7 Things to Consider Before a Roof Replacement

It it time for a roof replacement? Have you ever actually had your roof replaced or been through the process?

A roof replacement is a huge and expensive home improvement project. Because of this, the last thing you want is to get taken advantage of or make the wrong decisions that put your roof investment at risk. 

The great thing is that you can avoid this by simply taking some considerations into account. So, what should you know and consider before diving headfirst into the roof replacement process?

For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in being transparent and helping homeowners understand the massive investment they're about to make. That’s why I’ll break down the 7 things you and every homeowner should consider before a roof replacement. 

This article covers the following considerations:

• The signs that you need to replace your roof
• Don't be afraid to talk to multiple roofing companies
• The materials and components you'll pay for
• The cost of a new roof
• A new roof will increase your home's value
• How long a roof lasts in after being replaced
• How long it'll take to replace your roof

1. The signs that you need to replace your roof

If you know when your home was built or when the roof was installed, you can estimate when it's time to replace your roof based on the number of years that have passed. 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 to replace it. However, you won’t know until after a Nashville roofer performs an inspection.

2. Don't be afraid to talk to multiple roofing companies

If you've never had roofing work done, you'll have to narrow down the giant list of roofers that will inevitably be in your area. That’s why it’s not a bad idea to talk to and get estimates from multiple roofing companies (three at the most).

Doing this is the best way to find the roofing company you feel comfortable with and trust while also comparing prices for your budget. However, it also helps you avoid getting taken advantage of by roofing companies that’ll try to sell you a new roof no matter what.

3. The materials and components you'll pay for

A roof replacement is replacing the entire roof system, not just the top layer. Every single material and component has a specific purpose and should be included in every roof replacement.

The following components and materials included in a roof replacement are:

• Roof decking
• Roof flashing
• Underlayment
• Drip edge
• Ice and water shield
• The roofing material
• Ridge capping
• Roof vents
• Pipe boots

Unfortunately, bad roofers find ways to leave certain components off to lower their prices. But with this list and knowing what should be included, you can determine if anything is missing from your estimate before signing.

4. The cost of a new roof

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 pricing factors specific to your home and roof, such as roof size, complexity, accessibility, etc.

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 most common roofing materials.

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.

5. A new roof will increase your Nashville home's value

A new roof increases your home's value in the way of recouping some of the original cost. On average, a new roof increases a home’s value by 40% to 60% of the original roof's price, depending on the roofing material.

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 when selling it.

6. How long a roof lasts in Nashville after being replaced

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. Keep in mind that many things impact how long a roof ultimately lasts, like the weather and climate.

7. How long it'll take to replace your 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.

How much does a roof replacement cost?

Now you know the 7 things every homeowner needs to know before replacing your roof. Obviously, this more to learn. But these are the main things that the majority of homeowners in our area ask about the most.

If you have more specific questions you want answered and want to browse, check out our Learning Center. However, there's one thing that I couldn't include in this article that many homeowners care about a lot.

This is what the whole process even looks like and what actually happens during a roof replacement. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the process a reputable roofer follows when replacing roof to ensure you have a great experience.

Check out the 8-Step Process to Replace Your Roof to learn the steps a roofing contractor takes when replacing your roof.