Do you want to replace your roof shingles?
Understanding the distinction between shingle replacement and complete roof replacement is essential. Shingle replacement focuses on removing old shingles and laying down new ones, which is relatively straightforward.
On the other hand, a full roof replacement delves deeper. It’s not just about the outer layer; it involves revamping the entire structure. This includes the decking, insulation, roof frame, shingles, drip edges, gutters, and more.
Continue reading as we get into the specifics, helping you make an informed decision.
When To Replace Shingle Roof?
Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles require deficient maintenance. However, at times of noticeable damage, your roof shingles need replacement.
Roofing shingles can last up to 30 years without exposure to adverse weather conditions.
Here is how often to replace a roof of asphalt shingles depending on its type:
| Type Of Asphalt Shingles | Replacement Span |
|---|---|
| Luxury shingles | 30 years |
| 3-Tab shingles | 20 years |
| Architectural shingles | 25 years |
But that’s not always the case. If your shingle roof sustains significant damage due to inclement weather conditions and is no longer as effective as before – it needs instant replacement.
How do we know if shingles are worn out?
Here are some common indications that your shingles are worn out:
- Cracks: Small or big – if you notice any cracks in your roof shingles, they are most likely worn out and need replacement. Cracks can damage the underlying components of the roof.
- Curled And Cupped Shingles: Curled and cupped shingles are a common sign of aging and worn-out shingles. Cupped shingles form concave centers where water can sit for longer. Curled shingles are raised from the edges, making them more prone to wind damage.
- Old Age: Different types of shingles have different lifespans. If your roof shingles are close to their end age, they will start deteriorating and have compromised effectiveness. Identifying if your roof shingles are worn out is essential to roof maintenance.
- Missing Particles Or Granules: Aged shingles develop shiny spots, indicating loss of granules. These spots are vulnerable to water infiltration, leading to potential leaks. You can notice the shredded granules in the gutters.
- Blisters: Blistering is very common in asphalt shingles. It occurs naturally with aging or exposure to intense heat. Blisters form when moisture gets trapped in the shingles and form bubbles. These bubbles can pop and cause the UV-protectant granules to fall off. Blistered roofs are much more vulnerable and significantly decrease the roof’s durability.
How To Replace Shingle Roofs?
Roof shingles replacement consists of removing the existing shingles layer and adding a new one.
If you discover no problem with your roof during the inspection, you can go for the individual replacement of shingles only.
Yes, you can do it without having to replace the entire roof. But if your roof has potential damage to address (loose flashings or swollen decking), go for a complete roof replacement.
Rain during roofing can cause potential delays in the project. Check our blog on what to do when it rains during roofing.
Want to fix blown-off shingles? Follow the steps below:
- Determine how many shingles are missing.
- Purchase new ones of the same size and quality.
- Check for any further damage from where the shingles have blown off.
- Place the new shingles in place.
- Fix the nails firmly.
If you have a scheduled shingles replacement project with a contractor, it’s best to remove the worn-out shingles so the new ones are installed immediately.
Here is How You Can Do it:
- Firstly, gather all the tools you will need up there. These include:
- The safety harness system includes a safety harness, a safety line, and an anchor fastened to the roof peak.
- Roofing shovel or a pitchfork
- Disposal bags
- Broom magnet
- Extension ladder
- Roof Jacks
- Gloves
- A sweeper or a push broom
2. Secondly, cover the surrounding areas where the debris and nails may fall and accumulate. Board up any windows or doors. Cover plants, grass or bushes, and shrubbery to simplify the clean-up process.
3. Lastly, start tearing off the shingles using the roofing shovel. Start from the top and work your way towards the base.
Use garbage cans to dispose of the shingles primarily, as well as the rubber felt that comes off during the process. Empty them later into a dumpster or a dumping trailer.
We recommend getting a dumpster delivered to your site because the last thing you want to do at the end of the day is unload your truck trailer off the debris at the local landfill.
