The Top Ten Questions To Ask When Considering A Roof Replacement

Replacing your roof is not a decision you want to be taking lightly, as it can be a very expensive, although necessary job. Unfortunately, roofing is not made to last forever, and general wear and tear can quickly spiral into something far worse if you are not careful. While it can be tempting to pay for cheaper repair jobs or even ignore the problem altogether, this can be extremely costly in the long-term. Paying for a roof replacement when the time is right can seem like a lot of money, but those costs will only be exasperated if you wait for roof wear and tear to damage other parts of your property. For example, a leak in your roof can easily then cause damp and water damage in your ceilings and walls. We understand that you want to be as informed as possible before making a decision like this, so here are ten of the questions you simply must ask when thinking about a roof replacement.

How long is a roof supposed to last?

In terms of how long your own roof will last, it is impossible to put an exact time on it. The lifespan on your roof will largely depend on when it was made/fitted, where you live, and the material it is made out of. Things such as the weather, the humidity, the levels of salt, and more can affect how long a roof will last, as well as freak accidents. However, generally speaking, a roof is designed to be replaced on average every 30 years. Roofs made out of slate and copper can last as long as 50 years, while those with fiber cement shingles only last half of that on average. Asphalt shingle/composition roofs are estimated to last around 20 years. Metal roofing, such as Colorbond, can last a lot longer. With regards to lifespan-cost ratio, Colorbond metal roofing is the most cost effective and efficient option on the market.

How do I know if my roofing job is bad?

When shelling out for a complete roof replacement, you simply must ensure that you enlist the services of a professional and reputable company. Unfortunately, there are cowboy builders & roofers out there who will happily complete a quick botch job and run away with your money. It is therefore important that you are able to spot a bad roofing job when you see one. Luckily, there are a number of signs to watch out for. Some of the tell-tale signs include: missing drip edge flashing, a lack of a uniform appearance, sheet joins, lack of proper roof nailing if shingle, reuse of old flashing material, unfixed flashing that make noise, irregularly fixed sheeting, missing shingles, stains, missing underlayment, and more.

How much does a roof replacement cost?

Of course, there is no one set price for a new roof. Costs depend largely on how large your house is, what material the old roof was made out of, and what material the new roof is going to be made out of. Of course, the larger your house, the more expensive a roof replacement job is going to be, as most companies charge per square metre. Slate tends to be the most expensive option, followed by terracotta tiles. Terracotta tiles are heavy and can in turn damage the frame of your roof over the years. In most cases, these will eventually need to be replaced by metal roofing anyway, so Colorbond is often a better option from the start. It terms of how long Colorbond lasts compared to how much it will cost you, it is the best and most efficient material for roofing on the market.

What happens if you don’t replace your roof?

Worst case scenario, severe failure to replace your roof when it is long past overdue can result in the complete collapse of the structure. However, before this occurs, failure to replace the roof when it needs doing can cause further damages to both the roof itself and other parts of your property. If part of the roof collapses and damages the structure below, you will have to pay for parts of that to be replaced too. If leaking causes damp damages to your walls, ceilings, furniture, etc, you will have to pay to have them fixed/replaced as well as the roof. You may also find that your house price drops if your roof is in dire need of repair during your sales period due to this being what everyone looks at.

What should I look for when inspecting a new roof?

There are a number of things you should check before giving the all clear to the company who replaced your roof. Are the shingles curled, split, or blistered? Are the tiles straight? Are there any tiles missing? Are there any nails being exposed? Is there any sagging? Is the flashing loose? Are the gutters sagging? Are there any leaks in the internal roof space? Are there any damp spots inside your house? Are there any cracks of light coming in through the roof? Are there any blisters on the roof? Are there any depressions around pipes? 

Should I stay home during a roof replacement?

Speak to your chosen roofer about this before they start work, but there is no reason you absolutely must leave the house. As long as you stay inside, away from the gardens where there may be regular falling debris, you will be safe. Some people prefer to stay home in order to keep an eye on the builders and the progress they are making.

Does a new roof increase home value?

A new roof on your home can increase the value by an average of $17,000. Similarly, a house with a roof in dire need of repair can see the price drop significantly. Roof replacements are necessary after a certain period of time, therefore it is only logical that the newer the roof, the better the house value.

What is the best type of roof?

The four best types of roofing for Australian homes are steel, zinc and copper cladding, bluestone and synthetic slate, and terracotta and concrete tiles. Steel roofing can last 30-40 years, looks good, can be painted, and can be easy to maintain. Zinc and copper cladding is durable and robust for specialist jobs. Bluestone roofs are seen as architectural classics. Finally, terracotta and concrete is a low-maintenance option, with the former lasting up to 25-30 years and the latter around 20. Colorbond and metal roofing can often last far longer.

What type of roof lasts the longest?

• Terracotta – 20-30 years
• Slate – 50 years
• Tiles – 20-30 years
• Metal – 40 years
• Concrete – 20 years
• Wood shingle and shake – 20 years
• Asphalt – 15-20 years

How do you maintain your new roof?

Once you replace your roof, it is important to maintain it as best you can in order to prolong its lifespan. The last thing you want is to have to pay for another new one in ten years’ time. Make sure to clean your roof shingles every now and then, and if you notice any are missing, act fast and replace them. Replacing the roof sealant when needed is also a good idea to avoid cracking. If you have overhanging branches, plants, or vines that interfere with your roof, keep them trimmed back and out of the way. Inspect your roof for rust and use a wire brush to get rid of it when needed. Keep your gutters clear and unclogged to avoid water damage under your roof.