Getting your roof replaced is a big decision, and there are many factors to consider before making a decision, especially since a project of this scope is a long-term investment.
So, how much does it cost to replace a roof? Can you get financing for a roof replacement? These are the questions that consumers want honest answers to when pursuing a roof replacement, and 4 Brothers is here to help! In this guide, you will find in-depth insight into roof replacements, including:
- Ways a roof can be damaged – storm damage vs general wear
- Factors that impact your roof cost and average roof replacement cost
- Mistakes to avoid
- How to find the best roofing contractor
If you’re in need of a new roof, whether a big storm came through and blew off shingles or due to your roof simply reaching the end of its lifespan, this guide contains everything you need to know about roof replacement.
How Do Roofing Materials Get Damaged?
There are many ways your home’s roof can be affected by both age and weather conditions:
Storms and Weathering Will Take a Toll
Storm damage is one of the most common reasons for a roof replacement. A roof can easily be damaged by weather conditions including:
- Hail
- High winds
- Heavy rains
- Forest fires
- Fallen trees and debris
- UV exposure
- Ice dams
- Moisture
- Pests
The Age of the Roof
Every roofing material has an average life expectancy and will last for years with proper care and maintenance. Take a look at the average lifespan for each type of roof:
- Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
- Composite shingles: 20-30 years
- Metal roofs: 40-70 years
- Cedar shakes: 30-50 years
- Tile roofing: 50-100 years
- Solar panels: 30 years
Inspecting a Roof and Identifying Roof Damage
Inspect your home from different areas to find out if there is any roof damage:
From the ground: Are there signs of visible damage like a fallen tree branch?
From the attic: Is water visibly leaking into the attic during storms or can you see sunlight shining in during the day?
From the interior: Are there any water spots, stains, or other visible signs of water damage?
Gutters: Are there gutters broken and hanging down or filled with excessive granule buildup from asphalt shingles?
On a ladder: Are there cracked, loose or missing shingles? Can you identify missing flashing or damage to roof features like vents or chimneys?
Your roof fails a visual inspection:
When your roof is showing obvious signs of wear that you can see without getting up on a ladder or closely inspecting, including sagging, dark streaks and discoloration, or moss and algae growth, it’s probably time to get a new roof. Structural and physical damage that can be easily spotted from the ground after a storm is also a good sign you need an emergency roof replacement.
- You’re finding asphalt granules in your gutters. Some granular loss is expected after installing new asphalt shingles, but excessive amounts of this fine dark substance clogging your gutters is a sign you need to re-roof.
- Your shingles are showing signs of damage. Granule loss isn’t the only type of shingle damage to look for. Asphalt shingles can crack, curl, buckle, or blow off entirely.
- Sunlight is shining into the attic. If there are apparent beams of light shining through holes in the roof through to the attic winter leaks, water damage, and even costlier repairs with lengthier timelines will be in your future down the line.
- New roofs in the area. Architectural styles and home aesthetics are constantly changing and you may find your roof looks dated.
- Your roof is close to 25 years old. Although most modern roofing materials are built to last for a long time with minimal maintenance, many homes still have their original roofing. If your home’s roof is nearing the 25-year mark in its lifespan, it might be time to talk with a roofing professional to determine if your roof has finally run its course.
Average Roof Replacement Cost by Roofing Material
The total cost of roof replacement will ultimately hinge on many factors:
- Roof size and pitch – Is the roof easy to access, or are there ridges and steep pitches?
- Roofing materials – Roofing material costs can vary, so the final cost is affected by the type of roof you choose
- Labor costs – The labor costs of replacing a roof will vary with the material used as some materials are more complicated to install.
- Insurance coverage – Your out-of-pocket costs for a roof replacement depend on the homeowner’s insurance coverage and deductible.
The Real Cost of Common Mistakes
Quality home improvements are expensive, but with the roof’s job to protect the home and help it run efficiently, the last thing you should do is cut corners. Many homeowners make a few common mistakes that can lead to an increased likelihood of needing more repairs or experiencing further damage to other parts of their homes in the future.
Cheap Labor Can Lead To Costly Repairs
One of the most prevalent ways people try to cut costs on roofing projects is through labor costs. Opting for the lower estimate with cheaper labor may get the job done, but that doesn’t mean the job has been done well. An inexpensive roofing installation will most commonly cause you to need further repairs when poor craftsmanship fails. Your homeowner’s insurance company may even deny a claim if your roof was not installed correctly.
