Whether you’re an experienced homeowner or facing roof problems for the first time, deciding what to do and who to trust can be very overwhelming. Nobody wants to make the wrong decision when choosing a roofing contractor to work with nor does anyone want to have repairs done that simply aren’t necessary or are overkill.
On the other side, choosing the right roofer is going to give you confidence that you are making a great investment in your home. Cracked & curled shingles, weathering, and discoloration not only look bad but also can decrease the potential resale value of your home. The right contractor will understand this and only propose solutions that your home needs for maximum long-term value.
We created this guide in the hope that homeowners will be able to begin to familiarize themselves with their roofs and the roof replacement process. While each roof and situation is different, there are some commonalities found in almost all roofs. If nothing else, this roofing guide will equip you with more information & context when meeting with potential roofers for the first time.
Complete Roofing Guide for Homeowners in Illinois
Do You Need a New Roof?
While your roof may be over 10 years old, that doesn’t always mean it automatically will need to be replaced. It is important to stay on high alert for potential problems down the road if your roof is this age however, be sure to check your roof each year to make sure small problems don’t turn into big, expensive ones.
Potential Warning Signs of a Damaged Roof
Attic Leak
Following a powerful storm or harsh rain, have a look in your loft for signs of leaking.
Interior Paint Deterioration
When paint begins to peel off, the cause may be stuck moisture in the home from poor attic ventilation as a result of excessive temperature or high humidity. The air moving throughout your home must be ventilated properly to cut back humidity. Bathrooms & kitchens must especially have proper ventilation, as moisture tends to accumulate in these areas first. Dryer vents should push air outside immediately rather than through the house.
Exterior Siding Decay
Poor attic venting could also be a cause, but any state that results in excessive wetness can promote rot over time. One strategy to fight the issue would be to place a vapor barrier between the interior of your home, which could decrease the quantity of wetness that goes right into a wall and help the moisture escape from your wall as well as the insulating material. A qualified contractor or home inspector would be able to better advise you on selecting the proper vapor barrier to protect your home for years to come.
Interior Ceilings Stains
In case you see mold growing, stains, or worse in your home, this can be the result of insufficient or defective shingle underlayment which is allowing water to seep into the home. Insufficient venting may also function as the perpetrator, which causes excessive wetness— where mildew and mold flourish.
Missing Shingles (also curled or cracked shingles)
In case you see that the shingles are dry or nearly break when touched, that means it’s time to put money into a fresh roof and they've concluded the useful life.
Dark Spots on Your Roof
This may mean the shingles’ protective granules happen to be lost, or your roof has algae-growing fungus, mold, or other organic plant life. This doesn’t mean that you should change out your roof, but curb appeal can certainly be reduced by these stains.
Recent Higher Energy Costs
A potential cause of higher cooling costs may be inadequate attic venting, demanding the cooling system to run excessively. When it's hot outside, insufficient venting will trap air in your attic space, creating the need for your AC system to run and work more, or leaving your house's inside hotter and not as cozy. In both cold and hot weather, moisture in this space may become trapped if it’s not insulated correctly.
Spotting potential trouble
At least annually, either have a qualified home inspector or roofer examine your roof. Be on the lookout for rust spots on flashing, wear on your shingles, and shingles which are missing, broken, curled, and cracked; moss and lichen growing; and any discoloration and peeling paint.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
One of the best investments for the long-term and resale value of your home is replacing your roof. Nationwide, the typical homeowner spends about $6,000- $10,000 to install a new roof, with additional costs for removal and disposal of the old roof. Each roof is unique, and many factors can contribute to additional costs in the estimate you receive from a potential roofing contractor. These may include:
Factors Contributing to New Roof Cost
Roof size - Commonly measured in "squares" (100sq ft.), the larger the roof, the greater the cost
Pitch - Steep roofs will have greater safety concerns and costs as they take significantly more time to replace
Selected Materials - Depending on the shingle quality you choose, there are higher and lower costs associated with each
Neighborhood Codes & Requirements - If your neighborhood has certain requirements, these could affect the final cost of your new roof
Unique roof features - Additional skylights, chimneys, and anything else that creates additional roof for the roofer will often increase the labor costs of the project
Types of Roofing in Central IL
You’ve done your research – you’ve narrowed the field of potential roofers for your home down to 2 or 3 potential local companies. Now comes the scary part for some homeowners, the interview.
What questions should you ask? How do you know if they are going to rip you off or if their quotes are competitive? Is the cheapest quote the best? What if something breaks a few years down the road?
