---
title: 8 Roofing Facts Every Homeowner Needs to Know
description: Need a new roof, but have never had roof work done? If so, you need to learn the roofing facts that every homeowner needs to know before starting. In this article, I break down 8 roofing facts that every homeowner needs to know before starting a roofing project to going in as knowledge as possible.
image: https://www.billraganroofing.com/hubfs/roofing-facts-every-homeowner-needs-to-know.png
---

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# 8 Roofing Facts Every Homeowner Needs to Know

January 22nd, 2025 | 8 min. read

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<https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/author/bill-ragan> ![Bill Ragan](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hubfs/Bill%20on%20hiking%20trail.png "Bill Ragan")

[Bill Ragan](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/author/bill-ragan)

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Need a new roof? Are you wondering what you should know before starting the process?

A roof replacement is a big project that requires making big decisions and having the knowledge needed to avoid being taken advantage of by the roofing industry. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of information to absorb. 

So, the best way to start is by learning the roofing facts every homeowner needs to know before starting the roof replacement process. 

**For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners become roofing experts by breaking down the industry’s complexities with transparency and honesty.** Now, I’ll give you the 8 roofing facts everyone must know before starting their roofing project. 

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

- The signs that it’s time for a new roof
- Choosing the right roofing material is crucial
- The other components that make up a roof system
- How much a new roof costs
- A new roof increases your home’s value
- How long a roof lasts
- The warranties you get when replacing your roof
- Roof maintenance maximizes your investment

## 1. The signs that it’s time for a new roof

As long as it’s [properly installed](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/proper-roof-installation-important) with [adequate attic ventilation](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/proper-ventilation-cool-upstairs-home), a roof shouldn't need replacing until the end of its lifespan. Depending on the roofing material, this could be 20 years, 30 years, 50 years, or even longer. 

**It’s hard to know when it’s the right time, but luckily, a roof shows signs that it needs a replacement. **Let’s use an older asphalt roof as an example. 

Below are some of the signs that an asphalt roof has reached the end of its lifespan:

- 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 an asphalt roof has any or all of the above, it’s most likely time for a new one. However, you won’t know what your roof needs until after an inspection from a roofing contractor. 

## 2. Choosing the right roofing material is crucial

**Other than choosing a roofing contractor, the biggest decision you’ll make when getting a new roof is choosing the right **[**type of roofing material**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/top-types-roofing-materials)**.** When making your decision, [you need to consider](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-choose-right-roofing-material-roof-replacement) the look you want, your budget, and how much life you want to get out of it. 

![examples of the most common type of roofing materials](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MaterialCombo.jpg?width=700&height=394&name=MaterialCombo.jpg)

If you’re on a tight budget and looking for affordability, an [architectural asphalt shingle roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-are-architectural-shingles) is the best option. But if your budget has some wiggle room and you want a longer-lasting roof with more curb appeal, [luxury asphalt shingles](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-luxury-asphalt-shingles) are well worth the investment. 

If budget isn’t an issue and you want a roof that turns heads, a [standing seam metal roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/standing-seam-metal-roof-replacement), a [synthetic shingle roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/pros-cons-composite-shingles), a [cedar shake roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-cedar-shake-roof), or a [slate roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-is-slate-roof) are great options. However, these premium roof systems come at a very high price point most homeowners can’t afford.

## 3. The other components that make up a roof system

**The roofing material makes up the bulk of your roof, but there are more **[**components and materials**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-replaced-roof-replacement)** that come together to form a roof system.** Each one has a specific function to ensure water doesn’t get into your home. 

The other components that make up your roof are: 

- Roof decking
- Roof flashing 
- Underlayment 
- Drip edge 
- Ice and water shield 
- Ridge capping 
- Roof vents 
- Pipe boots

Every single component plays a huge role in helping your roof do what it does best: protecting your home. If even one of them is installed improperly or left off, you’ll have costly problems. 

## 4. How much a new roof costs

**According to the **[**2024 COST VS VALUE REPORT**](https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2024/)**, the average cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof (the most common type) in the United States is $30,680.** This is a very general price that doesn’t account for area-specific pricing, roof size/complexity, or other cost factors.

So, the price could be lower or higher depending on where you live. For example, the average cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof is $24,533 in our area of Nashville, Tennessee. 

**Even with the averages, an asphalt roof replacement will cost around $20,000 for a standard middle-class home.** But remember, multiple roofing materials and even the different types of asphalt shingles vary in price.

Below is the cost per square foot for the top roofing materials when getting a full roof replacement, including labor and material costs. 

![infographic with prices of common roofing materials](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/how%20much%20does%20a%20new%20roof%20cost%20infographic%20with%20prices%20of%20common%20roofing%20materials.png?width=800&height=534&name=how%20much%20does%20a%20new%20roof%20cost%20infographic%20with%20prices%20of%20common%20roofing%20materials.png)

Unfortunately, the numbers aren’t exact because every area and roofer has different pricing, plus no two roofs are the same. However, the price per square foot should be around the costs above when getting an estimate.

## 5. A new roof increases your home’s value

**While it won’t be a 100% return on your roof investment, homeowners can expect a home’s value to increase by 30% to 60% of the original roof's price.** However, the return heavily relies on the roofing material. 

Based on the [**2024 COST VS VALUE REPORT**](https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2024/) from before, you know the national average for an asphalt shingle roof is $30,680. **Per the same report, the national average ROI when replacing an asphalt roof is 56.9%, which is a recoup of $17,461 of the original $30,680 when selling your home.**

On the other hand, the national average cost for [a standing seam metal roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/pros-and-cons-standing-seam-metal-roof) is $49,928 (per the same report). Even though it's more expensive and more durable than an asphalt shingle roof, the national average ROI is 48.1%.

**Based on the average, you can expect a standing seam metal roof to add $24,034 to your home’s resale value. **Just keep in mind that these are national average costs and percentages, so these numbers may be different in your area..

## 6. How long a roof lasts

**The majority of homeowners can expect a residential roof to last around 20-25 years.** This is based on the fact that most homes in the United States have [architectural asphalt shingles](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-are-architectural-shingles). 

However, every roofing material comes with a specific lifespan, either from the manufacturer or expertise from the roofing industry. The table below contains the lifespans of the most common types of roofing materials.

![infographic with lifespans of common roofing materials](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/how%20long%20does%20a%20roof%20last%20infographic%20with%20lifespans%20of%20common%20roofing%20materials.png?width=800&height=534&name=how%20long%20does%20a%20roof%20last%20infographic%20with%20lifespans%20of%20common%20roofing%20materials.png)

Just know that [premature roof failure](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/most-common-causes-premature-roof-failure) is always possible because of storm damage, poor workmanship, and/or [using cheap roofing materials](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/cheap-roof-systems-cost-more-long-run). But a roof will get as close as possible to the maximum lifespan as long as it’s properly installed, the attic is adequately ventilated, and is maintained.

## 7. The warranties you get when replacing your roof

After installation, your roof is protected by [two types of warranties](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/roof-warranties-cover). The first warranty will be from the roofing contractor on their workmanship. 

The length of your [workmanship warranty](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/roofing-contractor-workmanship-warranty) varies from company to company, ranging from 2, 5, 10, 25 years, or even a lifetime warranty. I think roofers should offer *at least* a 10-year workmanship warranty, so don’t settle for anything less. 

The second warranty is on the roofing materials themselves, and each roofing material offers a different type of material warranty. For example, asphalt shingles come with a standard warranty from the manufacturer against defects, but can also qualify for enhanced warranties from [certified roofing contractors](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/why-should-hire-certified-roofing-contractor).

Metal roofs come with a warranty on [the painted finish that protects the metal panels](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/things-know-about-kynar-painted-finish-metal-roof). Synthetic shingles have a limited lifetime warranty that’s prorated after a certain number of years. 

Cedar shake and slate roofs don’t come with a material warranty because they’re naturally made. So, material warranties really do vary, even across different shingle manufacturers. 

However, both warranties are crucial to protect your roof investment. That’s why you should hire a great roofing contractor and invest in quality materials to get the best warranties available.

## 8. Roof maintenance maximizes your investment

**No matter the material, regular **[**roof maintenance**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/why-roof-maintenance-important)** is one of the best ways to **[**maximize any roof’s lifespan**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/get-most-out-asphalt-roof-replacement)**.** It keeps your roof system fully functioning, catches future problems, and prevents leaks before they start. 

