As a homeowner, you may be wondering if it’s time for a new roof. Whether you’ve been in your home for some time already and are curious if the roof is still in good shape, or you’ve noticed some areas that don’t look quite right, the best way to protect your home and belongings is to schedule a professional roof inspection. Â
At Allstate, we know that your home is usually your largest asset, so it’s essential to protect what you have before it’s too late. If you find yourself asking if you need a roof inspection, the answer is likely yes.
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Top 3 Reasons
- Your Roof is Old.
Getting a roof inspection before you notice a problem is a great way to stay ahead of major roof repairs. If your roof is more than 5-10 years old, or it’s been more than 2-3 years since its last inspection, it’s likely experienced normal wear and tear, in addition to seasonal weather events. Having an expert evaluate how your roof is holding up and identify any areas of concern can help you properly understand how your roof is aging and be aware of any sections that may need repairs or additional attention in the future. This can also help you budget in advance for upcoming repairs rather than wait for an emergency.
- You Have Noticed Some Problems.Â
Often, homeowners can catch problems before they become major by routinely walking around and scanning the roof for abnormalities. Things like missing shingles or shingle granules, dark spots, and slight depressions in the roof are key indicators that a roof inspection is necessary. The same is true if you notice stains or leaks in your ceiling that signal water is getting through your roof. A professional roofing company can provide a thorough inspection to ensure you stop minor problems from becoming big problems.
- You Have Survived a Storm.Â
Rain, wind, hail, and more can wreak havoc on your roof. If your home has survived a storm, it’s a good idea to get an expert on the roof quickly and assess any damage. In most cases, damage from a major weather event is covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy, but time is of the essence. Get a trusted, local roofer out quickly to help you navigate the claims process and get to work on repairs.
If you’ve never worked with a professional roofing contractor before, you may be curious about what to expect. The first thing is that most reputable roofers won’t charge for a quality inspection. At Allstate, we offer no-cost, no-obligation roof inspections for our customers.
What’s Included in Our Inspection?
- A Comprehensive Report – Our team will provide a detailed report about what we’ve found during our inspection and any recommendations to repair or replace your roof. We’ll take all the necessary measurements of your roof’s length, width, and pitch so that we can provide you with a detailed quote.
- A Cost Inspection – When you work with a professional roofing company, you should never be surprised by charges or fees. Our team will provide you with a detailed cost inspection that considers your roof size, pitch, existing and new material needs. We’ll also take the time to note any details that may increase your roof costs, like chimneys, overhangs, complicated gutters, skylights, etc.
- Roof Options – If you need a total roof replacement, our team will help you decide what materials make the most sense for your home. We work with all kinds of materials and manufacturers to give you endless style options for your budget.
Following an inspection, if your roof needs repairs or replacement, we’ll get to work right away to limit the risk of additional damage that may occur over time.
Many homeowners frequently ask our team about the cost of a new roof. While the total price depends on many factors unique to each property, in general, you can expect to pay between $4,500 and $6,500 for a new roof on a 1,200 square foot house. In this inspection, we assumed architectural shingles and a pitch of 4:12.
Roofing Materials
One significant component of costs is the materials you choose for your new roof. Below are some of the most common roofing options and their price per 100 square feet (prices vary and these are based on averages – subject to changes):
- Asphalt – approximately $120 to $400, which makes this typically the least expensive selection.
- Metal – between $500 and $1,800 per 100 square feet, making this the second cheapest option for a new roof.
- Tile – expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $4,000, often more than double that of a metal roof option.
- Slate – approximately $800 to $4,000 per 100 square feet, making this a similar cost option to tile.
Handling the Cost of a New Roof
If you need a roof but can’t afford the upfront costs, not to worry. A professional roofing company can work with you to provide multiple options to get the work you need done when you need it.
- Homeowner’s Insurance
The first option is often to reach out to your homeowner’s insurance company. If your roof has sustained damage, it may be covered by your policy. At Allstate, our contractors are experienced in working with your insurance agent throughout the claim to help you get the repairs you need right away.
- Financing
The second option is to finance your roof repair or replacement. Whether you choose to use a credit card, personal loan, or loan through one of our partners, financing can be a great choice to get your roof fixed quickly. At Allstate, we offer multiple finance options that work well for homeowners with a good credit score and the ability to make monthly payments over time. Click here for more on Allstate’s financing options.
- Government Programs and Grants
The third option is best suited for homeowners who are elderly, disabled, or have low to moderate-income. If one of these situations applies to you, then a grant solution may work well. We recommend looking into the Weatherization Assistance Program, and if you are a low-income earner, the Section 504 Home Repair program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is another excellent resource for home roof repair grants. Look for the Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program.
If you’ve received a roofing inspection and secured personal funds or financing, you’re likely ready to move forward. Use the inspection report you received to plan your next steps. In addition to a complete list of recommended repairs and costs, your inspection should include a timeline. This timeline should outline key dates if you choose to move forward. Before you sign on the dotted line, ask your chosen contractor for specific project start and end dates.
You’ll also want to read through the description of work that was included. Take the time to ask any questions before signing a contract to know what to expect and avoid any additional fees later on.
If it’s not included in the report, ask your contractor for proper insurance and licensing information. Both policies prove that you have a qualified team to work in your state on your project. Don’t sign any contracts before verifying this information.
A roof is the front line of defense for your home and your family’s belongings. By getting a no-cost, no-obligation inspection from Allstate Construction Roofing, you’re taking steps to understand your roof’s current condition and identify any problems early. With the right information, you can avoid minor problems becoming big and protect your most significant asset.
CLICK HERE for a detailed explanation of inspections, plus a calculator to help you inspection cost!
Contact our experts today for a free roof inspection. We’re experienced and trained to handle all types of roofs, materials, and situations. Plus, we’ll provide a comprehensive report for you to make informed decisions about your property. If a repair is needed, we’ll work with you every step of the way until the work is done.
From commercial roofing to residential roofing, we’re here to give you the advice and expertise you need. Getting started with our professional team is easy. You can reach us at (239) 317-2000 or by filling out a form here.