These are normal questions and uncertainties that most homeowners feel. A good roofing contractor is going to help you sort through these and reduce your anxiety about the project. Instead of over-selling their services and pressuring you into a contract, they will act as an advisor, helping you make the right decision for your home & family.
First, Determine Your Specific Needs
Is your roof older, storm-damaged, or made of poor shingles that didn't survive the warranty? A professionally installed roof with a solid guarantee offers additional value when selling your home. In addition to offering a safe shelter for you and your loved ones, your roof makes a curb-appeal statement to all visitors & passers-by.
Only Choose a Roofer You Can Trust
Trust is earned by providing guarantees and expectations. References from past customers and providers build trust. Have your roofer show proof of a Construction Permit, insurance, and membership in professional trade organizations, as well as look up their history on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
If you don’t feel as though you can be open and trust your roofer to have your best interests in mind, then the project will not go as smoothly as you desire. This is as important of a factor as the price is when determining the best company fit for your roof.
Clearly Define Objectives & Project Timeline
The roofing process needs to be shown to you using concise and clear terms that allow you to fully comprehend the roofing job. Your professional roofing contractor needs to prepare you and anyone else making the decision; this is often done using a checklist to review and qualify your roof, review landscaping, and your property for roofing rip-away groundwork. In addition, your roofer will often ask about anything unique about your projects like timelines, neighborhood restrictions, and preferred methods of communication.
Types of Roofing
Choosing the Right Materials for Your Home
During the meeting with your potential roofing contractor, they will bring up different styles for roofing and will make suggestions to help you find the materials right for you. For some, asphalt shingles are the right answer while for others, metal roofing makes the most sense. This can feel overwhelming for some homeowners as choosing the right fit for your home is essential to preserving the long-term value.
Style
What final design would you like your roof to look like? In addition to performance, your roof’s visual appearance matters the most when determining resale value. Choosing commonly accepted styles that are timeless rather than trendy will often be the best choice for your home’s long-term resale value. Your roofer will be able to walk you through this and help determine the best strategy for you moving forward.
Asphalt Shingles
Easily the most popular style of shingle on the market, asphalt shingles (commonly known as “3-tab shingles”) are the most cost-effective option for your home. While most asphalt shingles only last about 20 years or so, they can have vibrant colors that can help your home make a statement!
Metal Roofing
There are two main types of metal roofing: standing seam & metal tiles. The metal tiles mimic the look of asphalt shingles but give the roof many more years of performance when compared to a traditional shingle. Metal roofs often come with lifetime warranties and are known to last 50 years or longer regularly. While they have one of the higher costs of materials in the roofing industry, you will often be able to save money on the backend of homeownership as your ongoing maintenance and cleaning costs are dramatically reduced.
Wood Shakes
Lovely and conventional, wood is not nearly as popular as in the past due to growing concerns about fire safety and ongoing maintenance requirements. These shingles must be treated & cleaned annually to provide lasting performance in the future. Be sure to check with your insurance provider as they will have requirements for ensuring your wood shakes meet fire code standards.
Clay / Concrete Tiles
Red clay tiles are a common characteristic of Spanish-style houses in a lot of Florida and throughout Southwest. They are extremely long-lasting, similar to metal roofing, but often have a higher cost of ownership and installation, as they require specific expertise from the roofing installer.
Slate
Best used on extremely steep roofs, slate is a great option for those looking for a long-lasting roof and have a budget to get one of the best materials on the market. On higher-end homes, slate roofs often make sense thanks to their long-lasting properties and incredible curb appeal.
Cost of Shingles
Tile, metal, and slate roofs are incredibly durable and provide an indefinite life, although composition (asphalt) shingles will often be the most cost-effective option for homeowners. Simply make sure that the materials you select fit inside the long-term budget of your home. Your roofer will be able to provide cost estimates for each product you are considering, as there can be many variables specific to your home.
Location
Being located in the greater Bloomington-Normal area, your home is likely to experience both heavy snowfall and rain throughout the year. For example, most homeowners in the Midwest areas should avoid clay tile because it can easily become damaged. You also want to avoid flat roofs, which can allow snow to accumulate and which, left unchecked, can seriously damage your home.
For over 10 years, All Seasons Roofing has been faithfully serving the Bloomington-Normal and Central Illinois areas. Our team of dedicated roofing contractors can help identify any problems with your roof, propose a detailed plan of action and cost estimates, and repair / replace your roof with the highest quality in mind. No other roofing company in Central Illinois can match the quality found with the All Seasons team.
If you have any additional questions for a member of our team, please contact our office.
All Seasons Roofing
1310 E. Empire St
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 585-1439