Raise the Roof: Things to Know About Home Roof Replacement

During the summer months in the Pacific Northwest, all kinds of construction is taking place. 

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With the rains over, homeowners can finally get to those residential projects that have been impatiently waiting on their to-do list. 

One of the biggest home maintenance projects that every homeowner or homeowner has to deal with every decade or two is replacing the roof. 

Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned residential maintenance expert, these residential roof replacement recommendations will help make your next roofing job a little easier.

First of all, what is roof replacement?

Before starting your roofing project, it's important to understand exactly what this update covers. 

A full roof replacement involves completely removing all old components and installing brand new materials and equipment to keep your roof in tip-top shape. 

A roof is actually made up of 9 different components, including roof ornaments, roof flashing, underlayment and more. 

All in all, redoing your roof is a lot more complicated than tearing off the old shingles and patching on new ones.

How often should I replace my roof?

Your roof will in most cases only need some TLC throughout the year to stay functional. 

When properly installed with quality materials, your roof should last anywhere between 12 and 20 years before needing a complete replacement.

 You may come across damaged shingles or other materials now and then, but it could easily be a decade before most homeowners start planning for a roof replacement. 

How often you will need to do this project depends on the type of roof you choose, so understand the differences between your available options before making your decision.

So what material should I choose for my roof replacement?

There are many different options available for roof replacement, although most modern homes are being built with asphalt shingles. 

Asphalt shingles can be classified as either structural (also called 3-tab) or architectural, and each comes with its own considerations. 

Composition shingles are more affordable, but may require more maintenance or be replaced more often because they are less durable. 

Architectural shingles have a higher upfront cost but are able to withstand harsh weather conditions, meaning they will last longer.

Other options available include wood shake shingles, metal shingles, and cement shingles. 

Wood is an excellent material, although this option requires more maintenance to prevent natural decay caused by moisture trapped under leaf litter. 

Metal and cement roofs are highly durable and can last for 50 years or more due to their ability to handle harsh weather conditions such as storms and high sunlight. 

Both materials require maintenance to remain viable for decades to come, but overall their durability and versatility make them a great choice for replacing your roof. 

One caveat with these two materials is that they are challenging to install and expensive to purchase, so labor costs and upfront purchases will be much higher than asphalt or wood shingles.

 It's important to weigh your options to see which benefits are most important to you and which may fit your budget.

How much does a roof replacement cost, anyway?

Speaking of budget, it's important to consider how much something like this will cost. 

Many homeowners are eager to save enough money to finally own their own place, but homeowners may fail to realize that it comes with many unexpected maintenance costs. 

Your roof is one of the most expensive projects your home will ever need, although luckily it only needs to be done once or twice in your lifetime, especially with proper care. 

Materials chosen, labor chosen and the square footage of your home are all factors that can affect the total cost of roof replacement, although on average the project comes in between $5,000 and $10,000. 

It's important to shop around multiple companies to ensure you're getting the best rates with quality workmanship and materials.

How do I find the right roofing contractor?

There are many qualified contractors in the Pacific Northwest who specialize in roof repair and replacement. 

Important things to look for when choosing a contractor are that they are licensed, bonded and insured. 

This means that the work they do is guaranteed and if something goes wrong with the project, your home is damaged or someone is injured because of their work, you can seek financial compensation to make it right. 

This is a big consideration and should never be overlooked, even if your neighbor is extremely handy and has replaced his own roof several times.

You always want to make sure you are working with a qualified professional who is prepared for the worst, just in case.

Another important tip is to find a professional you trust andwhich has your best interests at heart.

This can be difficult to determine from a webpage, so take the time to contact a few locations and talk to their staff to get an idea of how the project will work.

Did they answer your call within the first few rings or put you on hold? 

Were they interested in learning more about you or selling their most expensive products?

This can be an important conversation that will give you an idea of what it will be like to work with this company during your project. 

Redoing your roof won't happen overnight and is a big investment, so it's always smart to take the time to shop around and find a contractor who is knowledgeable, professional, and readily available.

Can I be self employed?

Home renovation projects and DIY activities can be a lot of fun, but your roof is not the time to feed your inner craftsman. 

Roof replacement comes with a lot of regulations, paperwork, time, energy and industry knowledge. 

Unless you have actual professional roofing experience, it is always recommended that you seek out a qualified professional to handle the job for you. 

They are trained and experienced in this unique home maintenance project and will be able to make sure everything is up to code and built to last. 

As tempting as it may be to save some money upfront and spend a few weekends on shingles, hiring a roofing contractor will be much better in the long run.

Roof replacement can be overwhelming, but with a little knowledge and the right team, it can be a simple and painless process. 

Before you start replacing your roof, check with your insurance company to make sure the material chosen is acceptable and covered under your policy.

Some content may be excluded or make you ineligible for coverage, so it's always wise to talk to an insurance professional first to make sure you're covered.

Most insurance carriers also offer a new roof discount and incentives and rewards for maintaining your roof, so be sure to ask your insurance agent about this as well.

If you need help with your insurance coverage or are interested in getting a homeowners quote, contact our team of personal lines insurance agents to learn more!