Get matched with top roofers in Fayette, IA

The four types of roof sheathing are plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), planks, and tone-and-groove boards. The overwhelming majority of homes use the first two (especially OSB) and the other two are not often seen outside of special use cases. Methods of sheathing include solid sheathing, open sheathing where there are gaps, and plank sheathing. Most roofs are solid sheathing.

While you can stay at home during a roof replacement, you probably won’t want to, as it’ll be very noisy. The area around your home will also be messy, as roofers will be discarding old roof material and storing their equipment on the ground.

A roof's lifespan can range from 15 to 200 years, with an average of 25 to 50 years, depending heavily on the material, quality of installation, maintenance, and local climate. Asphalt shingle roofs are common and typically last 15 to 30 years; three-tab shingles have a lifespan of about 20 years, while architectural shingles can last up to 30. More durable materials have longer lifespans: metal roofs last 30 to 100 years, clay and concrete can last 50 to 100 years, and slate roofs can last up to 200 years with proper care. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and replacing damaged shingles, is crucial for extending the life of any roof.

Fall is widely considered the best time of year to replace a roof. The moderate temperatures are ideal for roofing crews to work and for new shingles to seal properly. Additionally, autumn weather is often drier, reducing the risk of weather-related delays compared to the rainier spring season.

While spring is also a viable option, the higher chance of rainfall can slow down the project. The main drawback to a fall installation is that it's the peak season for roofers, which can lead to higher prices and scheduling challenges.

To potentially save money, you could consider scheduling your roof replacement during the summer or winter off-seasons. However, both seasons have significant disadvantages. Extreme summer heat can make shingles too soft to handle, while winter's cold, snow, and ice can create dangerous working conditions and prevent shingles from sealing correctly, as they typically require temperatures above 40-45°F.