5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Replacing Your Roof

Ever wondered how much a replacement roof costs? According to Angie’s List, replacing the average roof can cost anywhere between $4,900 to $14,100.  In reality, the cost of a new roof can be much higher than that based on size, pitch, the number of layers, the materials selected, the warranties included with the project and the labor costs in the geographical areas in which you reside.  While this range is quite large, the cost of a replacement roof depends on a few factors. Whichever way you look at it, replacing your roof is a considerable investment. For this reason, it is important the job is carried out by a quality roofing replacement contractor and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, which will vary for different roofing materials. At Windows on Washington, we understand just how important it is to make the right decisions and maximize your return on investment when choosing a new roofing system, which is why we have put together this article. Without further ado, here are 5 questions to ask yourself before replacing your roof.

1. How Long Do I Want to Live in This House? 

Roofs can last anywhere between 10 to 50 years, dependent on the composition and quality of the materials you choose. It goes without saying that roofing materials that last 50 years or more are more expensive than roofing materials that have a shorter lifespan. When thinking about replacing your roof, consider your budget and how long you envision living in your house. If you have a small budget and are looking to sell in the near future, choose a material with a shorter lifespan. If you are looking to live in your home long term, (if possible) consider stretching your budget and invest in a quality roofing material that will last a longer time, and be more cost-effective in the long run. 

2. Which Material is Best for My Home’s Needs? 

When it comes to roofing materials, asphalt, metal, clay, plastic polymer, concrete, metal and cedar shingles are the most common and readily available materials. Each of these materials offer differing lifespans, insulation levels, weight and cost. When deciding which roofing material is best for your replacement roof, it is best to confer with a qualified roofing contractor as they will be able to advise which is the best option for your home, stylistic preferences and budget.

3. Is This Roofing Material Suitable for The Climate? 

Each roofing material has its own advantages and disadvantages. A particularly important factor to take into consideration when choosing a roofing material is how suitable it is for the climate you live in. While metal is a great insulator, it is often insufficient for some climates. On the other hand, asphalt shingles may not be great insulations, but they are much more affordable than metal or clay. Therefore, if you live in a warm and non-windy climate, they may be the right choice. Your professional roofing contractor will be able to offer suggestions based on the area you live in and the average climate of the region.

4. Do I Need to Remove the Existing Roof? 

Many homeowners try to avoid the additional cost of removing their existing roof by having their roofing contractor install the new materials over the old materials. While this is technically allowed, you should always check with your contractor that your existing roofing frame can withstand the additional weight of this new layer. If you decide you would rather remove the existing roofing materials, make sure you factor in the extra labor cost, disposal, and additional time that is needed for this.  

5. Should I Be Thinking About Insulation and Ventilation? 

Most homeowners spend a good portion of their time deciding between roofing materials yet often overlook the importance of insulation and ventilation. Replacing your roof is actually the best time to insulate your home. The ease of access can be helpful for your insulation contractor, and their work scope can expand to areas that they were previously unable to reach. There are countless benefits of proper insulation. Not only does it regulate the temperature of your home, it also saves you money on energy costs. Thus, when replacing your roof, there is no better time to look at properly installing insulation at the same time. Furthermore, do not forget to ask your contractor about their proposed ventilation plan. Neglecting to ventilate your roof can lead to seriously damaging problems, such as mold, condensation problems, ice damming and more.