Need a New Roof? FAQs from Phoenix Home Owners Answered
Buying a house is a huge investment and with the median home price in Phoenix hovering around $272,700, it’s important to protect that investment whenever possible.
Your home’s roof is one of its best defenses against the elements.
When your roof is in good condition, it keeps your home free of water damage and even helps lower your heating and cooling costs throughout the year. However, no matter what you do, that roof will eventually need to get replaced.
If you’re trying to decide if you need a new roof, you’re likely coming up with tons of other questions about the process. Read on to get the answers to the most frequently asked questions about roof replacements.
Do I Really Need a New Roof?
Replacing a roof can be expensive. This often leaves homeowners wondering if they can just get the damage repaired or make a few patches to keep their existing roof in place.
While it’s possible in some instances, repairing an extensively damaged roof isn’t always feasible. In fact, making the repairs can often lead to worse damage to your home down the line.
Your roofing contractor will thoroughly inspect the roof to make sure that a full replacement is necessary.
If they say it is necessary, ask them to explain why so you can become more educated about the current state of your roof, and in most instances, you’ll want to listen to the expert.
Leaving a damaged roof in place, even with temporary repairs, increases your risk of serious leaks, structural damage, mold, and even rodent infestations.
Can’t You Just Replace Part of the Roof?
It’s possible for only one portion of the roof to show visible signs of damage.
However, that doesn’t mean you should only replace the damaged portion. Doing so puts your home at risk for worse damage in the future.
Replacing only the damaged portion of the roof won’t actually delay a full roof replacement. Instead, it will end up costing you more in the long-run.
You’ll have to pay for both the partial replacement and the full roof replacement down the line.
If a large part of your roof gets damaged and can’t get repaired, you’ll be better off replacing the entire roof at once.
What Will Happen to the Old Roofing Materials?
During a roof replacement, the roofing crew will remove all of the old materials from the structure.
This includes the shingles, tiles, or other exterior materials, the subroofing, and any other damaged components they find.
These materials will get replaced with new, high-quality roofing so your roof can stand up to the elements for years to come.
During the construction process, the old materials get tossed into a dumpster to help contain the waste. Once your new roof is in place, your roofing team will inspect your property for any loose nails or stray materials that missed the dumpster.
They’ll haul the debris away for you so you won’t have to worry about making trip after trip to the landfill.
Can I Upgrade to a Different Type of Roof?
It’s normal for homeowners to think they have to replace their roof with the same types of materials that were already in place. While this is a great option, you don’t have to choose the same type of roof for your home.
Think about the way you want your home’s exterior to look. For example, if you want your home to blend in with the neighborhood, try to install the same types of roofing materials that everyone else uses. If you want to stand out in a sea of asphalt shingle roofs, upgrading to tile is a great choice.
Ultimately, your roof will be more durable no matter what type of materials you choose. Improvements in technology have made modern asphalt shingles, roof tiles, and flat roof systems more efficient and more durable than their older counterparts.
Once Installed, How Long Will the Roof Last?
Every roof will last different lengths of time and it all comes down to how well you maintain it each year.
If you take care of the materials and get your roof inspected once a year, the materials will last longer. However, if you neglect regular maintenance or fail to make repairs quickly, the roof will start to fail more quickly.
Assuming you keep your roof in good condition and make all repairs before they have a chance to cause more severe damage to the rest of the roof, the system should last for at least 20 years.
Keep in mind that higher-quality roofing materials will typically last longer.
What Types of Maintenance Will I Need to Perform?
While it’s important to leave most maintenance tasks to your trusted roofing company, there are a few things you can do to help keep your roof in good shape. Start by walking the perimeter of your house once a month.
Look for roofing nails or bits of roofing materials around the yard. Look at the roofline and see if the materials are all laying flat against the slope of the roof. If you notice anything that looks loose or see missing or damaged shingles or tiles, contact your roofer immediately.
The sooner they can take care of those repairs, the longer your roof will last and the less likely it is that you’ll have to deal with a premature roof replacement.
After severe windstorms, haboobs and after the monsoon season, you may also want to schedule an inspection. During this inspection, your roofer will look for minor signs of wear and tear that you might otherwise miss.
Schedule an Estimate Today
If you think you need a new roof for your house, don’t leave it up to chance. The sooner you get your current roof assessed, the better prepared you’ll be to make the best decision for your home.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and estimate with our team. We’ll make sure your roof is in good shape for years to come.
If you end up needing a roof replacement, we’ll help you find the best options for your budget and your home’s exterior.
Time to replace your old, worn-out roof? Shingles, tile, and foam roofing systems, we do it all! Call the experts at AZ Roofing Works for a Free Roofing Estimate at (602) 283-3383 Today!
