How to Replace a Roof - Everything You Need to Know

Most people don't think about their roof until it starts to leak. And, replacing a roof is no easy task. It can be an expensive and time consuming project that many homeowners are not qualified to do themselves. Fortunately, there are professional roofers who specialize in this process, like Canoni Roofing.

We will cover everything you need to know about replacing a roof - from the basics of how it works to the different types of roofs available on the market today.

Different Types of Roofs

There are different types of roofs to choose from. You can use a shingle roof, which is the standard roof on most homes; a metal roof, which is lightweight but requires an initial investment for installation and has a reputation for being long-lasting; or a concrete roofing system, which is often used as a part of new construction.

What are Roofs Made of?

Roofing materials can get expensive, and the material you choose will depend on a few factors- including durability, the level of maintenance required to keep it looking new, weight, and weather resistance. Here are the most common types of roofing materials:

Metal

Metal roofs are lightweight but require an initial investment for installation. They have a reputation for being long-lasting, resistant to fire or damage from wind and hail storms. This is the least-expensive type of roofing material.

Shake

This roof is made of clay, terracotta or wood shakes. It's lightweight, durable and renewable. The downside is that it requires lots of maintenance to keep looking fresh.

Concrete/Ceramic Tile

This roofing material is often used as a part of new construction.

Slate

Often used as a part of new construction. It has a reputation for being long-lasting and resistant to fire or damage from wind and hail storms. Slate is also durable but it requires lots of maintenance to keep looking new. Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of a slate roof.

Asphalt Shingles

The least-expensive type of roofing material is asphalt composition shingles, which are made from a blend of bitumen, sand and gravel that's processed into different shapes including squares and rectangles. The advantage of asphalt composition shingles is that they're easy to install and can come in a variety of colors and textures. The downside is that they don't have much resistance to fire and will deteriorate quickly with exposure to the elements.

Should You Tear Off the Roof or Add a Second Layer?

Most people tear off the old one and install a new roof. However, this is not always the best option. It can be more expensive and time-consuming than an additional layer of roofing material on top of the existing roof.