Roofing 101: The Homeowners Guide to Roof Replacement

Your home has the vital task of keeping your family safe and dry, and your roof plays a big role in that. That’s why maintaining your roof is essential. Be prepared – regularly inspect your home’s roof and do necessary repairs immediately, know the age of your roof, and have an emergency fund for unexpected home renovations, such as roof replacement.

In this homeowners guide to roof replacement, we’ll cover the basics of roofing 101 and walk you through some of the ins and outs of finding a professional roofing contractor for your residential roof replacement.

• Understanding Residential Roof Replacement
• Cost and Budgeting for Roof Replacement
• Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
• Preparing for Roof Replacement
• Roof Replacement Process
• Maintaining Your New Roof
• Final Thoughts on Residential Roof Replacement
• Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Residential Roof Replacement

Your roof can take a beating while shielding your home from the elements, including everything from extreme weather to falling debris. It’s one of the most crucial components in protecting your home’s integrity.

And though the roof might often be overlooked when renovating a house, replacing your roof is necessary on a regular basis. Shingles typically need to be replaced every 15-20 years, depending on where you live in the U.S., weather severity, and other conditions.

Compare that to more durable solutions, such as metal roofing, which can last for as long as 50 years.

Why Roof Replacement is Necessary

Roof replacement is necessary thanks to years of environmental abuse. Cracked shingles, leaks, or broken tiles can jeopardize the roof’s structure, requiring repairs or replacement.

Some examples of why roof replacement is necessary include:

• Heavy winds
• Torrential rains
• Hail, snow, or ice
• Pests
• Harsh sun
• Extreme heat
• Falling debris
• Subzero temperatures
• Fluctuating humidity levels

Even without these environmental issues, all roofs will eventually wear out over time and need to be replaced. More durable roof materials such as metal are available, which can last almost three times as long as traditional asphalt shingles.

Signs you need a home roof replacement include:

• Your roof is older than 20 years
• Missing, cracked, or deformed roofing or flashing
• Damaged vents, which can be fixed temporarily by a qualified roofing professional but still indicate a replacement is needed
• Water leaks or damage
• Sagging ceiling
• Loose or falling pieces of roofing
• Visible daylight through your roof
• Mold, moss, mildew, or algae
• Decrease in energy efficiency
• Rodents and bugs in the home
• Rot

You’ll also want to watch for regular signs of wear and tear. As these issues grow in number and severity, it may be time to consider a roof replacement:

• Visible dents from hail damage
• Fading color and deterioration from UV (sunlight) exposure
• Curling shingles and stress cracks from high winds
• Dark spots, which may indicate granular loss
• Streaking

If you’re not sure about the condition of your roof, Erie Home offers a free, no obligation inspection that can help you make the right decision. To learn more, request a free quote and book your inspection today or call 1-800-998-8301 for more information.

DIY or Hire a Professional

You might be wondering whether roof replacement is a do-it-yourself, or DIY, home project, but it’s wise to hire a professional to do the job since it’s a complex undertaking.

Whether your roof is currently shingles, tile, wood, slate, or metal, replacing your roof is best done by a qualified contractor. Professional roofers can help you select the best materials and ensure your home is outfitted with the best roofing solution in the safest way possible.

Trained installers understand how to handle where different surfaces meet and how to properly create a water barrier to prevent leaks and other issues. Consider these additional benefits of having your roof professionally installed:

• Experience – Professional roofing installers are highly experienced and have likely dealt with the repairs your roof needs and other complexities in the past, so they have the background and expertise to identify the root cause of any issues, the best materials to use, and the right processes required to properly install your roof.
• Inspection – Roofing contractors typically offer a thorough inspection of your roof to identify potential issues, such as sources of leaks, and assess the size and complexity of your roof.
• Choosing the right materials – After conducting an inspection, professional roofers recommend the best materials and options for your home based on their findings.
• Safety – There’s no risk of injury as you won’t be climbing ladders and working on the roof yourself.
• Compliance with building codes – Building codes vary from area to area, and these codes can be quite complex. Experienced roofing installers are familiar with the building codes in your area and can ensure that your new roof is up to code.
• Insurance – Working with an insured professional roofing contractor means higher-quality work and compliance with building codes, plus protection from liability for any accidents or injuries.
• Installation on your schedule – You won’t need to sacrifice family time at the weekend to get the job done.
• Warranty – While the roof material will come with a warranty, if you install the roof yourself, you’ll be responsible for fixing any mistakes that might occur as a result.

Erie Home has been serving homeowners for more than 45 years, leading the way in home improvement for roof and window replacement. With a team of trained and certified technicians, Erie Home has offered contracting services to more than 400,000 customers nationwide.

Additionally, a roof from Erie Home meets or exceeds industry standards for all traditional and metal roofs with transferable 30-year and 50-year Limited Lifetime Warranties, respectively.

