Many people assume that a roof will last for as long as they own their home. However, this is not the case. The life expectancy of a roof is determined by various key factors including:

• The material it is made from
• The quality of the original construction
• The weather it is exposed to
• Level of maintenance

If you don’t get your roof replaced when necessary, then it can result in your home no longer getting the protection from the elements it requires. The damage can be extensive. For instance, a damaged roof could lead to structural issues caused by high levels of moisture or mold and mildew. You may also notice your energy bill climbing because your home no longer has the right level of insulation.

Issues with the age and condition of your roof could even impact your insurance over time.

If you do not replace your roof after significant damage, this could result in a future insurance claim being rejected or your home insurance being deemed invalid. This is why it’s important to get your roof replaced at the right time.

A roof may need a replacement as often as every ten years. Again, this will depend on the materials used. Some materials will last far longer overall and may even last for as long as you own the home. It also depends on the location of your property. If you live in an area with severe winters, then you may need to think about replacing your roof before the ten-year point. When you install a new roof, your roof contractor should always provide information on when your roof will need to be replaced or upgraded

Generally speaking, you can live with a roof until it is twenty or twenty-five years old. At this point, it will need a full replacement.

If you’re replacing your roof, it’s essential you take some time to pick the right materials. There are so many different options you can choose from when selecting roofing shingles. There is a huge variety of materials, all of which have different compositions, strengths, and functions. It’s essential you weigh up the pros and cons of each, and arm yourself with all the available information to help you make an informed decision.

Asphalt Shingles

Info: Made from asphalt, fiberglass, granules, and sealants, these are the most common and cost-effective roofing material. They come in various styles including 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.

Pros: Affordable, durable, easy to install, variety of options.

Cons: Cheaper options are less attractive, premium options are heavy, can warp in extreme temperatures.

Aluminum Shingles

Info: Lightweight and easy to install, aluminum shingles are known for their energy efficiency as they reflect heat. They are also resistant to corrosion.

Pros: Durable, energy-efficient, lightweight, stylish.

Cons: Expensive, noisy in rain.

Standing Seam Metal Shingles

Info: These shingles have raised seams, offering a sleek look while providing the durability and energy efficiency of metal. They mimic the appearance of asphalt or slate shingles.

Pros: Durable, attractive, energy-efficient, lightweight.

Cons: Expensive, unsuitable for low-slope roofs.

Aluminum Shingles

Info: Lightweight and easy to install, aluminum shingles are known for their energy efficiency as they reflect heat. They are also resistant to corrosion.

Pros: Durable, energy-efficient, lightweight, stylish.

Cons: Expensive, noisy in rain.

Standing Seam Metal Shingles

Info: These shingles have raised seams, offering a sleek look while providing the durability and energy efficiency of metal. They mimic the appearance of asphalt or slate shingles.

Pros: Durable, attractive, energy-efficient, lightweight.

Cons: Expensive, unsuitable for low-slope roofs.

Corrugated Steel Shingles

Info: Made from roll-formed metal sheets, these shingles are commonly used in commercial and agricultural settings but also suitable for homes due to their durability and low cost.

Pros: Durable, affordable, high strength-to-weight ratio, weather-resistant.

Cons: Not very attractive.

Copper Shingles

Info: Copper shingles are highly durable and weather-resistant, providing a unique and attractive appearance that can increase home value. They develop a patina over time.

Pros: Extremely durable, weather-resistant, enhances home value, low maintenance.

Cons: Very expensive.

Clay Tile Shingles

Info: These tiles offer a distinctive and exotic look, typically in vibrant colors like orange-red. They are forged in heat, making them durable and long-lasting.

Pros: Attractive, durable, eco-friendly, mold-resistant.

Cons: Expensive, heavy, brittle, difficult to install.

Slate Tile Shingles

Info: Made from metamorphic rock, slate shingles provide a unique and appealing look but can be prone to cracking due to their layered structure.

Pros: Long-lasting, distinctive appearance.

