How Much Does Roofing Cost?
There are many factors that go into the total cost of a new roof, some of which are within the homeowner's control. One of those is the choice of material.
For instance, homeowners in areas that often experience strong winds will need to choose a roof that can withstand the elements.
Materials
The roof materials used in a new roofing system are one of the main elements that will affect the overall cost of the project. It’s important for homeowners to choose a roof material that will be durable and will complement their home’s style. Mixing and matching roofing materials will void any warranty protection, so it’s best to pick a material and stick with it for the entire life of your home’s roof.
The most affordable type of roofing material is asphalt shingles. They are durable, watertight and come in a variety of colors. Other shingle options include wood-shake shingles that add a rustic touch and metal shingles that reflect sunlight to keep homes cool without adding a lot of heat.
Tile roofs are a luxurious option that adds texture and elegance to a house. They are also fire resistant and can last up to 50 years. However, they are extremely heavy and may require additional framing to support the weight.
Installation
There’s a lot that goes into roof installation and it will affect the overall cost of your reroofing project. The type of roofing material is one factor, with basic asphalt shingles on the low end and high-end architectural shingles that can last 30 or 50 years costing more.
The complexity of your roof is also important to consider. If your roof has a lot of angles, valleys or a chimney it will take longer to install and can add to the total cost.
Your location is another consideration, with areas that experience severe weather requiring specialized materials. These types of roofing systems can range from metal panels to slate shingles and can be more expensive than basic asphalt.
The roofing professional you choose will also impact the final price of your reroofing project. You want a crew that’s experienced, licensed and insured for your safety. You also want to make sure the roofing company you choose is using only certified or branded products, not store brand shingles or knock off underlayments.
Repairs
The cost of repairing a roof can be expensive, but it’s usually less than the cost of replacing a roof. Most roofs experience deterioration over time, and some issues can become serious if they’re not addressed immediately. Some of these issues include a leaky roof, rusty gutters, or shingle damage caused by wind or hail.
A faulty roof truss is another issue that should be repaired as soon as possible. These structural supports define and support the roof, and they should be replaced as soon as rot or insect damage are detected. The cost to repair a truss ranges from $500 to $5,000.
Certain features on a house can add to the overall roof replacement cost, such as bay windows and skylights. Roofing contractors will need to cut around these structures, and that requires more materials and labor. The same goes for chimneys and plumbing vent stacks, which also require special flashing and waterproof cuts.
Maintenance
Keeping up with roof maintenance is essential to protecting your home’s investment. This means having it inspected by a professional roofing contractor on a regular basis, especially after major storms.
In addition to assessing the condition of your roof’s shingles, underlayments and ridge caps, it is important to look for signs of damage in the soffits, which protect the rafters from moisture and impact ventilation. It is also important to check the integrity of caulking around chimneys and skylights and power wash areas that are showing signs of moss growth.
A good roofing company will use GAF shingles with manufacturer-approved underlayments and ridge caps. Avoid contractors that mix in store brand shingles and underlayments to save on costs, since this could void any warranties. A thorough inspection will reveal many issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. This is why it is critical to have a roofing contractor with experience and a solid reputation. This will make the difference between a good job and an expensive one.
There are many factors that go into the total cost of a new roof, some of which are within the homeowner's control. One of those is the choice of material. For instance, homeowners in areas that often experience strong winds will need to choose a roof that can withstand the elements. Materials The roof materials…