Cost and Budgeting for Roof Replacement

A roof is an investment that increases the value of your home and is not something you want to fail – it’s protecting your home and, therefore, your family. The cost of residential roof replacement varies widely depending on a number of factors, such as:

• Size of home: The size of your home will greatly determine how much you’ll spend for roof replacement.
• Slope and pitch of roof: The slope and pitch of your home’s roof factors into material and labor costs for roof replacement.
• Materials used: The cost of residential roof replacement depends on the materials used for the new roof. From various kinds of wood to different metals, and asphalt to clay to fiberglass, all ranging in styles, roofing material costs vary across the spectrum.
• Labor: The labor involved in replacing the roof also factors into the overall cost of a roof replacement. How labor-intensive the work is, as well as how long it takes to complete, impact the bottom line.
• Maintenance and upkeep: Ongoing maintenance may not be considered part of upfront costs, but regular maintenance or repairs may increase the overall cost of roof replacement. Though you might spend less upfront, as with traditional asphalt roofing, you might just end up spending more in the long run due to the necessary maintenance and upkeep.
  
  For instance, asphalt roofing is the most affordable material, but it requires more upkeep than other materials, such as metal. Metal roofs require less maintenance than traditional asphalt roofing, so while upfront costs may be higher, the roof’s lifespan is longer.

What it Costs

The overall cost of roof replacement varies widely due to materials used, quality, installation, and other options or add-ons, such as solar panels.

As an example, metal roof replacement may seem like you’re paying more out-of-pocket than traditional shingling, but higher-quality materials like metal create higher value overall. Metal roofing requires less upkeep and lasts longer than traditional shingling and can increase the value of your home.

Planning Your Budget

Residential roof replacement is an investment that can add overall value to the home. But planning your budget before committing to a roof replacement can help ease the burden of the upfront cost.

Book your free Erie Home inspection to review what needs to be done, and then determine the best materials for the project. This will allow you to create a budget for the overall cost of the roof replacement.

If not, Erie Home also offers financing, with tens of thousands of customers taking advantage of this feature for additional financial flexibility.

Other options for planning your budget include:

• Home loan
• Personal loans
• Credit cards
• Emergency funding from housing grants

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

When you’re looking for someone to fix your roof, you want to be sure to choose the right roofing contractor. Consider the following factors when hiring a professional roofer.

Factors to Consider

• Licensing: Check with your state’s licensing requirements for roofers. Ensure the roofer you hire has the appropriate licensing for the job.
• Experience and qualifications: How long has the roofer been in business? What types of projects do they have experience in, and do they have a specialty?
• Insurance and bonding: Is the contractor insured and bonded?
• Credibility: Ask for references or testimonials regarding past work the contractor has done. Do they have a portfolio of finished roofs?
• Estimates and quotes: Most professional roofers offer a free estimate or quote for the roofing job following an inspection.
• Services offered: Consider the other services offered by the roofing contractor. Some contractors also offer inspections, window replacement, basement waterproofing, cleaning, sealing, painting, insulating, repairs, financing, installation, and gutter or siding services.

Evaluating the Contractor

When looking for the right roofing contractor, evaluate the business and interview the contractor. Consider the following:

• Independent contractor vs. company contractor: Independent roofing contractors may work with subcontractors or handle the job themselves. Larger projects may take longer to finish. Company contractors typically take on larger jobs, finish quickly, and provide a range of services.
• Homeowners insurance: Does the contractor work with your homeowner’s insurance? Is your roof replacement due to a filed claim, and does the roofing contractor help with the claims process?
• Warranty: A warranty for your roof replacement may not be necessary, but it’s definitely a good idea. Manufacturer warranties are material warranties that cover the roofing materials in case there is a manufacturer defect or irregularity. Workmanship warranties cover the installation process.
• Schedule and billing: Discuss when your roof will get done, how long it will take, and when you will be billed for it.

With over 45 years in business and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, Erie Home has the experience and the integrity you need in a roofing company.

Preparing for Roof Replacement

Prepare your house and yard for roof replacement. Some tips include:

1. Consider the noise: Replacing a roof generates a bit of noise from the construction. Consider temporary arrangements for you, your children, or pets during the home renovation if the noise will be bothersome.
2. Move your vehicle(s) safely out of the way: Park your car far enough away from your home so falling debris doesn’t accidentally damage it.
3. Move things away from your home or clean up your yard: Remove patio furniture, yard ornaments, toys, or other outdoor objects that could potentially be damaged during the renovation.
4. Mark any lawn ornaments or sprinklers that can’t be moved out of the way: Minimize hazards for workers by clearly marking any objects nearby.
5. Cover or protect anything that can’t be moved: Protect items that you cannot move from old roofing material or falling debris.
6. Don’t forget your attic or attached garage: Empty your attic or garage or cover and protect anything you can’t move out of the way.
7. Remove things from the walls: Remove items from your walls so they don’t fall due to vibrations from the construction.
8. Remove antennas or satellite dishes: If you can do so safely, remove antennas and satellite dishes from your roof.
9. Inspect outdoor electrical outlets: Roofers need access to outdoor electrical outlets. Check the ones around your home to ensure they are safe and ready for use.

