A roof replacement is an exciting opportunity to renew the curb appeal of your home, keep your family dry, and achieve freedom from the hidden costs of an older roof. However, realizing these benefits often requires a significant investment on your part.
When planning a roof replacement, you will need to factor materials, labor, warranties, and financing costs into your budget. Then, consider the following tips to maximize the benefit of each dollar you plan to spend.
How much will a new roof cost you?
Before discussing how to get the most benefit from your roofing budget, it makes sense to first consider how to set your budget. The first thing you will need to consider is which costs are covered by insurance, and which costs you are responsible for paying.
In general, homeowners insurance will not cover roof replacement costs if the roof is over 20 years old or needs to be replaced due to a lack of maintenance. On the other hand, they often cover some or all the cost of a replacement due to storm damage. The best way to determine if your roof replacement is covered is to review your policy carefully and speak with an experienced roofer who can guide you when filing a claim.
If insurance covers the damage to your roof, your coverage will generally include replacement with similar materials. You may choose to upgrade the materials or change the type of roofing material to improve longevity or curb appeal. However, you would likely be responsible for the difference in cost.
In scenarios where insurance doesn’t cover the cost of your roof replacement, you will need to consider other options to get the new roof you need. The simplest method is to pay cash. If you don’t have the funds on hand to cover the cost, you can consider financing or roof grants.
Grants like the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant program give homeowners in coastal areas up to $10,000 to install a new FORTIFIED roof. You may also qualify for tax rebates if you improve the energy efficiency of your home during a roof replacement.
If a grant is not an option in your case, ask your roofer about financing programs. Roofer financing often avoids the time-consuming process of underwriting and can help you avoid closing costs associated with other types of loans.
Maximizing Your Materials Budget
After you have determined the costs that you are responsible for paying during a roof replacement, it is time to consider the type of roof that you will install. The material you choose for your roof determines its expected lifespan and therefore the length of time you can enjoy your new roof before needing to invest in another roof replacement.
In general, roofing materials with greater longevity come with a higher upfront cost, so it is important to weigh your current budget with potential future costs. The three most common choices for roofing materials are:
- Three-tab shingles. The standard roofing material for most American homes offering an impressive longevity compared to a low upfront cost.
- Architectural shingles. Thicker, stronger shingles which provide enhanced durability compared to three-tab alternatives.
- Metal roofing. An upgraded material that routinely lasts 50 years or more.
The weather has a significant impact on your roof and is a key factor in determining which roofing material is right for you. If you live in an area with frequent storms – like the Gulf Coast – investing a little bit more upfront can save you money in the long run.
To help you choose the right roofing material for your home, review the following articles that discuss the pros and cons of common roofing materials.
Which Type of Asphalt Shingle Should You Choose?
When installing or replacing a roof, you first need to decide which type of asphalt shingle to choose, 3-tab or architectural.
When Should You Choose Metal Roofing over Asphalt Shingles?
Metal roofs provide long-lasting performance and a variety of aesthetic options at a lower long-term cost than asphalt shingles.
Focus on Quality Installation to Get the Most from Your Labor Budget
Along with the roofing material you choose, installation quality greatly impacts the longevity of your roof and the total cost of ownership. For this reason, it is vital to choose the roofer with the best reputation, not the lowest cost of installation.
The best roofers will use quality materials and have a highly trained team with all appropriate certifications to perform roof replacements the right way. They will also have a strong track record of customer satisfaction which you can measure through reviews and testimonials.
Warranties Protect Your Investment
The final piece of information you will need to consider when planning a roof replacement is warranties to protect your investment. There are two main warranties that you should seek – one from the manufacturer and one from the roofer.
Most roofing materials come with a standard warranty built in that covers defects that arise from the manufacturing process. You may also have the option to purchase an enhanced warranty that covers your materials for a longer period of time or protects against different types of damage.
In addition to a warranty from the manufacturer, your roofer should offer a workmanship guarantee that covers damage from improper installation. Some roofers include this warranty in their initial quote while others treat it as an addition.
To get the most value from your warranties, consider the length of time and types of damage covered as well as the upfront cost of the guarantee. Ideally, you will want to have both the roofing material and the installation covered by warranties to protect you from a variety of scenarios that could lead to premature failure of your roof.
The best roofers will have the tools to help you maximize every part of your roof replacement budget. To find the best in your area, check referrals and online reviews to gauge their past performance. You should also consider the financing options they offer and compare warranties between several contractors before choosing a roofer for your project.
Maximize Your Roof Replacement Budget with Complete Roofing
At Complete Roofing, we have the tools to help you maximize your roof replacement budget. Our experienced roofers will help you decide between materials and choose the best option for your home. We can also provide guidance and data to support your insurance claim, help you apply for our low-cost financing program, and inform you of local grants like the Strengthen Alabama Homes program that may be available to you.
Our craftsmanship is second to none and we offer multiple warranties to guarantee our work. If you need a roof replacement, remember You Can’t Compete with Complete!
To contact an expert roofer in your area, select from the general links below or click your city for express service.
Installation and Repair Services for Roofs and Gutters are available in the following locations:
- Coastal Alabama Main Office with local agents in:
- Coastal Mississippi Main Office with local agents in:
- Greater New Orleans Main Office with a local agent in: