Roofs protect your home from harsh weather and help maintain a comfortable temperature. Older roofs are not as energy-efficient and you may notice unusually high energy bills. Will a new roof help insulate your home and lower energy bills? 

The roof replacement experts in Falls Church, VA, say yes. Homes with updated roofs benefit in many ways. The experienced team at Low Cost Roofing will install a roof with updated materials to boost energy efficiency. 

Your roof gets daily exposure to harsh sunlight. Over time, the roof materials including insulation begin to break down and become less efficient. In addition to the insulation, there are other factors to consider when it comes to roof efficiency.

Proper Ventilation 

If your home has an attic, you know how hot it can get up there, especially during summer months. Proper ventilation allows warm air to flow outside and reduce overall indoor temperatures. Hot air trapped in the attic causes your air conditioning unit to work overtime to maintain the temperature of your home, resulting in high energy bills.

Shingle Color and Type

When you research, “will a new roof help insulate my house,” it may surprise you to learn that the color of the shingles on your roof contribute to the temperature inside your home. If you live in a cold area, darker shingles will absorb more light and help keep your house warm. In hot climates, lighter shingles reflect light and help the house stay a little cooler.

The type of shingles on your roof is just as important as the color when it comes to insulation. Clay tiles are very energy-efficient and good at preventing water leaks. They have a higher initial cost, but their efficiency and durability are well worth the cost compared to materials of lower quality.

Solar Shingles

For homeowners who want to go even further with reducing energy consumption, solar shingles are a cutting-edge option in solar components. They absorb sunlight and convert it to energy, significantly lowering or even eliminating your electric bill. Solar power installed on your roof can boost resale value when it comes time to sell your home.

Solar Reflection

Recent advances in building materials can help lower your energy bills as well. Modern roofing materials reflect more sunlight than older materials. Some can lower the surface temperature on your roof by 30%. 

The more sunlight your roof can reflect, the more it can help insulate your house against high temperatures.

Reliable Roofers in Falls Church

Will a new roof help insulate your home? Yes! When you notice your air conditioner or heater has to work overtime to maintain the temperature inside your home, your roof is probably outdated. 

When you schedule a free estimate with our team at Low Cost Roofing in Falls Church, VA, we can walk you through the average cost of a new roof. Lower monthly energy bills and keep your home at a comfortable temperature with an energy-efficient roof.

Learn about the factors that influence the average cost of a new roof. Reach out to Low Cost Roofing about reliable roof replacement in Falls Church, VA.

Factors That Impact the Cost of a New Roof in Falls Church, VA

If you are ready for a new roof, you’ll need to talk with a roofing company to get a custom estimate for your project. Explore a few of the factors that will affect the cost of a new roof in Falls Church, VA.

Shingle Material

One of the biggest factors that will impact the cost is the type of roof you want your professionals to install. You have shingle material options that include:

• Asphalt - A cost-effective material that lasts around 20 years.
• Wood shake - An eco-friendly option with a lifespan of approximately 30 years.
• Metal - This material offers a wide variety of options that can last over 40 years.
• Concrete tile - This is a long-lasting, high-quality investment.

Each type of material carries a different cost and average lifespan. You can discuss the best options for your home with your roofer.

Roof Size and Pitch Angle

Another factor that changes the cost of your roof replacement is the roof size and pitch. Steeper pitches and larger roofing areas will cost more to replace due to the complications these factors present.

Roof Style and Features

You might also find that the roofing costs change between the roof style and any features your roof may have. These can include:

• Gable roof
• Hipped roof
• Chimney
• Skylights
• Dormer

Gable roofing is less expensive to replace than a hipped-style roof, and additional features need specialized attention to ensure a good seal to prevent leaks and water damage to your new roofing materials.

Old Roof Removal

Your roofers can’t replace your roof without removing the old materials first. Even if you only need your roofing crew to replace a small portion of the roof, the old materials must be taken away to make room for the new installation.

Labor

Labor costs are another major factor in the average cost of a new roof. Installation techniques can also impact the cost of labor for replacing a roof. Hand-nailing in the new shingles will take more time and effort than using a highly efficient air-nailing tool.

Disposal of Old Materials

After removing the old roof from your house, your contractors will also charge for the associated disposal fees of any unwanted shingles, lumber, staples, and nails to keep your property clean.

