properly ventilated, your roof will get as close to the manufacturer’s specified lifespan as possible. For example, the lifespan of a 3-tongue shingle asphalt roof is approximately 25 years. So if your 3-tab asphalt roof is only 10 years old, you won’t need a replacement for at least another 12 years.
Even if you have a leaking roof, your contractor can make repairs to help you until it’s time to replace it. Replacing your roof never comes at the right time, but there are signs that tell you it’s time to do it.
Ultimately, whether you need a roof replacement will depend on what your local roofing contractor finds during their inspection.
2. Hire a local roofing contractor to replace your roof
Hiring a local roofing contractor is vital to your roofing investment. The local roofing contractor you hire should have a physical office location in your area and a local phone number. This ensures you know where to find them if you ever have a problem with your roof.
Another reason to hire a quality local roofing company is that they know what needs to be done specifically for the area where you live. They’ll know which installation codes to follow, the paperwork required, and whatever else they’ll need to ensure your roof is installed correctly and complies with your state’s requirements.
Keep in mind that some of the state companies come in after a big storm, undercut local roofing companies, take the money, and move on to the next storm-hit town. These companies don’t care about local codes or whether they install your roof correctly.
To learn more about why you should hire someone local to your area, read this article on why it’s important to hire a local roofing contractor.
3. Invest in a quality roof replacement
Replacing your roof is an investment. And like any other investment, your replacement won’t come cheap.
I understand that everyone has a budget and a low price can drive your decisions. However, it is important for your roofing investment to choose quality materials and workmanship rather than going with the cheapest options available.
If you decide to use the cheapest roof, you get the cheapest roofing materials with the cheapest labor to install them. When you pay for this cheap labor and materials, it shows in the final quality of your roof, which will cost you more money in the long run with repairs and eventually, a full roof replacement.
To learn more about how investing in quality is important to you and the life of your roof, read this article what is the best time of the year for roof replacement.
4. The roofing materials included in your roof replacement
Your roof is more than the shingles you see from the street. So, wouldn’t it make sense to know what else makes a roof a roof?
Your roof is made up of different roofing materials and components that make up a complete roofing system. Keep in mind that not all of these materials (decks and flashing) need to be replaced when you replace your asphalt roof.
The components and roofing materials that make up your roof are:
- Roof decks
- Ceiling flashing
- Substrate
- Drip edges
- Ice and water shield
- Herpes
- Ridge cap
- Roof vents
- Hose boots
Remember, it’s important to invest in quality when it comes to roofing materials. This ensures that you get the best material warranty available from the manufacturer.
5. What the roof replacement process looks like
The day your roof is installed is the most important day in the life of your roof. It must be installed using proper roofing techniques to truly give you peace of mind. But what does the roof replacement process look like?
The first step in replacing your roof is to have all the roofing materials delivered to your home. Your local roofing contractor then arrives on the day of your replacement and makes sure all vehicles are moved from your driveway or garage.
After making sure everything is clear to begin, they will begin setting up protection for your property and begin the foreclosure process. After your old roof is torn down to a clean deck, all of your new roofing materials will begin to install.
Once your new roof has been properly installed, your contractor will clean your property and inspect your new roof to ensure the construction is up to the high standards you expect.
This is a brief summary of how your replacement looks. For more details on the entire replacement process, read this article on the 5 useful tips for your roof repair.
6. How long will it take to replace your roof
After your new roof is installed, you’ll have a new roof that will stay leak-proof for decades to come. But how long will your new roof really last?
Your roof will get as close to the manufacturer’s specified lifespan as possible if it is properly installed and properly ventilated. With that in mind, you should have about 80-85% of your roof’s lifespan.
For example, a dimensional asphalt roof (the most common type of roof) has a lifespan of 30 years. This means you can expect 25-28 years from your shingles.
Remember, these numbers are based on installing your roof using proper roofing principles and with adequate attic ventilation. If this does not happen, the life of your roof will be shortened and you will have to start replacing your roof all over again.
How much will it cost replacing your roof?
Now you know what a replacement roof is and the 6 things you need to know before you buy it. After reading this, you have the knowledge you need to begin the roof replacement process.
However, there is one more thing that worries every homeowner when getting a new roof, the price. Unfortunately, the roofing industry doesn’t want to talk about it.
But because we want you and every other homeowner to know what to budget for, we’ve broken down the cost of a roof replacement.
The team at Gikas Roofing has been providing high quality roof replacements to Montclair residents since 1982. Our construction ensures you have a new roof that lasts for decades. That’s why we offer a lifetime warranty.
See how much costs replacing your roof and what affects price to find out how much you should invest in a new roof.