Options For Replacing Roofs

Installing a new roof on a home can be more than a one-person task. In fact, most might want to hire a licensed roofing specialist. Nonetheless, average homeowners would want to educate themselves on the type of roof available to make an appropriate decision on their need.

The Early Show contributor Danny Lipford, host of "Today’s Homeowner," says modern roofing options offer everything from color, to style, to durability and longevity.

Homeowners should know what roofing options they have, the advantages and disadvantages of roofing styles, and how to hire a qualified roofer.

Identify When A Roof Needs Replacing

Just when one should replace a roof is a little more difficult to ascertain than deciding when a house needs a fresh coat of paint. Lipford says one should be cognizant of some physical signs that would suggest that a home needs a new roof.

Here are the most common signs indicating a roof may need replacement:

• Leakage in attic after a wind-driven rain
  
• Leakage in attic after ice buildup
  
• Blistering and/or peeling interior and/or exterior paint
  
• Stains on interior ceilings and walls
  
• Decay of roof shingles, sheathing and/or siding
  
• Missing, cracked or curled shingles
  
• Dark, "dirty-looking" areas on the roof
  
• Excessive rise in energy costs that indicates heat is escaping from the home

If an owner finds the roof does need to be fixed, there are a number of choices to get the job done. The owner must take control and make decisions about the type of roof materials with which to replace an old roof.

Lipford says different roofing products have come out in the last 6 to 8 months providing a host of roof replacement options. No longer is the natural wood shake roof used. Those pose far too great a risk of fire.

These days, roofing structures are made of materials like metal roofing materials, asphalt shingle materials and composite Fiberglas materials. These newer materials are fire resistant, resistant to high winds, aesthetically pleasing to the eye, developed from lightweight materials, and made of heat reflecting metal.

Lipford provides six samples of roofing material that fall within the following three categories:

Composite Fiberglas
Composite materials, although more expensive than the more common asphalt roof materials, are a wonderful longer lasting alternative.

• MiraVISTA Slate: This roofing material has the thickness and dimension without the weight. This composite material is composed of approximately 80 percent fine particles of natural slate rock and then bonded with resin and glass fiber reinforcement. This composite material is maintenance free, does not absorb moisture, and is made of a lightweight, durable construction. There is no risk of warping. It has 50-year warranty and has a Class A fire rating.

  Owners should expect to spend $17,000 to $20,000 for complete roof replacement — including materials and labor. Estimate is based on 25 squares of roofing (a unit of measure of roofing which is a 10 foot by 10 foot area).

• MiraVISTA Shake: This shake is a natural choice for beauty and endurance. The composite material is composed of 80 percent clay and shale that has been bonded with resin and glass fiber reinforcement. These shakes combine the textured look of natural wood with the far more durable materials listed above, so a home ends up with the charmed look of traditional wood shakes but without danger of fire associated with wood structures. There is no warping, discoloration, infestation or rotting. These shakes can be found in natural colors and textures. Unlike real wood, this product will not absorb moisture. The shake has a 50-year warranty and has a Class A fire rating.

  Owners should expect to spend $12,000 to $15,000 for complete roof replacement (includes materials and labor). Estimate is based on 25 squares of roofing (a unit of measure of roofing which is a 10 foot by 10 foot area).
  

Metal
Metal roofing materials are a great alternative because not only are they light weight they are also very energy efficient. Unlike asphalt roofs, which require re-roofing between every 12 to 20 years, metal roofs will not decompose. These roofs can also withstand every weather condition Mother Nature has to offer.

Over time, these roofs save one a lot of money because there is no second investment in roof replacement. Metal roofs are practically maintenance free. All that is required is an occasional hosing down. Most metal roofs usually come with a 30 to 50 year warranty. Some insurance companies in certain states even offer discounts of up to 35 percent to homeowners with metal roofs.

Of course, owners expect to hear the soothing sound of bouncing rain drops on the roof when it rains.

• Duraloc Metal Panel
  This roof option is coated with a granular texture to make it look like traditional asphalt shingles so they're gray in color. This product comes with a 50-year warrantee. It is fire resistant and can withstand winds up to 120 MPH.

  Owners should expect to spend $10,000 and $12,000 for complete roof replacement (includes materials and labor). Estimate is based on 25 squares of roofing (a unit of measure of roofing which is a 10 foot by 10 foot area).

• Vertical Metal Panel
  This roof option is available in many light colors that reflect heat. These panels will reduce the temperature in an attic by up to 50 degrees. The panels can also resist winds of up to 120 MPH.

  Owners should expect to spend $6,000 to $8,000 for complete roof replacement (includes materials and labor). Estimate is based on 25 squares of roofing (a unit of measure of roofing which is a 10 foot by 10 foot area).
  

Tips for How to Hire a Qualified Roofer

Replacing a roof is not a task homeowners do themselves. It really is just too difficult. The best way to replace a roof to have a professional roofer take care of the job. Here are four things Lipford recommends for finding a qualified roofer:

• Plan Ahead: It's never good for owners to look for a roofer when they're desperate to get the job done. This will lead to hasty decisions. Instead, owners should be pro-active and make a decision to replace a roof long before the situation gets bad.
• Get Referrals: Owners should obtain referrals from friends who are satisfied with the work done on their homes. They should also do an occasional drive-by of a home where the roofer is currently working to get a feel for how thorough a job they're likely to do.
• Get Three Written Estimates Owners should have three roofers come out to measure the roof, inspect the work to be done and provide estimate of cost for labor and materials. The owner should compare those numbers and then make a decision that works best for them.
• Select A Licensed, Insured Roofer These are all guarantees that the roofer has been certified to the do the job you're about to hire them to do.