Replacing your roof is an important task that most homeowners will eventually need to address. A sturdy roof protects your home and everyone who lives there. It will boost your home’s curb appeal, and you’ll likely recoup a big amount of the roofing costs if you decide to sell your home.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof:
Look for signs that indicate the need for a new roof are curling or peeling shingles, cracked or missing shingles, bald spots, growing plant life on the roof, sagging roof, and leaks in the attic. 
Roof is 20 years or older. This tends to be the rule of thumb, but the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors says it also depends on local weather conditions, building and design, material quality and regular maintenance.
Damaged shingles. When the edges of the shingle begin to curl and peel upward or you notice cracked or missing shingles, it could lead to possible leaks in your roof.
There are bald spots. When granules fall off, it leaves your asphalt shingles with no protection against heat absorption and they can deteriorate more quickly. This can be difficult to see, so check the gutter’s downspouts for granules.
It’s growing plant life. Moss, algae, and lichen thrive in cool, damp locations – even on your roof. Lichens and moss accelerate shingle deterioration by loosening shingle granules and exposing the asphalt and fiberglass base materials. The granules aren’t just there to color the shingles; they protect the base materials from sunlight and weathering. If your house is shaded by trees and there’s a collection of moisture and organic debris on your roof, it can promote the growth of unwanted plant life which can shorten the lifespan of your roof.
The roof is sagging. A sagging roof is a sign that your roof decking is damaged and needs to be replaced.
You find leaks in the attic. This is one of the most noticeable symptoms of a roof that needs to be replaced. This can also be observed by any damaged or sagging sheathing – plywood foundation of a roof – visible from the attic, ceiling stains and possibly mold or mildew on the interior of your home.
What to Consider Before a Roof Replacement:
Before calling your local roofing company, establish your expectations about the project. Consider factors such as the age of your current roof, local weather conditions, building and design, material quality, regular maintenance, and more.
How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?
The average cost of replacing your roof is around $9,500. However, the cost can vary depending on factors such as location, choice of materials, size of the house, and whether a tear-off is required before installation.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover a Roof Replacement?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover roof replacement if the damage is the result of an act of nature or sudden accidental event.
However, they may not cover roofs that are gradually deteriorating due to wear-and-tear or neglect. Roofs that are over 20 years old often have limited coverage.
It’s important to note that a roof replacement is a big investment. To ensure the job is done right, it’s recommended to consult with professional roofing contractors who can provide expert advice and quality workmanship.
How Long Does it Take to Replace My Roof?
The duration of a replacing your roof can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the house, complexity of the project, weather conditions, and more. On average, professional roofers can replace a roof in 1 to 3 days. However, the entire process from hiring a contractor to the final inspection of your new roof can take 2 to 3 weeks.
Preparing for a Roof Replacement:
Pre-Planning and Finding a Contractor: This stage involves careful planning and finding a professional contractor. It can take between 1 and 2 weeks. You should only hire a well-established local roofing company. Beware of a roofing company that knocks on your door, especially after any bad weather. Several of these companies are not local and may try to scam you and your insurance company.
Preparing Your Home for Construction: Preparing your home for construction typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Removing the Old Roof: The process of removing the old roof usually takes 1 to 2 days.
Inspecting and Repairing the Roof Deck: Inspecting and repairing the roof deck can be completed in approximately 1 day.
Preparing the Roof Deck: Preparing the roof deck typically takes 1 to 3 hours.
Installing the New Roof: The installation of the new roof can take 1 to 2 days.
Final Inspection of Your New Roof: The final inspection of your new roof usually takes 1 day.
Please note: These timeframes are approximate and can be influenced by various factors. It’s always best to consult with professional roofing contractors for an accurate estimate based on your specific requirements.
Preparing your home for a roof replacement is an essential step to ensure a smooth and successful project.
Roof Decking:
Roof decking or sheathing refers to the thin boards of wood that span the trusses and support the rest of the roof. If your roof decking gets wet, it can develop wood rot and impact the performance of your whole roof. Most roof decking is made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), which can absorb moisture when exposed to excess condensation or a roof leak. Routine water exposure can lead to decay or wood rot in the decking. Rotting roof decking can cause several problems for your roof and home, including bowing or bulging, fungal and mold growth, damage to insulation, damage to other wood, and damage to other home systems.
Replacing rotted roof sheathing involves fixing the underlying cause of moisture and replacing all the affected wood. The process includes inspecting the condition of the roof deck, identifying wood rot, removing damaged sections, and installing new sheathing.
Professional roofers use various tools and materials such as hammers, pry bars, circular saws, roofing nails, and new plywood or OSB sheets.
If you suspect wood rot in your roof deck, it’s essential to consult with a professional roofing contractor who can assess the condition of your roof decking and provide expert advice on repair or replacement options.
Tips to Prepare for Roof Replacement:
Clear your yard: Roofers will be walking around your yard while they work, so it’s important to clear the area of any obstacles. Move vehicles away from the driveway and garage to create space for the roofing team and their equipment.
Protect your belongings: Remove any wall decorations or fragile items from the walls to prevent damage from vibrations during the roof replacement.
Take into consideration for children and pets: Plan on keeping children and pets away from the construction area for their safety and to minimize distractions.
Prepare your attic: If you have belongings stored in the attic, cover them with protective sheets or move them to a safe location to prevent dust or debris from falling on them.
Warn your neighbors: Inform your neighbors about the upcoming roof replacement to minimize any inconvenience or concerns they may have.
Prepare outdoor electrical outlets: Ensure that outdoor electrical outlets are accessible to the roofing team if they need to use power tools during the project.
Communicate with your roofing contractor: Maintain open communication with your roofing contractor throughout the process. They can provide specific instructions based on your home’s unique requirements.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and it’s always best to consult with your roofing contractor for any specific preparations based on your home’s needs.
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