The roof is one of the most important parts of a building. It adds to the beauty of a building, shields it against rainwater and other elements. Different weather conditions and many years of being installed tend to wear down the roof. If your roof is older than a decade and you have been noticing a brown watermark on your ceiling, it might be time to call a San Antonio roofing contractor for an evaluation. Check out this article for the needed information before you replace a roof in San Antonio, TX.
Signs that you need a roof replacement
The first thing you should do before you start preparing for roof replacement is to be sure that you need the roof replacement. There are signs you should watch out for. Listed below are some of the common signs that will suggest that it is time for you to replace your roof.
Duration of use
Different weather conditions and elements will come but the roof will stand in place. Depending on the roofing material, if you have installed a shingle roof for two decades or more, you should consider replacing it as it might have outlived its lifespan.
Leaking water in your homes
Once it rains and you could see traces of water in your homes. This could be a sign of a leaking roof. That is an indication that you should replace the roof.
Cracked shingles
This is a visible sign of wear on the roof after many years of installation. During the inspection of your home, if you notice cracks on the shingles, you should call a certified contractor for assessment.
Moss is growing on the roofing material
When you newly install a roof, it is practically impossible for moss to grow on it. When you begin to notice that moss is growing on the roofing material, it is a sign that you should replace the roof or seek a roof inspection from a qualified pro.
Budget
The price of roof replacement in San Antonio, TX ranges from $3,000 to $20,000. This, however, depends on the size of the roof, the quality of the shingle, and other factors. You should consult a professional contractor for you to get an accurate cost. Moreover, when the contractor comes for assessment, you might pay more or less than the estimation due to some factors. Here is a list of some of the things that might influence the final estimation for roof replacement in San Antonio.
Multiple stories
If your house is a multiple-story building, you might be paying more for roof replacement in comparison with someone that has a bungalow.
Luxury shingle
If you have a higher-quality luxury shingle on the roof, you will be paying more for roof replacement. Moreover, if there is a need to remove the old shingles before installing the new roof, your budget will increase.
Condition of the roof
The cost of replacing the roof will be lesser when the process does not include the removal of existing tiles and if the underplayed plywood is in good condition. Also, if the roof is easily accessible, you are likely to pay less.
Weather condition
The current weather condition in San Antonio, Texas when you want to replace the roof will influence the price. If you intend to do it during the rainy season, you will have to pay more.
Schedule
The time you schedule for your roof replacement will potentially determine the cost. For instance, if you want to replace your roof after a thunderstorm when contractors are busy in San Antonio, you will need to pay more to get it done as soon as possible.
Roofing material
Modern technology has impacted the availability of roofing material in the market nowadays and some options were not in existence when you initially roofed your house. Some materials are designed to work effectively with the environmental condition of a place better than others. Replacing your roof might be an opportunity to try different materials and take advantage of contemporary technology-aided material. Highlighted below are some of the roofing materials you can consider.
Metal roof
If you want a durable roof that will last for many years, you should consider a metal roof. The metal roof is popular for its fire-resistant and it is available in different colors and styles. Moreover, you could get a discount from an insurance company if your house is roofed with metal. However, you might need more than the willpower and budget to install a metal roof. You will also need a contractor that is familiar with metal roof installation.
Here are a few different types of metal roofing and their life expectancy
- Ribbed metal panels can last between 25 and 50 years, and are cheaper to install than other metal roofs.
- Stone-coated steel tiles can last between 30 and 50 years and can withstand wind speeds up to 155 miles per hour.
- Stand seam metal roofing has a lifespan of 50 years and can withstand winds over 100 miles per hour.
Asphalt shingles
This is the most popular roofing material that is the preference of many homeowners in San Antonio, Texas. It is easy to get your desired color and they are also available in different designs that would suit the architectural design of your house. Modern asphalt is durable and could last for many decades if installed tightly and properly maintained.
Here are 3 types of asphalt shingle roofs that will also influence how long your roof will last.
- 3-tab shingles typically last between 15 and 20 years.
- Architectural shingles, or dimensional shingles, have a longer lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
- Premium shingles can last between 25 and 40 years
Tile roof
Tile roofing materials are durable and beautiful but you should have a higher budget before you opt for it. Moreover, tile roofs are heavy, maybe that is because they are projected to last for more than 100 years. You also need a sturdy structure that could support the weight of the roof. They are designed in many shapes such as curved, flat, interlocking, and many more. However, if not installed properly, the tile roof can break under some conditions.
Slate roof
Slate is one of the most beautiful and durable roofing materials available in the market. It should not be new to you as it has been in use for many years. It is made from natural material and it is projected to last for many decades. The slate roof is relatively heavy and could adapt to different weather conditions. The cost of installing, repairing, and maintenance could be relatively higher than others. Moreover, they are also available in different sizes and shapes. You must hire a contractor that has experience in installing slate roofs.
Slate roofs have one of the longest life expectancies of any roofing material, ranging from 75 to 200 years.
Choosing a contractor
Choosing a reputable roofing contractor in San Antonio, TX is not only important when you are installing a new roof, but it is also important for replacing roofs. There are many contractors in San Antonio, Texas. It’s, however, recommended that you get a licensed contractor with experience. The following steps should guide you in selecting the appropriate contractor for your project.
Shop around
The first thing you should do is to have a list of several contractors that you can consider for the project. You can go online, ask your neighbors or friends, or go to the department of work. Moreover, you should give preference to contractors that are licensed and fully insured.
Check references
A credible contractor in San Antonio should have a list of references of previously done works on demand. If possible, you can go for physical verification of such references, check the quality of work done, and ask previous clients for their reviews. You can also read genuine reviews online.
Focus on quality
Replacing a roof is a huge project and you will not want to incur unnecessary expenses during and after the project. It might be tempting to opt for a contractor with the lowest quotation but you should remember that you will likely get what you pay for. You should invest in quality materials and contractors.
Ask questions
You should ask any potential questions about the removal of the old roof. It is generally advisable that you remove old roofs rather than install new ones on them. Also, you should ask questions about refuse removal. Such a contractor likely brings a dumpster with them when they are coming to do the work.
Other services
You should give preference to a contractor that offers other services apart from replacing the roof alone. For instance, you might consider a contractor that has maintenance service.
Read the contract
Before you finally agree to work with any contractor, you should read the paperwork carefully. You should check for details on the type of materials such a contractor wants to use, cost, building code, and many more. Ask questions if you do not understand any of the terms in the paperwork.
When is the ideal time for roof replacement in San Antonio, Texas?
Once you have decided to replace your roof and you have secured the service of a reputable roofing contractor, the next thing you should consider is the ideal time to execute such a project. Fall is the ideal time for roof replacement in San Antonio, Texas. This is simply because numerous homeowners and experts agree that September to November is the ideal time without the hassle of rain, thunderstorms, and many more.
Do I need to get a permit for replacing a roof in San Antonio, Texas?
You do not need another permit when you are simply replacing your roof in San Antonio, Texas. However, you will need a permit if you will be working on the decking or your contractor will place the dumpster in a public location.
Conclusion
There are many professional roof contractors in San Antonio, Texas. You have to carefully read the profile of any contractor before you hire them. Moreover, do not hesitate to ask questions for further clarifications on what you do not understand.
For more information or to request a quote from leading San Antonio’s Roofing Experts, be sure to contact us today! We are happy to help with all your roofing needs.
