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Questions, Answers, Info and Data on Roof Replacement | Also Find Contractors and Get Estimates - Page 2

Is your roof old or just falling apart? Replace it. Sometimes the reality of a new roof is inevitable. Replacing your roof is a major task that requires doing your homework and finding the right contractor. In different parts of the country, roofing materials vary and the longevity of your roof can also vary. You should (if at all possible) begin the roof replacement process several weeks in advance, and you can do so here with us. Fill out the form on the right if you wouldlike 3 competing replacement estimates from roofing contractors local to you. Read below if you need some information before deciding on what you may or may not want to do next.

Need More Information About Weather (get it :) ) or Not to Replace Your Roof

Here are the common roof replacement questions we feature deep responses to below:

1) To replace or not to replace, is that the question?
2) What about the weather? Can I replace my roof in the extreme months?
3) How much resale value and energy savings will a roof replacement add to my home?
4) What are the best "Green Roof" replacement options?

1) To replace or not to replace, is that the question?

So how do you know if it's time to replace and when is the best time to replace your roof? Unless it's completely obvious, only an expert can help you answer that. Having a roof contractor come and asses the state of your roof is a clear way to find the right solution. An expert roofer will be able to document and provide you with analysis as to why you do or do not need a new roof. In many cases, simple repairs are all that is called for. However, if a full replacement is needed, a professional roofing contractor can best explain why it's necessary and how the process and work will be done to least effect the rest of your home. In fact, today's roofers can make the replacement process something that you, as the homeowner, hardly even notice, and they are able to do full replacement jobs in a matter of just a couple of days in some cases. By using the form on this site you can be contacted by a local roofing company who will provide you with a simple analysis, free of obligation. So even if you know you aren't ready to replace yet, you can get an expert opinion and use that for your planning.

 

 

2) What about the weather? Can I replace my roof in the extreme months?

With the replacement process being so streamlined these days, you don't have to be concerned with the time of year or the effects of the climate on the roofing job. So, dont worry about asking when is the best time to replace because a professional roofing contractors can do a replacement or install with minimal time and energy loss because of current roofing technology and tools.

Select from the many expert roofing contractors on Roofing-Directory.  If you need a roofing replacement contractor or other skilled professional look no further than the firms referred by our site.

We are here to help you find the best local roofing contractors for your next project.  We let you schedule free estimates from up to four of your area's premier roofing replacement professionals.  Get started today and save big on your upcoming roofing job by comparing the roofer's opinions and prices.

3) How Much Resale Value and Energy Savings Will a Roof Replacement Add to My Home

In today's real estate market, many people are looking for ways to add value to their homes. From updated kitchens to elaborate decks and patios, figuring out the best way to enhance your living experience while seeing a return on your investment can be a difficult task. Many home improvements can increase the value of a home, but every home has its own unique qualities. One of the most important features of every home is the roof. If your home is in need of a roof replacement within the next few years, picking the right new roof can increase the value of your home. Energy efficient roofing in particular can help lower your heating and cooling costs, which can add up to significant savings over time.

When preparing your home to sell, certain improvements may make the home sell faster without actually increasing the value. New carpeting, for example, generally will not allow you to increase your asking price, but carpeting that is old and worn out can make your home much less attractive to buyers. Not every home improvement adds to the value of a home. A new energy efficient roof is an update that not only adds value, but also creates a cost-saving benefit that has a positive impact on your everyday living experience.

If you're going to sell your home your home in the near future, it may be a good idea to consider replacing your roof. When purchasing a home with an old or damaged roof, buyers may try to negotiate and deduct the cost of a roof replacement from your asking price. If your roof has less than 5 years left in its lifespan, it might be a good idea to replace it before selling your home. When replacing your roof prior to selling your home, going for the most expensive roofing option may not lead to a full return on your investment. Buyers already expect the home to have a functional roof. A brand new roof, though, is a great selling point. Home buyers are attracted to the security of knowing that they will not have to do any major roof repairs or replacements in the next decade. If selling your home quickly is a concern, having a new roof may be a factor that puts your home to the top of the list. Depending on the style of your home, a simple yet durable and affordable asphalt shingle roof may be all that is required to give your home an edge in the real estate market.

Certain types of roofing can add immediate value to your home. If you live in a region of the country where asphalt shingles are the norm, giving your home a higher quality metal roof can be a good way to gain an edge. Metal roofing often costs around $10-$15 per square foot, but it can last anywhere from 30-40 years or more, which can make the cost worthwhile. In addition, the strong, sleek look of metal roofing can be attractive to potential home buyers. Slate roofing is the most expensive roofing material at $25-$30 per square foot, but it has a lifespan of 100-200 years or more. For this reason, it's generally only used in luxury homes or structures designed to last forever. If you own a home on which a slate roof would be appropriate, it might be something to consider.

The best way to add value to your home with a new roof is to upgrade to energy efficient roofing. Some roofing materials are much better than others when it comes to energy cost savings. In 2000, the Florida Solar Energy Center conducted an experiment to study indoor cooling energy usage with different roofing materials. The study was based on seven homes adjacent to each other in Fort Myers, FL that had been built by Habitat for Humanity. The homes were nearly identical except for the roofing. The study used dark shingles as the control. The other materials were white S-tiles, light colored shingles, white flat tiles, terra cotta S-tiles, white metal, and standard dark shingles with a sealed attic (no ventilation) and insulation under the roof deck as opposed to the ceiling. The study found that white, reflective materials were the most effective at reducing cooling costs. According to the data, reflective white metal roofing reduced cooling energy consumption by 24-28% during peak hours in relation to the dark tiles. This amounts to significant savings in the long term.

