Most of us don’t think about the roof over our heads until it springs a leak or something worse. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, here’s what you need to know to determine if the time is right to replace the roof on your Jacksonville, FL home.
Top Signs You Might Need a New Roof
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) says these important factors go into estimating how long a typical residential roof can be expected to last:
- When the roof was installed.
- What material the roof is made from.
- Local climate and environmental conditions.
- Proper roof installation.
- Material quality and suitability.
- Adequate roof maintenance.
This is why you’ll often see a huge span in a manufacturer’s warranty, often ranging anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
Other factors affecting a roof’s lifespan are its color, orientation, and slope. For instance, dark roofs typically absorb more heat and roofs sloped towards the south take a bigger beating from the sun. Roofs which have a high pitch generally last a bit longer as rain doesn’t settle on them as easily.
How long will your home’s roof last? While there’s no set formula for a roof’s lifespan, if your home has a typical asphalt single roof, it will likely survive 20 to 25 years.
How to Extend a Roof’s Lifespan
Aside from proper installation, consistent maintenance of your roof is the most important thing you can do to extend its life.
- Regular maintenance. There’s no need to climb a ladder to check for potential roof problems. Take a look at your roof’s shingles to see if any are missing, curling, or cracked. Also, check for granules in the gutters or yard. Any of these issues or warnings of damage should be looked at as soon as possible by a professional contractor who can safely make the repairs.
- Yearly inspections. A professional roof inspector can spot any problems and provide you with valuable information for maintaining your roof. They can also give you a good estimate of how much longer the roof may last. Having yearly inspections done increases your chances of finding small issues before they become bigger problems.
- Prompt repairs. The longer you wait to repair your roof the worse the damage gets. This will end up costing more than if you had taken care of the problem right away. Four types of damage requiring immediate attention are roof leaks, missing or loose shingles, curling, and blistering.
A few damaged shingles or a small leak doesn’t mean you need a new roof. But if your roof is over 15 years old and has multiple issues, it’s a good idea to contact a licensed roofing contractor to get a professional opinion.
How Much a Roof Replacement Costs
Every roof and situation is different, so how often you do a roof replacement and the actual cost of having it done are going to vary. One thing is certain, replacing a roof is not a minor investment. Factors influencing the final cost vary by location and circumstance, but here’s what typically affects what you’ll pay:
- How difficult the job is.
- The pitch (steepness) of the roof.
- How many layers of shingles must be torn off.
Most roof replacements involve replacing the underlayment, the ice and water shield, drip edge, and flashing at the chimney, wall, and valley, as well as tearing off of all old materials. Removing and replacing bad decking is also common and disposal should also be included in any estimate you receive. Keep in mind the more complicated the job, the higher the labor costs will be.
If you’re comparing multiple estimates be sure to carefully look at what is and isn’t included in a bid. Will the old roof be torn off? Or does the estimate only include supplying shingles and reroofing? Is hauling away all debris part of the job? Beware of estimates which seem too good to be true, because they probably are. Remember, a good contractor will be more than happy to answer any questions you have and won’t try to hide information from you.
Learn More
Ready to learn if it’s time to replace your home’s roof? From how often a roof replacement is needed to how much a roof replacement costs, StormForce has the answers. Contact us today to set up a detailed estimate or to discuss the roofing services we provide.