When was the last time your roof was replaced? If it was over 15 years ago, then now is a good time to start planning a roof replacement. Most homeowners don’t think about replacing their roof until it is leaking or failing. And when they’re not thinking about their next roof replacement, you can bet they’re also not thinking about the roof replacement’s cost.
If you wait until there is noticeable damage on your roof to replace it, you’re probably looking at a more costly expense. In addition to a new roof, you’ll probably have to deal with mold and mildew, as well as replace drywall, paint, and rotten wood on your roof’s structure.
Here are some tips to stay on top of the health of your roof. This way, you can avoid any unexpected costs and feel more financially prepared when it’s time for a roof replacement.
Getting routine roof inspections is an important step to gauging when you’ll need to replace your roof. IBEX recommends getting a roof inspection about every five years. The good news is that most reputable roofing companies do this for free, especially if you’re a past customer. By getting routine inspections, you can fix small problems right away. This might include damaged pipe flashings, small leaks found in your attic, or venting issues. You can dramatically prolong the life of your roof just by repairing what you find through regular inspections.
When you find out from a roof inspection that you’ll need to replace your roof soon, you may want to consider starting an emergency fund. Your roofing contractor will likely be able to give you a roof replacement estimate based on the state of your roof. From there, you can start saving up for a new roof. This is a great practice to prepare for any type of home repair.
Due to advances in roofing technology and better refining procedures for asphalt, roofing costs can rise as much as 20% in one year. If you know you’ll be needing a new roof in the next couple of years, then it’s best to get it done sooner than later! Otherwise, you may end up paying a little more for a roof just by waiting one more year.
First, it’s important to remember to never measure your roof costs based on the square footage of your home. For example, a single-story home that is 1800 square-feet with a garage and porch may have a larger roof than a two-story home that’s 3000 square feet.
Second, many homeowners like use online “roof cost calculators” to budget their project. However, these calculators can be very misleading because they don’t account for the small details that can vastly impact the cost of your roof replacement.
Roofing costs can vary greatly; it depends on how many layers of shingles you have on your roof, the type of roofing material that needs to be removed, the slope and design of your roof, accessibility to the job site, and more. That’s why it’s crucial for a contractor to come and inspect your roof and attic, as well as understand what you want your next roof to be. Any type of detail can fluctuate your roof replacement cost.
You may find yourself with an unexpected roof problem that requires a sudden roof replacement. If that’s the case, you’re not alone. Most reputable roofing contractors partner up with banks and credit unions to offer financing options for homeowners. We get it – life happens. But don’t a roof leak continue to rot and damage your home. Instead, give IBEX Roof a call and we can help you get it fixed as soon as possible.