Energy savings are a sure way to see the effects of your investment if you're going to be living in your home for a while, but what if you're getting ready to sell? The question to replace or not can become tricky if you're not planning on staying long. How much of the cost you can expect to regain in the sale can fluctuate depending on the market. An energy efficient roof is a great selling point for a home. A strong roof with lower energy costs gives the buyer a sense of security. The buyer will feel that the home is worth more than similar homes with less attractive roofs.

While a new roof can add value to your home, waiting too long to replace an old roof can cause extensive damage. Water damage to the walls, mildew, rotting wood, and insect-attracting moisture are all possible effects of a worn-out roof. Roofing may not always add value, but it is vital to preserving the value and integrity of your home. There comes a point when a roof replacement is no longer optional. When it is time for a new roof, energy saving materials can be a great investment. While an energy efficient roof may cost more initially, the long-term savings and enhanced resale value may make it a worthwhile investment.

4) What are the best "Green Roof" replacement options?

Homes can be environmentally friendly in many ways. For instance, homeowners can install solar panels for power and use sustainable materials for a home’s construction. The addition of a green roof is another way that homeowners can help the environment.

About Green Roofs
If a roof is covered with living vegetation, then it is a green roof. The style is visually appealing, and it offers many benefits. For example, a green roof naturally filters rainwater, improves a home’s insulation and creates a natural habitat. A green roof can even become the homeowner’s vegetable garden, and it will increase a roof’s durability. In some cases, the roof extension increases a building’s value.

The International Green Roof Association, or IGRA, lists three main types of green roofs. Each option features specific plant types, maintenance requirements and costs. Furthermore, home or business owners install them on the top of a flat or reduced slope roof. A green roof will also include a water-resistant roof membrane. The three types of green roofs are:

• Extensive
• Semi-intensive
• Intensive

About Extensive Green Roofs
Extensive green roofs are the easiest to install because they require a thin, nutrient rich soil layer. To complete an extensive green roof, homeowners will plant reduced growth and drought-resistant vegetation. Therefore, be sure to buy plants that grow well in coastal areas or deserts. Also, plants that can be found naturally in dry mountain locations will likely thrive on a roof. Plant options include mosses, grasses and herbs as well as succulents. Homeowners who install an extensive green roof will have a permanent addition. The benefits of installing an extensive green roof include the plant variety that homeowners can plant while the challenge of the roof type is the maintenance that the vegetation requires.

Semi-Intensive Green Roofs
When homeowners install semi-intensive green roofs onto their homes, they’ll be adding a deep soil layer. Lavender, herbaceous perennials and grass are the best plants to add to a semi-intensive green roof. However, homeowners should not include trees or bushes in this type of setup. By selecting a semi-intensive green roof, homeowners can add appealing plants to their roof, but the downside is the cost.

Intensive Green Roofs
Intensive green roofs are the third environmentally friendly option. An intensive green roof will have a thick soil layer and a large assortment of plants. Ideal greenery selections include lawns and perennial plants as well as bushes and trees once the roof’s vegetation becomes established. When homeowners select an intensive roof expansion for their residence, they should consider it a permanent addition. Furthermore, the style requires more maintenance than other versions. However, an intensive roof extension may benefit the homeowner more because it can support larger plants.

Other Green Roof Options
Modular tray green roofs and small roof gardens are other options to consider. With modular tray roofs, a home or business will need to have a flat or reduced slope roof and a waterproof membrane. Instead of adding soil, homeowners will install pre-vegetated plastic trays in a grid pattern. The style is easier to install than other versions. It also costs less and is simple to maintain. Furthermore, if the water-resistant membrane becomes cracked or broken, then it is easier to repair.

Mini rooftop gardens are similar to a modular tray version, but the style is best for homeowners who have a small roof section available. Mini rooftop gardens need durable vegetation that can withstand excessive temperatures and powerful winds. Keep in mind that rooftop gardens are not typical gardens, so be sure to acquire professional planning. The style also needs a waterproofing system.

Pros and Cons
When homeowners add a green roof to their home, they’ll have the opportunity to improve the quality of the surrounding air and decrease heat island effect, which is the occurrence of an urban location experiencing temperatures that are hotter than rural areas.

The disadvantages of green roofs include their cost since the addition requires numerous materials such as the soil, plants, filters and fabrics as well as drainage system expenses. Furthermore, some homes will need extra reinforcement to support the added weight.

Before adding a green roof, keep in mind that the addition has practical challenges. For example, homeowners may need to replace plants when high winds blow them off the roof. Water leaks and the waterproofing membranes can also cause problems.

Green Roof Considerations
Homeowners should evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of installing a green roof as the extension is expensive to build and maintain. However, a green roof will assist the environment and add visual interest to a home. Once the green roof is in place, it may increase a home’s financial value, and homeowners will pay fewer utility costs.

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