As one of the top roofing contractors in Washington State, we're constantly hearing questions about roofing. Our goal at Nolan's Roofing, Inc. is to educate homeowners throughout Washington on everything there is to know about roof replacement. These are some of the 5 most common questions we hear for roof replacements.

#1: When is it Time to Replace my Roof?

Knowing when to replace a roof is one of our most popular questions. There are several key signs that indicate roof replacement is in order, such as:

Bucking and curling shingles. Bucked shingles occur when moisture in the attic space causes nails to push out of place and loosen the shingle. This compromises the shingles' performance and exposes the roof to the elements, which can result in leaks and even more moisture damage.

Algae growth. Bacteria from algae eats through the shingles, especially if they are low-cost shingles that are made primarily of limestone. According to the Department of Energy, cool roofs are more susceptible to algae formation, although any roof color can experience algae growth.

Missing granules. Asphalt roofing shingles are made up of small granules. When these granules come loose, it can impact the shingles' performance. You can locate missing granulates by looking for fragments in the gutter system.

Missing shingles. Professional roofing contractors are highly skilled at roofing installation and keeping shingles in place. However, these can blow away in the wind or become loose as they age. Missing shingles can allow rainwater into the home.

Mold in the attic. This is one of the most concerning aspects of roof replacement. Mold forms in areas such as the rafter beams and the plywood on the underside of the roof. Removing the mold is a significant expense, especially in WA where it's an average of $2500.

These are only a few of the signs for when it's time for roof replacement. Requesting an estimate can provide more insight on when to replace a roof.

#2: Should I Replace the Shingles or the Entire Roofing System?

A roof consists of much more than a layer of shingles. Replacing the entire system, which includes the materials, is the best route for enhancing the roof's performance:

Leak barrier protection: Creates a seal to block water from vulnerable areas of the roof such as the valleys and chimneys.

Synthetic roof deck protection: Provides a second layer of protection to defend against roof rot.

Starter strip shingles: Prevents shingles from blowing off the roof.

Lifetime shingles: Top-of-the-line shingles that are designed to last a lifetime and provide the best value. High-quality asphalt roofing can yield a return on investment of 72%, which is higher than the national average at 68.4%.

Ventilation: Ventilation is essential to the health of a roofing system. Without adequate airflow, energy bills can skyrocket and roof shingles can become damaged during hot weather.

#3: Can I Replace my Roof in the Winter?

The most popular time of year for roof replacement is spring and late fall, but wintertime works as well. An experienced roof installation team knows how to install a new roof without becoming damaged from cold temperatures. If you're thinking of replacing a roof this year, now is the time to schedule an estimate before the winter weather begins.

#4: Will a New Roof Lower my Energy Bills?

If your roof is old and underperforming, roof replacement can help lower energy bills. It's ideal that the attic remains close to the outside temperature, but overheating during the summer is a sign of inadequate ventilation. This can directly cause the HVAC to work in overdrive. A new roof lowers energy bills with ventilation and sound materials that prevent excess drafts and water leaks.

#5: Is New Roofing a Good Investment?

Quality roofing is one of the top ROI remodeling projects in Washington. According to Bob Vila, benefits of new roof installation also includes:

Increased curb appeal with varying shingle colors that add depth to the home. The roof takes up roughly 40% of a home's curb appeal, so consider roof replacement for wow-factor.

Improved home value with 70%+ ROI.

Potential energy savings with professional roof installation and attic ventilation.

Ice dam prevention in the winter.

Quality roofing replacement is designed to last for a lifetime