Things To Consider When Replacing A Roof

When it comes to maintaining your home, your roof is undeniably one of the most critical exterior features to keep an eye on. Your roof protects your home and everything inside of it from the elements and general wear and tear. However, if you own your home for several years, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually need to replace your roof.

At Exterior Home Solutions LLC, located in Richmond VA, we understand that replacing your roof can be a significant financial decision. That said, it can also be an opportunity to improve the quality and safety of your roof. Here are some of the most important things to consider when replacing your roof.

First and foremost, you need to determine whether it’s time to replace your roof. If your existing roof is within its expected lifespan and has been installed correctly, you may be able to get away with repairing minor damage. However, if your roof is getting close to the end of its lifespan, it’s usually best, and financially better in the long run, to replace it. Signs of an aging or damaged roof include roof leaks, curling shingle edges, tar streaks on shingles, excessive loss of granules on the shingle surface, excessive mold or algae growth, loose or missing shingles, rusted flashing, and signs of obvious damage.

Once you’ve determined it’s time to replace your roof, you need to consider what type of roofing material to use. For practicality, ease of installation, availability, low cost, and overall decent lifespan, asphalt shingles are the hands-down winner for best roofing material. However, if you’re seeking a modern look and are willing to make a more significant investment to avoid installing a new roof for a long time, metal roofing is a good option. Other materials that could last more than 50 years, but are pricey to install, are clay or concrete tiles. For extreme durability along with the heftiest price tag, slate roofs are the ultimate in luxury roofing materials.

Of course, the cost of your new roof is another crucial factor to consider. The average cost to replace a roof with asphalt shingles is around $8,000. Factors that determine the price include labor to remove old roofing, the cost of new materials, and the size of your roof.

You may be wondering if you can install your own roof. Technically speaking, replacing your roof isn’t a difficult project. However, it is time-consuming and can be dangerous for your safety and the house. A DIY roof installation can take up to seven days, which is a long time to expose your home to the elements without protection. If you can round up several helpers and take necessary safety precautions, installing your own roof is doable. However, professional roofers will show up with a team of skilled workers who can complete the job in one day and can warranty their work.

Finally, finding the right roofing company is crucial. They need to be familiar with and licensed in your area and should also be experienced, insured, bonded, and willing to provide references and a written estimate. At Exterior Home Solutions LLC, located in Richmond VA, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality residential roofing services to our clients.

In conclusion, replacing your roof may be a significant financial decision, but it’s also an opportunity to improve the quality and safety of your home. At Exterior Home Solutions LLC, located in Richmond VA, we offer a wide range of residential roofing services to meet your needs. Whether you need a new roof installed or just need some minor repairs, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain your home.