FAQs About New Roof

Are you thinking about getting a new roof? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of homeowners decide to replace their roofs. While a new roof can be a significant investment, it can add value to your home and protect you from the elements for years to come. If you’re considering putting on a new roof, here are some of the most common questions about new roofs.

Top 10 FAQs About New Roof

1. How long does a new roof last?

Typically, you can expect to get around 20 years of life from a new roof, though this will depend upon the material and installation process. If you’re planning on staying in your home for more than 20 years, it is possible that your roof may not need replacing during your time there. For more information, you can get an estimate from professional Roofers In Indianapolis.

2. How much does a new roof cost?

This varies based upon many factors, such as the size and condition of the roof and the type and amount of materials used. A standard asphalt shingle roof costs $5 per square foot installed, while metal roofs range from $7-$12 per square foot installed. For average homes, most contractors put a moderate price at around $3 per square foot, with most homeowners paying between $4,000 – $7,000.

3. How long does it take to remove an existing roof and replace it with a new one?

About three days for most homes, though this depends upon the size of your home. The larger the house, the longer it will take as more cutting is involved. A two-bedroom ranch would be completed in less time than a more oversized four-bedroom colonial.

4. Can you still use my old roof until my new roof is finished being installed?

No. If there are any holes in your old roof where debris could fall through, you should have temporary tarping available on hand, so that way if the wind picks up or rainfall occurs, potential damage can be minimized.

5. Can I put temporary tarps on top of my existing roof while I wait for the new one to be installed?

No, this is extremely dangerous and can lead to potential lawsuits against you if anything were to fall through your tarp onto someone below or hit anyone who was outside your house at the time. It is essential that once you obliterate an old roof, there are no holes in it where materials could fall through or any edges left jagged enough where items could accidentally slide off them and injure others on their way down.

6. Can I install my roof myself?

This is never a good idea, even if you think you know how to do it. There are many codes and rules about who can and cannot work with certain building materials such as concrete. Specially trained workers must install asphalt shingles due to the scorching temperatures that they come in contact with during their processing and installation on rooftops, so we strongly recommend hiring professionals for this job. If you need help finding someone to handle your new roof project, look at our directory of recommended contractors today!

7. Is there anything else I should know before installing a new roof on my home?

When choosing the best type of roof for your house, keep in mind that many manufacturers offer both traditional and low-slope roofs in several styles and colors. Both techniques use the same materials but must be installed differently depending on the roof you choose.

8. What is a low-slope roof? How can I tell if my roof is built this way?

Low slope roofs are the most common style of residential roofing seen in America today, and they come with varying degrees of pitch or steepness. For example, there are flat “low slope roofs,” ranging from .25 to 3 inches per foot for shingle and asphalt composition roofs and 1/4 to 2 inches per foot for slate and tile roofs. These low slopes allow rainwater to flow off the surface quickly and efficiently rather than pool on the roof.

9. What is a high-slope roof? How can I tell if my roof is built this way?

High slope roofs have a blatant pitch or steepness and can be identified by their ridges. This pitched design allows for adequate water drainage off the backside of the roof but also takes more time to do so because of its reduced surface area. Asphalt shingles typically have a rise of 4 inches in 12 feet, while slate and tile usually vary from 1 to 2 inches per foot. This means that homeowners living in rainy climates should opt for low sloped roofs over high sloped styles when possible due to their increased resistance to rainfall damage.