Maintenance is also the perfect opportunity to clear sitting debris that can damage a roof. The last thing you want is for a small problem to turn into an expensive repair after already investing tens of thousands of dollars. 

You avoid this with roof maintenance, which means saving more money in the long run. 

## How do you hire a reputable roofing contractor?

Now you know the roofing facts every homeowner should know. There’s still plenty to learn, but this is a great start. 

In fact, the most important thing you still need to learn is how to spot a good roofer. The roofing industry doesn’t have the best reputation, and bad roofing contractors are at the heart of it. 

There are too many stories of homeowners being taken advantage of, so making the best hire is crucial. The biggest problem today is the oversaturation of companies in every area of the United States. 

I want you to have confidence when hiring a roofing contractor. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down what to look for when talking to roofing contractors for your upcoming roofing project. 

Check out [9 Tips for Hiring a Great Roofing Contractor](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/tips-find-great-roofing-contractor) to ensure you find a great roofer in your area.

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3406853/831ce160-6e3d-47f0-bac8-d27c495e0c28.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3406853/831ce160-6e3d-47f0-bac8-d27c495e0c28)

#### Table Of Contents

## Related Articles

[### Can You Use Multiple Types of Roofing Materials on a Roof?

 July 1st, 2026|6 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/have-different-types-roofing-materials-roof)

[### How Often Does a Roof Need to be Replaced?

 June 8th, 2026|11 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-often-replace-roof)

[### Does a New Roof Increase Your Home’s Value?

 June 3rd, 2026|6 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/does-new-roof-increase-home-value)

[### Does a New Roof Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal?

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](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/curb-appeal-new-roof)

[### What’s the Average Cost to Replace a Roof? (2026 Update)

 May 22nd, 2026|12 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/average-cost-replace-roof)

[### Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which is Right for You?

 May 4th, 2026|15 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/metal-roofing-vs-asphalt-shingles)

[### 4 Options to Consider If You Can’t Afford a New Roof

 April 17th, 2026|7 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/cant-afford-new-roof)

[### Standing Seam Metal Roof vs. Cedar Shake Roof: Which is Right for You?

 April 15th, 2026|9 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/standing-seam-metal-roof-vs-cedar-shake-roof)

[### What are the Signs of a Bad Roofing Job?

 April 13th, 2026|8 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/signs-bad-roofing-job)

[### 7 Things to Consider Before a Roof Replacement

 April 10th, 2026|14 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/things-consider-before-roof-replacement)

[### 7 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof in Nashville, TN (2026)

 April 8th, 2026|13 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/need-know-replacing-roof-nashville-tn)

[### 9 Ways to Prepare for a Roof Replacement in Nashville, TN

 April 6th, 2026|7 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/ways-prepare-for-roof-replacement-nashville-tn)

[### 10 Frequently Asked Questions Before Getting a New Roof

 April 3rd, 2026|15 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions-before-getting-a-new-roof)

[### How Much Does a New Roof Cost in 2026? (Update)

 March 30th, 2026|12 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/new-roof-cost)

[### 8 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

 March 27th, 2026|8 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/warning-signs-need-new-roof)

[### How Long Does a New Roof Last?

 March 25th, 2026|11 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-new-roof-last)

[### When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof in Nashville, TN?

 March 13th, 2026|9 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/best-time-replace-roof-nashville-tennessee)

[### How Do You Pay for a New Roof?

 December 24th, 2025|5 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-to-pay-for-new-roof)

[### How Long Does It Take to Replace Your Asphalt Roof?

 December 12th, 2025|6 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-replace-asphalt-roof)

[### What is Roof Underlayment?

 December 5th, 2025|5 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-underlayment)

[### How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof in Nashville, TN?

 November 28th, 2025|6 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-replace-roof-nashville-tn)

[### What are the Signs that a Nashville Roof is Failing?

 November 17th, 2025|6 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-signs-nashville-roof-failing)

[### What is Roof Decking?

 November 7th, 2025|7 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-decking)

[### Why Does a New Roof Cost So Much? (2026 Update)

 October 29th, 2025|7 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/why-new-roof-costs-so-much)

[### What Should My Roof Estimate Include?

 October 17th, 2025|10 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-estimate-include)

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