How To Save Money on a Roof Replacement

On average, roof repair can cost anywhere between $400 and $1,200. If the damage is extensive, the cost can go as high as $15,000. Here are some helpful tips on how to save money when its time to make this important investment in your home.

Key Takeaways

• The best way to save money on a roof replacement is to do your research for a great roofer, be prepared to pay in cash to leverage any negotiations in price, and to choose the right roofing materials.
• Roof repairs can cost between $400 and $15,000, with insurance coverage being a potential but challenging option.

How to Save Money on a Roof Replacement

A roof replacement is one of the most significant home improvement expenses you may face. However, with careful planning and smart decisions, you can reduce costs while still ensuring your home remains protected. Here are some key strategies to save money when replacing your roof.

1. Compare Multiple Estimates

Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Get estimates from at least three reputable roofing contractors to compare pricing, materials, and warranties. This can help you negotiate a better deal and avoid overpaying.

2. Choose Cost-Effective Materials

While premium materials like slate or metal roofing offer longevity, they come at a higher price. Instead, consider more budget-friendly options like asphalt shingles, which provide durability at a lower cost. You can also ask contractors about discount or overstocked materials.

3. Time Your Replacement Wisely

Roofing companies tend to be busiest during late spring and summer, which means higher prices. If possible, schedule your replacement during the off-season (late fall or early winter) when demand is lower, and contractors may offer discounts.

4. Look for Financing and Assistance Programs

If you need financial assistance, check for local or state programs that offer grants or low-interest loans for home repairs. Some utility companies and nonprofit organizations also provide aid for energy-efficient roofing upgrades.

5. DIY Where Possible

While roofing is a complex job best left to professionals, there are tasks you can handle yourself to save money. Removing old shingles, disposing of waste, or even purchasing materials directly can cut down on labor costs. Just be sure to follow safety precautions.

6. Understand the Financial Consequences of Roof Financing

If you're considering financing your roof replacement, be aware of the potential legal and financial risks:

• Loan Default Risks. If you take out a loan for your roof replacement and cannot make payments, you could face serious consequences. The lender may take legal action, garnish your wages, or place a lien on your home.
• Cosigning Risks. If someone cosigns a loan to help you finance your roof, they could be held responsible for payments if you default. This could lead to strained relationships, collection efforts against them, and difficulties removing them from the loan in the future.
• High-Interest Rates. Some financing options come with high interest, making your roof replacement significantly more expensive over time. Always compare loan terms and explore 0% financing promotions if available.

7. Take Advantage of Tax Credits and Insurance Coverage

Check if your homeowner’s insurance covers part of the replacement due to storm damage or wear. Additionally, some energy-efficient roofing materials may qualify for tax credits, reducing your overall costs.

8. Maintain Your Roof to Avoid Premature Replacement

Regular maintenance can extend your roof’s lifespan, delaying the need for a costly replacement. Keep gutters clean, replace damaged shingles promptly, and inspect your roof annually to catch minor issues before they become major expenses.

4 Tips To Find the Best Roofing Company for Your Home

Here are some helpful tips to secure a greater roofer after you nail that claim. 

1. Only consider local roofing companies. This will help make sure that the contractor is going to follow all the local codes (furthermore, you’ll easily be able to contact the company, if there’s ever a problem).
2. Check out the company’s reviews from the last 3–6 months. Use not only Google but also such online sources as the Better Business Bureau, for example.
3. Don’t limit yourself to just one company. Get quotes from multiple contractors and don’t do business with companies that do not include a fine print, all the line items, or any warranty information or that have hidden fees.
4. Do not always look for the lowest price. You’re making yourself a target of a bad roofer who might lower the prices just to outbid other contractors. 

How Often Should a Roof Be Replaced?

Roof Type	Recommended Replacement Schedule
Composition shingles	12-20 years
Wood shingles	20-25 years
Asphalt shingles	15-30 years
Rubber roofs	30-50 years
Metal roofs	50-75 years

Remember that if you manage to take proper care of your roof and replace it according to the schedule, you will increase your chances of winning an insurance claim, in case there is ever such a need. 

Tips for Getting Your Insurance Company To Pay

When you are preparing your roof, it would be best if your insurance company foot most of the bill. Of course, you could reach out to Simple Fast Loans for an online installment loan to help you cover the cost, but it is always wise to do your due diligence on any home improvements, especially those as vital as the roof over your head.

That said, if you want to get as much money as possible from your carrier, here are the basics.

• Make sure to meet every deadline and contractual obligation mentioned in the policy.
• Always ask your insurance agent for clarification, if there are sections in the policy that you do not fully understand.
• Have a few sets of the necessary documents to ensure that you don’t lose any important papers once you hand them over to the adjuster.
• Start by bidding for the highest possible payment.
• You can always ask your insurance company to send over another adjuster if you disagree with the first expert’s verdict.

Make Sure You Have a Legitimate Claim

You should give your policy a thorough read before filing a claim. Look for the section where it mentions the cases that the insurance company does not cover.

Most companies will not take care of the necessary repairs if the damage to the roof  is caused by:

• General wear and tear
• Pests and birds
• Lack of maintenance
• A contractor who didn’t have his own insurance
• Earth movement (not all companies cover earthquakes and mudslides, so make sure to check your policy)

Prepare To Negotiate with the Insurance Company

Once you file a claim, the insurance company will send over an adjuster who is going to assess the damage and determine what can be done further.

It would be much easier for you to get the best possible outcome if you have the necessary documentation:

• Receipts of previous work done on the roof
• Home inspection reports
• A copy of your insurance policy
• Photos of the roof (before the damage and after)

What Does Insurance Look for?

Though the adjuster would certainly be looking for any damages caused by weather-related conditions covered by your insurance, the expert would also try to find a reason to reject your insurance claims.

You might have trouble getting paid if your roof is too old or poorly maintained.

If the adjuster finds granule loss, exposed underlayment, or dark streaks that indicate the presence of algae, you might not be able to get a full reimbursement.

How To File an Insurance Claim for Roof Replacement

So, you are taking the road of filing a claim, let's go over how to get this approved.

Get a Professional Roof Inspection

It would be nearly impossible to file an excellent claim without a professional inspection.

Be cautious about the companies that offer free roof inspections, as scams typically begin with such an unsolicited offer. A physical roof inspection can cost between $75 and $600. If you’d prefer a drone inspection, be prepared to pay $150–$400.

Tip: Double-check your policy, as some insurance companies might cover the cost of the inspection as well.

Review Your Policy

Make sure that the claim that you’re about to make is included in the policy.

Once you have verified that damage caused by a storm, for example, is covered, start looking for any stipulations.

Prepare Your Documents

If you’re the type of person who keeps all his documents in one place, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding records of past repairs and home inspection reports.

In case you do not have these papers on hand, you can try getting a copy from the company that performed the inspection or repair. 

Be Prompt

Most companies would allow you to file a claim within a year of when the damage occurred, but you should bear in mind that the longer you wait, the more factors affecting the condition of the roof the adjuster might be able to find during the inspection.

Record Your Correspondence

It is not something that you must do, but keeping a log of your interactions might prove to be helpful in the long run.

Simply don't forget to write down the names of the individuals you spoke to, the dates, and a summary of the meeting.