The Complete 2024 Roof Replacement Guide

TK's Roof Replacement Guide

The cost of a roof replacement is often the first thing a homeowner thinks about when their roof starts leaking. As a family-run and locally-owned roof repair company, we know how hard it can be when you have to replace your roof. Making a major home improvement decision isn't one that should be taken lightly.

There are many factors to be considered. From the cost of the roof replacement to finding a reliable roof repair company that will stand behind their work to selecting the best materials that will give your house the curbside appeal you want. We've helped thousands of our clients replace roofs in Ohio. We understand all the decisions that go into replacing your roof.

We took the most frequently asked questions we got from our customers and built this roof replacement guide. In this guide, we'll go over these questions and much more about the roof replacement process. If you'd like to talk to someone about any of the roof replacement concerns you have, call (330) 858-2616. We will be happy to help answer your questions or schedule a free inspection and go over the details of your roofing project with you.

Roofers near me, roof replacment in Akron, OH

Table of Contents

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Chapter 1

Understanding Roof Repair and Replacement

Do I need to repair or replace my roof?

How do you know if your roof needs to be replaced or repaired? It seems like it would be an easy answer, but it isn't. Chronic small issues can be a sign that you need a new roof, and likewise, something that seems significant ends up being a repair.

What are the signs my roof needs repaired?

Below are some signs to look for that may signal you need roof repairs:

Buckled, cracked, or curled shingles
Damaged roof deck
Damaged ridge vent
Granules in the gutters (for asphalt shingle roofs)
Roof leak
Damaged flashing around vents and chimney
Loss in energy efficiency (higher heating and cooling bills)
Leaking or water getting into your home

This is not an exhaustive list, but some of the more significant warning signs to be aware of. If you notice any of these signs, the first thing you should do is call your local roof repair company to schedule a roof inspection and free estimate.

What are the signs my roof needs replaced?

Below are some signs that you might need a roof replacement:

Missing, or broken shingles, or other visible roof damage
Mold, mildew, or other signs of water damage on your ceiling and/or walls
Higher than average energy costs
Daylight is visible from your ceiling or roofing boards.
Sagging roof
The age of your roof. Most roofs last between 20 and 30 years, depending on the material used, but it's not always a guarantee that it'll make it to the 30-year mark.

There are many similarities between these two lists, and these signs don't exclusively mean you need one or the other. You could have granules in the downspout because your shingles are near the end of their life, and they need to be replaced. Likewise, just because you have missing or broken shingles doesn't mean you have to start searching for an affordable roofing company in your area.

A roof with damaged shingles that needs roof repair

How do I know if I need a roof replacement or repair?

As a homeowner, it's hard to tell, but before you assume you need a roof replacement and dive into the rabbit hole of "how much does a roof replacement cost?" Or "how much does it cost to tear off and replace a roof?" you should call the best roofing company in your area.

They'll be able to tell if the damage to your roof means that a roof replacement is needed or if it could be fixed with a repair.

Hiring a roofing contractor with the experience and knowledge to inspect your roof is important. Check out our article to learn more about choosing the right roofing contractor.

Roof Replacment Cost considerations

How much does a roof replacement cost?

This is the first question that every homeowner asks a roofing contractor or has typed into an internet search bar, other than the best roof company near me. It is the most asked question that we get at TK Roofing and Gutters. The best answer to this question is it depends.

Everyone looking at replacing a roof wants a hard and fast number when they ask how much roof replacement costs. But as professional roofers, it would be problematic if we told you that your roof replacement cost would be $8,000 and then, upon inspection, realize it cost closer to $10,000. That's why if you get a hard and fast number from just a phone conversation with a roof replacement company, you should make sure that you get a second and third opinion.

To get the best deal on your roof replacement, you need to speak to an experienced roof replacement contractor. They will be able to walk you through the steps of what your roof needs and what the best course of action will be.

What affects the cost of a roof replacement?

The first thing you need to take into account is the roof size and shape. If your roof has a steep pitch or multiple levels, the price will be higher than it would be compared to a flat roof or one with a lower slope. Likewise, the size of your roof will also affect the roof replacement cost. The more square footage of your roof, the more it'll cost to replace it.

Another factor that will affect the cost of a new roof is the type of roofing material. The material you choose for your new roof will determine the cost. Close to 75% of homes in the U.S. use asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles typically cost less than most other roofing materials. And even within the asphalt shingles, there are different categories, such as:

Strip Shingles, or 3 Tab Shingles, have a flat appearance and are the most cost-effective asphalt shingles.
Dimensional Shingles because of their multi-dimensional appearance. These are heavier than the 3 Tab Shingles and can last longer as well.
Luxury or Premium Shingles. These are also dimensional/architectural shingles and will have a more distinct profile that can mimic cedar or slate. Premium shingles will be heavier and less prone to wind damage than strip shingles.

