Roofing Questions Answered

How much will my new roof cost?

This is a tricky question because every home and every roof is different. Your new roof’s cost will depend on several factors, including material, size, slope, labor, and more. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to call a roofing contractor in your area. National average cost for a roof replacement in 2021 was $15,000. 

Can my roof be insured? 

In most cases, your roof can be insured through your homeowner’s insurance policy. This protects your roof from significant unexpected damages like fires, tornadoes, and vandalism. Most roofs come with a warranty for minor issues like curling or cracking shingles. These warranties could cover the actual roofing materials (like shingles or metal sheets), the labor to install those materials, or both. It’s important to remember that every roofer offers different warranties and different roofing materials come with varying manufacturer warranties. Therefore, it’s a good idea to take a few bids from multiple roofers and materials to see what warranties they’re offering and which is best for you. 

How long will it take to install my new roof?

A new roof can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to install. The exact amount of time it will take depends on three main factors: the size of your roof, what type of roof you’re installing, and whether or not you have to remove existing roof materials before installing new ones. For example, suppose you’re installing new asphalt shingles on top of old ones. In that case, you can expect the job to be completed relatively quickly. But if you need to remove old metal roofing and then place new asphalt shingles, it will take a bit longer. 

Timing can also depend on your roofer’s crew size and the weather. Roofing can be dangerous work, and roofers must ensure their workers are safe. Therefore, any inclement weather could put your roof installation on hold until it passes. Get an estimate from one or more trusted roofing contractors in your area for a more accurate answer on how long it will take to install your new roof. Most of them will be able to provide you with an idea of the timeline. 

Can I install a new roof in winter?

Suppose your roof has suffered a significant catastrophe (say, a tree fell on your home, or you discovered a great deal of water damage). In that case, you might need a new roof as soon as possible. Many homeowners fear roofers won’t work in winter because of the weather. 

While it’s more challenging to install roofs in the winter, most roofers can make it happen as long as they’re extra careful. The process may take a bit more time since roofers must practice great caution, store materials appropriately, and wait forclear days, but it’s possible. If you need a roof right now, don’t worry that the weather will put your family out. 

What are the most common roofing materials?

There are many roofing materials with different aesthetic appeals and performance capabilities.
However, the most common of them include:

• Wood shakes
• Metal
• Asphalt Shingles
• Slate or clay tiles

So which of these materials is suitable for your roof? That’s up to you! You can ask a reputable roofing contractor to walk you through the pros and cons of each of them, then make your decision based on that information. 

What is roof flashing, and does my roof need it? 

Roof Flashing is a flat, thin, waterproof material that’s placed underneath shingles. It is installed to direct water away from the most vulnerable areas of your roof, preventing any water from entering cracks and openings.

Your entire roof probably won’t require flashing, but some sections will. These are usually the most leak-prone areas, such as:

• Any roof surface that connects to a front or side wall
• Valleys (low points where two roof slopes connect)
• Around protrusions like bathroom vents, chimneys, and/or skylights
• Edges (eaves or rakes)

Installing flashing in these areas gives your home a great second line of protection against devastating water damage. 

Does my roof need gutters?

The short answer? Probably, but not always. Gutters are designed to direct rain away from your home. They catch water as it runs down the slope of your roof, then lead it into a downspout or drain that carries it away. Gutters work to prevent your home’s foundation from eroding, the basement from flooding, and the siding from growing mold and mildew. With all that in mind, gutters are a pretty important part of a roofing system. 

However, there are some instances where you may not need gutters installed. Usually, if your roof has a very steep slope or you live in a dry environment.