In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to choose a new roof, from different roof types to pros and cons, as well as how to choose the right roofer for the job.
Luckily, Same Day Pros has an extensive list of roof repair specialists in your area who can help you choose and install your new roof. Find your specialist today in just a few clicks; simply search for the service you need and enter your location.
Signs You Need a New Roof
The typical asphalt-shingle sloped roof can last anywhere from 15-30 years depending on the weather conditions, region, and roof type.
How much maintenance the roof has seen throughout the years will also play a big role in how long it lasts. For example, a roof that is maintained once a year will last an average of 5 years longer than a roof that sees no maintenance or repairs during its lifetime.
Many homeowners only find out that they should start looking into roof replacement once they notice water damage in their attic or coming from the ceiling. (1)
If you think you might need a new roof, the first place to check isn’t your home exterior—it’s your attic.
– Bob Vila
Signs you might need a new roof include exterior damage to the roof such as sagging, chipping, or thinness. You might notice algae and moss growing between the ridges of shingles or within dips of the roofline. Furthermore, if you notice flashing damage along chimneys, skylights, or vents, then this is another sign that the roof may need replacement in the short-term.
If you enter the attic, you can also check for roof damage by determining if there is any daylight shining through the ceiling, or any signs of water damage anywhere in the interior. These are telltale signs of a roof not functioning as intended and should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
How to Choose a New Roof
There are a few factors you should consider before you opt for the first roof the repair company offers to you.
First and foremost is budget: considering that it is an investment, how much do you reasonably think that you can afford?
Secondly, consider the curb appeal. What color and texture do you want on the roof out of the available options? Curb appeal might not mean much to you, but it could mean a lot to the next owner should you decide to sell before the roof needs to be replaced again. Sleeker options like slate or technologically advanced options like solar tiles can make a big difference in the estimated value of the home.
Choosing a new roof is also an opportunity to express yourself as a homeowner. Do you have a specific style, color, or quality that you want to express to the rest of the neighborhood?
With a new roof lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 years, the replacement is the time to make such an change to the home’s overall appearance.
Understand Basic Roofing Terminology
Especially if you are new to learning about your roof and how to choose a new roof, your roofing company may be talking about a lot of terminology that you don’t understand yet.
There are a couple of words about roofing that you’ll need to have under your belt before you can make a meaningful decision:
- Flashing
The flashing is a thin piece of metal, PVC or plastic that keeps water from reaching inside joints, especially if the roof have multiple points, or if it contains a chimney or pipe along the roof’s surface. Over time, this flashing may wear out and should be replaced promptly to prevent water damage.
- Shingle
A shingle is a piece of wood, asphalt, tile, slate, clay, or other material that is made to reflect heat and protect the roof from water, wind, rain, UV rays and many other elements that might come its way. Typically, shingles are set so that they overlap each other.
- Underlayment
The underlayment is what the shingles sit on, above the base of the roof. This is meant to provide an additional waterproofing layer and even out any potential gaps or uneven areas that may affect how the shingles lay.
- Pitch
The pitch is the degree of the peak of the roof to the roofline. The higher the peak of the roof and the greater the slope, the greater the pitch. In colder climates, the pitch of the roof is often taller than those in warmer climates. A higher pitch is built to keep snow from sitting on the roof too long, encouraging it to fall downwards rather than add pressure to shingles.
- Sealant
Sealant is the colloquial term for a spray that waterproofs shingles and prevents mold and mildew growth. This is an application across the roof that should be re-applied every few years for optimal performance.
Choosing a Roof Material
Choosing a roof material is a difficult decision for some people. Not only does it change the appearance of the roof, but it can affect the longevity and durability of the roof as well. Still, homeowners have to shop within their budget constraints.
Many roofing companies can provide you with a range of options they provide or have available during the initial consultation, but it is always best to be prepared and understand the range of roof materials that you can expect. The ideal roof material might change based on the climate, typical weather patterns, and level of sunlight exposure your home gets throughout the year.
Typically, roof materials are charged on a per square foot basis, which tends to line up with the home’s square footage, at least in a single-story. Any additional peaks or levels to the roof may increase this square footage, but the roofing company can provide you with an estimate of any material or roof type.
