FAQs About a New Roof
A home is only as good as the roof that protects it, and many homeowners dread the day they are faced with the multi-faceted questions of pursuing a new roof for their home.
Do I need a whole new roof, or can I replace some shingles to save money?
Aren’t all roofing materials the same?
How much time and money will this cost?
We all know the importance of having a solid roof overhead. Still, most people don’t think about their roof until the possibility of having the old one taken off and a new roof installed occurs. By then, your damaged roof has become a large enough issue that you are rushing to correct and may not have time to look into some of the questions that popped in mind before.
At Pinnacle Roofing and Restoration in Memphis, TN, we focus on providing the highest quality roofing and restoration services and products. Our skilled roofing team cares about your property and the quality of their work- and it shows! We make sure to explain your options in a clear, easy-to-understand manner, so you are confident in choosing us. That promise starts with answering the most frequently asked questions about a new roof. Let’s take a look.
Do I need a new roof?
Most roofs will require replacing after about twenty to twenty-five years as the materials they are comprised of begin to dry out and break down. Replacing your entire roof is a major investment in your home and may require a claim to your homeowner’s insurance policy even if you caught it early and no other damage has occurred. When you aren’t sure of the age of your roof, there are a few different factors you can look at to help you decide.
Missing Shingles
Shingles are commonly made of three layers; a heavy-duty felt mat base, an asphalt top, and mineral granules as a surfacing material. These materials can dry out, break down, or become damaged due to a storm or wear and tear from the roof’s life. Over time, this degradation of the shingles can make them more susceptible to hail damage and more likely to be blown off during a storm.
While a few shingles displaced in a heavy storm can easily be repaired, more than a few shingles blowing off could be an indication that your roof is failing. Often, when the shingles are blown off, the tabs connecting them the roof and each other can come off and compromise the weather sealing, resulting in additional leaks and damage down the road.
Shingles Curling
As the shingles are exposed to sunlight, they dry out and can begin to curl or buckle, exposing the underlayment to the weather. This is most common on the slopes most exposed to sunlight throughout the day, and could also be a sign of an improperly installed roof or defective shingles. Curling or buckling shingles can be just as damaging as missing shingles, so if you notice any shingles on your roof not laying flat as they should, contact a licensed roof contractor like Pinnacle Roofing and Restoration.
Roof Seams
If there are problems with your roof, they are likely to start at the seams or flashings. These seams are one of the most critical parts of your roof since rain and snow flow down these valleys into the gutters. High humidity and drastic temperature fluctuations create stress on your roof in these areas, leading to leaks that may not point directly to the spot that is the true culprit and wind up a costly repair.
Gutter Inspection
Because shingles have a top coating of mineral granules about the size of sand or tiny gravel, over time, you may notice a build-up of this material lining your gutters during cleanouts as your roof ages. As these granules are displaced and washed away, it can lead to dark streaks or discoloration in your roof as more of the asphalt layer below shows through.
How do I choose the right contractor?
There’s no DIYing this home project. A new roof calls for professionals. Once you’ve decided you need a new roof, your next order of business is to hire a properly licensed and insured contractor. The harmful contractor scams have become popular over the years, and a new roof isn’t a small investment. The right contractor can give you a pleasant experience and a roof that will last for years to come without concern.
Don’t fall for those companies that conveniently show up after a big storm with big promises. Ask family, friends, and even your neighbors for local references, read online reviews, check out the company’s website, and look through their previous work. This research will ensure you know who to turn to if you encounter any problems.
Another thing to consider when choosing a roofing company or contractor is whether or not they have a solid, transferable warranty or guarantee on their work. This is usually a sign of a dependable and trustworthy contractor.
What are my roofing options?
Each type of roof requires slightly different components. Primarily, a roof is either ‘flat’ or ‘sloping,’ which means exactly what you’d expect. Most commonly, residential houses have sloping roofs that are easier to maintain and consist of the roof covering, sheathing, structure, flashing, and drainage. As a homeowner, the biggest decision on your new roof will be the type of shingles you decide to go with. You will need to consider whether the price is your driving factor or if you’re willing to pay a little more for a different look or an option that will hold up longer.
There are many choices on the market when it comes to shingles, from traditional asphalt to slate and tile, even wood shake and cedar shingle options.
Traditional asphalt shingles are the most common choice because they are the most affordable, long-lasting, and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. They are also easy to install, saving you some money in labor costs, and will last a solid 20 years before needing to be replaced.
With the slate and tile route, you get an attractive, upscale look that is fire resistant and easy to maintain. While the slate or tile shingles themselves can last for up to 100 years, the weight and inflexibility can present their own issues and lead to costly repairs over time. This option is also much more complicated to install, which adds to the labor costs of your new roof.
Recently, wood shake and cedar singles have become more popular as the gree-friendly option gives a stunning natural look. Because these shingles are made of wood, some local building codes limit the use of this option and the risk of fire. Make sure to check with your local contractor before making this your final decision.
The newest and latest option growing in popularity is metal roofing. This style provides a sleek look with a lightweight and low-maintenance benefit. Rust and faded paint can easily be repaired by sanding it down and repainting, making it a bit more environmentally friendly than standard asphalt shingles. Metal roofing options require more expertise to install just right, so this does add to the cost upfront, but you are likely to save money over time with this option.
How long does a new roof take and last?
Pulling off an old roof and installing a whole new roof is a big job, but at Pinnacle Roofing and Restoration, this is our area of expertise so our skilled team can provide professional quality work with an efficient turnaround time to ensure you won’t spend weeks hearing the same hammering sounds over and over again.
As for the life of your new roof, that will depend mainly on the type of shingles you decided on and the wear and maintenance they experience after installation. With asphalt shingles, you can expect to get about 20+ years from your roof, and that age can increase to about 25+ years with slate and tile and an average of 30 to 70 years with a metal roof.
What are the costs of a new roof?
There is no real way to ballpark the specific cost of your new roof without considering all of the variables. The material, color, style, and texture can significantly affect the overall costs. Some homeowners choose to go through their insurance company for their roof replacement, which will change the price to you personally but does not change the actual cost of the roof. To get the best idea of what your new roof will cost, get in touch with our team at Pinnacle Roofing and Restoration for an estimate and to have all of your questions answered.
When in doubt, trust Pinnacle Roofing and Restoration with your new roof questions
Whatever the reason, our roofing experts can help you with your roof installation project. Or any questions that come up along the way. Reach out to Pinnacle Roofing and Restoration today for a FREE roof installation quote!