7 Roof Replacement Tips Every Homeowner Should Know in 2024

If you’re asking, “How old is my roof?” you’re probably due for a roof replacement.

Most roofs last at least a few decades before needing to be replaced. And since the cost can be substantial, it’s something both new homeowners of older homes and seasoned homeowners need to plan for.

But deciding between roof overlay vs. tear-off or the types of shingles you prefer can be confusing, but 2024 is the year to learn more about your roof! Discover seven roof replacement tips that every homeowner needs to know here.

1. Plan Early and Thoroughly

A new roof installation is an enormous job, both in expense and the actual doing of the task. From understanding how to cut shingles to researching roof maintenance tips, you, the homeowner, should learn all you can about the process from start to finish.

If you don’t take the time to plan, you’re setting yourself up for stress, rushed decisions, and increased costs.

Your plan should include:

• Researching and comparing roofing materials
• Finding reputable contractors
• Understanding the necessary permits
• Preparing a budget (and establishing savings goals if necessary)

Starting the planning process early gives you enough time to prepare for the inevitable disruptions to your daily life that significant construction will create.

2. Choose the Right Material

One of the most important roof replacement tips on our list discusses how to choose the right roofing material.

If you don’t get this step right, you might end up with a roof that’s not suitable for your local climate or your style of home or a waste of money.

Visit your local building supply store or check out the websites of a few local roofing companies to familiarise yourself with the materials on offer. In Jacksonville, Florida, these typically include:

• Asphalt shingles
• Metal
• Tile
• Wood

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular choices on the market today. They are affordable for most homeowners. Plus, they’re a breeze to install and aesthetically pleasing. Metal roofing is durable, lightweight, and energy-efficient—though it can be a little pricey.

Tile roofing is long-lasting and fire-resistant. However, it’s also heavy and expensive. Wood roofing is aesthetically pleasing, which is especially great for character homes. However, it requires substantially more maintenance than other materials.

Also, knowing how to tarp a roof may help you if you’re experiencing leaks or other issues before you can replace the roof. So research tarp materials at the same time as roof materials.

3. Find a Reputable Roofing Contractor

An experienced contractor will provide you with expert advice on replacing a roof. This includes everything from how to remove shingles to when to replace your roof.

They’ll use the latest technology and techniques, guarantee the high-quality materials they recommend, and complete the project safely and efficiently.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be reputable, meaning they’ll have the necessary local and federal licenses and have both liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This gives you peace of mind should an accident occur on site.

There are a few ways to research roofing contractors. You can:

• Ask for referrals from friends and family
• Check Google maps (including a company’s reviews)
• Do a Google search
• Check the classified section in your local newspaper

Always interview at least three different companies and ask them for estimates (they should offer that service for free) and customer testimonials.

4. Understanding Permitting

Most municipalities require building projects to have specific permits before the work can begin. Jacksonville, FL, is no exception. Basically, any substantial building work will require a permit. But you wouldn’t need one when, for example, replacing missing shingles or repairing minor hurricane roof damage.

Permits ensure the work is done safely and meets local codes and standards. If you don’t get the correct permit, you might get fined, run into legal issues, or even be asked to remove your roof.

That’s why it’s vital to work with a local roofing company. You need a building partner with more knowledge than just how to shingle a roof. They should understand the specific regional legalities of their profession.

5. Prepare for the Replacement

The roof inspection is done and dusted, you’ve chosen your roof shingle colors, and you’ve reviewed all the roof repair tips online.

After you’ve asked your contractor questions like, “How long does it take to replace a roof?”, all that’s left is to book the roof replacement!

Knowing what to expect is the best way to prevent costly—in time and money—hiccups. This means taking time to physically prepare your home for reroofing.

Here are the steps to take:

• Remove any outdoor furniture or decorations that could get in the way of workers
• Protect valuable items at risk of damage during the replacement process (think cars, potted plants, or garden features)
• Provide easy access to access to an electrical outlet and water supply

Don’t forget, too, that roof replacement is a complicated job that could take anywhere from one day to a week. Prepare for the disruption it may cause your daily schedule.

6. Budget for Unexpected Issues

No matter how well you prepare, unexpected costs are sure to arise. This is especially true for character or older homes, where hidden damage or structural issues can reside unseen under decades-old roofing.

Don’t let these instances take you by surprise. Research things like “how to replace roof shingles” and “cost of leak repair” to understand the challenges you may encounter. At a minimum, add a contingency of at least 5% to your budget.

7. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Just as you need to run through a roof inspection checklist before you get a new roof, it’s a good idea to consider maintenance once that roof is installed.

Getting your roof checked annually for leaks, minor damage, missing shingles, guttering issues, and the like will extend the life of your roof. This ensures your next roof replacement remains decades away.

Plus, evidence of regular maintenance is a plus for buyers when it comes time to sell your property.

The Only Roof Replacement Tips You Need

There are so many roof replacement tips online that things can get confusing fast.

Above, we offer a straightforward yet comprehensive approach to the roof replacement process. If you check off each step, you can rest assured that you’re doing everything possible to save money and get the job done fast.

If you need more roofing advice or wish to schedule a free roof inspection, reach out to the team at Avenue Roofing. We’re the contractor of choice for Jacksonville, FL, homeowners who value transparency, efficiency, and extraordinary customer service.