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As a homeowner, you know that there are some things in life that need to be done consistently. There’s always the roof to think about. It needs to be replaced when the materials or parts of the roof have become damaged or deteriorated beyond repair. This can be the roof shingle, flashing, or even the decking.
If you don’t know what these are, don’t worry! We will explain them later in this article. Also, remember that roofs do not last forever and need to be replaced at some point.
In Pittsburgh, PA, it’s always a good idea to check your roof at least once or twice per year. You may also want to schedule an inspection before extreme weather conditions hit.
However, homeowners need to understand when they need a roof replacement, it is to protect their homes from damage and other issues that may arise from having an old or damaged roof.
Today, we will discuss:
- Types Of Roof Damage
- How Do I Know If I Have Roof Damage?
- Should I Replace My Roof Myself Or Hire A Professional?
- What Is Involved In A Roof Replacement?
- How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof?
- Average Roof Replacement Cost
- Factors Affecting Roofing Cost Per Square Foot
- How Often Should I Replace Your Roof?
Types of Roof Damage
When it comes to your roof, a few different types of damage can occur. Here’s a breakdown:
Wind Damage To Your Roof
When high winds hit your home or business, they can cause damage to roofs by lifting them up and carrying them away. Often, this damage is caused by asphalt shingles being blown off during storms.
Water Damage To Your Roof
Water damage can happen through a variety of sources, including rain, hail, and snow. Water can also be caused by improper installation of gutters or downspouts, which can allow water to get into your attic space.
Improper Installation Of Your Roofing System
The improper installation of a new roofing system can lead to leaks and rot in your ceiling below. Improperly installed flashing may also cause leaks into the walls or floor of your home.
Hail Damage To Your Roof
Hailstorms often result in multiple small holes, which can weaken the structural integrity of a roofing system and lead to leaks and other problems over time.
Formation Of Ice Dams
An ice dam is a horizontal ridge of ice that forms on the edge of a roof or gutter. Ice dams are caused by heat from your home melting snow or ice off of your roof, then refreezing as temperatures drop overnight. This causes water to leak into your home through ceilings, walls, and windows.
How Do I Know If I Have Roof Damage?
Roof damage is not always obvious to the naked eye. In the case of water damage, you will likely see signs on the walls and on the ceiling that will alert you to the fact that you have roof damage.
However, in the case of termite or pest damage, for instance, you will most likely not see any indication that there is roof damage that needs replacing.
To help you identify if you have roof damage, here are some tips:
- Missing asphalt shingles
- Tiny particles or granules falling from the ceiling onto furniture
- Dark discoloration on your roof or ceiling
- Exposed nail heads
- Increase in heating or cooling bills
It is important to have your roof inspected by a professional roofer in order to determine if you need to do a new roof installation or a roof repair. Until this is done, you will not know whether the problem is something that can be easily fixed or if it requires a full roof replacement.
You can then decide if you want to repair your roof or replace it, depending on the extent of the damage and how much it costs to do so.
Keep in mind that not all damage is visible—sometimes, only an inspection will tell you what’s going on under there!
Should I Replace My Roof Myself Or Hire A Professional?
If you’re thinking about replacing your roof yourself, first consider whether or not you have the time, money, and know-how to do it. If you don’t have all three, hiring a professional is probably best.
Replacing a roof yourself can be dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment for the job. Roofs are large, heavy objects that can cause serious injury if they fall on someone. For example, you could be seriously injured if you don’t use proper safety equipment (such as fall protection harnesses). In addition, a poorly installed roof can cost more to repair over time.
Hiring a professional will ensure everything goes smoothly and safely while saving you some valuable time and money in the long run!
What Is Involved In A Roof Replacement?
A roof replacement is a project that will require time, patience, and hard work.
The process begins with stripping the old shingles and exposing the roof deck. It is important to protect it from damage while working on it. If there is any damage to your deck, repairs must occur to prevent further damage, which can eventually cause an omission under it.
The existing roof deck will be stripped of its surface materials and replaced with new composite boards that have been treated to better resist the elements.
Next, underlayment or felt sheets will be installed on top of the deck to protect it from water damage. Then comes installing new roofing materials—which involves applying adhesive underneath each new shingles before laying it down on top of them.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof?
The answer to this question depends on the size of your roof and how many people are working on it. We have discussed this in brief in our previous blog post “How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof?”
Average Roof Replacement Cost
Replacing the roof of a house is one of the most expensive home improvement projects. However, replacing a roof does not provide you with an easy-to-restore house improvement; it’s a much bigger job than just putting on new roofing materials. Investing in your roof is a good investment in your home and keeps them well maintained.
The national average roof replacement cost is about $8,000. Most people spend between $5,500 and $11,000 on their roof replacement project. If you plan to sell your home in the future, recouping your investment in a new roof may be possible by considering the home’s resale value.
Factors affecting Roofing Cost Per Square Foot
Roofing contractors typically charge about 60 percent of the total labor cost per foot, and about 40 percent cover roofing materials and labor. Let’s discuss below the roofing costs and variability of quotes.
Labor
Labor costs can vary depending on how quickly you need your roof repaired or replaced, how many people will be working on your project, whether or not you need extensive repairs or replacements done, and whether or not you’re willing to replace your entire roof with new material.
Roof Pitch & Size
The pitch and size of your roof will affect the cost of your new roof. Your roof pitch is the steepness of the slope from the edge of your roof to its peak, measured in inches. The more acute the pitch, the steeper it is.
The roof size is also important because it can affect how much work needs to be done and how long it takes. You’ll need to pay attention to how many square feet you have and how much work needs to be done on each section of shingles.
Materials
Materials are one of the most important factors affecting the roof replacement estimate. The roofing materials used can affect its durability, lifespan, and aesthetic appeal. Choosing high-quality materials is essential to ensure that your roof will last longer and look better.
Location
The cost of your roof depends on where you are located. In general, the cost of a roof replacement is lower in areas where labor is less expensive and more expensive in areas where labor is more expensive. If you are located in an urban area, the cost of replacing your roof could be higher due to higher labor costs and construction materials.
How Often Should I Replace My Roof?
The question of how often to replace your roof is one that many homeowners ask, but the answer isn’t always simple. Factors such as the type of roof material, age and condition of the building, and local weather conditions all determine how long a roof lasts.
Final Thoughts From Our Experts
As you can see, there are many reasons why it’s important to have your roof replaced. Roof replacement can have a significant impact on the way your home looks and feels, as well as the way it protects you from the elements. We hope that this guide has helped you understand what a roof replacement entails and whether or not you should consider having one done.
It’s important to have a plan in place before you begin, but even more important to have a way to manage the entire process effectively.
The best way to do this is with a reliable roofing contractor who is knowledgeable about your local area and will be able to provide you with a cost-effective solution that meets all of your needs.
If you’re looking for a local roofing company to help with any kind of roof replacement in Greater Pittsburgh—whether it be asphalt shingle or metal roof—Hepler Contracting LLC is always ready to assist!
Give us a call at (412) 694-8785, and we can discuss your projects!
