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.
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.
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.
You can’t properly install a new roof on top of the old one. Some of the shadier contractors are known to add a new roof on top of the old, but that’s a near guarantee of premature roof failure.
The drip edge is the metal flashing that’s installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from your fascia. When you replace an asphalt roof, you must replace your drip edge or your home will not be up to code.
Underlayment is a felt or synthetic material used over your decking to provide additional protection. It helps prevent ice or rain from seeping into your home.
Valleys are where two roof slopes meet in a “V” shape and channel a lot of water. They need extra attention to prevent leaks.
Starter shingles are the first course of shingles along the edge of the roof. They’re narrower and help prevent water infiltration beneath the shingles.
Shingles are applied in an overlapping pattern and secured with a nail gun.
Flashings are metal pieces installed around roof penetrations to prevent leaks.
The ridge is the top of your roof and needs special shingles for protection and airflow.
The final step is ensuring your new roof is sealed and protected.
Congrats! You’ve tackled one of the biggest home improvement jobs there is. Enjoy your new roof—and the peace of mind that comes with it.
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.