Get a Professional Quote for Roof Replacement in Falls Church, VA

There are many factors that go into the average cost of a new roof, and the only way to know how much your roof will cost is by getting a professional quote. You can also look into your insurance roof coverage to recover costs.

When you are ready to replace the old roof on your private residence, contact the Low Cost Roofing team in Falls Church, VA.

Roof replacements aren’t something homeowners worry about regularly. Even here in Falls Church, we prioritize other things when frontal cyclones originate from the Atlantic Ocean and heavily affect the eastern coast. We track the storm, prepare provisions and emergency kits, and work to move our family to safety. 

Unfortunately, you have to wonder, “is a roof replacement covered by insurance?” Otherwise, your home will be in jeopardy long after the storm passes. To find out when you should call your insurance company and what to expect from them, keep reading and trust Low Cost Roofing for a quality roof replacement in Falls Church, VA. 

What Repairs and Replacements Does Insurance Cover?

Your homeowner’s insurance policy most likely covers extreme and sudden damages from tropical storms, fires, and large fallen objects on your roof. That’s because these violent acts of nature and other unfortunate circumstances take down even the strongest and newest roofs. Once weakened, they allow internal water damage and encourage harsh temperatures to seep in, affecting your comfort and safety. 

If you have anything from a large leak to a gaping hole on your rooftop, the insurance company may pay as high as your coverage limit will allow. However, if you have a roof over 20 years old, you may only get the actual cash value for a replacement rather than the amount necessary for a new roof. 

Still, not all roof leaks warrant a payout, so if you want to know, “is a roof replacement covered by insurance?” consider what they won’t cover. 

Where May Insurance Leave You To Fend for Yourself?

Contractors make your roof durable, helping it withstand minor inflictions like a typical rainstorm or built-up debris. Therefore, if a crack or leak derives from these normal circumstances, it won’t be enough for your policy to pay out. Instead, your insurance company will likely blame you for not caring for your roof better. 

Even if you keep up with semi-annual maintenance and maintain your roof in optimal condition, your policy won’t cover cosmetic repairs. If strong winds leave some of your shingles on your front lawn or with an insignificant leak that a minor repair can handle, your insurance company won’t see the urgency. They’ll expect you to pay out of pocket for repairs.

How Should You Prevent Further Damages Insurance Won’t Cover? 

To guarantee you won’t pay out of pocket for future roof damages while keeping your roof sturdy, remain aware of your roof’s lifespan and materials’ condition. Depending on the material and regular maintenance, your roof lasts between 20 and 100 years, with concrete, slate, and clay lasting the longest. 

Get your roof on the right track with a professional inspection that’ll direct your attention to the following:

• Fungal buildup from stagnant water or moist material
• Cracks and holes or broken shingles that let the elements indoors
• Deteriorated wooden structure 
• Lodged debris lifting the shingles or an excessive amount concaving the surface
• Weak overhanging tree limbs or branches that need trimming back

Work with these professionals to relieve your rooftop’s current condition. Once you give your roof a new lease on life, you won’t have to wonder, “is a roof replacement covered by insurance?” Insurance companies will be more open to helping you once disaster strikes. 

Preparing for an Insurance Inspection 

If you believe the insurance company owes you for recent damages, take the appropriate steps before picking up the phone. First, gather vital paperwork like a copy of your roof’s insurance policy. More importantly, find previous inspection reports that prove the preexisting condition of your roof before damages and repair work receipts, which demonstrate the intricate care you provided for it.

If you have pictures from when your roof was in peak condition, use them alongside some new shots of your damaged roof. These before and after photos will help show no damages were your fault during your claims process. Then, call your insurance provider to inspect your roof, validate your evidence, and provide their assessment.

Help Your Roof Pass Any Inspection, Anytime!

The most common reason residents in Falls Church fear the answer to the question, “is a roof replacement covered by insurance?” is because they placed maintenance on the back burner a long time ago due to high costs. At Low Cost Roofing, with 0% interest financing for up to two years and new roofs under $80 a month, high costs no longer become a concern. Our five-star, GAF-certified team offers 24/7 roof repairs, inspections, maintenance, and replacements for everyone in Falls Church, VA, and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free consultation today!