FAQ’s About a New Roof

FAQ’s About a New Roof

Whether you’re building a new home and need a roofing contractor or have lived in your home for decades and need a roof replacement, the experts at Joe Hall Roofing are available to answer any and all of your questions.
When we visit homes to complete an initial inspection and assess your roof system, we look at your complete roof system—in the attic, on the exterior, gutters, shingles, flashing, etc. Many homeowners become overwhelmed with the details of a roof system. And rightly so; it’s very detailed and can be confusing if you’re not in the industry.

To help our customers understand more about a new roof installation process, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you navigate your way through this experience.

Do I really need a new roof?

Roofing shingles typically have a lifespan of about 15 to 30 years. Factors that can age shingles faster than normal include the quality of the shingles, the location of the home, the tree coverage surrounding the home, and the quality of the initial installation.

Joe Hall Roofing works with high quality shingles that have a long lifespan. We recommend routine inspections at least twice a year to ensure that unpredictable North Texas weather hasn’t damaged your roof system. When doing these inspections, we suggest homeowners look for visible cracks, missing shingles, broken or damaged shingles, evidence of leaking on your ceilings, missing flashing, loss of the asphalt granulation, etc.

Once your roof reaches a certain age, typically around 15 years old, we recommend a professional roofing company inspect your roof. A roofing expert can spot damage that an untrained eye looking from the ground might miss.

If your roof is older and you notice any of these problems during your inspection, you might need a new roof. You might not really need a new roof if the installation was done properly using high quality shingles. If the shingles are old and decaying, it’s actually more cost effective to replace the entire roof.

How much does a new roof cost?

If you do need to replace the entire roof, there are several factors that determine the cost of the roof system. The brand, material, and grade of roofing shingle you select as well as the size, slope, and shape of your roof will determine the cost.

One of the most detrimental decisions you can make is to choose a contractor based on cost alone. While price is a major factor in choosing a roofing company, it’s not the most important factor. Don’t sacrifice quality for cheap prices. In fact, if you choose the cheapest price, it could actually cost you more in the long run, if the installation and materials aren’t of the highest quality.

What roof shingle should I get?

Once you find a roofing company to work with, you have to decide on the roofing material to use. This comes down to your personal preference, your budget, and your structural support. Some roofing materials, like tiles, are heavier and have structural support requirements. If your roof system cannot handle that load, you can rule that out immediately. Next, look at the different materials that are within your budget. Finally, choose the most aesthetically appealing shingle in your budget.