Roof Replacement Cost Factors

Your home’s roof plays a crucial role in keeping your protected from the outside elements. Although many people don’t think about roof replacement until after water starts dripping into the home or they start finding shingles in the yard, it’s essential to keep up with roof maintenance and recognize the signs that it’s time for a new roof. Roof replacement can prove to be costly — factor in the cost of labor, materials and the roof itself — but at the end of the day, your safety comes first. To keep a roof over your head, know when it’s time for a new one and take the next steps.

Roofing: Don’t Do It Yourself

With the high costs associated with roofing, it can be tempting to try replacing your roof by yourself to reduce their costs. Although this could save you some money, it’s vital to leave the job to the professionals. One reason why roofing is so expensive is that it’s a job that requires expertise, training and the right materials to do correctly and safely. So, how much does roofing cost? The overall costs will depend on the cost of labor, insurance, different materials you could use for your roof and the size of the roof. However, trying to save money by doing it yourself is not the answer — you could even end up damaging your roof more. Roofers have the necessary resources and experience to get the job done efficiently and correctly to ensure your roof is functional and also aesthetically pleasing.

Why You Should Hire a Roofing Contractor

Roof replacement isn’t a job you should take lightly. It’s understandable to want to cut down on costs here and there, but don’t sacrifice the quality of your roof. Hire a licensed roofing contractor to get the job done. By the time you get all the tools necessary to perform the task and clear your schedule for the hours and hours of work you’ll be doing, only to have to call up the professionals when something comes up, it can actually end up saving you money to hire roofers. To ensure your new roof is safe, durable and reliable, trust in those with expertise.

1. Reduced Costs and Time Commitment

The process of installing a new roof, especially if you’ve never done it before, can be a strenuous process and take much longer than you initially anticipated. By hiring a roofing contractor with roofers who have perfected their craft through years of experience, your new roof will be done in no time. Additionally, professional roofers know what they’re doing. If you’re trying to install a roof and don’t do it properly, it could lead to leaks, reduced ventilation or even a dangerous collapse, which would all require you to call professionals to fix it. Save the trouble, time and money from the get-go and go with professionals.

2. The Right Tools and Materials

If you’re attempting to replace your roof, it’s highly unlikely you have all of the necessary tools and materials that professional roofers would come equipped with. These tools and materials can prove to be costly for the average person to buy and may even have you running all over to different stores, trying to track down the tools you need. However, contractors already have these tools and can get materials at a better price since they have access to wholesalers. Contractors also work with different suppliers, which allows them to find the exact elements your roof needs to be safe and stylish. Ultimately, you can pick out the best possible material, but it will only be as good as its installation.

3. Safety

From 2003 to 2013, falls accounted for more than 3,500 deaths in the construction industry. Of those deaths, about 34 percent, or 1,200 deaths, involved falling from a roof. While working at heights is an obvious danger, roofers also may encounter safety issues when it comes to ladders, power tools, noise, electricity, extreme temperatures and hazardous substances. Roofing is a dangerous job and should be treated as such. Don’t sacrifice your safety to save some money. Leave roof replacement to the professionals and keep yourself out of harm’s way.

4. Reliable Results

Roofing requires training and experience due to the precise nature of the job. Something as small as not having enough overhang at the roof’s edge can lead to water damage while having too much can weaken the shingles and make them prone to other damage. If you don’t have roofing experience, how would you know what to do if an unexpected issue arises? You could strip your roof only to learn that your new materials won’t be here on time, install an incorrect product or find damaged timber in the framing. Leaving the job to the professionals will keep your mind at ease, especially if the contractors you work with have a workmanship warranty to ensure a job well done.

Other Factors That Impact the Cost of Roofing

When you’re considering total costs associated with roofing, you have to remember to factor in cost of labor, which can account for a decent chunk of the total price. However, you may find that estimates vary across different roofing companies. To give you the most accurate pricing they can, licensed roofing contractors have to consider other factors when it comes to the job. These factors include things like the size of your roof, the pitch of your roof, how much roof you’re removing before putting your new one on, the material of your new roof and access to the roof.

1. Size

The bigger your roof is, the more work it will take to replace, thus typically increasing the cost of labor. Roofers give you an estimate per square, not to be confused with square foot. A square is a 10 foot by 10-foot area, or 100 square feet. You can break this down into the cost of roofing labor per square foot, but you’ll likely get roofing estimates per square.

2. Pitch

The pitch of your roof will also be a determining factor in total costs. Pitch refers to how high your roof is as compared to its length — a high roof with a steep pitch will require more labor and cost more. Steep roofs are not usually considered walkable and require extra safety, staging and work. Pitch can also help determine what kind of underlayment system you need.

3. Roof removal

Removing an old roof can undoubtedly increase the cost of roof replacement due to added labor. However, removal costs can depend on what material you’re having removed and how much you’re having removed. If there’s a lot of heavy materials to take off, labor will take longer and cost more. Removal also requires disposal, which is an additional charge you have to consider, too.

