From our years serving the North Atlanta area with roofing repair and replacement, we have seen and heard it all. So we collected some of our most commonly asked roofing questions with the answers for you. Read below to get more information on roof repair and maintenance as well as information about new roof installation.
How long does a roof last?
The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. However, this number can vary 5-10 years more or less depending on roof construction, local climate, roof maintenance, and even more factors. That is why it is important to consider a new roof as an investment and get higher quality parts installed by a reputable roofing company. If you put more consideration into the quality of your shingles and maintain your roof over the years, you can add years to your roof.
To learn more about how long your roof will last, visit our roofing blog, “How Long Do Roofs Last in GA?”
How much does a new roof cost?
Like any home improvement project, the cost of a new roof varies greatly depending on multiple factors. For example, the cost of shingles alone can vary dramatically based on material, quality, design, and color. Also, the roofing company you hire contributes to the cost of your roof replacement for better or worse. However, ballpark averages usually put a new roof cost between $4,000-10,000.
However, don’t choose your shingles or roofing company based on cost alone. Remember that a new roof is an important investment that will protect your home for years to come. Spending a little more upfront on the installation costs will save you more down the road with roof repairs and maintenance.
What are roofing shingles made of?
The two most common materials for roofing shingles are asphalt and metal. However, shingles can also be made of wood, slate, tile, and even more different materials. We typically recommend asphalt or metal shingles for our roof replacement services because they tend to last the longest while still remaining affordable. Learn more about the benefits of asphalt and metal shingles on our blog, “Asphalt and Metal Roof Shingles.”
Can a new roof bring down my energy costs?
An aging roof or poorly ventilated attic are two major areas that drive up energy costs during the worst of summer and winter. A well constructed roof works to prevent hot and cold air from escaping or entering your home. However, over time as your roofing materials start to break down, temperatures and humidity pass more easily into and out of your home. This drives up your energy costs.
By investing in a new roof, you can help bring these energy costs back down. Upgraded shingles with solar reflection and better ventilation are great for upgrading the energy efficiency of your home. Learn more about the best roof materials for the upgraded energy efficiency on our blog, “What Is a Cool Roof?”
How do you know you need roof repair?
Because so much of your roof is not visible from the ground, you often don’t realize you need roof repair until the problem has escalated. That’s why it is important to schedule regular roofing inspections, especially after your roof has reached 10-15 years old. However, you can look for these signs you need roof repair:
- You have a water leak in your attic or ceiling.
- You notice your roof is missing shingles.
- You see shingles on the ground around your home.
- You have water stains or sagging on your walls or ceiling.
- You notice that parts of your roof are sagging.
Read more about how to know you need roof repair on our blog, “5 Common Signs You Need Roof Repair.”
Should I replace just the shingles or the whole roof?
Whether or not you need roof repair or a complete roof replacement will depend on the extent of the damage to your roof. For example, water leaks are a major problem you need to repair, but they don’t necessarily mean you need a whole new roof. However, minor problems like a curving shingle that is causing a water leak can quickly escalate. That is why scheduling regular roof maintenance is important to catch early signs of an issue. This way, you can get those minor repairs done before they necessitate a roof replacement.
On the other hand, if your roof is reaching 15-20 years old, you probably want to consider a new roof. After all, keeping up with repairs for an aging roof is wasting money that would be better spent saving for roof replacement.
Contact Perimeter Roofing for All Your Roofing Questions!
We hope we answered your pressing roof questions! If you want more information on our roof repair and new roof replacement services, contact Perimeter Roofing today. We’d love to schedule a roof inspection or answer any other questions you have about your roof.