You may think you’ll be able to get by with a few roof repairs, but that’s not always the case. If your roof is more than 20 years old, you should seriously consider a shingle roof replacement. This type of roof replacement is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from the elements while also maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Read on to learn how to choose the right shingle for your home.
Choosing A Shingle For Roof Replacement
Choosing a shingle for your roof replacement is one of the biggest home purchases you can make. Experts recommend a two-step process. First, explore the many colors and shapes that are available. Most manufacturers offer basic color families. Then, work with a reputable contractor.
The manufacturers list approved installers in their ZIP codes and highlight their best practices training. To avoid a costly and unnecessary mistake, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a shingle.
The weight of shingle materials is important to know. Different shingle materials weigh different amounts. When choosing the right shingle for your roof replacement, keep in mind that the weight of your roof structure determines the overall cost.
Every building has a designated dead load, and if the weight exceeds that limit, the structure of the roof will not be able to support its own weight. An average home has 15 pounds per square foot of dead weight.
When choosing a color, keep in mind that roof colors will vary from one material to another. Slate tiles and standard asphalt shingles both come in neutral blacks, grays, and whites. Metal can also come in many shades.
If you plan on replacing your entire roof, consider which colors will work best with your existing exterior color scheme. The wrong shingle color will rob your home of its curb appeal. Moreover, it will make the rest of your exterior design color look unbalanced.
Cost Of A Shingle Roof Replacement
If you are considering getting a new roof, you should consider the cost of a shingle roof replacement. The replacement process itself will cost about $400 to $600 per square foot. These costs will include materials, such as plywood, wood planks, and permits.
It is also important to consider labor costs, as a professional roofer will charge about 60 percent of the total cost. For instance, a 3-tab composition shingle roof will cost approximately $425 per square, assuming a single-story house and a hip and gable combination roof.
The cost of a shingle roof replacement varies widely by region. Depending on the brand of shingles, the roof replacement can cost anywhere from $5,100 to $15,000 (for a three-tab asphalt shingle roof). The price can increase as much as 20% if you opt for the best roofing shingles. If you decide to install a new shingle roof, it is a good idea to consult a local roofing company for an accurate estimate.
The cost of a shingle roof replacement varies according to the materials used and the area in which you live. However, if you’re looking for the most affordable option, asphalt shingles can cost as little as $1.50 per square foot, with labor costs ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 for a two-story home. However, these costs are highly variable, and can increase ten-fold if you need more expensive materials or a more complicated roof.
Signs That Your Shingle Roof Needs To Be Replaced
There are many signs that your shingle roof needs to be removed and replaced. One of the most common is if you see shingle debris on your roof. This means the shingles are getting older and need to be replaced. Another common sign is if you can see wind or rain dripping through the shingles. Either way, it’s time for a new roof.
Broken shingles – While they’re unsightly, broken shingles can be a potential leak waiting to happen. If you can find the shingles that match, it’s easy to replace the broken ones.
But if you’re not comfortable working from heights, you’re likely to need to have your roof replaced. Here are seven other signs that your shingle roof needs to be replaced:
Missing granules – At the end of their life, shingles will lose the majority of their granules. If you notice patches of dark or light granules on your roof, you may need a new one.
Additionally, if you find granules in your gutters, your roof is already showing signs of trouble. It’s time to consider replacing your entire roof, if the shingles are beyond repair.
