If you own a home, you might need to put a new roof on it before long, especially if you have an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingles wear out or get ruined by hail and then you'll need a roof replacement. Roof replacements are common, although you may not go through the process very many times in your life. Here are things to know.

You Can Change To Different Roofing

Just because your house has asphalt shingles now, that doesn't mean you can't switch to metal or tile roofing. If you have an older house, it might not be designed to handle heavy roofing like clay tiles, but if you want clay tiles, a roofer can add structural support so your roof will support them.

Changing to a new type of roofing gives you a chance to completely change the exterior of your home, especially if you're planning to paint or get new siding too. Plus, other types of roofing may last a lot longer than asphalt shingles, and that could mean you'll never have to replace a roof again.

You Can Get Better Shingles

If you have an asphalt shingle roof now, you might prefer to get shingles for your roof replacement. You're familiar with shingles and you may like the way they look on your house. However, you can have a shingle roof and also have an upgraded roof that lasts longer and is more durable if you buy a better grade of shingles.

If you have an older home, your house might have basic three-tab shingles now. You can get those again, but if you want better shingles, you could pay more for architectural or luxury shingles. Your home will have a similar look, but the shingles will provide better protection against wind and hail.

Roofers Have Busy Seasons 

Roof replacements can be done just about any time of the year, but roofers tend to be busier in the summer months. In addition to doing more roof replacements then, they may be busier with repairs due to summer storms. If you need to replace your roof within the next year or two, start thinking about a good time to schedule the work.

Planning for your roof replacement so the work can be done before your roof develops major problems is usually a better plan than waiting until your roof fails and then needing an emergency roof replacement.

If you're overwhelmed at the thought of getting a roof replacement, call a roofing contractor and have them inspect your roof and give you a quote for the job. This gives you the chance to get all of your questions answered, and you'll find out how much money you'll need to invest.