Go through the roof again to remove the still-hanging nails in the decking using a hammer or the roofing shovel.
Repair Or Replace Roof Shingles?
Being someone who has decades of experience in the roofing industry, one of the most common questions we get to hear is, “What’s better? Repairing or replacing roof shingles?”.
I believe it’s not about what’s better; instead, what needs to be done considering certain factors.
For instance, if you got a brand new roof installed just 3-4 years back, repairing will do the job, even if it’s a large portion of your roof.
But if your roof is close to its end time, like 20 years plus, replacement is the better and more cost-effective option because you want to avoid paying for repairs repeatedly.
The second factor to consider after the age is your budget. How much can you spend, and what can you afford?
If you do not have insurance coverage, you can only get a repair or loan for a total replacement because roof replacements can be extremely costly.
Asphalt shingles roof replacement can cost around $12,000 on average.
If you suspect damage to your roof or high electricity bills, call the roofing services to inspect your roof. Depending on the damage and extent, they would let you know what’s needed, a repair or replacement.
How Much Does A Shingle Roof Cost To Replace?
For a typical 3,000-square-foot roof, the average cost of replacing an asphalt shingle roof is $6,600 to $19,500.
The exact price of shingles replacement can vary depending on the different types.
Go through this chart:
| Type Of Asphalt Shingles | Average Installment Cost For A Standard 3000 Sq ft Roof | Installment Cost Per Square | Replacement Cost per square |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Shingles | $23,550 – $37,500 | $1,017 | $200 – $600 |
| 3-Tab | $3,600 – $9,450 | $217 | $70 – $150 |
| Architectural Shingles | $13,550 – $28,950 | $707 | $100 – $400 |
It is important to note that the replacement costs per 100 square feet are only rough estimates and can vary depending on your location, roof size, contractors’ demands, etc.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Shingles Roof Replacement
1. Size And Complexity Of The Roof
The size and complexity of your roof directly affect your budget. The complexity of a roof is the measure of difficulty associated with repairing or installing a roof.
The larger the size of your roof, the more you will have to pay. Similarly, steeper pitch and multiple angles lead to greater complexity and require more labor, increasing the price.
Factors like hips, valleys, and dormers increase your roof’s complexity.
2. Types Of Shingles
The replacement cost can differ based on the kind of shingles installed on your roof.
Three-tabs shingles are the least expensive of the three varieties. Because it is marginally less robust than the other kinds.
Next are the architectural shingles, which are slightly more expensive due to their three-dimensional appearance.
But the priciest shingles in the category are the luxury ones. They are relatively more durable and intriguing appearance-wise.
3. Conditions Of Existing Roof
If other components of your roofing system are in poor condition, say the decking is damaged, determine how many new boards are required and how much their installation will cost.
Based on the existing conditions, your contractor might advise you for the replacement of roof flashings, drip edges, or rain gutter replacement.
4. Labor Cost In Your Area
This amount changes from contractor to contractor. Two factors that will add to the final cost are how much labor work is required and how long it takes to replace the roof.
Talk to different contractors and have time to check the public reviews and get quotes before deciding anything.
Shingle Roof Replacement FAQs
How do you fix loose shingles on the roof?
Use roofing adhesives or cement to fix the loose shingles on the roof. Use nails to secure them in place after the adhesive.
Do you need to replace the gutter when you get a new roof?
Not necessarily. If your gutters are in good shape and only recently installed, you don’t need to replace them when getting a new roof.
How do you calculate how many shingles to buy?
Firstly, determine how many square feet your roof is, then divide that number by 33. For a standard 3,000-square-foot roof, you need 90 bundles.
Conclusion
Shingles replacement is different from roof replacement. Talk to the roofing industry for replacement if you observe visible wear and tear in your shingles.
To remove the worn-out shingles, collect the tools needed, do some prep work, and start removing the shingles from the far-off end.
All the information provided is authentic and experience-based. For further questions, leave us a comment below.
