All your Roofing FAQs, Answered

Published on Wednesday March 6, 2019

A full roof replacement involves a lot of decision making, from financing options to shingle materials. At Long Roofing, we want you to be prepared for when you take the next step and invest in a full roof replacement, so we’ve provided answers to some of your most frequently asked roofing questions.

How do I know if I need a new roof?

Sometimes, this answer is obvious: a hole in your roof, missing shingles, leaks, or animals living in your attic. Other times, the signs you need a new roof are little more subtle. If your roof is more than 12-15 years old, it may be time to get a replacement and get ahead of any problems that result from a damaged roof.

Curling shingles, missing or damaged flashing, ice dams, and discolored ceilings and walls are also good indicators that it’s time to replace your roof.

How often does a roof need to be replaced?

The longevity of your roof will depend on its materials, its installation, and its ventilation, so it’s hard to give a straight answer. Typically, a solid, well-constructed roof will last between 12-15 years. Depending on the quality and type of shingles you chose and the underlayment of your roof, that number can go up to 30 or more.

With LONG’s Integrity Roof System® and  SureStart PLUS™ warranty, we guarantee our roofs will last up to 50 years.

How much does a new roof cost?

Every roof is different, so every roof costs a different amount. When considering the price of your new roof, roofing contractors take a few factors into consideration: size, old roof removal, style, shape, materials, and other features like chimneys, skylights, and vents that they need to work around.

A replacement roof is a big investment, and giving a quote without examining your unique situation would not be in our customers’ best interest.

However, once the price of your new roof is calculated, there are plenty of ways to finance your roof, making paying for your roof replacement easy and affordable.

Should I replace my roof before I list my home?

According to Better Homes and Gardens, a whopping 40 percent of a home’s curb appeal is due to the condition and aesthetic of the roof. When selling your home, if your roof is in bad shape or in need of major repairs or a replacement, you may have a lot of trouble getting people to bid on your home.

A lot of buyers these days are on a budget, and don’t want to spend money on major repairs after they just bought a house. Replacing your roof before you sell can help you get ahead of trouble while still recouping most, if not all, of the costs when you sell.

What is the best time to replace a roof?

While there is no official “roofing season” and roofers work all year round, summer and fall are usually busier months for most roofing contractors. Factors like snow, rain, ice, and sleet can impact how quickly roofers can safely and effectively get your roof finished, which is why dryer, warmer months are when most people opt to get their roofs replaced.

However, replacing your roof in the winter or spring could result in a quicker install due to more availability and less demand.  

Can I replace my roof myself?

While some home projects can be “DIY’d” and turn out fine, roofing is not one of them. Each year, more than 6,000 Americans die from falls in the home, many of which come from tumbles off of roofs and ladders while doing repairs or regular maintenance, making it one of the most dangerous DIY projects you can do. Plus, you could be violating your roof’s current warranty or do the work improperly, resulting in expensive repairs and replacements down the line.

Not to mention, a one-man roof replacement job compared to an experienced team of professional roofers warrants a higher risk for mismatched shingles, holes, and other issues with the aesthetics and quality of your roof.

What roofing material should I use?

The shape and style of your roof will determine whether you need a shingle or flat roof, while your budget will most likely determine whether you use asphalt or designer/luxury shingles. It’s important to keep in mind that those aren’t the only materials of which your roof is comprised. In addition to shingles, there’s decking, drip edge, ice and water barrier, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation.

With LONG’s Integrity Roof System®, we pick the best quality materials and guarantee a dependable roof no matter what kind of home or budget you have.

Still have questions?

Contact the roof experts at Long Roofing online to learn more about our options, offers, and to request an estimate. We’ll help you navigate the ins and outs of roofing to help you get the best roof for your needs.

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