Is your roof leaky, covered in mold, or you’re simply looking to increase your home’s curb appeal? Then it’s time for a new roof. But roof installation is no easy task. You can do it yourself, although it’s a lot of heavy lifting, exposure to the elements, and plenty of time spent going up and down a ladder.
Before embarking on this task, break out your ladder and climb up to your roof. If you can’t walk around your roof comfortably then it’s time to call a roofer. However, if you’ve passed this first test, continue reading. This article will discuss how to prepare you for your roofing project, the steps required, and some critical tips.
Before nailing down your new shingles, you’re bound to have some basic questions: How much does it cost to install a roof? How long does it take to install a roof? How do I know when to replace my roof? And can I roof a house myself?
Let’s break down each of these questions.
To put it plainly, the national average cost to replace a roof is around $8,000, with most people spending in the range of $5,500 to $11,000 (the cost could get up to $46,000 for an intensive metal roof replacement). While that number might be a little scary, we have some good news. According to Zillow, a roof replacement will return around 60% of its value when you sell your house. So, although it’s a lot of money upfront, it’s an investment for the future.
What are some of the factors that affect the cost?
Every home is different so every timeline will be different. With that being said, the average residence’s roof (3,000 square feet or less) can be replaced in two days—on day one, you rip up the roof, and on day two you install the new roof.
However, in extreme cases involving weather conditions and the supply of your materials, it can take five days or even three weeks. So, always be prepared and have a game plan if your roofing installation project begins to get long.
The $8,000 question! Just because your roof is leaking doesn’t mean you need to replace your entire roof, that could simply call for a roof repair. But the answer as to when you should replace your roof can vary. Here are three of the most common reasons to replace your roof:
Technically, yes you can. However, if done incorrectly you can cause a lot of damage to your roof leading to more costs down the road. And if you have a highly technical roof with steep angles, dormers, pitch changes, chimneys, or any variety of specialty issues, we’d recommend you call a professional roofing installation company.
That being said, if your roof is pretty straightforward, you're a handy person and feel comfortable at great heights, then go for it! Just be sure you’re following all the safety precautions that can be found in this guide and any of the other DIY resources.
Getting accurate measurements of your roof is crucial no matter if you’re doing the project yourself or decided to hire a roofer. HOVER generates the most accurate measurements (and a whole lot more) from a few photos of your home. Our software lets you see and interact with measurements in 3D to easily obtain roof dimensions and discover your different siding options.
Plus, HOVER reduces your “ladder time,” so there’s less time spent going up and down a ladder taking measurements, doing math, re-doing measurements, and going to the store. You simply need to use HOVER once to get a clear picture of the size of your project and the exact amount of materials needed.
Now that you know when and if you should replace your roof and the time and money that goes into it, let’s get into what you’ll need.
For a successful project you’ll need:
In addition to these key materials, you’ll also need tools to make sure you’re properly installing your roof to avoid premature failure. These are the tools we recommend:
As we’ve mentioned before, roofing is tough, and it’s essential to get it right. So we’re happy to break down the steps involved.
So, you now know what you need and have the basic process of installing a roof. Here are some tips to make the project run smoothly.
Choose the right materials. Understanding the pros and cons of the different roofing materials and how they can impact your home is crucial. If you live in a high wind area, metal shingles might be the better choice. If you’re unsure about which material best suits your home, consult an expert to determine which materials would be a good investment for your house.
Going beyond the shingles you put on your house, the nails that you fasten your roof with are just as important. Pay attention to the length of the nail and how far it must go to penetrate the wood roof deck. Hot-dipped galvanized nails are the best because they have a 30 to 50-year lifespan—your nails should last longer than your roofing material.
Be sure to use HOVER to get accurate measurements the first time. With accurate measurements, you can move confidently through your project, and spend less time doing the math to make sure you bought the right amount of materials. And beyond measurements, the design tool within HOVER lets you test out different roofing styles.
Finally, a roofing project can be noisy. By ripping up the old shingles, firing the nail gun, and stripping metal sheets you’ll create quite a racket. We recommend taking any noise-sensitive children or pets out of the house for the duration of the project. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
HOVER uses the best 3D property data to help people improve their homes.
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