While a lot of people think that a leaking roof needs to be replaced, this may not be the case unless the roof is old. Missing, cracked, broken, and curling shingles can be repaired and replaced to stop a leak, while older roofs or roofs with multiple leaks or widespread issues should be replaced.

Costs vary greatly depending on the pitch of your roof, the type of shingles you have, what condition the roof is in, and how many layers of shingles you have. The best way to find out the cost is to have a free quote done.

While some small jobs can be tackled by DIY homeowners, major work or a roof replacement is a pretty complex process that requires training and thus should be left to the professionals. Professional roofing contractors goes to through training and certification by the manufacturer of the materials in order to obtain extended manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer won’t offer (or void) the warranty if the roof is repaired by a person he is not trained by the manufacturer.

Every roof is different, as well as what the roofers will find when they get up there. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the size and the scope of the job.

A roofing underlayment is also known as felt paper, and is installed beneath your shingles, over the wood of your roof. It helps protect your roof from wind driven rain that can get beneath your shingles and potentially damage your home.

If the wood beneath your shingles shows signs of water damage, it will need to be replaced as well.

There are a lot of factors that go into how long a roof will last. While most roofs have a warranty, this doesn’t mean that your roof will necessarily go this long without needing to be replaced. Some will wear out faster due to severe weather and environmental conditions, while others could last longer. Most roofs, however, are designed to last between 15 and 25 years; some types of slate and metal roofs could last longer.

Severe weather, direct sun, algae and mildew growth can all be factors in what causes a roof to wear out. Hail stones striking the roof and removing some of the granules are also a problem. Darker colored roofs tend to wear out slightly faster than lighter colored roofs as well.

While it is technically possible to layer one set of shingles on top of another, this may be setting you up for future problems. If your current shingles are curling, cracked, missing, or are covered with moss or algae, you will need to strip them to install the new roof. Likewise if you already have two layers on your roof, they will have to come off to install the new shingles.

The type of roof that you get should complement the rest of the style and features of your home. You should also take into consideration the material, how long it lasts, and the costs to make this personal decision.

The color roofing you select should complement the rest of your home. This should be a secondary consideration to what type of material you choose for your roof. Be sure to get a color guide or brochure for the type of shingle you select to see what is available.