2 min read
Roofing materials do age and eventually require a full replacement. The average lifespan of a shingled roof is 20 to 25 years, assuming the roof you have was properly installed as a single layer with good ventilation. Some roofs will not last quite so long.
When to Replace
So how do you tell when your roof is ready for new material? Look for the following signs:
- Curled and buckled shingles
- Shedding granules
- Missing shingles in your roof valleys
- Missing shingles and shingle 'tabs'
- Tar or roof cement around the chimney instead of a metal flashing system
- Granules appearing in your gutters
- Visible daylight through roof boards in your attic
- Moisture in your attic insulation
Average Cost of Roof Replacement
The cost of the roof replacement will vary based on the size and complexity of your roof and the roofing material you choose. Steeper roofs come with higher insurance rates for the contractor, thus a more expensive installation cost. The roofing material you select is also important to determining the cost. Metal roofing material can run as high as $1500 per 100 square feet while economical asphalt can run $120 per 100 square feet. You'll get a lifespan twice as long out of the metal compared to the asphalt on a typical roof. Total costs can range from as low as $4,000 to as high as $150,000 or more.
Other factors to keep in mind can include pre-existing damage and installation methods. If your roof has significant water damage, you'll require a full replacement and can expect to pay somewhat more. Skylights and chimneys also add more cost to the project. They add additional flashing and must be worked around. Some homeowners choose to lower the costs by roofing over the existing material, but keep in mind that this option can reduce the lifespan of the new roof by as much as 20 percent.
The Value of Adding Solar Panels
One way to get the most bang for your roofing buck is to consider installing solar panels at the same time you do your roof. With solar panel installation, you can extend the life the roofing material. This allows you to utilize a lower cost material, like asphalt but enjoy the same lifespan as some of the higher cost materials.
You also gain the added benefit of an environmentally friendly system that can help significantly reduce your energy costs month after month. Homeowners can take advantage of lots of financing options, including a $0 down financing plan that makes the installation affordable, with locked in energy rates that help keep your budget on track. Plus, photovoltaic solar energy systems qualify for a 30% Renewable Energy Tax Credit from the government until 2016.
Smart and Efficient Savings
Solar panels make sense for new roof installations. They help protect the new roofing material and extend its lifespan without damaging the roof at all. Plus they offer their own savings through tax credits and reduced utility costs, all while helping to reduce your ecological impact.
Superior Solar offers Central Florida's best solar panel installations and exclusively offer top notch Heliocol panels. The excellent and affordable financing options help offset the cost of installation and purchase, and the protection of new roofing materials can help reduce the cost of the roof installation. Contact us today for a free analysis and quote!