Roof Replacement Questions, Answered

Look at the age and the spread of the damage. Shingles that curl, crack or shed granules across the whole roof point to replacement. So do soft decking, sagging lines and repeated leaks in different spots. A local provider inspects the roof and tells you which it is. If you only need a small repair, call and say so.

It depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Some policies may cover sudden damage, such as a storm or fallen limb, while wear and age are often excluded. Check your policy and deductible first. Providers can often help document damage with photos and notes for a claim. Your insurer makes the final decision.

Typical U.S. re-roof cost runs from about $6,000 to $25,000 or more for an asphalt shingle roof, and higher for slate, metal or tile. Roof size, pitch, layers to tear off, decking repairs and materials all change the price. Get a written quote from each provider and compare what is included before you decide.

Many asphalt shingle roofs on a typical colonial or split-level home take one to three days once work starts. Larger roofs, steep pitches, rowhouse access limits and rotted decking add time. Weather matters too, since rain or high wind can pause the job. Your provider gives a schedule in the written quote.

Damage spreads in stages. In the first days, water soaks insulation and stains ceilings. Within a couple of weeks, damp wood can grow mold and decking starts to soften. Over months, framing can rot. Freeze-thaw winters make small gaps wider. Earlier action usually means a smaller job and a sounder house when it is time to sell.

Ask each provider for proof of state licensing where required, liability insurance and workers' compensation. Ask for a written quote that lists materials, tear-off, decking, flashing and cleanup. Ask about the manufacturer warranty and the workmanship terms. Be careful with anyone who asks for full payment up front or pushes you to sign on the spot.

Proper attic ventilation and insulation matter as much as the shingles. They cut heat buildup in humid summers and ice dams in winter. Keep gutters clear, trim branches that touch the roof and check the roof after nor'easters. A yearly look from the ground, or by a provider, catches small problems early.

Frederick Roof Replacement is a referral service. You send your roof details, and we pass them to an independent local provider in our network. The provider inspects the roof and gives you a written quote. You decide whether to hire them. Requesting an estimate carries no obligation. Call (240) 549-5503 to ask how the process works.