Cons: Prone to cracking, expensive.

Concrete Tile Shingles

Info: Concrete shingles mimic the look of clay tiles but at a lower cost. They are durable and offer excellent protection against various weather conditions.

Pros: Durable, affordable, fire-resistant, low maintenance.

Cons: Heavy, color can fade, less attractive than slate or clay.

Wood Shingles

Info: Typically made from cedar, spruce, or pine, wood shingles provide a natural, rustic look. They are environmentally friendly but require proper maintenance.

Pros: Eco-friendly, attractive, reasonably priced.

Cons: Less durable, vulnerable to fire, rot, termites, and extreme climates.

Impact-Resistant Shingles

Info: Designed to withstand damage from debris and extreme weather, these shingles are made from materials like copper, resin, plastic, or aluminum.

Pros: Durable, protects against debris and impact damage, ideal for storm-prone areas.

Cons: Expensive, limited variety.

Solar Panel Shingles

Info: These shingles look like conventional roofing materials but generate energy by absorbing sunlight, helping to power your home.

Pros: Energy-efficient, eco-friendly, long-term savings.

Cons: High installation cost, fewer skilled installers.

Rubber Shingles

Info: Made from recycled materials, rubber shingles are durable, weather-resistant, and eco-friendly. They are also recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

Pros: Eco-friendly, durable, weather-resistant, recyclable.

Cons: Less attractive, initial odor.

At Ready Roof, over 90% of the roofs we replace are completed in one day. A professional Roofing Contractor should be able to handle this kind of work load. If your roof is exposed and left torn off for too long before it is waterproofed again, you could be dealing with a massive headache.

That’s why it is so important to discuss the timeline of the project with your roofing contractor. Of course the size of the roof, amount of existing layers, plywood rot, and a handful of other unforeseeable damages all play a major role in how long a replacement takes.

In most cases, for the majority of roofing contractors, removing and replacing a 3,000 square foot roof in a day is completely possible.

At Ready Roof, we provide complete transparency and outstanding customer service to everyone we work with. But unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are like us.

There are some dishonest contractors out there who will take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. Be on the lookout for these red flags when hiring a roofing contractor:

Pressure to sign a contract immediately

Some roofing contractors may pressure you into signing a contract on the spot. They may say that the price will go up if you don’t sign right away or that the materials they have in stock are limited. Don’t fall for it!

If a contractor is legitimate, they will be happy to give you time to read and understand the contract before you sign.

Request for a large deposit upfront

A reputable roofing contractor will not ask for a large deposit upfront. A small deposit of around 10% is standard to cover the cost of materials, but anything more than that should be a red flag.

Unprofessional behavior

You should expect courteous, professional behavior from any contractor you hire. If a roofing contractor is rude or aggressive, that is a sign that they are not the right person for the job

Refusal to provide references

A good roofing contractor should have no problem providing you with references from past clients. If they refuse or say they don’t have any available, that’s a red flag.

Lack of insurance or licensing

As we mentioned, all roofing contractors should be licensed and insured to work on your home. If they are not, that is a major red flag, and you should not hire them.

Yes we offer multiple financing programs through 3rd party parterns. Check out our financing program here. 

Choosing which roofing contractor to work with is tough as is—but knowing what to ask roofing contractors before you hire them can make the decision a little bit easier.

After all, your roof is a big investment, so you want to be sure you’re working with a quality contractor who will do the job right.

Here are 15 questions you should ask any roofing contractor before hiring them:

What is your roofing experience?

How long have you been in business?

Do you have liability insurance?

Do you have workers’ compensation insurance?

Do you have references I can contact?

Can you provide me with a list of previous customers?

Can you provide me with photos of previous projects?

Are you licensed and insured?

What type of warranty do your roofs come with?

What is the expected lifespan of the roof you install?

What is included in your quote?

Is there a charge for the estimate?

What are your payment terms?

When can you start the project?

How long will the project take to complete?