A new roof not only revives your home’s exterior, it’s also the most important part of your home’s insulation and weatherproofing system, and can potentially save you money over time on heating and cooling bills. It’s important to time your roof replacement wisely and to understand options for your new roof. We’ve put together a brief guide to help you determine when it’s time for a new roof, what your new roof material options are, how to pay for your roof, and more.
Signs that Your Roof Needs Replacement
If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, you should start thinking about replacement as soon as possible. You can estimate when your roof will need to be replaced based on the average lifespan of your particular roofing material and when it was originally installed. Keep in mind, however, that harsh weather and unexpected damage can shorten the lifespan of a roof significantly, especially if problem areas are left unrepaired.
If you don’t know when your roof was installed, or if there is a chance that harsh weather and damage have shortened the life of your roof, be on the lookout for signs of age, wear, and tear. According to HomeAdvisor the signs to look out for include:
Leaks
Has a ceiling leak recently appeared inside your home? If so, there could be a leak somewhere in your roof. Leaks often occur at roof valleys (which direct rainwater to gutters) and in areas where flashing has developed cracks and breaks.
A simple roof leak repair or roof patch may do the trick if you have just one or two leaks; but multiple leaks could indicate that it’s time for roof replacement. Roof leak detection can be a dangerous DIY job, so it’s best to hire a roofing specialist if you need to inspect your roof for leaks.
Sunlight through roof boards
Take a look inside your attic during the daytime. Do you notice any sunlight coming in through the roof boards? This is a sure sign that you have a leaky roof that needs to be replaced.
Shingle granules in gutters
Do a quick inspection of your gutters. Do you see a whole lot of black specks? These are asphalt granules from your shingles. Some granule loss is normal throughout the life of an asphalt roof, but asphalt shingles tend to lose more granules toward the end of their life cycle. Heavy granule loss on a consistent basis is a sure sign that your roof needs to be replaced.
Curling or buckling shingles
Shingles can curl or buckle over time due to heavy sunlight exposure. Take a look at the slopes of your roof that get direct sunlight. Do the shingles there create a flat, even surface, or are there areas where parts of the shingles lift upward? If you notice curling or buckling shingles, your shingles are likely reaching the end of their life.
Missing shingles
Roofs are built to withstand high winds and heavy storms. If you notice shingles missing from your roof after a storm, that could be a sign that your roof is failing.
Roof Material Options
When the time comes to replace your roof, be sure to consider your options. The most common roofing materials in sunny and temperate areas like Florida and California include asphalt shingles, wood shingles or shakes, metal roofing, clay or concrete tile, and slate. Below is a side by side comparison to help you choose the roofing material that is best suited to your needs and budget.
Source: HomeAdvisor
Future-proof
As you select a roofing material for your home, consider ‘future-proofing’ your roof. You may want to consider upgrading to an energy efficient cool roof. Cool roofs use an extra layer of premium quality shingles that reflect sunlight more effectively and reduce heat transfer into the home. This can keep your home cooler in the hot summer months and also reduce your energy consumption.
Another way to ‘future-proof’ your roof is to install a solar electric or solar heating system on your roof. Going solar is a great way to harness the power of clean, renewable solar energy to power your own home. Solar is an especially wise investment in sunny and temperate climates.
Find A Contractor for Your Roof Replacement
One of the biggest difficulties homeowners face when looking to replace their roof is finding and choosing the right contractor to do the job. Roofing ranks among the top 5 largest and most expensive projects a homeowner can undertake, so take the time to find a roofing contractor you trust to put a roof over your head.
Click HERE to find a roofing contractor registered to offer PACE financing from Renew Financial in your area.
How to Pay for Your New Roof
A new roof is an investment, but that doesn’t mean it has to be out of reach. Renew Financial can help you get the roof you need now without tying up your cash or personal credit. Renew Financial offers PACE financing, which you repay at a fixed interest rate on your property tax bill. With Renew Financial, financing a new roof has never been simpler.
Discover today if PACE financing is a viable option for your roof replacement project, click HERE or call us at 844-736-3934 to get started.
Important Disclosures
PACE financing is subject to credit approval. Underwriting requirements and restrictions apply. PACE financing is secured by a lien on the subject property and may be required to be repaid upon refinance or sale. Homeowners should perform due diligence before selecting a home improvement contractor. PACE financing is private financing that must be repaid in full. PACE financing is not a government subsidy. Homeowners are encouraged to use PACE financing responsibly. Names or trademarks used above are the property of their responsive owners.
