A new roof does three things over the long run. It ends the cycle of leaks and patches. It lets a crew fix what is under the shingles. And it gives you one chance to pick a tougher material. It is also a big bill, so it only pays off if the old roof was truly worn out.
What you get
- A dry house. No more buckets, stains or watching the forecast.
- Sound wood. With the old roof off, the crew can see the deck, the wood sheets under the shingles. Soft or rotten sheets get replaced. You cannot do that with a patch.
- New flashing. Flashing is the metal that seals the joints around chimneys, walls and vents. It is a common cause of leaks, and a full re-roof is the right time to renew it.
- New underlayment. This is the water-shedding sheet between the wood and the shingles. It is the backup layer if a shingle fails.
- Better attic airflow. Vents can be added or fixed while the roof is open. A cooler attic is easier on the shingles and on your air conditioner.
- Fewer repair bills. A new roof should need very little for years.
- An easier sale. Buyers and their inspectors look hard at the roof. A newer one takes that worry off the table.
A chance to upgrade for hail
If you are paying for a new roof anyway, this is the time to look at tougher options. In North Texas, that mostly means hail.
- Impact-rated (Class 4) shingles. They look like normal shingles but are made to take hail better. Class 4 is the top hail rating.
- Stone-coated steel. Steel panels shaped like shingles or tile, with stone grit on top. It carries the top hail rating (Class 4) and the top fire rating (Class A). It costs more up front than shingles and suits people who plan to stay in the house.
Ask your agent what a Class 4 (impact-rated) roof does to your premium. Get the answer for your own house before you choose.
What a new roof will not do
It helps to be clear about limits too.
- It will not pay for itself on the power bill. A cooler attic may help some. Do not buy a roof for that reason alone.
- It will not stop hail. A tougher roof holds up better. No roof is hail-proof.
- It will not fix other problems. Leaks from windows, siding or plumbing are a different job.
- It is not needed just because of age. If the old roof is dry and sound, a new one adds little.
How to get the most from the job
- Ask for a written scope that lists a full tear-off, new underlayment, new flashing and what happens if bad wood is found.
- Ask what will be done about attic vents.
- Ask for prices on a standard shingle and a Class 4 shingle, so you can see the gap.
- Keep the paperwork and the photos. The next buyer will want them.
What to do next
If your roof is at the point where patches no longer hold, ask for a written price and scope. Legacy Roofing is based in Crowley and works in Burleson, Mansfield, Fort Worth, Aledo and nearby towns. See what our roof replacement covers.