Metal
Metal roofing comes in a variety of forms and is one of the most budget-friendly types of roofing you can request. It is most commonly used for mobile homes, industrial buildings, and sheds.
Asphalt
Asphalt is the most common type of roof shingling available today, as it is both economical, curb appeal-friendly, and durable enough to last for years without significant maintenance or repair. A wood underlayment is typically added below the shingles to keep them even, and should be inspected twice a year to ensure that no repairs are necessary.
Wood
Wood shake or wood shingles are both common types to line a roof with, especially in coastal towns that have the traditional seafaring look to them. Wood tends to need more frequent repair and maintenance to prevent mold and moss from growing on it, however, but it is one of the most economically viable options.
Clay
Clay tiling is one of the oldest roofing materials, going back centuries. With a glaze over the top, these tiles are excellent at waterproofing your roofline and can provide a traditional look to the home. These tiles are still in use in many European countries.
Slate
Slate is a beautiful rock-based tile that can provide a natural glow to any home’s roofline. Not only does slate protect the home exceptionally well but it also reflects heat better than many other types. While natural slate is one of the most sought-after materials, there are synthetic slate tiles available that mimic the look and feel of the natural rock.
Green Roofing
Green roofing is becoming more popular because of its ecofriendly ability to provide habitat and food for native pollinators. So long as the rooftop is installed with native plants and no pesticides are used on the space, it is an excellent way to give back to the environment and keep your home exceptionally cool during the hot months and insulated during the cold months.
Consider the Home Design, Too
For many people, the home design isn’t something that they consider during roof replacement. It always seems like the neighbors care more than you do, because they’re the ones who have to look at it the most.
For some neighborhood associations, the type of roof you have is even regulated in the handbook you receive when you move in. Be certain to read through these rules and regulations about shingle type and appearance before deciding on a roof type. This is especially important in historical neighborhoods.
Still, the home design can play an important part of how well you feel ‘at home’ or comfortable in the space. The home’s curb appeal can also greatly affect the home value when it comes time to sell, as well.
Choosing a roof material that goes well with the rest of the exterior design, or even enhances it, can be a great way to improve the sale price when it goes on the market.
Which Type of Roof Is Best?
Depending on your budget, climate, personal style, and budgetary constraints, different types of roofs will be best for your home. (2) Not all roofs are made equal, and some are only available for low pitched rooflines, which wouldn’t work in a northern city, while others are best suited to higher-pitched roofs to properly show off the shingling.
There’re all kinds of roof shapes from flat to saw-tooth, to barrel, to onion dome. […] The main forces influencing the shape are the climate and the materials available for the roof structure and outer covering.
– HuffPost
No matter the choice you make, it’s important to consult your local roof installation and repair company to ensure that they have the options available, or can accommodate your needs before deciding on the roof type that you must absolutely have to have.
For some roof types, especially those using newer or more expensive technology, it’s not uncommon to have to search around for a company who can provide these services.
How to Find the Best Roofer for the Job
Especially if you have just moved into the area, or if its your first time contacting a roofer, it can be a daunting experience to start looking for a company out of nowhere. Who can you trust to do a good job, and who has the fairest prices around?
No matter what you need done, whether you need help in learning how to choose a new roof, it’s time for roof repairs, or if you just need a good roof cleaning, Same Day Pros can help you find the right professional in your area.
Just select the services you are looking for and the location, and you’ll have instant access to the range of roof repair and installation specialists in the area, ready to help you at a reasonable cost. Compare quotes, get in touch, or talk to the company all from the contact information Same Day Pros has at the ready.
With Same Day Pros, finding the best roofer for the job has never been easier. Start today in just a few clicks.
Comparing Quotes and Job Details
Before you rush to hire a professional, be sure to get a few quotes from different contractors. Not only will this help you compare which company can do a better job for the budget, but it will allow you to take a look at the smaller job details, guarantees, and policies in place from each company and select based on that criterion as well. (3)
Roofing services vary from contractor to company. Ask the two or three roofers you’re interested in working with what services they offer.
– Forbes
If you find a roofing company that you like and want to work with, but they don’t provide something you are looking for, you can always make it known what you are looking for. They may be able to accommodate you or change the scope of the agreement to better match your needs.
While the roofing company will not want to lose money on a job, they will often be accommodating to your needs to a certain degree as a way of earning additional work from you down the road, whether from turning you into a returning client, or from referrals you provide to others.