If you decide to use metal roofing, concrete tile roofing, shay tile roofing, cedar shakes, wood shingles, or another premium roofing material, the cost of a new roof will go up.

How do I get the best deal on a new roof?

The way to get the best deal on any type of roof is to talk to your local roof repair contractors. You can tell them your budget beforehand, and they can work with you to get the most affordable roof replacement for you.

You can look for the "average cost of a new roof" or "how much does a new roof cost for a 1500 square foot house?", but until a roofing contractor does an inspection, it will only give you a ballpark estimate of the cost of the roof replacement.

The pitch and low slope of your roof can cause prices to be wildly different. Add on the cost of different roofing materials, and the cost can fluctuate up or down from your ballpark estimate.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a new roof?

A few factors will go into whether your insurance company will cover the cost of a roof replacement.

The biggest factor is if your roof was damaged due to weather. If you're missing shingles, or have hail damage from a recent storm, then your insurance company will most likely cover the replacement or repairs to your roof.

Will your insurance company cover the entire roof replacement?
It depends on the damage that was done. If the damage is to a portion of the roof, but not the entire roof, then it is unlikely that they will cover the entire roof replacement.

What is critical, though, in situations when there has been storm damage to your roof is contacting the top roofing contractor in your area. They'll help walk you through the process and communicate with the insurance company about what needs to be done.

It's important to have a knowledgeable roofer on your side as you deal with the insurance company. Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible to cover the repairs. Your roofing contractor should help ensure that the repairs or replacement for what was damaged in the storm gets done.

Another aspect to consider when investigating if your insurance company will pay for a roof replacement is to ensure that your roof is inspected after a storm if you suspect damage.

If you wait, they may say that your damage was caused by several other factors like neglect or age and won't cover the cost of the roof replacement or repair.

When won't my insurance company cover the cost of a roof replacement?

If your roof doesn't have storm damage or another event, like a tree limb falling on it, it is unlikely that the cost of a new roof will be covered. If your roof is leaking due to age, or lack of maintenance, the insurance company won't cover your roof replacement.

Roofing Materials and Methods

Can you put a new roof on top of an old roof?

Another factor that can also increase the price of a new roof is how many layers of shingles your roof already has. A common practice to keep costs down on a roof replacement is to reroof a new layer of shingles over the existing roof instead of doing a tear-off and installing the new roofing system. If you already have two layers of shingles on your roof, you'll need to have those layers removed before installing your new roof.

Adding a third layer during a roof installation isn't advisable as this increases the weight of your roof, and the underlying support may not hold it long term.

Additionally, it's against the building code in many areas to add that third layer. Be wary of a roofing contractor saying that adding a third layer is the way to go.

What roofing materials should I use to replace my roof?

Several popular roofing materials can be used for your roof replacement.

Here are the most common roofing materials:

Asphalt Roof Shingles
Tab Shingles
Metal Roofs
Rubber Roofs

The cost for each of these materials can vary. For example, metal shingles can average between $7.50-$11.00 per square foot, while standing seam costs between $9.00 and $14.00. Even if you know your roof's square footage, the costs could vary significantly.

Costs for asphalt shingles tend to be cheaper than most of the other roofing materials. They can cost between $1.50 - $5.50 per square foot.

What roof lasts the longest?

Typically metal roofs, slate roofs, and tile roofs last the longest, usually lasting 50 years. But the often-overlooked roof that lasts the longest is the roof that is properly maintained.

If you don't properly maintain your roof, it won't matter what roofing material you choose. A maintenance plan can help your roof last longer.

If damage occurs and isn't repaired correctly or is left to develop into more significant issues, your roof won't last as long as it should.

That is why it's important to have inspections done regularly by a professional roofing contractor and to make sure that you keep an eye on it after a storm to head off any damage that could shorten the life of your roof.

Can I replace my roof myself?

Many homeowners wonder if they can keep the cost of the new roof down by doing it themselves. At TK Roofing and Gutters, we do not recommend that someone take on the challenge of replacing their roof unless they have years of experience as a roofer.

If you're inexperienced and start tearing off your roof, you could end up doing more damage and spending more money than the original cost of a roof replacement.

One of the biggest causes of roof failure is a DIY job.

Not to mention there are several safety concerns involved with working on a roof, and if you're not used to it, you could end up seriously injured.

