A new roof is an important and costly purchase. Not only does it have a large impact on your home’s appearance — it’s also one of the most critical factors in the integrity of your home’s structure. Before you begin calling roofing contractors, get up to speed on roofing costs, materials and installation.
Roofing cost considerations
A number of variables can affect the final cost of your new roof. Do you have chimneys, dormers, skylights or other features that interrupt the planes of your roof? What is the shape of your roof? The greater the number of elements that roofers will need to work around and the number of separate sections, the higher the cost. Another factor is the existing conditions your roofing contractor encounters at the start of the job — if the structure beneath or abutting the roof needs repair or if a great deal of old materials need to be removed, your labor costs will be higher.
Note that when roofing contractors measure and estimate the cost of your roof, their unit of measurement may be a “square.” Rather than actual square feet, a square in roofing terminology equals 100 square feet of area, or a 10′ by 10′ square. Be sure you understand the measurements used in the estimates that potential contractors provide.
Roofing materials
Following are the five most common materials used for roofing today. Before you make your final material choice, however, consult a trusted roofing contractor to ensure that the material you want is right for your home. As a rule, the roof you have now will be the determining factor, as will how well your home’s structure can handle certain loads.
Slate: Slate is extremely durable and beautiful, but expensive. Shipped from quarries in the northeastern U.S., it can start at approximately $800 per square (100 square feet). To ensure a slate roof is properly installed, verify that your roofing contractor has the skills, tools and experience to work with slate.
Tile: The distinctive roofing that defines Mission and Spanish architectural styles, the half cylinders of tile are expensive, very durable, and often quite heavy.If you’re changing your current roof from some other type of roofing to tile, confirm with a reputable roofing contractor that your home’s structure can support the weight.
Asphalt shingles: Being the least costly overall and the easiest to install, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. It comes reinforced with either fiberglass or organic materials, which doesn’t have much of an impact on the shingles’ appearance. Depending upon the type used, you can expect an asphalt roof to last approximately 25 years (or more in mild climates). Entry-level prices are around $50 per square.
Metal: Beginning at approximately $250 per square, metal roofing is expensive. Some metal roofing, such as copper-asphalt, comes in shingles, but most types — including copper, steel and aluminum — come in panels which are soldered together. Metal roofing is lightweight compared to other materials and stands up well to harsh weather.
Installation
Roofing is not a do-it-yourself project. Qualified roofing contractors know how to work safely and efficiently, and their licensing and insurance protect you and your property. It’s possible that you could cause damage to both your roof and your home if you don’t know proper roofing techniques and the risk of injury is simply too great.
Rely on Contractor Connection’s professional roofing contractors.
For safe, high-quality roofing installation, call on our network of expert roofing contractors. Each one has been thoroughly vetted for credentials and qualifications, and they meet stringent insurance company standards. For your free, no-obligation estimate, simply enter your ZIP code at the top of the page to get started.
Categories: Roofing Contractors
