What creates the need for roof replacement?
Lexington, KY is known for its cloudy days, humidity and year-round rains, and sharp cold winters along with humid summers. Storm damage, persistent winds, unrelenting rains, or just a roof at the end of its lifespan or warranty can all create a need for roof replacement.
Whatever the reason, it places a lot of demands on you and your household. If you aren’t ready and you don’t know what to expect, it can be more of a strain than it should be.
Here are 5 things you can expect to make your roof replacement a success.
Key Takeaways
- Roof replacement is not always necessary, but certain signs can key you in such as sagging areas, missing shingles, or accumulation of granules.
- Your local contractor is your best chance at getting a new roof that will last for years.
- Stay on top of preparation to lessen potential damage and inevitable cleanup.
- Roof replacement can take a little longer depending on the material requirements.
- Have a cleanup plan in place so you can restore life back to normal as soon as possible.
1. It Needs Me To Pay Attention To My Roof In Lexington, KY
There are a few warning signs that signal that you are due a whole roof replacement. A structure-threatening leak would be an obvious one. Storm damage that took off quite a few shingles and damaged your home down to the underlayment would be another.
Here are some of the telltale signs to look out for in Lexington, KY.
An Aging Roof
No housing material lasts forever. Roofs in particular protect your home from the weather, pollution, minor damage, and others. After a few years, the wear and tear will take their toll.
How long your roof is expected to last based on material:
| Roofing Material | Expected Longevity |
| Asphalt shingles | 15 to 20 years |
| Metal shingles | 30 to 50 years |
| Cedar shakes | 30 to 50 years |
| Slate shingles | 75 to 100 years |
If you suspect that your roof is showing its age, a roof inspection would be a good idea. Here are other signs of an aging roof:
- A build-up of asphalt granules in your gutters. Rust and pieces of underlayment are significant signs.
- Leaks and water stains require immediate attention. Any delays may lead to the weakening of your home structurally.
Roof replacement is a worthy investment.
Significant Weather-Related Damage To Your Roof
Naturally, you would not delay if you could see the sky from your second floor or living room.
Maybe the storm damage to your home is not quite as extreme as that description, but either way, your roof will immediately need to be replaced.
Protect yourself and your belongings. Insurance companies strongly discourage permanent repairs before the adjuster arrives, so take the photos you need and put up tarpaulins and move furniture away.
Call your insurance company as soon as you have two or three repair estimates on hand. Some claims are no longer considered valid after a certain period.
It Is Time To Sell Your Home
Roof replacement and house resales go together.
With a better roof, agents find it easy to market your home and it is much more certain of an early sale. You can neutralize the colors, renew the underlayment, and make it completely ready to move into.
Best of all, updated warranties add a whole other level of credibility to your listing.
Shall we get started?
2. It Works Best with Locals
Your local contractor would be aware that humidity is a real problem in your area.
They might not worry too much about heavy snow in the winter, but a hot and humid summer may cause the growth of moss and mold.
You might be more familiar with an out-of-town contractor, but they may not know how to perfectly replicate the roofing styles in the area, whether gable or gambrel.
The less the back-and-forth, the better the coordination.
3. It Requires Some Preparation from You
Roof replacement in Lexington, KY, is rarely done in a single day. While the actual replacement can take fewer than 24 hours (such as an asphalt roof), preparation is likely to extend the length of inconvenience to you.
How can you be prepared for this?
- Think through the roofer’s needs with your contractor and set up for their needs in advance.
- Decide where the dumpster or dump truck will go, and outline paths for the workers to use.
- Draw netting over all of the outside items you want to protect to make them clear to the roofers.
- Cut your grass so that all of you can work together to find tools or roofing materials that go astray.
- Plan your household schedule around the roof replacement schedule. Noise and dust might affect people and pets badly.
In Lexington, KY, a healthy working relationship with your contractor is key to smooth roof replacement. If you need anything at the prep stage, don’t forget to ask them about it. It may even help to have some things in writing.
4. It Takes Time to Replace Your Roof
How can you estimate the time it will take your roofer to replace your roof in Lexington, KY?
How Well-Maintained Your Roof Is
Lexington weather and humidity and weather are rough on our roofs. Drywall can be affected if our roof deckings absorb too much moisture, leading to structural damage. Mold and rot can set in, weakening the entire roof system.
If only the outer materials of your roof are damaged, then stripping and replacing the underlayment before adding shingles or shakes should be enough for roof replacement.
However, if you suspect or discover mold or leaks, you may find yourself replacing portions of the roof decking as well.
For unbroken underlayment, it is not recommended to simply pad over it. If there is any unevenness, the shingles or shakes will be misaligned.
Persistent roof leaks and moisture can cause roof damage where previously there was none.
What Material Your Roof Is Made Of
How long it takes to replace your roof depends on the materials you are replacing or upgrading to. For example:
| Roofing Materials | Replacement Time |
| Asphalt | 1 to 3 days |
| Wood | 2 to 8 days |
| Slate | 6 to 7 days |
After roof replacement, it’s time to clean up.
5. It Isn’t Complete Until Cleanup Is Done
Your roofer should be well prepared to clean up after the roof replacement in Lexington, KY. Some have a dump truck on standby to receive materials for disposal. Others install a large dumpster.
However, they are still likely to drop a few pieces here and there. Here is how you can seamlessly clean up.
- Your roofer already has a plan in place. Let them carry it out. Reserve your energy for the final rounds.
- If you have any requests, such as taking particular care with roofing nails, let your roofer know.
- Keep your family members and household pets well out of the way until cleanup is complete.
- Know what your contractor will take care of and what you will need to step in for.
Protect Your Home With a Roof Replacement Before Costly Damage Strikes
When you decide to replace your roof, you need to make choices that will support your family and household for decades to come. Be your own greatest support during this time.At Barrier Roofs, we take care of every stage of your roof replacement, from inspection to installation. Call us at (859) 605-1079 for more information or fill out a contact form today.
