7 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof in Boise, ID

Are you a Boise resident and considering replacing your roof?

Whether you decide to invest in an asphalt shingle roof or another roofing material, you will want to ensure you are aware of the roofing industry in Idaho. In today’s article, the team here at Legacy Roofing of Idaho will help you with everything you should know before replacing your roof in Boise and the Treasure Valley!

Let’s dive in!

What to Know About Replacing Your Roof in Boise/Meridian/Nampa:

Here are the top seven must-know things about roofing that you, as a homeowner, should be aware of!

1. Roof Installation vs Roof Repair

One of the most critical decisions you must make as a homeowner is whether to repair or replace your roof. We often encounter clients who are unsure about which path to take, and it’s understandable. A roof is an essential component of any house; it protects you from harsh weather conditions in Idaho and contributes significantly to energy efficiency. The choice between installing or repairing a roof largely depends on the existing roof’s condition, the extent of damage, and your long-term plans.

Repairs can be a cost-effective solution that extends the roof’s life if a roof has localized damage, such as a few missing shingles or minor leaks. However, if the damage is widespread or if the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan (15 years or older), a full roof installation may be the better option. Installing a new roof can seem daunting, but it often pays off in the long run by enhancing the home’s value and providing better insulation. As a professional, I advise homeowners to consider factors like age, the extent of any storm damage from hail or wind, materials, and potential energy savings when making this decision.

2. Understand The Roof Replacement Process

Let’s say your roof leak is causing water damage, and your roof is 20+ years old, and you decide to replace your roof; what does that process look like? The roof replacement process is pretty straightforward:

1. Book a consultation for a new roof and learn about the roofing materials
2. Sign your contract once you firmly understand the terms of the materials, installation, and warranty
3. The roofing company you work with orders the shingles
4. Once the shingles arrive, your old roof is removed down to the plywood decking
5. The new roofing components are installed, including the underlayment, flashing, waterproofing elements, shingles, ridge vents, and more

3. Only consider local Boise roofing companies

Perhaps the most critical point on this list is this one: only hire a roofing company local to Boise/Idaho. Do not hire out-of-town companies that don’t have a physical Boise or Nampa area location. Storm chasers will come down after severe weather and pitch homeowners on “Cheap Roofs” only to do a poor job and never return calls again. We have replaced two-year-old roofs that were done by non-local companies that were either non-responsive or out of business.

Remember, these companies go from city to city knocking on doors and promising the best roofing prices, only they don’t care about any local building code, your warranty, or the quality of the work in most cases. Lastly, local companies understand the Idaho climate better than companies from across the country, making local roofers more equipped to handle your roofing problems!

4. Shingle Manufacturers

There are quite a few shingle manufacturers, but typically, most asphalt shingle roofs use one of the “Big Three” shingle companies. Each of the three features three-tab, architectural, and premium/luxury shingle varieties and offers comparable warranties.

We typically work with GAF roofing products, however, here are the quick highlights of each:

GAF

• Varieties: Timberline® (architectural), Royal Sovereign® (3-tab), Grand Sequoia® (premium)
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime on most shingles, 50-year non-prorated coverage with certified installer

Owens Corning

• Varieties: Landmark® (architectural), XT™ 25 (3-tab), Grand Manor® (luxury)
• Warranty: Lifetime limited, up to 50 years full coverage with SureStart™ protection

CertainTeed

• Varieties: Duration® (architectural), Supreme® (3-tab), Berkshire® (luxury)
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime, 50-year TruPROtection® coverage with certified installer of CertainTeed

Keep in mind that wind ratings go up to 130MPH, but numerous factors, which we cover in the next bullet point, determine the warranty validation!

5. Know Other Premium Roofing Materials & Warranty Info

Aside from your standard roofing shingle, there are other roofing materials to choose from, such as metal, cedar shake (wood), clay, or even slate. The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles, followed by standing seam metal roofs.

Here is a quick note on other roofing materials:

• Standing Seam Metal Roofing: Features raised interlocking seams running vertically; highly durable, weather-resistant, low maintenance, and energy-efficient; ideal for modern and commercial applications and last 50+ years! Costs are higher.
• Cedar Shake Roofing: Hand-split wooden shingles offer a natural, rustic appearance. They are excellent insulation, resistant to insects and decay with proper maintenance, and require regular upkeep (not ideal for the Boise climate).
• Clay Tile Roofing is made from kiln-fired clay. It is highly durable, fire-resistant, and excellent in hot climates. It is a heavy material requiring strong structural support. It is common in Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes and coastal areas but not often in Boise/Treasure Valley.
• Slate Roofing: Natural stone tiles that provide exceptional durability, fire resistance, and a lifespan of 100+ years; highly aesthetic but expensive and require reinforced roof support due to weight. Synthetic slate options are available.

Roofing warranties are something to always ensure you understand details because they matter for your home insurance and any potential issues in the future. A roofing warranty consists of two components:

1. The manufacturer’s product warranty
2. The roofing companies’ labor guarantee (varies depending on the roofer).

To avoid potential issues, the manufacturer warranty must be met at installation, pending the manufacturer’s requirements. For example, a GAF shingle roofing warranty requires that the entire roofing system uses GAF products and proper nailing patterns. If this is not met, it can void the warranty, so ensure you always have the roofing company you work with explain the warranty in detail and provide you with all details, such as transfer information, etc.

6. Always get a full replacement instead of a nail over

In the Treasure Valley, it is standard practice to tear off your roof system down to the decking and replace your entire roof with new shingles, underlayment, flashing, vents, and more. A “Nail-over reroof” is an outdated method in which roofing companies install a second layer of shingles on top of the existing asphalt shingles.

A reroof can cause more issues than it helps an it prevents you from qualifying for a new warranty, it doesn’t save you any money, and it is aesthetically unpleasing. Down the road, you will encounter numerous issues if you don’t have your entire roof replaced when needed.

7. Other Exterior Remodeling Services

When working with a budget, the cost of a new roof can seem somewhat expensive. However, depending on how you finance or pay for your roof, you can also consider other remodeling services when installing your new roof. Depending on how you look at your investment, siding, window, or gutter upgrades are a very logical choice.

Here are some quick considerations:

Gutters

The most common add-on with a new roof is new gutters. Depending on the age and condition of your existing gutters, new gutters can add curb appeal and functionality. Many homeowners have added new GAF Coal shingle roofs with black gutters, a simple and modern enhancement!

✅ Gutter Services in Boise

Doors & Windows

Your roof can increase your home’s energy efficiency, but so can new doors and windows! While doors and windows can be a pricey upgrade, there is no better time than when you are having a new roof solution installed to consider upgrading your windows/doors, too!

✅ Window Services in Boise

How much does a new roof cost in Boise, ID?

The cost of a new roof in Boise or The Treasure Valley really depends on several factors, including the roofing material you choose and the size of your roof. A reputable roofing contractor will always include a breakdown of the total costs but the size of your roof, the amount of flashing, and the length of your ridge vent are the top factors for roofing costs.

Be mindful of the misconception that roofs are cheap or that you can get a “Cheap roof with insurance,” which is sometimes leveraged by non-transparent roofing companies. Some homeowners will be attracted to “Cheaper pricing.” However, your new roof could be installed incorrectly, have missing components, and have an invalid warranty if you don’t have a quality roofing company like Legacy Roofing of Idaho to help you.

Generally speaking, asphalt shingle roofs cost roughly $400- $600 per square foot for every 100 square feet of roof material. For a complete roof installation quote and a free consultation, reach out to Legacy Roofing below—we are the premier Boise roofing company!