The realization that it’s time for to replace your roof can be stressful for some homeowners. The temptation to “just patch it up one more time” or jerry-rig something to get by a few more months can be compelling. The truth is, when it’s time to replace your roof, it’s time to replace your roof. Delaying it can make things worse, even dangerous.
Roof replacement isn’t something the general public keeps up with, so we understand you have questions. We can answer a few of the ones we most frequently get here but if you think it may be time to replace your roof, having a free inspection from your local roof contractor will answer much more than we can in a single post.
How much does it cost to replace my roof?
There is no simple answer to this question as every home is different. Generally a bid from your contractor should be based on square footage, the pitch of roof, accessibility, type of roofing material needed, whether its a 1 or 2+ story home, removal of the old roof, roofing and/or construction permits, city license, and labor. The average cost to replace a roof could run as little as $3,000 to upwards of $15,000 or more depending on the size and type of the roof and the quality of the workmanship and materials.
How Do I Know It’s Time To Replace My Roof?
Areas of the roof that need repairs are relatively easy to identify. Determining if a roof needs replacement is a bit more complicated. If your older roof is leaking in multiple locations, you most likely need a full roof replacement. If it’s new and the leaks are caused by outside forces, maybe not.
Roofs that have noticeable sag on one or more sides are typically suffering from structural problems that will require a full roof replacement. If more than a third of the shingles on the roof are damaged, missing or covered with moss or algae, the roof should be replaced.
Age is another factor that deserves consideration. If the roof is more than fifteen or twenty years old, it’s probably best to replace it rather than continually patching or repairing it. Replacing the roof while it still has a bit of life left in it will help speed things along and can prevent deeper structural issues from arising.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover a roof replacement?
Most of the time, insurance does cover these types of things but of course we can’t guarantee all do. Be sure to contact your insurance company first to determine which applies to you and if they require use of their contractor network before you go out on your own. Your roof contractor should be able to help when the questions come up on why you are replacing your roof.
If it is covered, find out the exact amount that the insurance company will cover and keep this in mind when dealing with roofing contractors.
If insurance doesn’t cover it, you will have to foot the whole bill, however, options such as financing and loans are available to those who need it.
Can I install the new roof over the old one?
Installing roofs without removing the old roof isn’t a recommended practice as there can be many complications. in many areas there are strict regulations on the number of layers and other qualifiers that determine if it’s legal. Your local roof contractor should have clear knowledge of local laws and ordinances and give you proper advice but even if you can technically do it, should you? It’s always better to tear the old roof off completely and many contractors will insist on it.
How long will it take to replace my roof?
Replacing a roof is a labor-intensive project, depending on the type of roof, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Weather and temperature changes affect the time as well. Wind, snow, rain, or even just the threat of one of these can slow the process considerably.
For built-up roofs, removing and replacing the roof will liekly proceed at a rate of approximately 1,500 square feet per day. For single-ply roofs, the rate is closer to 2,000 to 4,000 square feet per day. Careful planning and close project management can reduce some of the delays caused by bad weather.
If you are in the Metro Atlanta area, contact Atlanta Roofing Specialists for additional information, questions, or for your free roof replacement estimate at 770-419-2222 today!