What is Roof Replacement? A Comprehensive Explanation of Its Advantages and Disadvantages!

Hello everyone!Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!

To maintain the comfort and aesthetics of your home, it is necessary to perform regular roof maintenance.

There are various types of roof maintenance, and some of you may be interested in roof replacement.

In this article, we will explain in detail what roof replacement is and what benefits it offers.

What is Roof Replacement?

Roof replacement refers to the process of completely removing the existing roof and installing a new one.

Depending on the condition of the building, it may be possible to perform a “partial replacement,” where only a section is replaced with a new one. However, in many cases, if a certain number of years have passed and deterioration is severe, a “full replacement” is performed.

What are the Benefits of Roof Replacement?

Next, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of roof replacement.

Extended Lifespan

During roof replacement, not only is a new roof installed, but repairs to the underlying structure are also carried out, which can extend the overall lifespan of the roof.

As a result, the interval for re-maintenance can be extended, making it easier to reduce costs.

New Appearance for Your Home

By performing roof replacement, you can refresh the appearance of your home.

Removing the old roof and installing a new one allows you to restore it to a condition similar to that of a new build.

By also performing exterior painting at the same time as roof replacement, you can improve the appearance of properties that have aged since their construction.

Additionally, by carrying out exterior painting and roof replacement simultaneously, there is a higher possibility of reducing costs, so please consider it.

Improved Earthquake Resistance

When performing roof replacement, lightweight materials are generally used compared to the existing roof.

Using lightweight roofing materials can reduce the burden on the foundation and columns of the house, which can lead to improved earthquake resistance.

What are the Disadvantages of Roof Replacement?

Next, let’s take a closer look at the disadvantages of roof replacement.

Costly

Roof repair methods include,

・Partial Repair
・Roof Replacement
・Roof Overlay (Cover Method)
・Painting

There are various options available, but among them, roof replacement is the most costly.

This is because it requires the removal of the existing roof and the installation of a new one.

Upon hearing this,

“Maybe I should consider another method.”

I think some people might think that, but by opting for roof replacement, you can extend the lifespan of the roof and also improve the comfort of your home, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Some people choose to only do roof painting to save costs, but roof painting does not enhance the durability of the roof or extend its lifespan.

Additionally, repainting is typically needed every 10 years or so, which can lead to high costs in the long run.

Roof replacement offers benefits and attractions that outweigh the costs, so let’s make a careful decision considering various factors.

Longer Construction Period

Depending on the size of the house, roof replacement typically takes about 1 to 2 weeks.

During this time, scaffolding will be set up around the house, which may disrupt daily life.

Moreover, if it rains, work must be halted, further extending the construction period, so careful consideration of the timing of your request is necessary.

Risk of Leaks During Construction

When performing a roof replacement, the existing roof is temporarily removed, leaving the underlayment exposed.

If it rains during this time, it can lead to leaks.

That said, all contractors will cover the exposed areas with tarps or similar materials if it rains, and work for that day will be suspended, so there is no need to worry too much.

However, if you request work during the rainy season when it rains frequently, the likelihood of leaks due to some trouble increases, so it is recommended to schedule your request during a time when it rains less.

What are the Costs for Roof Replacement?

The cost of roof replacement varies depending on the size of the house and the roofing materials used, but for a typical home, the average is around ¥2,700,000.

This includes:

・Scaffolding Costs
・Protective Measures Costs
・Removal Costs
・Underlayment Costs
・Waterproof Sheet Installation Costs
・Roofing Material Costs
・Ridge Installation Costs
・Installation Costs for Eaves, Gables, and Other Flashing
・Asbestos Removal Costs (if the existing roof contains asbestos)

and more.

Timing Guidelines for Roof Replacement

Next, let’s take a closer look at the timing guidelines for roof replacement based on the type of roof.

Tiled Roof

Tiled roofs are thicker and more durable compared to other roofing materials, so it is said that major maintenance, including replacement, is only needed once every 30 years.

However,

・Tiles are misaligned
・Moss has grown and leaks are occurring
・The plaster is crumbling

In such cases, maintenance may be required before the 30-year mark.

If you are unsure about the timing, we recommend consulting a professional or requesting a quote.

Slate Roof

The replacement guideline for slate roofs, which offer great cost performance, is around 20 years.

However, since slate roofs installed after 2005 do not contain asbestos, their lifespan may be slightly shorter.

For this reason, the 20-year mark is merely a guideline, and

・There are cracks
・It has turned white

If you notice these signs, it is likely that the roof has reached the end of its lifespan. Even if you do not plan to replace it immediately, we recommend having a professional inspect it.

Metal Roof

Metal roofs are among the most cost-effective roofing materials and can be installed at a low price.

However, their lifespan is also shorter, with a replacement guideline of approximately 15 to 20 years.

Some people extend their lifespan by regularly painting them, but if regular maintenance is not performed, it is possible for the roof to reach the end of its lifespan before 10 years.

If you notice rust with a reddish hue covering the entire metal roof, it is a sign that replacement is needed, so consult a professional at the right time.

What Are the Alternatives to Roof Replacement?

As explained at the beginning, there are various methods for roof repair, including:

・Partial repair
・Replacement
・Roof overlay (cover method)
・Painting

Some people choose painting to reduce costs, but if you focus solely on immediate costs, you may end up paying higher expenses in the long run.

To enhance the durability of the roof and improve the comfort of your home, we recommend:

・Roof overlay (cover method, where a new roof is placed over the existing roof)
・Replacement

These two methods may be slightly more expensive than painting, but considering the long-term perspective, they are likely to be much more cost-effective, so let’s consider various factors when deciding on a repair method.

“I’m not sure which method is suitable for my home’s roof…”

If you have such concerns, please feel free to consult Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.

Conclusion

By replacing the roof, you can maintain aesthetics and improve durability and seismic resistance.

While replacement may be more expensive compared to painting or roof overlay, it can extend the frequency of re-maintenance, making it potentially more cost-effective in the long run.

That said, whether you should replace the roof, use the roof overlay (cover method), or perform roof painting depends on the roofing materials used and the condition of the roof.

If you are among those reading this article and are wondering,

“What is the current condition of my roof?”

“I haven’t done any roof maintenance in a while.”

please feel free to consult with Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.

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For roofing, guttering, and exterior work and repairs in Kanagawa, contact Kakerukoumuten Co., Ltd..

AAA is a young company with an average age in the early 20s, but our technology is second to none.

One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!

We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!