The 5 Things to Consider When Replacing Your Roof

Going through the roof replacement process can be a pain. This is mainly due to absorbing so much information, dealing with roofing contractors, making decisions, and the stress the big day brings. 

But did you know most of the stress associated with replacing your roof can be avoided? The best way is to get ahead of the curve by considering some things before your upcoming roof replacement. 

For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided transparent and unbiased roofing advice. Now, I’ll help you prepare for the roof replacement process before you pick up the phone to call a roofer. 

This article breaks down the following 5 things to consider when replacing your roof:

• Opt for a full roof replacement instead of a nail-over reroof
• Determine your budget
• Choosing the right roofing material
• Talk to multiple roofing contractors
• Don’t go into the roof replacement process looking for the cheapest price

1. Opt for a full roof replacement instead of a nail-over reroof

The first thing you need to consider when replacing your roof is to opt for a tear-off reroof (aka roof replacement) instead of nailing over your old one. A roof replacement requires completely tearing off your old roof to the decking and installing all-new roofing components (underlayment, shingles, etc.).

On the other hand, a nail-over reroof skips the tear-off process and nails a new asphalt roof over the top of your old asphalt roof. While a nail-over is the cheaper option, it has some big drawbacks. 

The main drawbacks include the following:

• You won’t qualify for an enhanced warranty
• There could be aesthetic issues if you upgrade the type of shingle
• Your current roof flashing has to be used
• It’s harder to repair a roof leak
• You can’t check the condition of your roof decking

Even if you’re ok with these issues, the circumstances must be right to nail over your old roof. Your current roof needs to be near the end of its lifespan and still lying down flat. 

The roof also can only have a few penetrations, a little amount of flashing, and no walls that butt up against the shingles. At the end of the day, it’s your decision to replace your roof or get a nail-over. 

However, a reputable roofing contractor will recommend a full roof replacement 99 times out of 100. 

2. Determine your roof replacement budget

The next thing to consider is simply what you’re willing to spend on your roof replacement. Just know that a roof replacement is always an expensive investment. 

The average roof replacement costs around $12,000-$15,000 for an architectural asphalt shingle roof on a middle-class home. However, the type of roofing material you choose has a huge impact on what you’ll ultimately pay. 

An asphalt shingle roof is the best choice for homeowners looking for affordability. The affordability is the main reason architectural asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material in the country. 

For those with bigger budgets, premium roof systems offer more than the standard asphalt shingle. However, the price difference could be significant. 

If you want to upgrade to luxury asphalt shingles, you can expect them to be double the price of an architectural asphalt shingle. To take it a step further with a standing seam metal roof, you’re looking at triple the price of an architectural asphalt shingle. 

Then there are also composite shingles, cedar shakes, and slate tiles, but these are roof systems most homeowners won’t be able to afford. The important thing is not to break the bank to choose a premium or upgraded roofing material. 

Just pick the one that fits your budget and make sure to invest in quality on the specific roof system. 

3. Choosing the right roofing material

After determining your budget, you’ll need to choose your roofing material. I briefly mentioned the pricing for the different types above. 

However, there are other things besides cost you need to compare to determine which one is right for you. The best way to do this is by asking yourself a few questions.

These questions include:

• What’s my budget for a roof replacement? (You already thought about this)
• How long do I want my roof to last?
• Do I want the best material warranties?
• How important is curb appeal to me?

Now, consider these questions and check out how the different types of roofing materials match up below.

Other than picking your roofing contractor, choosing the right roofing material is the biggest decision you’ll have to make. Because of this, you want to be sure you make the right choice. 

For more information, click on the hyperlinks in the table to learn more about each individual roofing material. 

4. Talk to multiple roofing contractors

As I just said, choosing a roofing contractor is the biggest decision you’ll make in this entire process. That’s why you need to be sure you’re making the right hire. 

Well, the best way to do this is by talking to and getting estimates from multiple roofing contractors. When talking to one roofing contractor, you have to take their word on everything. 

This is especially important because some roofing contractors try to sell you a new roof no matter what. For example, let’s say one roofing contractor says you need a replacement, but two others say you only need repairs. 

In this scenario, it’s a safe bet that it’s not time for a roof replacement. While this is important, there are more benefits to talking to multiple roofing contractors. 

It also allows you to compare prices, helps you avoid getting taken advantage of, and, most importantly, find a roofing contractor you trust. 

5. Don’t go into the roof replacement process looking for the cheapest price

The next thing to consider is to not go into the roof replacement process with the mindset of trying the lowest price and cheapest roofing contractor you can find. Doing this makes you a prime target for a bad roofer to take advantage of you. 

Once they know you’re looking for the cheapest roof, they’ll lower their prices to outbid other roofing contractors. Unfortunately, they reach these low prices by using cheaper quality materials and cheap labor.

They could even leave crucial components off your roof completely. Look, I get that pricing is huge in the decision-making process. 

I’m not saying to buy the most expensive roof, but your roof will have problems if you try to find the cheapest roof possible. Just know there are ways to afford a quality roof without breaking the bank if you’re on a tight budget. 

Want the guide that gives you all the information you need for a roof replacement?

Now you know the 5 things to consider when replacing your roof. Considering everything in this article puts you in a good place to start the roof replacement process. 

However, there’s much more to learn about buying a new roof. That’s why I created The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof. 

This guide gives you all the information you need about buying a new roof so you can hire a great roofer, learn the replacement process, and much more. It also includes the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of roofing materials so you can make the right decision. 

With The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof, you’ll have all the knowledge and information you need before a roofing contractor even sets foot on your property. 

If you're local to Nashville or a surrounding Middle Tennessee area, don't hesitate to Contact Us for your upcoming roof replacement. 

Here’s The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof so you have everything you need to feel comfortable when buying a new roof.