Should You Repair Or Replace Your Roof?
A new roof can significantly increase your home’s value and provide a return on investment of 60-85%. However, the decision to repair or replace depends on the extent of damage and your budget limitations.
A few missing shingles can be repaired, but extensive damage will necessitate a full replacement. Homeowners can pay for the job on one or more credit cards without hurting their credit score.
A roof replacement isn’t something homeowners look forward to, but it’s a necessary expense that can save them money in the long run. It protects the house from leaks and other costly damage, helps maintain home value and energy efficiency, and may even lower insurance premiums. There are many factors that affect the cost of a new roof, including materials and labor. The geographic location of the roof also plays a role in the cost.
The most obvious factor is the type of roofing material. Asphalt or composite shingles are the most common, but there are many other options available, from basic three-tab shingles to 30-year or 50-year premium architectural shingles. Choosing a different type of shingle will have an impact on the cost, but it’s not always possible to upgrade to a higher-end product without increasing the total project costs.
Other roofing materials include metal, tile, and concrete. These are more expensive than asphalt or composite shingles, but they last much longer, which can offset the initial investment. The cost of a new roof can also increase if a soffit or fascia needs to be replaced. Soffits and fascia help direct water away from the roof and into gutters, preventing structural damage and mold. Replacing these structures typically runs between $6 and $12 per linear foot.
Another factor is the size of a house. A larger roof requires more materials and a lot of work to complete, which increases the cost. The final cost of a new roof can also be impacted by the installation of additional features, such as chimneys and skylights. These require specialized flashing and cuts in the roofing materials that can raise the overall price of the project.
A homeowner’s choice of contractor will also have an impact on the cost of a roof replacement. Experienced contractors will have the skills and tools necessary to complete the job efficiently. The contractor’s fee will be reflected in the final bill, as well as any associated debris disposal costs.
Materials
Roofing contractors have a wide variety of roofing materials to choose from. Some are better suited for specific climates and others offer a greater degree of visual appeal. The choice of roof material also impacts the longevity and protection of your home. In order to make an informed decision, you need to know the expected lifespan of your roof, as well as the maintenance requirements for different roofing materials.
Some of the most common roofing materials include asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and wooden shingles. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but it is important to choose a roofing material that can withstand the weather conditions in your region. New York’s harsh winters and hot summers require durable materials that can resist the elements.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a roof replacement material is its cost and life span. Some materials are more expensive than others, but they are also known to last longer and are often backed by long warranties. In addition, it is a good idea to choose a material that matches your budget and aesthetic preferences.
Before beginning your roof replacement project, it is essential to assess the condition of your existing roof to identify any areas of damage or wear and tear. Once you’ve completed this assessment, you can then begin selecting the materials needed for your roof.
Wood is a popular choice for residential roofs, but it requires special care to ensure that it is installed correctly. Oriented strand board (OSB) is the most common wood used for roof decking, but it can be difficult to work with and is prone to warping. If the current decking is soft or rotten, you will need to replace it with a new piece of wood.
Other roofing materials include epoxied-to-deck tar, concrete, and EPDM rubber. EPDM is a great option for flat roofs, as it is insulative and durable. Concrete is another great option for warm climates, as it reflects heat and reduces energy costs. However, it is more costly upfront and is vulnerable to mold and mildew.
Installation
As a homeowner, roof replacement is an important investment that can protect your home from the elements and add value to it. It is also a complicated project that requires expert roofing contractors to do it correctly.
The installation process of a new roof can take several weeks. It begins with the contractor clearing the gutters, removing debris and preparing the roof for its new materials. Some crew members will start tearing off the old roof in sections, starting at the furthest corner away from your driveway and moving towards it as they work. This prevents water and debris from falling into your driveway as the job progresses.
After the tear-off, roofers will install plywood sheathing, if needed. This is done on the underside of the roof, where rotted boards have already caused damage. The sheathing provides a solid base for the new roof and is an important component of your home’s structural integrity.
The roofing contractor will then apply a felt or breathable synthetic underlayment to the roof sheathing. This helps prevent water leaks in the future, as well as preventing the growth of moss and mold. The contractor will also replace the flashing around chimneys, skylights, sanitary stacks and vents. The flashing covers and seals joints to help prevent leaks.
Next, the roofing contractor will begin applying shingles or roof tiles. They will usually start at the ends of the roof, near the eaves and metal drip edge. Then they will work their way upward toward the peak of the roof. The roofing contractor will install ridge vents, if they are not there already, which will allow for air circulation in the attic space and extend the life of your roof. They will also replace the roof plumbing boots, which wrap tightly around the pipes sticking out of your roof.
Once the roofing contractor is finished, they will do a final inspection. This ensures that the roof is up to code and aesthetically pleasing. They will check for any stray nails or debris that may have fallen during the construction process and clean up any remaining items.
Warranty
A roof replacement is an expensive project, and many homeowners expect to see a return on their investment with a long-term warranty. However, these warranties can have a lot of fine print, and it is important to understand what is covered before you commit to any roofing projects.
The two primary types of warranties are workmanship and manufacturers’ material warranties. The manufacturer’s warranty guarantees the materials against any defects or failure for a specific length of time. A good roofer should be able to provide you with the manufacturer’s warranty for the products being used in your project, and it is important to review them carefully.
Workmanship warranties cover installation errors and are typically guaranteed for a period of between 10 and 30 years. They are usually non-transferable and do not extend to new owners of your home. Depending on the type of roof and your location, you may want to consider adding an upgrade to the standard manufacturer’s warranty to cover hail damage.
In addition to workmanship, a manufacturer’s warranty typically covers the cost of a full roof replacement if any of the components fail (excluding easy-to-replace auxiliary materials like flashing or venting). The warranty also may require you to work with certified contractors from an authorized list and follow specified installation guidelines in order to qualify for coverage.
Enhanced warranties can offer extended protection and peace of mind, but they will usually have a higher price tag than standard warranties. These plans typically provide longer warranties and will protect your home from the elements even in extreme conditions. To qualify for an enhanced warranty, you must work with a certified contractor who is approved by the shingle manufacturer to offer the plan.
Ponding water is another issue that may not be covered by your warranty. Some manufacturers include a disclaimer in their warranty language that excludes leaks caused by ponding water on the roof. This issue can result in structural problems that can lead to mold and other environmental issues.
Most warranties will void if you do not follow the terms and conditions of the contract. This includes proper maintenance and routine inspections. It is a good idea to stick with your original roofing contractor for the duration of the warranty, as most contracts contain language that voids the warranty when a different company performs repairs or maintenance.