There are several factors that impact the cost of roof replacement. Is there any cost breakdown? A good roof will last for many decades, but not always. Roofs are an integral part of every home and therefore it's vital to select one that will be able to last a lifetime while still keeping on a reasonable budget. When roofs get old, leaky, or worn out, they can create problems for your home. The average roof replacement cost is around $10,000. Homeowners typically pay between $8500 and $14300 for a 1500 square foot home. Roof replacements are costly investments, so it's important to know that you're investing in the right company.
GT Construction is your Brandon, MS roofing expert, dedicated to providing the highest quality asphalt shingle, metal roof, and slate roof replacements to our customers.
What factors affect the cost of a new roof?
The precise cost of a roof replacement depends on quality of material used, labor costs, the dimensions of the roof, the location of the property, and many additional factors.
How to measure your roof size
A larger roof takes more time and roofing material to replace. Materials and roofing prices are usually measured in roofing squares, which are 10-by-10 foot areas of 100 square feet. A 1,000-square-foot house typically has a roof of about 1,054 square feet, including the pitch and overhang. Steep pitches, complex roof features, and other factors can increase the material needed to replace the entire roof. It's not as easy as knowing your home's living area and finding a cost per square foot!
High quality roofing materials can increase roof replacement costs
Asphalt shingles are made by several different shingle manufacturers, and each manufacturer has several types of asphalt shingles. Each manufacturer offers different warranties for their products. Asphalt shingle warranties range from 25 year warranties to 50 year warranties. 3-tab shingles are basic asphalt shingles and have a lower wind rating. 3-tab shingles are typically are less reliable than architectural shingles, which means their warranty period is shorter than their laminated composition counterparts.
Architectural shingles also have different quality and warranty options available. GAF Timberline HD, Owens Corning Oakridge, and IKO Cambridge are all examples of 30 year, basic asphalt shingles. These builder's grade shingles are thicker than 3-tab shingles; however, each of these brands offer heavier, more protective options for a new roofing project.
Upgraded roofing material
Most brands have 40 to 50 year asphalt shingles that are warrantied for the entire life of the material. Some examples would be CertainTeed Landmark, GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, and IKO Dynasty. Each of these lines are heavier and have increased wind rating, which adds the benefit of increased lifespan for the roof.
Another option offered by most manufacturers is a 50 year shingle, or presidential shingle. CertainTeed offers Belmont, Grand Manor, and Presidential Shake options that provide amazing benefits to homeowners. These shingles offer top of the line wind ratings, hail impact resistances, and lifespans. Some additional benefits are increased energy efficiency for the home and discounts through your homeowners insurance company.
Synthetic Felt
Another upgrade to consider is the roof's underlayment. It's important to remember that roofing systems are "Water deterrent" and not always water-proof. Underlayment, commonly called roofing felt, comes in 100 square foot rolls. Some roofs still install the 15lb or 30lb felt that can be found at most supply stores. Synthetic felt is a plastic mesh underlayment that is similar to a tarp, but is thicker
and stronger. Choosing a contractor that uses synthetic felt can be a huge benefit. Water does occasionally get underneath the shingles, so you want to have added protection below them.
GT Construction is your local ShingleMaster certified roofing contractor
Each brand also offers accreditation options for contractors. Contractors with these certificates are allowed to offer extended warranties to their customers. If you are interested in a specific brand of shingles, consider contacting a local contractor that has accreditations with them.
Metal roof replacement
Metal roofs also come in several different styles and qualities. Standing seam metal roofs are considered as close to 'lifetime roof replacement' as it gets, in today's time. Standing seam roofs are usually installed using thicker gauges of metal panels. The screws that hold the panels in place are also covered, which prevents water and sunlight from damaging them.
Another style of metal roofing replacement is called five-rib or R-Panel roofing. These metal roofs use 29-gauge or 26-gauge panels. The design of this roofing system does leave the screws exposed to the elements, which means they occasionally need routine maintenance. Checking the screws every couple of years is recommended, which can be added roof costs.
