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Need A New Roof? Here Are Some Factors That’ll Determine The Cost

There are a variety of factors that will determine when it’s time to purchase a new roof. If your roof is over 20 years old, there’s a good chance it needs to be replaced. Also, if you have water leaks, it’s a sign that you need a new roof. Getting a new roof is expensive regardless of the materials you choose or what roofing contractor you hire. In this article, we’re going to look at some things to think about that will determine the price of your new roof.

Size

By far, the most critical factor that determines how much your new roof is going to cost is the size. Larger roofs mean higher costs because of the material and labor involved.

Slope & Pitch

The pitch of your roof (sometimes called the angle) is the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. If the pitch is steep, it can be dangerous for workers who may need extra equipment, which can also add to the cost of the job. The roof’s slope is the amount of incline or the measurement of the rise of the roof to the run of the roof. Again, as with the pitch, if this angle is steep, it may hamper the ability of the workers and will cause cost to rise.

Peaks & Valleys

The valley of a roof is the shape that’s made from the channel that goes up and down the folds of the roof. The peak is the sloped edge that forms where two sections of the roof come together. When you have peaks and valleys in your roof, it adds to the cost of construction because they require precise work in to prevent a leak from developing. Shoddy work done on the peaks and valleys will shorten the lifespan of your roof and require more frequent repairs. Getting high-quality work on these parts requires certain expertise that you’re going to have to pay more for if you want it done right.

Roof Access

Another factor in the cost of your new roof is how easy it’s going to be for workers to get materials to the roof. If the crew can park a truck in your yard or driveway and haul materials straight up, then it’s going to be cheaper than if they have to haul materials in from the road or from any long distance away.

Materials

Perhaps one of the most significant factors in determining the cost of your new roof will be the material you choose for your shingles. There are a wide variety of materials to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Roof work

Asphalt shingles are the most common material used in residential homes, and they’re the most inexpensive because they’re ubiquitous and easy to install. Asphalt comes in a wide range of colors and styles, and most contractors will have no trouble installing them. However, they do wear out more quickly than other materials, which means you’ll be replacing your roof more frequently.

Clay and concrete are becoming popular because of the unique look they offer. Both clay and concrete last a long time, but they’re heavy and require beefed up framing, which adds to the expense. Metal is also very popular because it offers a nice bridge between asphalt and clay. Metal is extremely durable and resists most everything that Mother Nature throws at it. However, like clay, it’s also an expensive material.

Roofing Layers

In most cases, you’re going to have to remove the old roof in order to replace it entirely. The time it takes to remove the old roof also affects the cost. If your roof has multiple layers, it’s going to take more time, which means more money in labor costs. Also, depending on the material involved, there’s likely to be recycling or disposal fees involved, both of which will come out of your pocket.

Extras

In addition to putting on a new roof, do you also need ventilation, skylights, chimneys, solar panels or any other extras? If so, these are going to add to the cost of the roof in both materials and labor. And in some cases, you may need a specialist for installation, which can jack up the price even further.

Roof System Repair

Putting on a new roof often involves repairs made to the roof system itself, which merely means the support structure that may have rotted due to water damage. While the cost of materials to repair these systems is generally inexpensive, you’re going to be on the hook for the labor costs.

Ice Protection

If you want your roof to last a long time, then you want to be sure it can adequately protect against ice dams. An ice dam occurs when the snow melts and then refreezes along the edge of the roof. And while this looks pretty, it’s actually detrimental to your roof because of the water leaks they create. It’s estimated that ice dams cause millions of dollars in damage to US homeowners every year, so making sure you have adequate protection means a higher expense.

Warranty

There are two types of warranties that you can get on your roof: the standard roofing warranty where the contractor stands behind the work they performed, and the extended no dollar limit (NDL) warranty, which is backed up by the manufacturer. To get the extended NDL warranty, an inspection will need to be performed to ensure that the contractor took the proper steps and completed above par work. This inspection also adds costs to your roof. Consider getting a contractor that offers NDL warranties because you’ll ultimately be getting better craftsmanship and a roof that’s going to hold up longer.

Getting a new roof is expensive no matter how you slice it. However, if you invest the money now, it’s going to save you down the road because you won’t have as many repairs and the roof will last longer.

