Are you about to start the roof replacement process? Do you have questions but don’t know where to start?
Homeowners don’t think about their roof until there’s a problem. And honestly, it’s understandable.
But when a problem shows up, or it’s time for a new roof, there are a lot of questions you need answered before investing thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, you can’t find the answers you need if you don’t know what questions to ask.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has believed in being a guide to all homeowners in the roofing industry, whether they’re potential customers or not. That’s why I’ll answer the top 10 most frequently asked roofing questions.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the answers to the top 10 roofing questions homeowners like you ask before their upcoming roofing project.
1. What are the signs that it’s time for a new roof?
In most cases, you shouldn’t replace your roof until it's near the end of its lifespan. This could be 20 years, 30 years, 50 years, or even longer, based on the roofing material.
While tracking the number of years to determine if you need a new roof is difficult, there are signs. Let’s use an asphalt shingle roof as an example.
The signs that an asphalt roof has reached the end of its lifespan 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 an asphalt roof has any or all of the above, it’s most likely time for a new one. However, premature roof failure is always possible due to storm damage, poor workmanship, and/or using cheap roofing materials.
2. Can you install a new roof over an old one?
Yes, you can install a new roof over an old one. However, a nail-over reroof just nails a new roof over an already falling one by skipping the tear-off process.
While it’s cheaper than a new roof system, it comes with major risks and drawbacks. That’s why reputable roofing contractors recommend a full roof replacement 99 times out of 100.
The main drawbacks of installing a new roof over an old one are:
- Certain components can’t be replaced
- You won’t qualify for an enhanced warranty
- Aesthetic issues if you upgrade the type of shingle
- Your current roof flashing has to be used
- It’s harder to find and repair a roof leak
- You can’t check the condition of your roof decking
- Added cost when replacing the roof in the future
Even if all of this doesn't deter you, the old roof has to be in the right condition. It must be near the end of its lifespan, lying down flat, have a few penetrations, a little flashing, and no walls that butt up against the shingles.
3. How many layers of shingles can be on a roof?
In most states, only 2 layers of shingles are allowed on a roof for fire safety reasons. If you already have 2 or more layers, you’ll have to get a full roof replacement.
You can identify how many layers of shingles are on a roof by climbing a ladder and examining the edges, the rakes and eaves. At the eaves (the gutter line), you can lift the shingles and look underneath for another row of shingles.
However, this can be difficult because starter shingles can easily be misidentified as a second layer. On the rakes, you can see the number of layers due to the thickness and stair-step-like appearance you see from the side.
You should also look for a less smooth or non-uniform appearance across your roof. Multiple shingle layers can create ridges, bumps, and/or dips if the bottom layer(s) is too worn, damaged, or already has an uneven appearance.
4. What’s the best roofing material?
Besides choosing your roofing contractor, the biggest decision you’ll make when getting a new roof is picking the roofing material.
There are plenty of great options, but you need to choose the best type for you and your situation. To find the right type of roofing material, you should consider the look you want, your budget, and how much life you want to get out of it.
If you’re on a tight budget and looking for affordability, an architectural asphalt shingle roof is the best choice. But if your budget has wiggle room for a roof that stands out more and lasts longer, luxury asphalt shingles are well worth it.
If budget isn’t an issue and you want a roof that turns heads, a standing seam metal roof, a composite (synthetic) shingle roof, a cedar shake roof, or a slate roof is a great option. However, these premium roof systems come at a price most homeowners can’t afford.
5. What’s the average cost of a new roof?
According to last year’s 2024 COST VS VALUE REPORT, the average cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof (the most common type) in the United States is $30,680. This general price doesn't account for roof size, complexity, and the other cost factors.
On top of this, roofing prices are very area-dependent. 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. Unfortunately, roofing costs have continued to rise due to manufacturers increasing the prices of their roofing materials.
6. How much does a new roof cost based on the roofing material?
The average cost is a great starting point, but you know there are multiple roofing materials. There are even different types of asphalt shingles that vary in quality and price.
So, let’s get more specific by breaking down prices per square foot. Below is the cost per square foot of the top roofing materials for a full roof replacement, including labor and material costs.
The numbers above aren’t exact because every area and roofer has different pricing, plus no two roofs are the exact same. However, the cost per square foot should be around the numbers above when getting an estimate.
7. How long does a roof last?
The majority of homeowners can expect a roof to last around 20-25 years. This is because most homes have architectural asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material in the United States.
But just like pricing, every roofing material (or even asphalt shingle) is different. Each one comes with a specific lifespan, either from the manufacturer or expertise from the roofing industry.
The infographic below shows how long common residential roofing materials last.
Keep in mind that the above lifespans assume that the roof is properly installed and everything was done right.
8. How many quotes should you get for a new roof?
The roofer you hire impacts everything for your roofing project, so choosing the right one is important. The best way to do this is by talking to and getting 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.
If one roofing company says you need a replacement, but two others say you only need repairs, it’s a pretty good bet that it’s not time for a new roof. All of this is great, but getting multiple estimates all comes down to finding one you trust.
9. What warranties come with a roof replacement?
After a roof is installed, it comes with two types of warranties. The first warranty is from the roofing contractor on their workmanship.
The length of your workmanship warranty varies from company to company, ranging from 2, 5, 10, 25 years, or even a lifetime warranty. I recommend looking for a lifetime warranty or close to it.
However, any roofing contractor that takes pride in their work should offer at least a 10-year workmanship warranty. The second is a material warranty to protect against defective products or other manufacturer errors.
However, each roofing material offers a different type of material warranty. So, it’s important to consider the warranty when making your material decision.
10. Will homeowners insurance pay for a new roof?
Homeowners insurance protects your home if anything on the interior or exterior of your home. However, homeowners insurance won’t pay for a new roof because of a normal problem.
(Left: Hail damage; Right: Wind damage)
For insurance to pay out for a replacement, the roof must have damage caused by extreme weather. The most common roof claims are due to straight-line winds (aka damaging winds) and hail damage during heavy thunderstorms or another weather-related event.
Insurance should also cover roof damage from fallen tree limbs during storms or strong wind as long as it’s not excluded. Depending on the type of policy you have, homeowners insurance should cover most or almost all of a roof replacement if it’s damaged during extreme weather.
Want all the information you need when replacing your roof?
After reading this article, you have the answers to the top 10 roofing questions. The information here covers the most frequently asked questions homeowners have.
However, answering every roofing question is way too much for one article. That’s why I created a guide with everything you’ll need for your upcoming roof replacement.
The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof includes the different materials that make up a roof, helps you choose the right roofing material based on pros and cons, how to pay for a new roof, and so much more. Trust me, the last thing you want is to go into the process unprepared.
And if you’re local to Nashville or a surrounding Middle Tennessee area, Get a Free Quote today to schedule your inspection.
Here’s Your Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof to learn everything you need for your roof replacement.
