
Roof replacement service
If you’re a new homeowner, you may not understand the significance of a roof replacement. Your home is an important investment, and the roof is an important component of your home, so always want it to be in the best shape possible. Which is why after a storm, or when the roof has shown signs of aging, wear, and tear, you need to decide which is better for it, roof replacement vs repair.
With a bit of education on when roof replacement is needed and realizing there are many roof replacement benefits, you will be an informed and responsible homeowner. The answers to the following commonly asked questions will provide you a sound foundation on doing just that.
How do I know if my roof is bad?
One way you’ll know is when there is water dripping, or pouring, through the ceiling. Hopefully, you’ll see one of the following signs before that happens though:
- Loose or missing shingles: This can happen after a round of high winds or it can be the result of storm damage. This also happens when a roof has reached or exceeded its life expectancy. Loose or missing shingles lessens the protection value a roof should provide your home, and is more obvious with wood shake roofing. If the loose or missing shingles result from storms, check with your homeowner’s insurance agent for a roof replacement with an insurance claim.
- Blistered, cracked, curling, or dried shingles: Any of these can indicate normal wear and tear of a roof, they are typical indicators of a roof that has reached its life expectancy and a roof replacement is needed sooner than later. A roof is exposed to the climate and elements 24/7/365, meaning it takes a lot of abuse. High humid weather can speed up blistering if there isn’t adequate ventilation in the attic.
- Sagging roof: A sagging roof is a strong indicator that a roof replacement is needed immediately. It indicates the roof is deteriorating and weak, which can be caused by a few different things, one being the last roof replacement job was not installed properly. Houses that are in climates where there is a lot of ice and snow can cause a roof to sag from too much weight sitting on it for an extended time.
- Dark stains: Dark stains are typical when shingle granules begin falling off, an indication that the roof has reached its prime. Dark patches also can be algae, lichen, or moss growths that need to be professional washed off to stop them from eating the shingles.
- Gutters filled with granules: Over time, the shingles on your roof will lose granules. When the downspouts and gutters start having too many granules, it is time for a roof replacement.
- Loose or exposed nails: If you notice nails are popping up, this means there are holes in the shingles that will allow water to penetrate to the underlayment, work its way to the attic, and create a leak.
- Water damage: If you notice wet spots on the ceiling or any walls, or during a routine inspection you notice wet spots in the attic, a roof replacement may be needed. These are indications that water is leaking through the shingles or the ventilation is not enough in the attic to keep the moisture out.
- Damaged or missing flashing: Flashing is an important feature for a roof for areas where the roof intersects, like around the chimney, HVAC and plumbing piping, or the roof pitch changes. When there are loose or missing pieces, the roof is missing an important sealant and water can penetrate in those areas, creating a leak.
- Cooling and heating bills increase: This indicates that attic ventilation is inadequate. A leaking roof that you’ve not noticed yet may damage it, or there isn’t proper ventilation.
- The 20th anniversary of last roof replacement: Most asphalt shingle roofs have an expected life of 20 to 25 years. By the time your roof reaches its 20th anniversary, it is time to get quotes on roof replacement. If you aren’t sure of the roof’s age, any of the things we’ve talked about in this article are what you need to work within considering roof replacement.
Can you replace a roof yourself?
With basic common sense, a good hammer, a few boxes of roofing nails, and simple gabled roofing, you can most likely do a decent, fair job. The question you need to ask yourself is, should you? Whether you’re looking a total roof replacement or making a few repairs like replacing loose or missing shingles, it will require climbing up a ladder. The danger in climbing a ladder alone is enough to reconsider this, then when you consider you’ll be carrying supplies too, it gets trickier.
There is also the question of why there are loose or missing shingles, or why there is one area of the roof sagging. There could be extensive damage that the untrained eye can’t see. Hiring a professional roofing contractor is always the best way to go. The unknown that is unattended can cause you more damage, headache, and money later if not addressed at the same time.
How long does a new roof take?
The process of a residential roof replacement is labor-intensive. The time to install a new roof will depend on several factors:
- The size of the house
- Various roof angles
- The weather
- The unexpected, i.e., repairs beyond the roof itself such as the attic
Can you live in a house while the roof is replaced?
Basic roof replacement jobs typically take a few days, so remaining in the house isn’t an issue. You need to know that there will be dirt, dust, and a lot of loud noises. Depending on the occupants in your home, these are things to consider.
Infants and small children need to be watched with extra care. If you have pets, a roof replacement job could make them anxious with all the noise and strangers around the house. If there are any occupants with breathing issues, the dirt and dust could aggravate that.
You should also take precautions by covering your furniture and putting away any valuables that could get accidentally broken, like china, family heirlooms, and pictures, etc. Place your outdoor furniture away from the house and cover any landscaping that could be damaged.
Most roofing contractors will take into consideration roof replacement and rain possibilities when scheduling jobs. They follow the weather forecast closely and schedule jobs accordingly. Though the weather can be unpredictable, you should have a back-up plan in case inclement weather and your roof replacement job overlap each other.

Should I stay home during roof replacement?
This all depends on your daily routine and lifestyle. If you have an infant or small child in the house, a roof replacement job can disrupt their naps. Some animals get anxious with noise and strangers, so kenneling them could be the best solution. If you work from home, seek another place to work while the roof replacement is taking place.
A roof replacement can be an expense and an inconvenience, but the benefits will far outweigh those things. It is important you realize how the roof is a component to your home that is necessary and should always be taken care of as needed. Dial 832-704-2817 today for quality roof replacement in Spring, TX from Hellenic Roofing & Construction!