Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Installation
Your home’s most important feature is arguably its roof. This structural element serves to protect your home, family and belongings from the elements, regulate temperature, and insulate indoor spaces from harsh seasonal extremes. There’s no wonder that secure housing is referred to as having a roof over your head. That said, your home’s roof isn’t something you likely think about very often, until there’s a serious issue. And when it does come time to replace your roof, it can be tricky to know where to turn for answers to your questions.
The expert Cleveland home improvement team at Fairview is here to help. Check out our answers to frequently asked roofing questions, and feel free to get in touch with us if we left anything unanswered!
How long do roofs last?
While we can’t give anyone a hard and fast estimate on how long their roof will last, there are some general guidelines you can go by. Depending on climate, maintenance and repair, traditional asphalt shingle roofs can last roughly 15-20 years under ideal conditions. Check with the roofing materials manufacturer for their guaranteed lifespan.
How do I know if my home needs a new roof?
If you can’t easily see your roof from anywhere on your property, you’ll need to safely climb up to investigate, or ask a Cleveland home improvement specialist to do it for you. Some signs to look for when investigating whether your roof needs to be replaced include keeping an eye out for missing, cracked, curling, or decaying shingles. This can happen as a result of normal aging, wear and tear from the elements and the degradation of the chemical ingredients within the shingles themselves. Brittle, easily damaged shingles are a disaster waiting to happen. Look for curling or buckling shingles, bald patches that are missing asphalt granules or entire missing shingles, roof sagging, and excessive granules in gutters.
Inside your home, you can look for potential signs of water infiltration on interior walls and/or ceilings, especially on upper floors of your home. Look for less obvious signs, too, such as a sudden increase in energy bills, perhaps due to the breakdown of the roof’s insulative properties. Here’s another hint: if neighbors are starting to replace their roofs, it could be time to take a second look at yours. If your roof is close to or past the 20-year mark, it’s most likely that you could benefit from a new one. Homeowner’s insurance may even require it.
Can a roof be energy efficient?
The short answer is yes, a new roof can be energy efficient, thanks to higher R-values than previously offered products. Manufacturers have specially designed modern roofing shingles with better insulative properties and reduced potential for heat transfer. That can mean that you require less energy to adequately heat and cool your home’s interior.
Can I fix or replace my roof myself?
As a homeowner, you can do whatever you feel is best for your home. But should you replace or repair your home’s roof on your own? If you do not have the needed experience, technique or equipment, roofing is a task best left to the pros. Beyond the time and effort it takes, the risk of injury to you or your home is very real. Not understanding water flow or knowing local building codes can lead to negative outcomes. And DIY installation will not provide you with any workmanship warranties, and may void the manufacturer’s warranty if work is not done to their specifications.
Does a leaking roof need to be replaced?
It depends. Only a home improvement professional can determine if your home’s roof merely needs a small repair, or if a total replacement is in order. If there is minor or localized damage to repair that is allowing water infiltration, then this may be the only fix that’s needed to get your roof back to its original shape. Surveying your roof seasonally and after high winds or other weather events will ensure that minor problems are addressed before they lead to large scale damage.
Can I install a new roof over an old one?
Again, you can do whatever you see fit for your home. And in some cases with asphalt shingles, you can install a second layer. But if there are already several layers of shingles, or if you are unsure about potential damage or needed structural repair, then it’s unwise to spend the time building over an existing roof. This may also result in unsightly aesthetics depending on the types of shingles you’re dealing with. Last, but not least, installing a new roof over an existing roof may void a manufacturer’s warranty.
How much does a new roof cost?
The cost of a new roof depends on which type of roofing material you use, the size and complexity of your roof, local labor rates, and the ease of access and installation. Estimates range from $6,000 to $20,000 or even higher, showing how individualized the costs can be.
How long does roof installation take?
Depending on materials, complexity and weather conditions, an entire roof can be torn off, assessed for repairs, and reinstalled in anywhere from a couple of days to a week. If needed repairs are extensive, then that could add a day or two on to the total time. And if you are also having new gutters and downspouts installed, you will need to allow time for those to be created onsite and then installed.
Do roofers need to enter my home?
More often than not, roofers only need access to the exterior of your home. However, in the case of extensive structural damage, they may need to gain access to your upper floor in order to make sure everything is secure and sound before installing the roof.
What maintenance will my roof need after replacement?
Once your new roof is in place, you’ll want to carry on with regular inspections. Twice a year is the bare minimum, with seasonal checks and quick inspections after significant weather events. Cleaning debris away with a soft brush can help to remove vectors like moss and buildup that will eventually compromise your roof’s integrity.
Is a building permit necessary to replace a roof?
This will depend on where you live. Your local Cleveland home improvement provider will know if you need to have a building permit for your location. If it is required, your roofing contractor should be able to submit it for you and handle any other aspects of the permitting process.
Does homeowners insurance pay for a new roof?
Homeowners insurance is there to protect your home against covered perils, like a freak weather event. Insurance doesn’t normally cover normal use, wear and tear, and age-related deterioration. If extreme weather caused damage to your otherwise intact roof, and it wasn’t approaching its predicted lifespan, it’s worth checking with your insurance company to see if the necessary repairs or replacement would be covered.
How do I prepare my home for roof installation?
With a few basic steps, you can ensure that your home and property are prepared for roof installation. This involves clearing the area around your home of any furniture, vehicles, toys, equipment, potted plants, decor and anything else that isn’t tied down and could potentially be damaged by falling debris. It’s also worth covering items in your attic to prevent them from being coated in dust or dirt during the tear off and removal process. If you have close neighbors, it’s worth letting them know that you’re going to be having roofing work done to prepare them for the extra noise and commotion. And lastly, if you have pets, make sure that they are restrained or kept indoors during work hours. A good contractor will clean up the entire area thoroughly after the project is complete, but in the meantime, take extra caution on areas surrounding the home in case nails or other debris have fallen.
Your Local Cleveland Home Improvement Professionals
When it comes time to replace your home’s roof, you want to know you’re working with trusted and experienced folks who have been doing this for years and are dedicated to their community. That’s what you get when you partner with the team at Fairview Home Improvement. Contact us to learn more about our full suite of home improvement services, and to inquire more about our options for roof replacement.