Roofs are constantly at the mercy of nature, rain, hail, extreme temperatures, and pests, and even quality systems will eventually need to be replaced. Because roof replacements are a rare necessity, homeowners may be unfamiliar with the process. The following guide answers the most commonly asked questions about replacing a roof.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Roof Replacements

Can you do a repair instead of a replacement?

Roof repairs can fix leaks, cracked shingles, and other minor problems, but this may not be enough. If a leak is serious enough to cause structural damage to your home, it’s likely too large for a simple repair.

Patching over it would be a temporary fix, and you will likely end up with more problems in the future. A roofing contractor can inspect the damage to determine if a complete replacement is necessary.

Could the new roof be installed over the old one?

When it comes to full roof replacements, homeowners have two options: a complete replacement or a recover. With complete replacements, contractors will need to remove your current roofing system and install a new one.

Recovering involves installing the new roof directly on top of the old system. This tends to be less labor-intensive and more budget-friendly. However, it can only be done once. Installing more than two layers would place too much weight on your roof and could lead to structural instability.

Can you use different roofing materials?

If you want to try something new, you have many roofing materials to choose from.

• Asphalt Shingles: Most residential roofs this material. It is low-cost, easy to install, and available in a variety of styles and colors.

• Rubber: Rubber roofing is considered a step up from asphalt. It’s longer-lasting, highly durable, eco-friendly, fire-resistant, and completely waterproof. It’s known to withstand extreme weather conditions like high winds and hail storms.

• Metal: This roofing comes in panels or shingles and can be expected to last around 50 years. Metal doesn’t burn and boasts a high tolerance against severe weather and heavy winds.

• Clay & Concrete Tiles: Both stand up well to extreme weather, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. They’re elegant, energy-efficient, and lasts about as long as metal roofing.

How do you prepare for a roof replacement?

Clear your yard and park your car on the street. Keep children and pets inside, or make plans for them to stay elsewhere until the work is done.

Mark sprinklers and other hidden features to prevent accidents. The vibrations from hammering can knock over indoor items, so remove decorations from the walls and make sure fragile possessions are secured.

 

If you need a new roof, trust the team at Seaford Roofing. They’ve been serving the Kannapolis, NC, area since 1969, and specialize in tear-offs and replacements, reroofing, and rubber and metal roofing. This fully insured roofing company was voted the #1 roofers by The Independent Tribune, and they guarantee quality work and exceptional service. Call (704) 938-4542 to request a free estimate.