The Roof Replacement Process

1. Initial assessment: Get a roof inspection and measure your roof. It’s important to understand the size, slope, and overall complexity of a roof replacement. Some contractors offer a free roof inspection and quote or estimate for roof repairs or replacement.
2. Tear-off vs. overlay: Remove old roofing and make necessary repairs.
   • Tear-offs are the removal of your existing roof. They’re typically more expensive than overlays and last longer. Tear-offs are the preferred method as they ensure installation is uniform, generally last longer and result in less issues over the lifetime of the roof.
   • Overlays add roofing on top of the existing roof. They may be less expensive than tear-offs and add weight to the roof.
3. Choosing materials: Research the various roofing materials available and speak with your roofing contractor about the best roofing solution for your home. From wood to metal to concrete, what’s right for your home may depend on your outdoor environment and weather.
4. Selecting the right style: Discuss the right style of roofing – for example, Spanish Tile, Shake, or Dimensional Shingle – that will best suit your home, environment, needs, and budget.
5. Installation: Once the old roofing material is removed and damaged areas are repaired, there are a number of other components that must be in place before the roofing itself is installed. These include the underlayment, drip edge, flashing, and snow & ice guards. Gutters are reinstalled if necessary. Think about replacing gutters or adding gutter guards as the roofing company can often do this at the same time.
6. Post-installation inspection: Once the roof replacement is complete, a post-installation inspection confirms the finished job to ensure all work was completed as asked.

Maintaining Your New Roof

Maintain your new roof so it lasts as long as possible. How much maintenance, time, and money you spend depends on the type of roofing material you choose to go with. Affordable options featuring lower upfront costs, such as traditional asphalt roofing, require more time and money in the long run due to higher maintenance.

Metal roofing features the least amount of maintenance, resulting in lower costs, time, and effort for your new roof replacement. Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, so the upkeep is minimal, and they last a long time.

Regular Inspection

Regularly inspect your roof. Look for signs of damage, water leaks, mold or mildew, bugs, or anything that appears out of the ordinary. Though you can safely check over your roof from the ground, it’s best to hire a professional to inspect it in-depth from the top.

Roofing specialists, such as those from Erie Home, inspect your roof inside and out for shingle deterioration, damage to the roof or gutters, faulty flashing, or structural concerns.

Immediate Repairs

Address any roof damage immediately so the problem doesn’t get worse. If the damage is in an isolated spot, simple repairs can fix the area. Contact a roofing professional to make sure the job is done safely.

Final Thoughts on Roof Replacement

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to residential roof replacement. From the initial inspection to the final showcase, roof replacement requires multiple steps. With a variety of materials and a range of styles to think about, working with a roofing contractor can help make the process easier.

Contact a roofing professional to find out if you need a new roof. Get a free quote from the roofing experts at Erie Home and learn what you can do to improve your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical roof replacement cost?

The cost of a roof replacement varies greatly depending on various factors such as the size of your roof, the materials used, the amount of materials needed, labor costs, and other factors.

Does replacing your roof increase your home’s value?

Replacing your roof can increase your home’s value. For instance, on average, homes with metal roofs have up to 6% greater resale value than those with asphalt.

What are the most common materials for roof replacement?

Asphalt is one of the most common materials used for roofs in general, and steel is the most used metal for metal roofing. With benefits ranging from durability to low maintenance, metal roof replacement has become popular with homeowners. Other common materials used for roof replacement are wood, clay, slate, fiberglass, and concrete.

How long does the roof replacement process last?

Roof replacement is a multi-step process that requires planning, building, and execution. From measuring your roof to the final inspection, the roof replacement process can take some time.

Residential roof replacement can take anywhere from days to months, depending on who you hire, the materials you use, the size of your home, and the environmental conditions at the time of roofing.

Some companies are faster than others. Erie Home is one of the fastest in the industry, from the quoting process to typical installations taking less than a day.

When is it necessary to replace a roof?

It’s necessary to replace a roof if it’s past its average lifetime (20 years or less) or you notice any water damage.

Other signs it’s time to replace your roof include:

• Loose or missing roofing material
• Broken or deformed roofing
• Sagging ceiling
• Increase in energy bills
• Pest infestation

How do I find a reputable roof replacement company?

A reputable roof replacement company will walk you through the entire roof replacement process. Look for a company that will inspect your roof, give you a quote, and work with you to achieve your desired result. Follow this roofing 101 guide to help you find the best professional roofer.

Erie Home is a professional home renovation company servicing the nation with residential roof replacement, specializing in metal and asphalt roofing. Choose styling from dimensional shingles, Spanish barrel tiles, or wood shakes. Installed by expert roofers, Erie Home’s metal roofing is ultra-durable, features an appealing aesthetic, and is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover roof replacement costs?

Whether or not a roof replacement is covered under homeowner’s insurance depends on the reason behind the roof replacement. Typically, home insurance doesn’t pay for a roof replacement if the roof is old or worn down from regular wear and tear.

Check with your homeowner’s insurance policy under the dwelling coverage to determine if a roof replacement is covered based on why you need a new roof. Usually, homeowner’s insurance will cover roof replacement costs like weather damage from wind, rain, snow, hail, ice, and lightning. Other reasons include:

• Fire and smoke
• Vandalism
• Falling debris