Getting a Roof Replacement? Here’s How To Save Some Money

A roof is expensive, but a necessary investment for your home. And when it comes time to replace your roof, you want the best quality, but you also want to get a reasonable price as well.

It’s estimated that a typical asphalt roofing job for a residential home can range from $8,000 to $16,500. And while there are a variety of factors that go into determining the price, we’re going to take a look at ways you can save a few bucks without sacrificing quality work.

Research & Learn

Thanks to the Internet, you have access to virtually every piece of information regarding roofing. Before you even talk to a roofing contractor, research materials, labor costs, and terminology, so you know exactly what you agree to when you negotiate. Also, keep in mind that you’ll likely have disposal fees and recycling fees to contend with when tearing down your old roof, so make sure you know approximately what those should be in your area before you agree to a price. Being informed means, you’re less likely to be taken advantage of.

Get a Roof Inspection

Getting a professional to come in and expect your roof is an excellent idea because it gives you a clear picture of the work that needs to be done. We’re not saying that all contractors are shady, far from it, but it’s better to know the work that needs to be performed by a third party rather than someone who may be trying to get a little more money out of you by selling you on something you may not need.

Getting a roofing inspector is relatively inexpensive, and you can generally get one for under $300. An inspector will be able to pinpoint any damage and advise you on whether you need a full-on roof replacement or if you can get by with a minor repair for now.

Lastly, when you hire an inspector, make sure you get someone who’s not associated with a company you may employ to do the work. As we said, they may not be as unbiased in their recommendation as you would like.

Repair or Replace

This goes hand-in-hand with getting a roof inspection because a proper inspection will help you decide whether you need a full-blown replacement or if you can get by with a repair. In many cases, what seems like a significant problem such as water leakage can be fixed with relatively inexpensive repairs.

Of course, you’ll eventually have to replace your roof at some point, but there’s no reason for spending the money now if you don’t have to. Repairing now allows you to begin setting aside money for when you’re going to replace it down the road.

Check For Warranties

Depending on when you purchased your home, there may be a warranty that’s attached to the roof from a previous replacement. If you don’t have this information, contact the previous owners and ask. Some roofs also come with manufacturer’s warranties, so be sure to check for that as well.

Depending on whether your roof has any warranty coverage will determine how much you have to spend to repair or replace it.

Get Plenty of Estimates

Just like when you’re shopping for a vehicle, it’s a good idea to shop around to try and get the best price. Most people have access to a variety of roofing contractors where they live, and you’re not doing anything wrong by getting estimates from all of them. Ask if they offer any warranties on their work and be careful of extremely low bids because that might indicate that you’re going to get substandard work.

Also, depending on how long you’ve lived in the neighborhood, you should ask your neighbors who they recommend to do the work. Chances are someone on your street had a roof replaced and will gladly point you in the right direction.

roof replacement

Check Out Financing Options

Because roof replacement can be so expensive, many of us don’t have that kind of cash laying around, and putting it on a credit card isn’t always the best option unless you have an amazing interest rate.

So, check out to see what financing options are available either through your bank or through the roofing manufacturer.

Of course, unless the roof is entirely shot, you’re probably better off doing a minor roof repair that’s going to buy you a year or two, and then begin budgeting so you can pay cash for that roof in a few years instead of having to finance and pay the extra fees.

Consider Alternate Materials

Just because your home came with an asphalt roof doesn’t mean you have to stick with that. True, asphalt is the most common and least expensive roofing material, which will save you money, but often there are incentives for going with different material such as something more energy efficient. You may get tax breaks and breaks on your homeowner’s insurance depending on the material you choose. And, you may end up getting a roof that lasts longer, which means you’ll save money from not having to replace it more frequently.

Consider The Timing

Most people opt for putting roofs on in the summer or early fall, which is when the contractors are the busiest, which means you’ll pay more. If you time your roofing project for early spring or early winter, you’ll likely get a much better deal on the labor.

DIY

If you’re handy, and if you have the time, try doing some of the work yourself. Removing the old roofing material before your contractor begins work saves them time and saves you money on labor costs.

Any way you slice it, a new roof is going to be expensive, but with a little planning, a little education and consideration, you can get a price that’s easier to handle than if you went in blind and went with the first estimate you were given.

 

 

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