Break out the champagne and party poppers because it’s everyone’s favorite time! Roof replacement time! ????
Okay, we’re kidding. But, hey, if you’re tempted to reach for a glass of bubbly when you get the news that your roof is on its last legs, we won’t judge you.
Let’s face it: roof replacements are stressful. And it’s not the inconvenience, or the loud noises, or the scheduling (although none of those are great). The real stressor is the cost of investing in a new roof. If this sounds familiar, we already know what you are thinking:
- “How am I going to afford this?”
- “Do I have to replace my roof?”
- “How much will this actually cost me?”
We’ve been there. And luckily for you, as a professional roofing company, we’ve seen many other homeowners ask the same questions. Today, we’ll be helping you alleviate some of that stress by helping you understand your roof replacement cost and get an idea of what you will actually be paying.
Benefits of a Roof Replacement
It’s easy to think of all of the negatives that come with a roof replacement. But, the truth is that there are also a myriad of benefits that you have to look forward to, including:
- ☮️ Peace of Mind – If you’ve been living with a leaky roof for some time, you are used to the low-grade stress that comes along every time the clouds roll in. The most obvious benefit of replacing your roof is that it will help give you peace of mind.
- ???? Resale Value – While it is true that roof replacement costs can be daunting, it is also true that it will pay off in the long run. A new roof will help increase the resale value of your home in the future.
- ⚡ Energy Efficiency – While most of us don’t think about it on a day-to-day basis, our roof is a vital part of maintaining our home’s internal temperature. A new roof can help properly insulate your home and keep your heating and cooling bills low.
- ????️ Protection – First and foremost, your roof is designed to protect your home from the elements. A new roof can provide you with better protection and make sure that you are prepared for whatever weather comes your way.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
Not sure whether it is the right time to replace your roof? Here are some key signs that your roof is on its way out:
- Frequent Leaks – The most noticeable – and worrying – sign of roof damage is the appearance of leaks in your home. Not only is this a sure sign that something is wrong with the structure of your roof, but it also means that the inside of your home is susceptible to damage.
- Missing Shingles – Over time, it is not uncommon for your roof to lose shingles, particularly if you live in an area with frequent high winds. That being said, if your shingles are frequently being blown off, it is likely a sign that they are no longer up to the task of protecting your home.
- Granule Loss – Losing granules is a natural part of the life cycle of asphalt shingles. However, at a certain point, too much granule loss will leave your roof more susceptible to UV damage and cracking.
- Rot – If you have wooden shingles on your house, you may find that they experience rot over time. Once the wood has rotted, it is no longer an effective defense against water and pests.
- Moss Growth – Moss thrives in moist environments. If moss is growing on your roof, it is a sign that water is getting past your shingles.
How Much Does a New Roof Replacement Cost?
Time for the question you all came here for: how much does roof replacement cost?
Roof replacement costs are difficult to estimate without knowing the details of your particular home. The final cost can vary based on:
- The size of your roof
- The area you live in
- The roofing materials that you choose
- The state of your existing roof deck
Below, we’ve included a table of some of the national average costs to replace a roof by material.
Keep in mind that this table is more of a guideline rather than a definitive answer. If you are looking to get a clearer view of what your roof replacement cost will be, we recommend reaching out to your local roofing contractor. Many businesses offer free quotes and estimates to help you better prepare.
Roofing Materials to Consider: Pros and Cons
One of the biggest factors when it comes to determining how expensive your roof replacement will be is the roofing material that you choose to use. Not only does this determine the cost, but it can also affect the longevity of your new roof. Here are some of the common pros and cons when it comes to different roofing materials.
1) Asphalt Shingles
Pros ✅
- Affordability – Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials. This is likely due to the fact that they are relatively inexpensive.
- Easy Installation – Asphalt shingles are user-friendly and not difficult to install. This means that repairs are also very easy.
- Aesthetic – Asphalt shingles can be purchased in a variety of different colors to create a specific look.
Cons ❌
- Short Lifespan – Unlike other roofing materials, asphalt shingles can only last for 15-20 years.
- Durability – Asphalt shingles aren’t particularly durable when it comes to impact-related damage from things like hail or falling branches.
2) Cedar Shakes
Pros ✅
- Beautiful – There’s simply no denying that cedar shake roofs are one of the more beautiful options on the market.
- Eco-Friendly – Compared to other roofing materials, cedar shakes are relatively eco-friendly and made out of natural materials.
Cons ❌
- High Maintenance – Like many wood products, cedar shakes require a certain amount of maintenance to keep their beautiful look. Prepare to powerwash your roof 1-2 times a year.
- Prone to Rot – While cedar is one of the most durable woods, it can still suffer from rot if left untreated.
3) Metal Roofing
Pros ✅
- Durability – Metal roofing can stand up to a variety of weather conditions, such as high heat, high wind speeds, and hail.
- Longevity – Metal roofs can last for fifty years and beyond when properly cared for.
- Fire Resistance – Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular in areas that are at risk for wildfires. Metal provides superior fire resistance, keeping your home extra safe.
Cons ❌
- Expensive – There is no way around it. Metal roofing material is significantly more expensive when compared to options like an asphalt shingle roof.
- Requires Specialized Installation – Expect to pay more in labor costs, as a metal roof requires a highly specialized team in order to ensure that it is installed properly.
4) Clay Tiles
Pros ✅
- Longevity – Clay tiles have a long lifespan of over 50 years when cared for correctly.
- Aesthetics – Clay tiles are gorgeous and help to clearly define your home’s style. If you are looking to make a statement with the exterior of your home, you can’t go wrong with a clay tile roof.
Cons ❌
- Price – This is another roofing material that is a bit pricier. The cost per square foot ranges from $7-$25. As clay tiles also require specialized installation, expect to add a significant labor cost to that, as well.
5) Slate
Pros ✅
- A Forever Roof – Slate is known as a ‘forever roof’ for a reason. Slate can last for over 100 years, meaning that it is certainly the last time you will replace the roof on your house!
- Aesthetic – Slate roofs are wonderfully good-looking and add classic charm and style to any home.
Cons ❌
- Weight – Slate shingles are VERY heavy. Oftentimes, homeowners will have to add support to their home’s foundation to accommodate the weight of the stone.
- Expensive – Out of all of the roofing options, slate might be the most expensive. Expect to pay a large amount to get your long-lasting roof.
- Specialized Installation – Like metal roofing, you will need a team that has experience in installing slate roofing. Make sure to talk to your roofing contractors about whether or not they know how to install it.
6) Synthetic Shingles
Pros ✅
- Versatile – You can get synthetic versions of almost any roofing material, whether it be wood or stone.
- Low Maintenance – Unlike their realistic counterparts, synthetic shingles require almost no maintenance.
Cons ❌
- Price – Depending on which type of synthetic material you choose, you may actually end up paying more for the synthetic version than you would for the real deal. That price tends to come with better durability, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons.
Can You DIY Your Roof Replacement?
Many cost-conscious homeowners try to pinch pennies by attempting to do their own roof replacements. And while we won’t say that it CAN’T be done – it certainly has been done in the past – we also can’t recommend it.
As we’ve mentioned previously, your roof is a vital part of protecting your home. DIY installation could lead to problems down the road that could have been avoided with professional help. Additionally, any job that requires you to climb up on your roof comes with some inherent danger.
If you feel at all uncertain, we recommend relying on a professional roofer.
Get the Roofing Help You Need!
Not sure where to start? Anchor Point Roofing has you covered. Whether you are looking for a full or partial roof replacement, our knowledgeable team is here to answer all of your questions. Contact us today to receive a free quote for your roofing project!
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