How often should you replace your roof?

Your roof is an essential part of your home. The longer it’s up it gets worn by the elements as well as age. While maintenance and repair will allow it to last a long time, eventually it will need to be replaced. Along with maintenance and repair, the type of material your roof is made of will determine when roof replacement should take place.

Composition and asphalt shingles are two of the most common type of shingles used on homes today. You can expect composition—aka architectural shingles—to last anywhere between 12 and 20 years, while asphalt shingles will last between 15 and 30 years. While wood shingles are less common, they are very durable and last between 20 and 25 years. Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular for residential roofing, largely because they are low maintenance but last a long time, anywhere between 50 and 75 years before they need to be replaced.

Whatever kind of roof you have, when you need reliable residential roof replacement in Dallas, TX, count on the team at Mullins General Construction. Find out how we can help you by calling (972) 535-8065.

How can you tell how old a roof is?

Age plays a big role in roof replacement? If you haven’t lived in your home long, you may not know the age of your roof. Asphalt and architectural shingles are the most common roofing material and last on average about 20 years. The condition of your shingles will often reveal your roof’s age. As they age, the shingles begin to use granules. You’ll probably see the granules in the gutter. Curled, blistered and missing shingles are also common on older roofs. Below are some signs your roof is aging and ready to be replaced.

How to tell it’s time to replace a roof:

• Missing shingles in the roof valleys make the roof vulnerable to leaks.
• Damaged or worn flashing around your chimney or vents. Damage areas around the flashing leave the roof vulnerable to leaks.
• If you walk around on the roof and it feels spongy, the decking under the shingles may be weakened by moisture.
• If you see light coming through the roof when you’re in the attic.
• A sagging roof should also be replaced. A roof sag can be dangerous, as the roof is at risk of collapsing.

Roof replacement and repair

When your roof is damaged or you have issues like leaks, this doesn’t always mean you should replace your roof. Much of this will depend on the extent of the damage, as well as the age of the roof. Many times, especially if your roof is relatively new, repairs are all that is needed. A few missing or damaged shingles, for instance, are easy to replace. A minor leak can also be repaired. Have a professional roofer like those at Mullins General Construction inspect your roof to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

What is included in roof replacement?

A roof replacement will include multiple aspects. The primary item is the shingles. You’ll also have decking and underlayment, which is a protective layer that goes between the deck and shingles. Other roof components include flashing, drip edges, ice and water shields, the valleys, ridge vent, pipes and fans, gutters, and soffit and fascia. If you have a chimney, your roofing contractor may recommend a cricket for the chimney, which is a peaked part that prevents snow and ice buildup.

Should I stay home during roof replacement?

Although a roof replacement is a major project, it’s normally not necessary for you to leave your home while it’s being worked on. Usually, depending on the weather, the replacement will take a few days, and no more than a week, for an average size single-family home. There is minimal disruption because most the roofers usually work on weekdays when the homeowners are at work. While it’s not necessary to leave, you may want to stay out of the house if you work at home or spend a large amount of your time at home.

What does it cost to replace a roof?

Roof replacement costs will vary depending on the type of materials used and the size of the roof. For an average size single family home installing an asphalt shingle roof it will cost about $5,000, whereas an asphalt shingle roof may cost up to $12,000. Higher-end materials like tile or synthetic shingles may run as high as $25,000 or more. One of the most expensive roofing materials is slate, and a slate roof could run as high as $150,000 or more. If repairs to the decking or flashing need to be made before the roof can be replaced, you’ll end up paying a little more for the replacement. Problems like water damage, for instance, may not be apparent until the old shingles are removed, and the water damaged decking will need to be repaired.

Is roof replacement tax deductible

A roof replacement is not tax deductible. It is considered a home improvement, and the costs aren’t deductible. A replacement, however, will increase the basis of the property, or the price you paid for the home. This can affect the amount of tax you pay when you sell your home.

Is roof replacement covered by homeowners insurance

When you get a roof replacement, you can only make a claim on your insurance if the roof had to be replaced because of damage caused by an act of nature. An act of nature could include storms or damage caused by the weight of heavy snow or ice. A roof that needs to be replaced because of its age is not covered by insurance.

Similarly, if you have a burst pipe, it may be covered by insurance if it’s a sudden burst, and not the result of a slow leak that hadn’t been fixed. When you have a burst pipe, you’ll want a reliable plumber for busted, rusted and broken pipe repair.