Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know your roof needs replaced? The good news is, this is actually something you can check out yourself, even before calling in the experts! Here’s a quick list of things to look for if think it might be time to replace your roof

If you have old or damaged shingles

If you have damaged shingles: While new, modern shingles today are made with durability in mind, many factors can speed up the aging of shingles. For example, if your roof isn’t properly ventilated, it can negatively impact your shingles as well – yikes! Here are some other things to look for:

• Curled edges: If your shingle edges are curled or shingle tabs are cupped, it’s a problem
• Bald spots: If you see bald or patchy spots where granules are missing.
•  Cracked shingles: Are your shingles cracked or looking weathered?
• Wear and tear: If your roof just looks old and worn, it’s probably time for a new one!

If your roof is at least 20 years old

How do you know the age of your roof? While sometimes you have this information when you purchase a home, it’s not always obvious. The best way to tell if your home’s roof might need to be refreshed? Look around your neighborhood!

Chances are good that your neighbor’s houses were built roughly around the same time as your neighbors, especially here in the Treasure Valley. If your neighbors are getting new roofs or having repairs done, you should definitely think about having yours looked at. Homes built around the same time period in the same area usually experience the same types of weather conditions and wear and tear. If your neighbor’s roof is old – chances are yours is too.

If you can see other roofs going up in your area, you can call Idaho Roofing Contractors and we’ll be happy to give you a free inspection and quote.

If you see visible issues with your roof

Dark Spots: Airborne algae can cause dark streaks on roof decks, which aren’t good for your roof and seriously bring down your curb appeal.

Moss: Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don’t get much sunlight, especially in cool, moist climates. Moss holds moisture against the roof surface and over time in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles.

The cost of replacing your roof in Boise and the surrounding areas can vary quite a bit. But according to Manta.com it averaged about $7,267 for the majority of homeowners. This estimate varies so much because there are many factors that can affect home roof replacement prices, such as:

• Size of the Home
• Type of Roofing Material
• Hourly Labor Costs
• Condition of the Existing Roof

You will also pay added costs for permit fees, taxes, and any extended warranties purchased with your roof.

If your roof is old or damaged, it could cause issues during your home’s sale, and you should probably replace it before listing.

If you do decide to move forward, you’ll be in good company. According to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2018, 18% of sellers reported replacing or repairing their roof before selling.

Here are some signs you may need to repair or replace a roof before selling:

• Buckling shingles
• Cracked shingles
• Sagging roof (which could indicate underlying deck rot)
• Lost granules (found in gutters and downspouts)
• Leaks
• Ice dams (in winter)
• Recent wind or hail damage
  

​In general, a roof will be serviceable for up to 20 years. Idaho Roofing Contractors works on many different kinds of residential and commercial properties. We’re familiar with many roofing materials used in the Upper Midwest.

​The average aluminum or steel roof will last about 50 years, while a copper roof can last up to a century before needing replacement.

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Wood Shakes: Hand split from a log, shakes have a rough appearance. Wood shakes are thicker than wood shingles, so will last up to 40 years.

Wood Shingles: Sawn smooth on both sides, wood shingles offer a trim appearance for roofs. Shingles will last up to 30 years with proper installation and maintenance.