When Should I Get a New Roof Replacement?

Is Your Roof Damaged?

Many homeowners and property managers purchase a new roof after their current one has sustained severe damage. For example, if your home’s roof has recently taken on major damage due to a powerful wind storm, replacing the roof might make more sense than spending money on huge repairs.

If you contact reputable roofing companies in your area, they can inspect your home and provide free roofing estimates. These estimates will give you a good idea of whether purchasing a new roof or repairing your damaged roof makes more financial sense.

Is There Water Damage In Your Attic?

When an aging roof starts to deteriorate, leaks will often form. As a result, water will likely seep into the home’s attic whenever it rains. This can lead to water damage, mold growth, and high humidity levels in the top section of the house.

If your property has an older roof and you’ve noticed signs of leakage, it could be time to invest in a roof replacement. Typically, once an older roof leaks in multiple places, the problem will only worsen until you replace the roof.

Are You Experiencing HVAC Issues?

In addition to water leaks, deteriorating roofs frequently develop air leaks. For example, when your heater runs during a freezing winter, large amounts of that hot air may escape through the leaky roof. As a result, the heating system will need to work much harder and use more energy to keep the living space comfortable consistently.

This can lead to your monthly energy bills rising significantly and the comfort level of your home declining. If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy costs or unusual issues with your HVAC system, you could need roofing services. At the very least, it’s worth bringing in qualified residential roofing professionals to inspect the roof.

Is There Moss or Fungus on Your Roof?

Have you noticed the uninvited arrival of moss, mold, or other fungi on your home’s roof? Many homeowners and property managers mistakenly believe they can ignore this occurrence. When moss or fungi begin to take over a roof, it may indicate trapped moisture underneath the shingles.

If this problem is limited to one or two small roof sections, it could be a minor issue requiring simple repairs. However, when these organisms start to cover large sections of shingles on an older roof, it often indicates that you need to call roof contractors to take a look.

What Should I Expect During the Roof Replacement Process for My Home?

Starting a roof replacement can feel like a major project, but understanding what to expect can help ease any concerns and ensure a smooth process. Here’s a general overview of what happens during a typical roof replacement:

1) Initial Preparation

Before your professional roofing services crew arrives, it’s a good idea to prepare your home both inside and out. This includes removing or covering any valuables in the attic and clearing items around the exterior of your home, such as outdoor furniture and potted plants. The crew will also set up protective measures, like tarps, to shield your landscaping and other areas from debris.

2) Removal of Old Roofing

The first major step in the replacement process is the removal of the old roofing materials. This can be noisy and may cause some vibrations throughout your home. Our team works efficiently to strip away the old materials while taking care to minimize disruption to your property.

3) Inspection of the Roof Deck

Once your old roofing is gone, your contractor will scan the underlying roof deck for any signs of damage or rot. If any issues are present, they will be part of your new installation to ensure a solid foundation.

4) Installation of New Roofing Materials

With the roof deck in good condition, the installation of new roofing materials begins. Whether you’ve chosen asphalt shingles, slate roofing, or another material, our crew will install the new roof with precision and care. This step also includes installing underlayment, flashing, and any necessary ventilation components.

5) Final Cleanup and Inspection

After the new roof is in place, the crew will conduct a thorough cleanup of your property, removing any debris and ensuring your lawn and garden are left as undisturbed as possible. A final inspection is performed to ensure everything meets our high standards and that you are completely satisfied with your roof restoration.

How to Protect Your Lawn and Garden During a Roof Replacement

When preparing your home for a roof replacement, it’s important to consider the impact it may have on your lawn and garden. Our roof contractors take every precaution to protect your property, but there are a few steps you can take as a homeowner to ensure your landscaping remains intact.

Protecting Items in Your Attic

Before the roofing project begins, it’s a good idea to cover or move any valuable items in your attic, especially upholstered furniture and other delicate belongings. During the roof replacement, a thin layer of dust or dirt might settle on these items, even though our crew works diligently to minimize this. We believe it’s better to be prepared than to be surprised, so take the time to protect your belongings.

Safeguarding Your Garden and Lawn

Our crew is trained to treat every home with care and respect, but the reality is that roofing equipment, tarps, and falling debris can be heavy and potentially damaging to gardens and landscapes. While we strive to minimize any disruption, we recommend taking extra precautions to protect your garden beds, shrubs, and plants.

Here’s what you can do:

• Cover or Move Outdoor Items: Before the crew arrives, cover or relocate items around the perimeter of your home, such as grills, potted plants, garden statues, and lawn furniture.
• Protect Plants and Lawn: If you have a garden or plants close to the work area, consider covering them with totes, laundry baskets, or tomato cages to provide extra support. This can help reduce the risk of damage, although some disturbance may still occur.
• Communicate with the Foreman: On the day of the roof replacement, speak with the foreman to identify the areas where equipment and materials will live. If you have specific areas of your lawn or garden that you want to protect, make your needs known to the foreman.

Key Takeaways

So, when is the right time to invest in a roof replacement for your home or the property you manage? As soon as you suspect your aging roof may need a replacement, you should bring in reputable roofing professionals for a thorough inspection. Trained residential roofing experts will always be the most qualified to advise you on your roof.

However, you should also know the most common indicators that the roof of your property is deteriorating. Whether you notice water damage in your attic, moss covering your roof, or major storm damage, you should start considering whether or not it’s time for a new roof. Ultimately, it’s better to be proactive about replacing your roof than to wait until you have no real choice.