When you hire a local roofing company to replace your roof, you're getting a company that has the experience and can back up their work with a warranty. This will save you time and money.

To learn more about whether replacing your own roof is a good idea, check out our article, DIY Roof Replacement Vs. Professional Roof Replacement.

Choosing a Roofing Professional

How do I choose the best roof replacement company?

This is one of the most critical stages in getting your roof replaced. Some roofing companies will try to take advantage of homeowners when replacing their roofs. They may show up at your door after a big storm (storm chasers) and give you a free estimate but then try to pressure you into signing a contract with them. That's not the way it should be done.

When you're replacing your roof, you want to ensure that you have the right roof replacement company working with you. To help you with this, we've laid out some things you should look for when choosing your roof contractor.

Are you working with a certified roofing professional?

When you have a certified roofing company, this means they've spent time learning and educating themselves on best practices in the roofing industry. There are a variety of certifications out there, but you want to look for some of these specifically.

Another aspect to consider when hiring a roofer is if they also have liability insurance. If they don't, that can be an issue for the homeowner. If a worker is injured on the job, it can become a lengthy legal battle that ends up costing more than the cost of a roof replacement in the long run.

Look for local roof repair contractors that are licensed, bonded, and insured. This will help identify that you are dealing with a professional who will provide you with the highest quality roof replacement.

Should I get multiple estimates?

Just like buying a car, or anything substantial, you don't choose your roof replacement company after meeting with only one. You should get at least three estimates for your roof.

The biggest reason you should get three is so that you can make the best possible decision. When you have just one estimate, it's hard to know if it's a reasonable estimate or not. Once you have two more estimates, you'll be able to determine which one is best for you.

A word of caution, while it's tempting to go with the lowest estimate, it's not always the best choice, especially if it's substantially lower. This could mean that there will be hidden costs that'll be added on during the job or that you are getting what you pay for, and that is cheap roofing materials that won't last.

While the price is a significant consideration, you want to focus on the value you are receiving. You're investing in your home and protecting what matters most to you. Going the cheapest route may not be the best idea.

Another aspect you want to consider is how you work with the roofing contractor.

Can you get a hold of them when you have a question? Do they return your calls? Did they let you have a voice in which roofing materials your new roof will be made out of? These are all important questions to consider when choosing a roof replacement company.

What do their reviews and referrals say?

When choosing your roof replacement contractor, it is important to hear what former customers say about their work.

If you know someone who has used them before, ask them how their experience was with them.

Were they happy with their roof replacement?
Were they satisfied with the availability of the roofers?
Did they clean up well and make sure that all of the nails, tacks, and trash were removed from your yard?
Did they make sure that your landscaping wasn't damaged?

If you don't know anyone who's had a new roof installed recently, look at online reviews. A quick Google search should give you the reviews of the particular roof replacement company you're looking for.

Read through the reviews and see what they have to say about the roofing company's work.

It is important that you read the reviews carefully and see if there is a pattern. For example, a company may have only a handful of reviews. They have several 5-star reviews and a few 1, 2, and 3-star reviews, but in the one-star reviews, you notice that everyone says how they didn't clean up well. Then you see it mentioned in some of the 2 or 3-star reviews as well.

This could show you that there is a problem with that particular portion of the job. And it's something you can ask your roofer when you talk to them about it.

Once you've looked at the reviews on the local roof repair contractors, there is another aspect you should look for...

Are they a local roofing company?

When you're looking for a roof replacement contractor, ideally, you want to use a local roof company. They don't have to be necessarily in your neighborhood, but they should be from yourOne of the reasons you want to look for the best roof replacement near me is their responsiveness. If the roofer is out of your area, there will be more logistics involved that can affect the timeliness of getting the job done.

If after you get your new roof installed, and there is a leak, or you have another problem with the roof, there will most likely be a long wait for them to get a contractor out to look at the problem. If it's a local roofing company, they should be able to get there relatively quickly and handle the issue with your roof.

It's beneficial to use a local roof replacement company because of their familiarity with the area's weather patterns. This will help initially as they can help you choose the best material that will last through the weather that your area gets.

Go with the best locally operated and family owned roof replacement company in Ohio.

TK Roofing and Gutters has been serving the communities of Northeast Ohio for over 15 years. Whether it's repairing your roof, helping to handle an insurance claim due to storm damage, or replacing your roof, the roofing specialists at TK can help give you peace of mind when it comes to fixing your roof.

When you're looking for "Roof Repair Near Me", Trust Ohio's Best Roofing Company With Your Roof Replacement Today. FIll out the form below to get your Free Estimate!