When you’re getting ready to replace your roof, it’s a bit of a juggling act to keep everything in a row; you may be concerned about the cost of replacement, what type of roofing you should choose, or whether your HOA approves your roofing decision. One element often forgotten is what to do once the job is done. That is, what do you do with the old roofing shingles that were replaced? Here’s what you should know about disposing of shingles and the options you have.
You Have Options: Consider Reroofing
Depending on where you live, you can have multiple layers of shingles on your home. In Indiana, homeowners can typically have three layers, but it’s best to ask your local roofing contractor for the most up-to-date information. If you don’t already have the maximum number of layers on your home, then reroofing (rather than roof replacement) may be a great option for you. This not only saves you the hassle of roof shingle disposal, but it also cuts back on cost since you won’t need to pay your roofing contractor to remove the existing shingles.
Do I Need to Get Rid of My Old Roofing Shingles After Replacement?
Whether or not you need to handle shingle replacement depends on the contractor you work with. Generally, shingle disposal will be taken care of by your roofer and included in the cost of the project. However, we suppose if you want to take care of disposal on your own, you do have that option! Additionally, if you choose to recycle or repurpose your roofing shingles (as laid out below), you’ll have to take on the gruntwork that entails.
Roof Shingle Disposal
More and more homeowners are starting to pay attention to the waste they produce and how to become more environmentally friendly. Replacing a roof inevitably comes with a lot of waste, but fortunately, there are options out there for recycling or repurposing some of your materials.
Roof Shingle Recycling
Many communities now have centers available specifically for recycling asphalt roof shingles. These businesses will take old shingles and transform them into materials used for road infrastructure. In some instances, they have powerful magnets that remove the nails, as well, so you don’t need to worry about removing them before dropping off your donation.
If you choose this option, it’s important to know that some recycling service providers have specific requirements for donating your roof shingles. For example, they may need to be pre-ground or they may charge a donation fee to cover the cost of labor to recycle them.
If you’re interested in roof shingle recycling, make sure to call the recycling center ahead of time so you know what to expect.
Donate Your Roof Shingles
If your roof shingles are still in good shape and could potentially be repurposed, consider contacting a nonprofit such as Habitat for Humanity or posting them on a platform like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. The remnants may be used to patch a roof or complete another repair for a lower-income family. Roof shingles are expensive, and you may be able to help a struggling homeowner to complete their project and ensure their home is safe and comfortable.
Roof Shingle Disposal
While it’s not the most ideal option, there are some circumstances where disposing of your roof shingles traditionally are the only option. If your shingles are particularly worn down or grimy, they may not be in acceptable condition for recycling.
In most cases, the roofing contractor who completes your roof replacement will include shingle disposal in the cost of your project. A dumpster will be brought to your home for proper disposal, and they will ensure that everything is removed from your property to prevent any risk.
What to Expect After Your Roof Replacement
Roof replacement is a major project, and it’s normal for your property to be a bit of a mess throughout the process. Once your new roof is installed, your roofing contractor will take steps to ensure that your property is back to its original condition. Typically, they will use a powerful backblower to get rid of any dust, debris, or shingle granules that may have ended up on your patio or yard.
Gutters and window seals will be cleaned either by hand or with a leaf blower, and then they will use a powerful magnet to survey your entire property and pick up any loose nails. While contractors are generally very thorough with this clean-up process, it’s still a good idea to look out for any nails on your property for the first few weeks after your roof was replaced. This is especially important after it rains because nails can sometimes get caught in the downspouts.
Choosing the Right Roofing Expert
At Indy Roof Company, we pride ourselves on providing top-tier experience for every customer. Our friendly, knowledgeable contractors are exceptionally skilled and prioritize redefining the roofing experience for Indianapolis homeowners. When it comes to roof replacement, we walk you through every step of the process and educate you so that you can make the best decision for your home. We also work with your HOA guidelines, if needed, to ensure that your roof is up to standard and easily approved.
For more information about roof replacement and what that entails, please reach out to our team today. We look forward to helping you make your home as safe and comfortable as possible.