Tile roofing material
Slate roofing materials are also considered top quality, lifetime products. Replacing your roof with a synthetic slate material or concrete tile can be very expensive. Very few roofing contractors offer this service, as the entire roof replacement cost is so much higher than basic asphalt shingles. This service is more of a "buy once, cry once" solution to replace a roof!
Thankfully, we live in the information age and there is tons of free information, reviews, and recommendations available. The most important thing to remember is that improper installation can turn a great product into a huge headache. Quality labor and proper installation is extremely important.
Typically, labor represents 60% of roof replacement costs.
One company may employ skilled laborers, while another company may use the cheapest laborers they can find. Carrying insurance on a roofing crew is also very expensive, but is also extremely beneficial to the homeowner.
Roofing companies usually charge more to replace steep roofs. Steep roofs take longer to complete, require additional safety equipment, and increase the liability on the company. If your roof pitch is 7/12 or greater, it will increased your average cost to replace.
Roofing crews, like roofing companies, vary in skill and efficiency. Some crews are extremely efficient, clean and dispose of debris as they work, and expertly install the new roofing materials. Some crews couldn't nail a piece of bread to a tree and leave trash and other debris at the property.
Installing a Roof Overlay vs a Complete Re-roof
Your roof may have some blown off shingles, but some life left to live. Roof overlays can be a cheaper option than tearing off and installing all new materials. Naturally, getting roof overlays are much easier than having a whole new roof installed as there's no need to remove a whole roof. Rather, a roof overlay is simply the addition of new material, which is installed over the old material. Roof overlays can solve some problems because it provides another layer of protection to your roof. It can be a very good choice when there's some minor damage and you want a more affordable option.
Overlays are not always allowed. Manufacturers have different installation guidelines and don't always warranty overlays. Some local building codes and Homeowners Associations may also prohibit them. It can be very important to do additional research or to hire a knowledgeable contractor before considering a roof overlay.
Cost of Roof Replacement vs. Roof Repair
Since the cost of replacement has soared, the market for fixing leaks or replacing a few shingles has increased. Roof repairs usually involve purchasing material to match the old roof, removing the damaged material, and installing new material in place. Roof flashing repair can be accomplished by either removing and replacing the damaged flashing, or by sealing the leak area. Roof valleys are also another problem area, which can require new roof boards underneath. Typically valleys are repaired by removal of the old material and installation of rolled roofing and new shingles.
At GT Construction, we offer several new roof financing options for our customers!
Roof repairs are usually temporary. Even though you can repair any leak quicker than you can fix the problem, the cost of ongoing repairs will likely exceed the value of new roof. If a damaged roof has been repaired, but problems keep popping up, it could be time to consider a full roof replacement. Generally, basic three tab shingles are difficult to repair without damaging the surrounding material. If you have a failing roof due to storm damage, failed repairs could also lead to a full roof replacement.
GT Construction offers roof inspections and documentation for insurance claims!
If the large cost of a full replacement is something that's outside of your budget, some roofing companies offer financing options that can be helpful. Asking your contractor if they assist with insurance claims can also reduce the total cost to replace a roof. Most homeowners with roof damage save thousands of dollars by picking a licensed roofing company to help them with their insurance claims.
Unforeseen cost of roof replacement
If your roof estimates are higher than you anticipated, that may be due to unforeseen costs associated with replacement. Damaged plywood or OSB is very common. It may seem like plywood would not cost much, but material price increases effect all aspects of construction. Local code requirements often prevent licensed roofing companies from installing a new roof without replacing rotten plywood. Even if code isn't enforced, rotten plywood can be a huge problem if not replaced.
The easiest way to prevent additional costs is to regularly evaluate the condition of your roof and complete repairs as quickly as possible. Nearly every roofing company offers roof inspections, and most inspections are free. We recommend having your roof inspected yearly, sometime in June or July.
Comments