Roofing FAQs

Technically, you can install a new roof over an old one, but it’s not typically recommended. Installing a new roof over an old one means it’s nailed over an old one, potentially leading to higher costs of roof replacement in the future and an inability to locate and repair a leaky roof. Other potential issues include:

• Some components cannot be replaced
• Aesthetic issues if a different type of shingle is used
• Unable to check the condition of the roof decking
• Current roof flashing must be used
• May not qualify for an extended warranty

In most areas (including Florida and the Caribbean), the maximum layer of shingles you can have on a single roof is two layers. If you already have two layers of shingles and are looking for a new roof, you’ll need to replace the entire thing. However, be careful not to mistake the starter shingles as a second layer.

The best roofing material depends on your individual needs, as there are plenty of great options out there, even for those on a budget. An architectural asphalt shingle roof or a luxury shingle roof are great options for those on a budget, depending on what it is, but if cost isn’t an issue, then you may want to opt for something like a standing seam metal roof, composite shingle roof, slate roof, or cedar shake roof.

Overall, no one roofing material is necessarily the “best,” as different people have different needs and wants. It’s best to invest in a roof made of the material you want.

The average cost of a new roof can vary depending on the area; higher-income areas will likely have a higher average cost to replace a roof and vice versa, though this isn’t always true. Overall, the average cost for a new roof in the United States is around $30,000 for the most common type of roof, which is an asphalt shingle roof. While $30K is the average, this does not mean every homeowner is going to pay that much for a new roof. If you happen to live in a smaller home and no add-ons are needed for your roof, you may only spend around $7600, and different companies may charge more or less.

The cost of a new roof can vary widely based on the material used to build it and the company installing the roof, with costs ranging from $4 per square foot to $50 per square foot. In general, the average cost per square foot based on material is as follows:

• 3 Tab Shingles: $4/square foot
• Steel Exposed Fastener Metal: $4.50/square foot
• Architectural Shingles: $5.86/square foot
• Luxury Shingles: $8 – $10/square foot
• Steel Standing Seam Metal: $12 – $18/square foot
• Synthetic Shingles: $15 – $20/square foot
• Cedar Shake: $20 – $25/square foot
• Slate Tiles: $25 – $30/square foot
• Copper Standing Seam Metal: $30 – $50/square foot

The lifespan of a roof almost entirely depends on the material used to build it, but most roofs can be expected to last for about 20 years. However, this is the average lifespan for an asphalt shingle roof, which is the most common type of roof used in homes in the US. Some roofs last longer, and some roofs last a shorter amount of time; if you opt for something like a slate tile roof, you may be able to expect to get 75 years or more out of your roof!

Choosing the right roofing company is vital to the process of replacing your roof. Each company will have different prices, different employees, different warranties, and may even offer different types of roofing material. As a general rule, you should probably get a quote from 2 or 3 roofing companies before deciding who will replace your roof.

There are typically two types of warranties that come with a roof replacement: a workmanship warranty and a material warranty. The workmanship warranty comes from the roofing contractor on their workmanship, with the length of the warranty ranging from 2 years to even a lifetime warranty, depending on the company. On the other hand, a material warranty comes from the manufacturer. Every roofing material has a different material warranty, and this warranty protects against defects and manufacturer errors.

In most situations, homeowners insurance will not pay for a new roof. Normal wear and tear is expected and not covered by insurance, but damage due to something like extreme weather is covered. Not every insurance policy will cover a total roof replacement in the case of extreme weather, but most policies will cover at least part of it.