The Basics of Shingle Roof Replacement

Most shingle roofs are only built to last about 20 years. Granted, nowadays, you can find 30-year shingles but odds are your roof does not have them unless it was recently re-done. Roof replacement, next to termite control, is one of the most costly expenses in home maintenance. If you can avoid having to re-tile the roof, then do so by simply buying a home that doesn't require a new roof for a very long while.

Causes of Roof Damage

Here in the South we don't get many snowstorms, but we do on occasion have ice storms. Damage can occur from falling debris, ice jams that clog the gutters and heave the shingles off the edges of the roof. If gutters are not cleaned yearly, leaves and debris can also accumulate and cause damage to the roof. Wind can cause damage if there were already loose vents, shingles, or parts of the ridge. These can be torn away exposing parts of the roof and causing leaks. A leak itself does not indicate the total replacement of a roof, but once moisture gets in the house, the damage can escalate quickly. Mold can grow and water will find it's way down the walls or wherever it finds a low point. If you see pieces of metal or shingles in your yard after a rainstorm or wind event, look up. Your roof may be compromised.

Single Layer of Shingles

If you want to have a roof that is going to last as long as the warranties on the materials state, then have the workers remove all the old shingles and felt and replace with new material. You can have a choice of 20, 25, and 30-year shingles. Using the 30-year shingles gives the roof architectural depth whereas 20 year shingles typically lie flat providing little variation.

Double Layer of Shingles

Some contractors will recommend a cheaper way of re-installing the roof. They will simply re-tile over the existing roof. This is called a double layer of shingles and some businesses use it routinely because of the major cost savings. However, there are several drawbacks to this method. The double layer will:

1. Trap more heat in your attic space due to the added insulation.
2. Be subject to deterioration if not done properly and might not last the full 20 years,
3. Can look funny and affect your curb appeal if done improperly.
4. Might affect sales value if a new owner thinks they will have to replace a double layer instead of a single one.
5. Could end up needing replacement again which subsequently will be much higher to remove a double-layer.

More and more contractors are not even mentioning the double layered option because by doing them they find they have to come back more often to fulfill repairs after the job is supposedly completed. Also, should you inadvertently hire someone who is not reputable, you could end up replacing the entire roof again! For the removal of a double layer of shingles, the cost of roof replacement is staggering as compared to a single layer and most local laws now prohibit adding a third layer.

What To Look For In A Roofing Contract

Obviously, your roofing contractor should have experience. They should offer a warranty on their workmanship, and they should hold insurance for their workers. Should anyone get hurt on the job, his or her insurance should pay for it, and not yours. Things that should be a normal part of the job are:

Nail pickup with magnets,
vent casings either stripped and repainted or replaced,
ridge vent replaced,
felting replaced, and
disposal of shingles and other waste.

Get several bids for your roof. Bids fluctuate quite drastically. Some of this is either due to inexperience of the contractor or not including waste removal. Make sure you understand what the contractor is agreeing to do for the price set. Realize that many times contractor's timetables are determined by their clients and not by the calendar. Also, any days that are raining or overcast will be days they cannot work. Be patient but also be sure they are getting the work done. Finally, the best way to find a decent roofer is to ask your neighbors. If they recently got their roof done they can give you a word of mouth recommendation on their work, which is often better than relying on fancy marketing by the contractor.