Top 3 Questions to Ask Before Your Roof Replacement

By Cass Jacoby.  

A roof replacement is a huge investment. Before you make any choices ask yourself these questions.  

As a homeowner, it's likely you haven't thought about what is involved with a roof replacement. After all, the average roof life span is around 15 years, so it is not exactly a decision you have to be making constantly. Still, the choices you make on a new roof will impact the performance and curb appeal of your home — it's a big decision! Here are some of the top questions to ask yourself so you make the right choice. 

1 - What is the weather like where I live? 

While this may seem like a trivial topic, the region your home is in will affect what shingles are right for you. Are you in a location that experiences a lot of wind? Snow and ice? Hail? Heat?  

Homeowners who live in the West, for example, should consider shingles that are engineered to have a high solar reflectance and thermal emittance to reduce a home's cooling load. Energy.gov found that standard roofs can reach temperatures of 150°F or more in the summer sun, while a cool roof under the same conditions could stay more than 50°F cooler and save energy and money by using less air conditioning. 

If you live in the Midwest and are often caught in storms and cold weather, especially hail, consider an SBS modified shingle. These shingles are made with a polymer blend that produces a rubberizing effect which makes the shingle more flexible so it can absorb the impact from hail. Hip and ridge shingles can also help protect against wind while contributing to the roof’s overall aesthetic. 

Further, in areas where snow is common, ice and water barrier guards are installed to seal and protect vulnerable areas against ice damming and water accumulation that can work its way back underneath the shingles. 

Coastal areas that experience wind-driven rain should use shingles that are reinforced and have a high wind uplift to prevent the shingles blowing off. Starter strip shingles ensure an effective seal to help prevent shingle blow-offs. 

Regardless of where you live, location-specific weather challenges are unavoidable. Tto protect your home from the elements, make sure to factor in the weather when making roofing choices.  

2 - How can I add curb appeal with my roof? 

A roof makes up a significant part of a home’s exterior, which makes it the biggest curb appeal choice you will make as a homeowner. Coordinating the color of a roof’s shingles with other exterior elements, like siding and porch furniture, can help reflect your personal style and create a cohesive look to the home. 

Curb appeal is more than just a point of pride in homeownership — it makes your home more valuable. Curb appeal is important because it is the first impression your home makes, and also attracts potential buyers. High curb appeal makes it 7% more likely to sell, and 25% of sellers who make home improvements end up selling above the asking price. 

Looking at your roof from a design standpoint means looking at the overall palette of shingle colors that could inspire your selection. Using online tools like Build Your Roof™  from Owens Corning helps you visualize your home so you can be positive you are getting the exact look you want for your home. 

3 - Who will be installing the roof? 

Crucial to the success of your roofing project is selecting a contractor that is dependable, licensed and insured. Determining the right person for the job is no small feat, it requires a lot of due diligence.  

Make sure you are getting multiple quotes, reading reviews and asking for referrals. The Shelbyville Times-Gazette recommends you look for contractors with a license. Most states require that a roofing company is licensed before starting operation. Your home is likely your largest asset and it's important to be sure that the contractor installing your roof is qualified to do so. Contractors selected to join the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network, for example, are vetted using stringent criteria.  

Make sure your roofer of choice has adequate insurance coverage, good references and above all that you trust them with your roof! 

Conclusion 

A roof replacement is more thanan investment, it is a collection of roofing choices you will need to make that will affect the performance, durability and look of your home. Doing your due diligence and dedicating time and consideration to this process will help you make the best choices for your home. 

Have a question? AskARoofer. 

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory.  

About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is writing about movies for her master's degree and dancing with her plant