As storms increase in intensity and inflation continues to impact products, homeowners in Virginia should be aware of the rising cost and frequency of roof replacement claims.
The cost of roof damage from hail and convective storms doubled in 2023, and the average price of roof repairs increased by $2,000 per claim. If you live in Virginia, you know that hail, snow, and rain impact the longevity of your roof, eventually necessitating a full repair after years of wear and tear.
Experienced insurance restoration contractors can help you respond to these threats before they become costly and dangerous. Even if you don’t have a claim to file yet, an experienced contractor can help you secure competitive rates for roof replacement in Virginia after a thorough inspection.
Continue reading to learn about roof replacements, including the causes and general process, to better prepare for rising repair costs in 2025 and beyond.
Causes of Roof Replacement in Virginia
Virginia residents experience many specific causes of damage that lead to roof replacements, including severe hurricanes, freezes, and winter storms. Importantly, cold weather is not the only culprit of roof wear and tear, as sun damage during the summer can contribute to weakened and cracked shingles.
The right materials can help your roof withstand these elements and lower monthly energy costs. On the other hand, inferior materials lead to poor temperature regulation in both the hot summers and cold winters, wasting power (and money). Many homeowners replace their roofs with more efficient materials to save energy, even without having excessive damage.
When to Replace a Roof in Virginia
Even in ideal conditions, residential roofs may last only 15-20 years. Severe weather and damaging storms increase the need for timely inspections to assess the state of your roof.
To determine whether your roof needs to be replaced, check for these types of damage:
- General weathering, including missing, curling, or cracking shingles
- Missing granules from shingles, which can indicate wear and tear before other signs of damage become evident
- Water leaks, which lead to stains and cracks in the ceilings and walls, indicating damage to the shingles, decking, or underlayment
If you see any of these signs, contact a roof replacement expert, such as an insurance restoration contractor, to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs. Here’s what you need to know about the roof replacement process and how you and your family can prepare for it.
Steps to Roof Replacement
These steps summarize the typical roof replacement process:
1. Roof Inspection
The first step is the contractor’s initial inspection. This should include an assessment of the damage to determine whether a full or partial roof replacement is needed.
2. Choose the Material
Choosing the right material impacts the roof’s aesthetic and function, including its energy efficiency. For example, certain metals reflect heat rather than absorbing it, whereas, asphalt and tile retain more heat but may be less expensive upfront.
Each material choice has pros and cons that a knowledgeable roof repair contractor can help you understand. If energy efficiency has wreaked havoc on your power bills, a new roofing material may help control your home’s temperature.
3. Preparations
Once you have selected a material, preparations can begin for the roof replacement work. These measures include clearing your driveway, covering AC units and pools, moving yard furniture, tarping the roofline, and clearing necessary outlets.
4. Material Delivery
The materials will arrive in pallets. They should be stored on a paved surface until all the materials are ready and the workers can begin the replacement.
5. Roof Removal
As the roof replacement begins, the contractors will remove the outer roof and inspect the decking or underlayment beneath. Quite often, these layers have been damaged by rot resulting from weather damage or pests and should be repaired or replaced before proceeding with the roof replacement.
6. New Installation
Once the underlayment is repaired, roofers can install the new roof using the material you choose, sealing it as they go. They will finish with ridge capping and roof vents, making sure everything is properly sealed.
7. Clean-Up
The clean-up process involves blowing out the gutters and downspouts, removing the tarps, and cleaning the yard of roofing nails and debris.
8. Final Inspection
During the final inspection, your contractor will do a final walkthrough to make sure the roof has been sealed and the debris removed. They will review warranty and payment information and provide you with a customer service contact in case you need additional information about your roof replacement.
Contact Expert Exteriors for a Competitive Quote on Your Roof Replacement
An insurance restoration contractor can walk you through the roof replacement process in Virginia. At Expert Exteriors, our experienced team will complete an inspection of your roof, siding, and gutters. Based on your needs, we will help you choose the right materials, and handle the removal and replacement process from start to finish.
In some cases, we can also offer material upgrades at no extra cost, even if your insurer doesn’t cover them. Contact our team today to learn more about the roof replacement process for your situation and how an insurance restoration contractor can help.