10 Frequently Asked Questions Before Getting a New Roof

Is it time for a new roof? Do you have questions you need answered before getting started?

Getting a new roof is expensive. So, it’s common for homeowners like you to have questions before jumping into such a large investment.

In fact, there are questions guaranteed to come up when someone learns they need a new roof. Things like; do I really need one? How much will it cost? And everything in between.

So, let’s answer them.

For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners prepare for their roof replacement through transparency and unbiased information. That’s why I’ll answer the most frequent questions I get asked before someone gets a new roof.

By the end of this article, you’ll learn the answers to:

• How do I know if I need a new roof?
• What’s included in a roof replacement?
• How long does it take to replace a roof?
• Should I stay home during a roof replacement?
• How much does a new roof cost?
• Can I finance a new roof?
• Will insurance pay for a new roof?
• Does a new roof increase my home’s value?
• How many estimates should I get for a roof replacement?
• How long does a new roof last?

1. How do I know if I need a new roof?

If you know the lifespan of your roofing material, you can estimate when it's time to replace your roof based on the installed date. However, most homeowners don’t know this, so instead you should look for the signs that it’s time for a new roof.

The signs that your need a new roof are:

• Curling or buckling shingles
• Lack of granules making the shingles look bald
• Missing shingles
• Roof sagging
• Moss covering your roof
• Blistering shingles
• Finding granules in the gutter

If your roof has any or all of the above, it’s most likely time for a new one. However, you won’t know until after a roofer performs an inspection.

2. What’s included in a roof replacement?

While the main roofing material makes up the bulk of the roof system, there’s more underneath. Every single one of the other components and materials play an important role, and must be included when getting a new roof.

With the main roofing material, the components and other materials included in a roof replacement are:

• Decking (if any wood is compromised)
• Drip edge
• Underlayment
• Ice & water shield
• Starter shingles
• Roof vents and ventilation system
• Roof flashing
• Ridge capping
• Pipe boots

Every component and material listed here should be included in your roof replacement. If just one is missing or left off to save money, I guarantee you’ll have problems.

3. How long does it take to replace a roof?

Most roofs can be replaced in a day on the average home if the weather cooperates and there’s not much complexity. If you have a larger home with a steep pitch, a roof replacement could take two to three days.

On roofs with a lot of complexity and with a premium material, replacing a roof could even take five days to a few weeks. Every roof is different and certain materials require specialized installation, which is why the timeline depends on your specific situation.

However, a roof on the average residence with architectural asphalt shingles can typically be replaced in a day.

4. Should I stay home during a roof replacement?

A roof replacement is a loud and annoying project on both the outside and inside. That’s why I recommend leaving instead of staying home during your roof replacement.

If you work from home and have meetings, you should definitely find somewhere else to go for the day. However, it’s entirely up to you to stay or leave when your new roof is being installed.

So, roofing contractors have no problem if you stay home. Just be aware of all the moving pieces, where it’s safe to walk, stay out of the installers’ way, and have an exit strategy if you decide to leave during the roof replacement process.

5. How much does a new roof cost?

The average cost for a new roof is between $20,000 to $30,000 in 2026. However, this is a very general price range that doesn’t account for area-specific pricing, roof size/complexity, or other cost factors.

The average is great, but you can get more specific using your roof’s square footage based on the roofing material. Below is a table with the 2026 cost per square foot of the top roofing materials used in the United States.

Keep in mind that each price and range in the table is for a full roof replacement on an average home with some complexity, which factors in labor and material costs.

6. Can I finance a new roof?

Yes, you can finance your new roof. Financing simply makes it easier to afford a roof replacement with monthly payments.

But like most loans, approval is usually based on proof of income and a credit check. So, getting approved depends on a homeowner’s specific financial situation, credit score, and where they get it.

If you do get approved, financing your new roof is a great way to take the upfront financial burden off your shoulders.

7. Will insurance pay for a new roof?

Homeowners insurance will only pay for a new roof if it’s damaged by wind and hail during a weather-related event. Any roof damage from fallen tree limbs caused by strong winds as long as it’s not excluded.

If you have an RCV policy, insurance should pay for you to replace your roof. However, insurance companies are tightening policies and even starting to exclude roofs.

So, it’s crucial to review your policy and hire a roofing company with roof damage claim experience to help you through the process.

8. Does a new roof increase my home’s value?

Yes, a new roof increases your home's value. Depending on the roofing material, a new roof increases a home’s value by 40% to 60% of the original roof's price on average.

However, it depends on the age of your roof when selling your home, the roofing material, and the housing market. But no matter what, a new roof adds a nice boost to your home’s resale value.

9. How many estimates should I get for a roof replacement?

If you don’t have a trusted roofer or good recommendation, you shroud get estimates from 2 to 3 roofing companies. This lets you compare prices, helps you avoid getting taken advantage of, and see what makes them different.

However, it’s also important because if a roofing company tries to sell you a new roof, no matter what condition your current one is in. All of this is great, but getting multiple estimates all comes down to finding one you trust.

10. How long does a new roof last?

The majority of new roofs will last 20-25 years in the United States after installation. This is mainly based on asphalt shingles, the most commonly used roofing material in the country.

However, there are plenty of roofing materials that come in a wide range of lifespans.

What questions should you ask potential roofing contractors?

After reading this article, you have the answers to the most frequently asked questions homeowners have about getting a new roof. You may have more, but these are a great starting point.

In fact, any questions past these are so specific that they can’t be answered in one article. So, keep doing your research by visiting our Learning Center if you have anything else you need answered.

However, the most important decision you’ll make during the entire roof replacement process is hiring a roofing contractor. But unlike already having questions about getting a new roof, most homeowners don’t know what questions they should ask to ensure they hire a great roofer.

That’s why I wrote another article with the top ones you should be asking when getting estimates for a new roof.

Check out Top 10 Questions To Ask A Roofing Contractor to ensure you hire a great roofing company for your upcoming roof replacement.