When working with homeowners in the North Austin area, there are a number of questions that are regularly asked. Below we will answer some of the questions regarding roof replacement. Let us know if you have any other questions you would like answered!
Does my roof need to be replaced?
A common question asked by homeowners is, “When should I replace my roof”? Roofs are an key part of protecting a home and if not properly maintained can lead to extensive issues later on. No one wants to wait until water is pouring into their house from a leaky roof before realizing it is time to address any issues!
What are signs that my roof needs to be replaced?
In order to prolong the life of your roof, it is recommended that it be inspected twice a year. During the roof inspection process, any of the following could indicate your roof needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Signs of water damage or leaks. This can be in either the attic or ceiling. If you see any of these signs, you will need to contact a roofing professional immediately to assess the problem.
- Missing shingles can be another indication that a roof needs maintenance or possibly replaced. You may see shingles missing from the roof or see shingles in your yard. You should also access the shingles and make sure they are not loose, cracked, or damaged. One main reason for missing or damaged shingles is strong winds, which can cause the shingles to lift. This will eventually break the seals that hold the tiles to each other. Unfortunately, once these seals are broken, they will not seal again and will leave the roof compromised
- Moss growing between the shingle can also lead to significant issues. As moss spreads it can begin to cause rotting which can create structural problems in your home. Sagging suggests that rotting is already taking place in the framing of the roof. This can only be remedied by removing the roofing and replacing the rotten pieces.
- If you see your neighbors replacing their roofs. This is especially true if you have recently had an event like a hailstorm or strong windstorm. Even small hailstorms can impact the life of your roof due to the loss of granules on your shingles. Granule loss will cause the asphalt to begin deteriorating more quickly.
How often do roofs need to be replaced?
There are numerous factors that impact the lifespan of your roof. Those factors include the type of roofing materials used, the quality of the installation, the age of the roof and if there is a catastrophic weather event. The normal lifespan of a properly maintained roof can be anywhere from 10-75 years depending on the type of roof you have.
A general rule of thumb is this: if your roof is over 20 years old, it likely needs to be replaced (unless it is a metal roof). Most composite roofs in Central Texas last between 10-20 years.
Does cold weather harm my roof?
In addition to hail and winds, severe chilly weather may cause your roof to wear out more quickly. Even if cold weather doesn’t cause new problems immediately it can worsen existing issues, With the recent winter freeze in Texas, you should most definitely keep a close eye on your roof.
What is the cost of a roof replacement?
While the cost of installing a new roof can vary significantly (such as the type of materials, size and pitch of the roof, code requirements, and roof features like chimneys and skylights) the typical range for a new roof in the Central Texas area is between $5,500 and $30,000. The cost usually includes the price of the shingles, supplies, labor, and removal of any waste.
Other factors that can raise the price of a roof replacement include the inspection, repair or reinforcement of any trusses and adding protective features. If your roof has hail or storm damage then it is likely the gutters, siding and/or windows have been damaged as well.
Also, keep in mind that demand for materials and shortages due to Covid-19 have caused many roofing and home remodeling projects to increase their price. You will want to get an estimate from a reputable roofing company for specified pricing.
For an overview of different types of roofing materials, see our previous blog entitled Types of Roofing Materials: https://modernblu-austin.com/blog/2021/april/types-of-roofing-materials/
How long does it take for a roof replacement?
For an average size home (1,600 square feet) it will usually take 2-3 days to install an asphalt shingle roof. This timeframe may change depending on a few different things – weather conditions, type of roofing material, the size of the roof and the pitch of the roof.
Final thoughts…
When the time has come for a new roof, it is important that you choose the right contractor for the roof replacement or repair. While price is an important thing to consider, everyone has either heard or experienced a nightmare story about a cheap contractor who performed shoddy work and left the homeowner with long term problems. Here are two recent examples in the Austin area:
https://modernblu-austin.com/blog/2021/may/avoid-a-home-remodeling-nightmare-two-true-stori/
You will want to make sure that your contractor is insured, charges a fair price and provides high quality work. Always have a due diligence process. Read reviews and get recommendations prior to hiring a roofing company.
A roof is an important investment in the longevity of your home. If you live in the Leander, Cedar Park, or Lago Vista areas and suspect you may have roof damage call our professionals at Modern Blu Austin at 469-546-7636, or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to provide a free roof inspection!