Ask a General Contractor: When is it Time to Re-Roof?
If your roof is starting to look bad, a general contractor may advise you that it’s time to re-roof your home.
If you’ve been staring up at your roof recently wondering if it’s time for new shingles, it likely is. Before you start planning out your roof renovation, however, you may want to give your general contractor a shout first. They can assess your roof and determine if it’s time, which roofing material is best suited for your home, and how much money you’ll need to budget.
When the contractor arrives at your home, here’s what they’ll be looking for:
1. Do the shingles appear worn out?
At first glance, it’s easy to see if your home requires a new roof. Shingles that are cupped or curled should be replaced. If they’re dried out looking or beginning to crack, they’ll need to be replaced. All of these attributes can leave your home susceptible to water damage, so it’s important to deal with them promptly.
2. Have your neighbours recently replaced their roofs?
A really good indication that it’s time to replace the roof is if your neighbours have been reroofing as well. Homes in a neighbourhood are typically built around the same time. This means that your neighbours’ roof is likely the same age as your roof.
3. Have you been experiencing any leaks?
When inspecting your roof, the building contractor may ask if you’ve experienced any leaks in the home. Leaks can occur for a number of reasons, but the most common is due to part of the roofing system failing. This can mean the shingles, flashing, stack boots, or other components are in need of replacement.
4. Has there been any damage caused by a storm?
Sometimes your roofing system may not be outdated but damaged. High winds, hail, and even snowstorms can cause damage that requires you to replace either sections or the entire roof. If this is the case, you may only need to pay for repairs in a certain area instead of shelling out for the entire roof.
Once the contractor assesses your roof, they can discuss your options with you. Depending on the slope and size of your roof, some of the roofing materials they’ll suggest can include:
- Cedar shingles and shakes
- Metal roofing
- Asphalt shingles
- Tiles
Planning for House Renovation Costs
Replacing your roof can be a costly venture. To prepare yourself for this upcoming expense, it’s good to know how old your roof is.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 10-25 years; whereas, premium shingles can last up to 30 years.
Metal & Stone-Coated Tiles
Metal and stone-coated tile roofing are more costly, but they can last up to 50 years if properly maintained.
Clay & Concrete Tiles
If your home was constructed using clay or concrete tiles, your roof may last for a century before needing to be replaced.
Cedar Shingles & Shakes
Roofing systems comprised of cedar have the potential to last for 30-35 years if properly maintained.
Looking for an expert in renovations in Kelowna? Check out our previous post: 5 Steps for Choosing Trustworthy Kelowna Contractors.
If you’re looking for a project management team that can oversee your roofing project, consider Rafter 4K Contracting. With more than 25 years in the industry, our professionals have mastered the art of planning, organizing, motivating and controlling new home and renovation projects.
