Subscribe to get the latest information on products, technologies and management.
Join our growing community and stay informed with our free newsletters.
In this edition of Roofing & Exteriors’ “How To” FAQ series, Scott Kyles explains how contractors can help customers understand that roof replacement isn’t just about cost; it’s really a long-term investment in the safety and value of your home.
4 Min Read
This Homeowner Roofing & Exterior FAQs Answered series aims to assist you in answering common questions your customers and leads are likely to ask.
Share this article with your salespeople and call staff to give them some good talking points to use with customers. Feel free to modify these answers and post them on your own business website FAQ page, too!
Last time, we looked to answer the question, "What are some DIY gutter installation mistakes I need to avoid?"
Today, we’ll look to address this popular question from homeowners: “What does roof replacement really cost?”
What’s it gonna cost me?
An obvious question that almost every homeowner asks is, “What will it cost me to replace my roof?” That’s a good question and a fair question. But in order to truly understand the answer, homeowners should also ask themselves what it will end up costing if they don’t spend the money to address their current roofing needs.
Here’s an inescapable truth—if your roof is in a state where it can no longer do its job properly, then the cost of putting off a needed roof replacement could end up being much higher than choosing to invest in the right roof solution now.
How to decide when it’s time for roof replacement
You should check your roof after every storm, and it’s a good idea to assess your roof more thoroughly at least once a year. The earlier you catch any problems, the more options you’ll have for addressing them:
Damaged or Missing Roofing Warped, curled, broken or bald shingles should be replaced. The same goes for faulty wood shakes, tiles, metal or whatever’s covering your roof currently;
Loose Fasteners Look for roofing nails or fasteners which have popped up or worked their way loose. Every faulty fastener is a potential source of leaks;
Missing or Damaged Flashing If you find any metal flashing to be rusted or corroded, that should be addressed promptly;
Chimney, Vent and Skylight Seals Cracks, damage or improper seals around any of these roof features can lead to leaks in a hurry;
Gutters & Downspouts You want to make sure all gutters and downspouts are flowing properly; blockages can lead to roof damage, as well as structural damage;
Seasons of Service Some roofing materials last longer than others, but no roof lasts forever. If your roof has come to the end of its service life, it’s time to take necessary action.
What about roof repair options?
It’s possible that you’ve found a few issues, but the rest of your roof appears to be in good shape. Could roof repair be an option for you? Possibly. That will depend on key elements including the age of your roof, its structural soundness and the current roofing material in place. Find a local, trusted roofing contractor who’s able to help you consider all of your available roof solution options.
What does roof replacement cost?
The answer to that question will really depend upon a few key factors:
The style and pitch of your roof design;
The amount of decking and underlayment that must be replaced;
Any other roof features that also need replacing;
Which roofing material do you choose to go with for your roof replacement;
Whether you also need new gutters;
The contractor you choose to partner with
You can try and shop around to save a little money here and there, but a roof replacement is going to be a significant investment, no matter what. There’s really no way around that simple fact.
When it comes to roofs, cheaper isn’t better
There really isn’t such a thing as a cheap roof. Honestly, you don’t want a cheap roof covering your home, anyway. If your roof needs replacing, you want the job done right, and really don’t want to have to replace your roof again anytime soon!
And while a new roof may not be cheap, it can be affordable. A reputable roofing contractor should be able to make some good financing plan recommendations to help you be able to afford the roof you really need. There are plenty of good roof financing options available these days, make sure to shop around until you find the one that’s right for you!
Choose a local roofing partner you can trust
No matter what else you decide about your roof replacement, it’s best to do business with a local roofing contractor you can trust. Check customer reviews on Google, Facebook, etc., and ask around to see who your friends and neighbors have used. Doing your own homework in this regard can pay big dividends in terms of helping you choose the right roofing partner.
Look for more additions to this “How To” FAQ series soon.
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like
Residential Products