Instead of falling for an unbelievably low estimate, compare multiple quotes from reputable contractors and find one you can trust to get the job done right the first time.
Lower-Quality Materials Lead to Damage
You might be inclined to cut corners when it comes to roofing materials, but that can be problematic too. Cheaper roofing materials are not going to last as long as quality materials.
Red Flags During Estimates
Permitting and building codes. If your contractor asks you to obtain the permits for a roof installation, that’s a good indicator that they’re not properly licensed and may not have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality workmanship.
Storm Chasers
If someone shows up on your doorstep the day after a severe storm hits with a too-good-to-be-true estimate, it’s easy to feel tempted to jump at the offer. Many times, these quotes are too good to be true and it’s a scam to get your cash immediately for construction that’ll probably never occur.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust
A good roofing company or contractor should have these traits:
FREE estimates – Most roofing companies offer a free estimate for an inspection and diagnostic report on your roof. Compare multiple roofing estimates to find a reasonable quote from the best contractor.
Positive reviews & referrals – Read through reviews from real customers or check out online ratings on Google and the Better Business Bureau to get an idea of how reliable these roofing companies are. Ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers to get referred to companies that have proven their ability to do good work.
Comprehensive warranties – Any reputable roofing company will offer two types of warranties: one for the roofing materials, called a manufacturer’s warranty, and a workmanship warranty. The work might be guaranteed for at least 10 years and a manufacturer’s warranty might be upwards of 20 years. These warranties ensure that when your roof replacement is finished, you’re covered for any unexpected issues or material failures.
Licenses & certifications –Ensure any company or contractor you choose is licensed, certified, and insured to do work in your area.
Permanent business location – Most established roofing companies have a home office around town, while a less experienced or unlicensed contractor might work out of their home and may not have the right tools or skills to give you quality services.
Prompt response times –. Taking note of which contractors supply you with swift responses and detailed information about your quote before deciding will save you a lot of time and weeks of frustration when you need a roof replacement.
Transparent communication – Transparency is one of the top traits to look for in a roofing company. Along with timely responses, you want to find a contractor who offers clear and concise communication throughout your re-roofing project.
The Roof Replacement Partner You’re Looking For
When you need a new roof, 4 Brothers Contracting LLC provides the expert services you need for roofing in Delafield, WI. Whether you’re thinking of a roof replacement or adding a new roof on your Lake Country home, you want to know you are hiring roofers that will get the job done affordably, professionally and in a timely manner.
4 Brothers Contracting has extensive experience working on new roof installations and roof repairs in the Delafield area. You can choose from asphalt roofing, cedar roofing or metal roofing. Your satisfaction is guaranteed when you hire 4 Brothers Contracting for your residential roofing project.
The Process
At 4 Brothers Contracting, our process ensures a positive outcome for the future of your home. We want your project to go as smoothly as possible. By following the steps outlined below, you will have a quality roof for years to come.
Roof Delivery
Once your roof is ready to begin, we order the material. We will contact you before the material is delivered to let you know it is on the way. Most of the time the material will be delivered on an earlier day than when we start the work. You will be notified the day before we plan to start.
Our supplier will deliver the material to your house. You will not need to be there when the material is delivered. Roofing material will be installed on the roof. Please make sure that the driveway is clear so that the supplier is able to access the driveway.
Roof Installation
You will be notified the day before the roof project begins. Again, please make sure the driveway is clear so that trailers and equipment can be parked.
Attics can collect a lot of dust and some debris during the tear-off and roofing application process. Please make sure to move or cover any items in storage that you don’t want to get full of dust. This is especially the case when the decking on your roof is slap boards with small gaps compared to plywood or OSB. Let us know if you have any questions beforehand.
Make sure that pictures and other objects on exterior walls are securely fastened. Roofing can cause a lot of vibrations that can knock down objects that are not securely fastened.
We pride ourselves on installing quality roofs and cleaning thoroughly. We will move yard furniture and place it back in its original spot to the best of our ability. We do our best to protect any plants and yard ornaments. Please let us know if you have anything in your yard that we should pay special attention to. With tons of debris coming off the roof, at times plants or flowers can be affected, but we do our absolute best to avoid this.
When the job is complete, we do our best to have all of our trailers removed by the next day and any excess material picked up.
If you have any questions about this process, please let us know. We look forward to providing a quality roof for years to come and top-notch customer service along the way.
