The summer of each year is when homeowners begin their remodeling and renovations. While a new roof won’t be as fancy as a kitchen or bathroom, the curb appeal and ROI are just as exciting.
Whether it’s to sell your home, change the style, or replace a damaged roof, here are a few things to keep in mind for a new roof replacement.
- Importance of Roof Inspections: Roof inspections may save you a fortune
- Notes on roof replacement: installation, deck condition, and new roof over the old roof
- Common roof types: asphalt shingles, clay shingles, wood shingles/shake, metal roofing
- Benefits of a new roof: added value, energy efficiency, insurance discounts, and great looks
Let’s start with the first step.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
Roof inspections are not mandatory, but they are necessary. Homeowners can start scheduling roof inspections before they seek out a roofing company. It is useful to identify if more areas need to be replaced, such as decks and ventilation systems, before a new roof is replaced. Damaged decks can exacerbate damage to new roofs, so a roof inspection could save you a fortune.
Some roofing companies offer free roof inspections when removing old roofs.
The roof over VS. Roof Replacement
When you get your roof inspection report, you might consider roof covering.
When a new layer of roofing material is placed over the old roof, there is a saving in demolition costs as well as waste disposal costs. Roof cladding is a different way of installation that is even better.
Roof coverings are the fastest and most cost-effective way to upgrade a roof, but not the best:
| Roof over | Roof replacement | |
| Damage or need repairs? | Maybe | Yes |
| A single layer of asphalt shingles? | Yes | Yes |
| Two or more layers of asphalt shingles? | Maybe | Yes |
| Damage to the deck? | Yes | Yes |
Is there damage to the existing roof?
Even if only part of the roof is damaged, you should consider whether there is more serious damage inside. If a roof inspection shows that more than one-third of the roof needs repair, or there is damage to the roof deck, it may be better to replace the roof than the roof covering.
Metal Roof Covering Asphalt Roof
Certain lightweight roofing materials, such as metal, can be installed directly over the asphalt shingles, saving on old roof removal and disposal costs. Building codes may vary in some areas and you will need to discuss this with the authorities and roofing contractors.
Common Roof Types
When it comes to roof replacement, there are many different roof types to choose from. The most common roof types include asphalt shingles, clay shingles, wood shingles/shakes, and metal shingles/panels.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roof thanks to their favorable prices. Although the price of asphalt shingles is the most favorable, it is not the most cost-effective product. Asphalt roofing has a lifespan of 12-20 years and is one of the shortest lifespan roofing materials on the market. Therefore, more homeowners are beginning to choose long-life, environmentally friendly, and durable roofing materials.
Clay or concrete tiles
Roof tiles are generally Mediterranean and Spanish styles. As one of the heaviest, most fragile, and high-maintenance roofing materials on the market, it falls short in terms of performance. Maintenance or repairs can easily lead to shattering of the tiles, so they are not welcome in hail or high wind areas.
Wood shake or wood shingles
Wood shake or wood shingles are cut from cedar, cypress, mahogany or pine, and the two are treated differently. Wooden roofs require constant maintenance and replacement and are highly susceptible to weathering and rot.
Metal roof
Metal roofing is being used by more homeowners. Metal roofing is due to its longevity, low maintenance, and durability. In the past, metal roofs were mainly used in factories and warehouses, because traditional metal roofs could not meet the aesthetic requirements of houses. This was not changed until the advent of stone-coated steel roofing.
