When to Replace Your Roof & Other Considerations

With so many homes being built and older homes being sold every day, there’s been a major increase in the need for roofing contractors in the U.S.

Many people are also relying on roofing contractors to help them repair damage to their roofs brought on by extreme weather and everyday wear and tear.

If you’re thinking about a roof replacement, you’ll be calling a contractor soon, too. Before you do that, though, you should also know exactly what a roof replacement entails.

Read on to learn about seven of the most important things to consider when replacing a roof.

How Do I Know If My Roof Needs Replaced?

Before you start thinking about replacing your roof, you first ought to make sure that’s really what you need. Listed below are some common signs that you might need a new roof:

The roof is 20–25 years old.
Water is leaking into your property.
Shingles are cracked, curling, or visibly damaged.
The roof deck is sagging.
You notice mold, moss growth, or a sudden increase in energy bills.

You might also need a new roof if you’ve seen a recent spike in your energy bills. This could be a sign that your home is not using energy efficiently and is leaking hot or cool air out through the roof.

Seven Important Roof Replacement Considerations

Do any of those signs sound familiar to you? If so, then there’s a good chance you’re in need of a roof replacement.

Most people have no idea where to begin when it comes to replacing a commercial or residential roof. If you’re in this same boat, start by taking the following factors into consideration:

1. Roofing Material Options

There are several different types of roofing materials that can be used when replacing your roof.

Roofing technology has come a long way over the last several years, and you have choices that probably didn’t even exist when your house was first built.

Traditional shingles made of asphalt and slate are popular options, but many people are also turning to metal roofs. There are lots of new metal roofing materials that resemble other materials but are longer lasting and more energy efficient.

Be sure to consider all your options before you make a decision for your home.

2. Things Will be Loud

You need to accept right up front that things will be loud when you’re having your roof replaced. There’s no way around it.

You should warn your employees about the noise before the project begins so they can plan accordingly and work from home if necessary.

If you’re having your home’s roof repaired, you might want to try and stay out of the house during work hours.

You don’t want to have to put your baby down for a nap while a worker’s pounding away on the roof (nor do you want to ask them to try and keep it down while your baby sleeps), right?

3. You Should Shop Around

It’s best to shop around and compare your options before you decide on a roofing contractor.

Ask for references from neighbors, friends, or family members, and get estimates from each of them before you make your final decision.

It’s a good idea to verify their insurance and licenses at this point, too. That way, you won’t get any unpleasant surprises later on.

4. Focus on Quality

It may be tempting to find and work with a contractor who offers the lowest prices and work with them.

Remember, though, that a roof is definitely not something you want to skimp on. As with most things, you get what you pay for when hiring a roofing contractor.

It’s worth it to invest in quality — that goes for the people replacing the roof as well as the materials themselves — when you’re working on a big project like a roof replacement.

This will help you ensure you get great, long-lasting results.

5. Ask About Roof Removal

When you’re looking for a roofing contractor, be sure to ask them about roof removal. Specifically, ask if they will get rid of your old roof for you.

It’s generally best to have the old roof removed instead of having new shingles placed over it.

If this happens and there are soft spots or rotting wood, you’re not really getting the problem fixed. It’s just a band-aid that will lead to larger and more expensive problems later on.

6. Ask About Refuse Material Disposal

Finally, ask about how the roofers are going to get rid of the refuse material from your roof. Ideally, they’ll bring in a container to store it all.

If they do this, be sure to find out where they’ll place the container and what they’ll do if it causes any damage to your driveway or other parts of your property.

7. Read the Paperwork Carefully

Finally, before you agree to work with any roofing contractors, you should read through their contract carefully.

Look over it and make sure it includes specific details about the products being used and the cost of the replacement. If you notice any issues, address them before signing.

You should also make sure that your contractor is following the building code for your city or town.

Make sure they have proper permits and a letter confirming that the project is covered by the contractor’s insurance carrier, too.

Do You Need a New Roof?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you learn that you need a new roof, whether it’s for your business or for your home.

From the cost to the process of finding the right roofers, there are a lot of things to consider when replacing a roof.

If you keep this list in mind, though, you’ll have a much easier time figuring out what you need and finding the right people for the job.

If you’re based in or around the Kansas City area and are in need of a roof replacement, we can help at JR & Co.

Roof Replacement FAQs

Q 1: How do I know if my roof needs replacing?
Start with an inspection. Look for age over 20 years, leaks, damaged shingles, moss, or sudden energy spikes. If you see multiple signs, replacement is likely.

Q 2: When should I replace roof rather than repair it?
When damage covers multiple slopes, exceeds a set threshold, or when the roof is nearing end‑of‑life—replacement is often the better choice.

Q 3: Does insurance cover hail damage roof replacement?
It depends on your policy and the damage. Insurance may cover full replacement if hail damage meets defined criteria (e.g., impact count, functional impairment, age/condition limits).

Q 4: Can I stay home during my roof replacement?
For smaller jobs, you can stay. For full replacements—especially commercial or multi‑day residential installs—it may be safer and more comfortable to be off‑site.

Q 5: What materials are best for hail‑resistance?
Impact‑rated shingles, metal roofing, and specialty materials offer better protection. Upgrading may even qualify for insurance discounts.

Q 6: How long does a roof replacement take?
Time varies by size, damage, and complexity. A typical residential replacement takes 1–3 days; larger commercial jobs may take 1–6 weeks.