It’s no secret that it can be expensive to repair or replace a residential roof, but as our homes are our biggest asset, we want to do everything we can to protect them. That’s why it’s so important to know how to properly perform a roof installation (or replacement).
For this article, we’ll focus on how to install an asphalt roof since asphalt shingles are some of the most prevalent roofing materials you’ll see in neighborhoods across the country.
Asphalt shingle roofs are still so popular because they are:
- Durable
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Low maintenance
- Timeless
Whether your roof is simply getting old or you’ve noticed some signs of storm damage, we’re here to give you an in-depth look at the steps involved with a roof installation.
Identifying Damage to Your Roof Shingles ????
Roof damage can occur for a variety of reasons, and premature failure is not uncommon. Your shingles could fail because of severe weather conditions like hurricanes or hail storms, wind damage, improper installation, or from everyday wear and tear.
Whatever the cause, it’s important to be able to identify damage to your roof and know when it’s reached the end of its life span so you can make the necessary repairs or replacement.
Here are some signs that your roof may be damaged:
- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
- Stains on your ceiling or walls
- Sagging roof and eaves
- Water leaking into your home
- Moss or algae growing on your roof
Can You DIY a Roof Installation? ????
We can’t deny that many handy homeowners across America are plenty capable of completing a home improvement project themselves, including a roof repair or a roofing installation. Still, there are several solid reasons why we always recommend going with professional roofers over a DIY job.
Dive into some more pros and cons of hiring roofing contractors vs. doing roof installations yourself below before deciding what’s best for you:
Pros ✅
Here are some benefits to choosing do-it-yourself roof repairs:
- You’ll save money.
- You’ll get the job done on your own schedule.
- You have more control over the project.
- You can customize the repairs to your liking.
There are some cons to watch out for as well, such as:
Cons ????
- It’s a very physically demanding job.
- You could do more damage than good if you’re not experienced.
- You may void your roofing warranty if you make any mistakes.
- A professional can get the job done much more efficiently.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor ????????♂️
There are a lot of reasons why you should hire a professional roofing contractor to replace or install your new roof. They have the experience and expertise to do the job right, plus the proper tools and equipment. Not to mention, they can finish the roofing project much faster than you ever could.
Another reason to hire a professional is for your own safety. Climbing up ladders and working on your roof can be very dangerous, so we feel it’s not worth the fall risk. Leave it to the professionals who know how to roof a house safely.
Finally, hiring a professional roofing contractor gives you peace of mind knowing that the job is being done correctly and that your investment is protected. The bottom line is that replacing or installing a roof is not a job that should be taken lightly. It’s a big investment, and it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
How Much Does a New Roof Installation Cost? ????
It’s no big secret that a roof replacement is a big expense. The cost of replacing your roof will vary depending on a few factors, such as the type of roof you have, the size of your home, and your location.
Asphalt shingle roofs are typically less expensive than other types of roofs, so that’s something to keep in mind, but there are several other (pricier) options that provide high levels of protection too. When making an investment of this size and significance, it’s also unsurprising that homeowners want to know just how much a roof replacement will run them.
Here are the average costs for some popular roofing materials:
- Asphalt: $5,000 – $10,000
- Clay or Slate Tiles: $10,000 – $40,000
- Metal Roofing: $8,500 – $24,000
Overall, the average roof replacement or installation in the US will run homeowners somewhere around $7,500 – $14,000, or upwards of $40,000 for luxury materials like slate. If your home is damaged in a storm, there is a solid chance that the replacement costs are covered by your homeowners insurance, so this is something to explore as well.
Replacing an Asphalt Shingle Roof ????
Now that we’ve touched on a few key roofing topics, we can start talking about the important stuff: how to replace or install a roof. As we said above, for the purpose of this article, we’re going to focus on the most popular roofing material in America: asphalt shingles.
Follow this guide to get a better idea of how to replace your old roof or install a new one:
Removing Old Asphalt Shingles
First things first, you’ll have to remove and dispose of the existing roof. Many homeowners rent roll-off dumpsters to make disposal a smoother and cleaner experience.
Use a pry bar or roof shovel to remove the existing shingles, starting from the top row and working your way down the entire roof. Toss all of the old shingles into your dumpster so it’s ready when the professional waste disposal team comes to remove it. This will also help keep your yard clean.
New Roof Installation
Asphalt shingles are a famous roofing material in America for a reason – they’re durable, affordable, and easy to install. If you’re planning on replacing your asphalt shingle roof yourself, here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to get the job done:
- Remove the old roofing material.
- Inspect the roof deck for any damage and make repairs as necessary.
- Install new felt paper or synthetic underlayment.
- Begin installing the new shingles from the bottom edge of the roof up.
- Nail each shingle in place.
- Finish the project by installing ridge cap shingles or flashing along the roof’s peak.
- Clean up any debris around your property.
- Inspect your work and ensure everything looks good before calling it a day!
Final Checks & Clean-up
Like we said, the last step is to perform your final inspection of the roof and property and do a solid, sweeping clean-up. Make sure no debris is left on the roof or around the property. Look for areas with any missing shingles or exposed nails, and patch or hammer things as necessary. After that, if everything looks good, you’re all done!
Professional Roofers Offer Proper Installation ????????
Even though you might be inclined to try your hand at DIY roof repairs to save money, it might actually wind up costing you in the end because you can make easy mistakes. Ultimately, it’s wisest to hire professional roofers who do this kind of work for a living every single day.
Instead of sweating it out and risking your safety to perform roof repairs or a new installation yourself, call on the experts at Heartland Builders. Between our experience, affordability, and efficiency, you’ll be happy you decided to put your trust in Heartland instead of putting yourself at risk.
Contact Heartland now to learn more about our roof replacement and installation services. We’re so excited to help you out.
