Do You Need a New Roof? Everything You Need to Know About Roof Replacements

It’s easy to forget about your roof as part of your business or home that needs occasional attention. Roofs change and deteriorate over time, but it can be difficult to notice these changes before it’s too late. While most roofs won’t have any major issues within their lifespan, all roofs need to be replaced eventually.

In this post, we’ll look at some signs that your roof needs to be replaced and go over the general timeline of a roof replacement. We’ll also explain what to expect from a roof replacement and what happens after your roof has been replaced.

Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced

There are a few signs you can to for that may indicate it’s time for a roof replacement. Some are more obvious than others, so consult with a roofing professional if you are unsure!

The Age of Your Roof

One of the most common reasons to get a roof replacement is age. Different types of roofing between commercial and residential materials all have varying lifespans, so look to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your roofing materials to determine when you need a replacement. If you are unsure how old your roof is, you can always ask a professional to help you determine that.

Keep in mind that roofs that are not well-maintained can have a shorter lifespan than expected.

Visible Signs of Damage

Whether you have shingles, metal, or TPO, there are a few signs of damage that can indicate your roof is on its last leg.

For shingle roofs, any curling, bald spots, cracking, or broken shingles that cover large parts of your roof can mean a replacement is needed. Different types of metal roofs can have different damage indicators, like fading or peeling paint, rust, missing screws, or any other broken pieces. TPO is usually in need of replacement when large-scale damage or deterioration to the TPO membrane is present like holes, leaks, or peeling.

Your Roof Looks Worn

Overall, if your roof just doesn’t look good, it’s best to get help from a roofing professional. You may not be able to spot the signs above on your roof, but if things don’t look right in general, your roof may be nearing the end of its lifespan.

The Neighbors Are Getting New Roofs

In neighborhoods or commercial areas where many of the houses or buildings were built at the same time, property owners will likely be replacing their roofs around the same time as well. This is assuming that the properties around you were built using similar materials in the same time frame. If you notice the properties around you getting roof replacements and they happen to have a similar roof as you, you may need a replacement too.

Moss, Streaks, and Debris

If there’s anything on your roof that shouldn’t be there and isn’t easily removed, you should call for an inspection. Anything growing on your roof like moss or algae can cause damage to other components of your roof in the long run. Debris that have been sitting for a while or are difficult to remove can also incur further damages.

Energy Bill Spikes

If your energy bills go way up from their normal rate over time or all of sudden, your roof may not be contributing to the efficiency of your home like it used to. Any roofing material, including metal, asphalt shingles, and TPO, can become less efficient over time. Less efficiency can also be caused by problems with insulation or other components of your roof, which may need an inspection.

Preparing for a Roof Replacement

After you’ve gotten an inspection and determined that a roof replacement is necessary, there are a few steps you can take to better prepare.

Choose the Right Roofing Company for the Job

Before you can get started with your roof replacement, you need to find the right contractor or company for the job. Ensure that the people you choose have the appropriate licenses, certifications, and skills to work on your specific type of roof. Not all roofers are capable of both commercial and residential projects, so be sure to ask questions and figure out who is capable of replacing your roof.

If you’re actively looking for a roofing company in Oklahoma for either commercial or residential roofing work, consider us at Statewide Roofing.

Select the Right Roofing System

Consult with your roofer to choose the best roofing system and materials for your home or business. For a home, you may want to focus on elements like the aesthetics of the roof, durability, and insulation properties. For a commercial business, your roof may need to serve a specific purpose like greater longevity or specialty ventilation/insulation properties. Be sure the system you choose checks all the boxes for your specific needs.

Prepare Your Home or Business

Keep the area around your home or building clean and clear for roofing professionals to be able to work without any interruptions. You can also let your neighbors know about the upcoming construction if you are getting a new roof for your home. 

If you own a business, be sure to let employees and customers know that your building with be under construction and make proper preparations to ensure the safety of everyone that will be in your building.

Roof Replacement Timeline

Different replacement types will have different timelines, but this is a general timeline you can expect from your project. Here are the steps to a roof replacement and how many weeks they tend to take.

Preparation and Planning

4-6 weeks before the installation begins, you will need to get an inspection of the roof and select your roofing company. After discussing the plan for your roof, financing plans, and getting the proper permissions required by your area, the roofing company will begin arranging for the project to begin.

Before the Replacement

A few days before the replacement begins, you can expect the materials and equipment for the project to arrive at your house or building. You may also have a dumpster placed at your property to collect the old materials for disposal. Some companies also place a separate dumpster for recyclable materials.

When this begins, ensure the street in front of your building, parking lot, driveways, etc. are all clear and that there is proper space for all of the roofing company’s materials and equipment.

During the Replacement

When the roofing crew arrives, be sure to inform anyone who will be on the property of what is happening for both homes and businesses. Crate any pets, and ensure that all pathways and areas the roofers need to work are clear.

First, the roofing crew with remove any old roofing components that need to be replaced. This will be determined by what they find in your inspection. After, they will install the proper underlayment materials for the roof like decking and waterproof barriers. Lastly, they will install the shingles/metal panels/TPO layers and vents needed for your roof. This process will vary depending on the size of your roof, the materials used, and the amount of damage that needs to be repaired and replaced.

After the Replacement

Once the roof replacement is complete, all materials and equipment will be removed from your property. The roofing company will do a final wrap-up and walkthrough with you to ensure everything has been done properly. You should also have a final inspection done to ensure nothing was missed during the replacement process.

You will also have received all documents about roofing warranties, financing, and insurance if needed. 

Do I Need a New Roof? Final Thoughts

Overall, a thorough inspection is the best way to determine if you need a roof replacement. Using the signs above, you can determine if an inspection is necessary and take the steps to check on the state of your roof. Being proactive is the best way to keep your roof in good shape and make necessary repairs when needed.

By knowing what to expect from a replacement you can be better prepared for the process and ensure a seamless experience for yourself and your roofing company.

If you need a commercial or residential roof replacement in Oklahoma, call us at Statewide Roofing! We operate all over the state, taking care of your roofing needs in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and beyond. Take a look at all of our commercial roofing services and residential roofing options, and check out our blog for more information on everything Statewide Roofing has to offer. Contact us today for a free quote on any roofing project!