Sooner or later, a homeowner will need to invest in a new roof installation. Roofing costs vary greatly depending on material chosen, size of your home, and a roofer’s experience, which is why many homeowners wonder how long that new roof should last and if it’s worth the cost of professional installation.
Note how long most roof installation materials last:
While new roof installation costs might seem steep, note that a roof is a vital part of your home’s stability and insulation. Leaking roofs risk interior water damage and resultant mold growth, while also letting out heated and cooled air. A new roof also improves curb appeal in an instant!
Before you go another year without scheduling a needed new roof installation, note some added details about roof materials and their longevity. You might also note the advantages of a new roof, when it’s time to consider reroofing versus repairs, and some hidden signs that it’s time to call a roofing contractor near you!
Every roofing material has its own pros and cons, including varying durability and costs! While every homeowner must decide for themselves the best materials for their reroofing, knowing some pros and cons and added details about those materials can make it easier to choose the right roof material for your home.
If your home’s current roof leaks, sags, or is otherwise in serious disrepair, then it’s obviously time for reroofing. However, even before your home’s roof gets to that point, you might consider some advantages of a new roof installation for your home.
In many cases, professional roof repair ensures that a home’s roof is in good condition and keeps it strong and secure for several years. However, there are times when it’s good to consider a full-scale roof installation versus repairs; for example, if the roof is getting old and nearing the end of its lifespan, you might be faced with repair after repair in the upcoming years and then eventual reroofing costs after that! Reroofing now saves you those repair costs.
You might also consider if your home’s current roofing materials provide little interior insulation. Upgrading to solid metal panels or a clay roof, both known for their insulation properties, can ensure a comfortable interior environment while also lowering your energy bills.
In some cases your home’s current roofing materials might also seem outdated and bland, and do nothing to enhance your home’s appearance! If those roofing materials need repairs, this might be an excellent opportunity to simply upgrade to stylish slate, clay, or metal, for an entirely new appearance you’re sure to love!
A home’s roof doesn’t need to collapse or leak through to interior ceilings to need repair or replacement. If you notice an uncomfortable interior environment, this often means that roof materials are old, worn, and thin, and not insulating a home as they should.
Roof shingles and tiles should also lie even against each other. If you notice buckled, curled, or seemingly bent shingles, or shingles that seem to be standing up, it’s time for repairs or a new roof installation. Severely uneven areas might indicate sagging and damage to a home’s roof rafters and joists, which indicates the need for immediate repairs or replacement!
Large dark areas of a roof might also indicate water damage and the need for repairs or reroofing. If you notice shingle granules in your home’s gutters or along the lawn, this also means the shingles are old and worn and losing their protective surface, and need to be replaced!
Homeowners also tend to forge that roofs have a certain lifespan; after that time, shingles and tiles will eventually wear away, crack, split, and otherwise suffer damage. If you’re not sure your roof’s age, a roofing contractor near you might offer a full inspection and estimate its age, as well as its condition and durability.
How difficult is a full-scale DIY roof installation?
Homeowners might avoid DIY roof installation as it’s dangerous to be on a roof and difficult to remove old shingles and tiles without causing added damage. A roofing contractor near you might also offer a full-scale inspection and note areas needing repairs that homeowners often overlook, such as torn flashing, damaged vents, crumbing chimney stacks, and the like.
Can you buy a home with a damaged roof?
There are not typically laws against buying a home needing roof installation, or even one that’s unsafe for occupancy! A property inspector won’t tell you expected costs for a new roof or other needed repairs, but you can discuss that with your real estate agent or lawyer and decide if a home in disrepair or that needs a new roof is a good purchase for you.