How Much Should I Spend on a New Roof?
In many cases, a new roof will be priced by the square foot. Thus, the square footage of your home will help you determine the price you can expect. Depending on the material, the price per square foot will change as well, as the material, shipping, and installation is taken into consideration.
The average cost to replace a roof is between $8,000 and $11,000 depending on the region. Homeowners looking to get a luxury roof type like slate or splurge on the latest technology like solar tiles can expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 for a new roof depending on the company providing installation services.
Before you sign the contract on a new roof, be sure to check with a range of companies in the area to get the best deal between cost and guarantees as well. The company with the cheapest price tag isn’t always the least expensive in the long run between repairs and longevity of your new roof.
What Kind of Roof Adds the Most Value to a Home?
A new roof will add more value to the home because it was recently replaced, giving the new owner peace of mind in the quality of roof care and the lack of water damage they can expect to find. Still, different kinds of roofing materials can affect the value of the home.
For example, a nice home in a well-to-do neighborhood may have its value negatively impacted by installing corrugated metal roofing, as its an eyesore to look at and can be noisy whenever it rains.
Slate or other luxury tiles on the other hand, are unique and tasteful, boosting the home’s value in many areas.
Many people, however, play it safe and stick with traditional asphalt roofing. If you want to give your home a technological advantage, solar tiles are a great choice. For the eco-friendly, green roofing can be a big boost for new homeowners concerned about providing food for pollinators and space for native plants. Any home improvement will be a gamble in the long run, but the nicer the roof, the more likely it is to add more value to the home.
Does a New Roof Help with Heating and Cooling?
Yes, a new roof will help with heating and cooling because it helps insulate the attic and roofline better than a worn roof that is peeling and thinning out.
Over time, as the roof ages, it can fall into itself and may not reflect heat as easily as a new roof. Furthermore, an old roof might have old technology that doesn’t work as well, while a new roof will have an improved design over the years that keeps UV rays and harsh sunlight out of the home as best as possible.
Overall, not only does a new roof help with heating and cooling throughout the year, but it will also be more ventilated. That fresh air exchange allows your home to feel fresher throughout the day even when no heat or AC unit is running. During hot months, it will also keep cool air flowing in, and hot air trapped inside the home during cold months, helping you save energy costs by reducing the timeline of when you normally turn on your HVAC systems.
Why Should I Replace my Roof?
The roof is the primary defense against rainfall, hail, strong winds, UV rays, and a multitude of other hazards that can arise throughout each season. No matter your climate, you should always make it a point to have the roof inspected once or twice a year.
Most roof repair companies suggest a minimum of twice a year; once in the spring, once in the fall, to ensure that there isn’t any damage before you go into the hottest or coldest season of the year.
If you notice damage along the fascia, roofline, or on any of the shingles on the surface of the roof, then you should repair the area immediately. However, after a few years, it might be time to consider roof replacement, as a newer and stronger roof will hold up to damage better than an old roof.
It is not uncommon for old, decrepit roofs to begin accruing so many repairs that it becomes less expensive to replace the roof than to continue repairing it on such a regular basis.
Once the shingles wear out or the roof begins to sag, it can begin to harm the interior of the home more and more as sunlight, water, and debris collect on top of the worn rooftop or enter the home.
Find Roof Replacement Specialists Near You
Finding the right roof repair specialist to replace your roof can be just as difficult as figuring out what type of roof you want in the first place. Fortunately, Same Day Pros can help you choose the right service by searching your local area for licensed professionals who are ready to do the work.
The important thing is to get the job done right the first time so that you don’t have to re-do work in the future, as the roof is the number one defense your home has against the elements. Don’t let a shoddy roof in disrepair ruin your home investment. Choose a professional you know you can count on.
Search for your service and select a location; before you know it, you’ll be calling roofers and getting service quotes in no time. No matter where you are located, we can help you find the right roofer for the job.
References:
- Bob Vila, Signs You Need a New Roof, https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-signs-you-need-a-new-roof-48751
- HuffPost, Roofing Materials to Protect You from the Elements, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/roofing-materials-to-prot_b_8959516
- Forbes, How to Choose a Roofer For Your Next Project, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/how-to-choose-a-roofer/