4. Material

The material of your new roof has perhaps the most significant impact on the total cost. Since the cost of materials can range greatly, you have a say in what you want to pay through your choice of material. While asphalt shingles are the most popular and economical roofing material for U.S. homes, you may also want something different that looks more unique on top of your home, like wood shingles or shake.

5. Access

Access is also an essential factor when it comes to contractor pricing. If your roof is hard to get to, this could result in additional equipment and labor, which will ultimately cost you more. If your roof is part of an attached condo, a replacement will be more expensive than if you lived in a standalone one or two-story home since it is more difficult to access.

Roof Replacement Costs

Although roofs last homeowners many years if well-maintained, it’s important to check up on your roof and know when it needs to be replaced. Roofs are susceptible to things like algae, mold, moss or mildew, so you should be examining your roof frequently to ensure it’s in good shape. Roofs could also be damaged by things like hail or other winter weather that causes ice dams and snow buildup that could warp or strain your infrastructure. It’s crucial to recognize the signs and know when your roof could use a repair or replacement.

How to Know When You Need to Repair or Replace Your Roof

Everyone knows that roofs don’t last forever. With time and exposure to the elements, it’s only natural that it will eventually need replacing. However, when it’s time, it’s time. Homeowners need to take action as soon as they recognize signs their roof needs repaired or replaced. Although some signs of wear, like a leaky ceiling or missing shingle, are more visible, you must be able to recognize the less-obvious signs as well so you can stay protected indoors with a roof that does its job.

1. Leaks

Watch out for leaks in your home and check the ceilings of all the rooms upstairs. If you see wet spots, your roof could be suffering from a leak. If there is water on any of the walls, this could also indicate a leak.

2. Age

While different material roofs last longer than some others, if you are unsure of how long you’ve had your roof, you could be due for an upgrade. The age at which you need to replace your roof may also depend on whether the previous roof was removed, the number of layers of shingles and ventilation. If your roof was put on top of other layers of roofing, and you’ve had it for quite some time, it may be time for a new one.

3. Flashing

If the flashing around your chimneys, pipe collars and vents appears damaged, you probably need a new roof. If your flashing appears worn or has any roof cement or tar in it, you may need a new roof and a new flashing system. For a flashing system that will last a long time and have a tight fit to ensure no water gets through, try something like a metal flashing system.

4. Shingles

Examine your shingles. If they are curled and look wavy or are buckling, you likely need new ones. Additionally, if you find any shingles laying around the yard, it could indicate you need a new roof. Shingles should not be cracked, broken or missing. While you can sometimes repair them, damaged shingles often point to a deeper problem with your roof.

5. Other warning signs

If you notice a spike in your energy bill, this could be the result of poor ventilation in your attic and could mean you need a new roof. Also, if you see your roof seems to look like it’s sagging, it could require new support beneath the shingles and an overall roof replacement.

Cost of a New Roof

What does roofing cost? Many factors impact the cost of each project, so it can be challenging to provide a specific estimate. For specific replacement and repair costs, we recommend contacting a contracting service directly so you have a more realistic expectation when it comes to your specific roof needs. While both repair and replacement could seem quite pricey for some, costs are understandable as they factor in things such as size, pitch, installation, labor, products and supplies, code requirement, plumbing pipes and other features. Plus, it’s crucial to keep a roof over your head at the end of the day. One of, if not the greatest, indicators of the cost comes down to the type of material you decide to use for your new roof. Whether you want to go with asphalt shingles or wood shingles and shake for your new roof, you must understand how the materials compare when it comes time to purchase a new roof.

Asphalt Shingles

Three-tab asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in homes across the U.S. They come in different colors, work well with a variety of different architectural styles and are relatively low-cost. Asphalt shingles are lightweight and usually make for a relatively easy installation process. This makes total installation costs and repair costs lower than with most other materials, such as wood shingles and shake. However, since they are an easier, more affordable option, asphalt shingles may not last quite as long as some other materials but can still prove to be a great value for your money.

Wood Shingles and Shake

Wood shakes, which are handmade, and wood shingles, which are cut with a machine, can give your house a natural, rustic aesthetic. Because these materials are more meticulously made, a natural wood shake roof with professional installation will cost a bit more than asphalt shingles and will likely be slightly more expensive to repair as well. At installation, these roofs require special underlayments and tools, like specialized nails or ridge cap shingles, which boosts the price when compared to asphalt shingle installation.

Cedar shakes are also available in two different weights — medium and heavy — which affects the warranty and could impact price. Medium shakes have a 40-year warranty while heavy shakes have a 50-year warranty. You could also pay an additional amount to add a fire treatment option to your cedar shakes for added protection. However, when considering wood shingles and shake roofs, remember that they may require more maintenance, as they are prone to deteriorate faster when up against fire, mold, split, rot or insects. For these reasons, a wood shingle or shake roof may be a beautiful addition to your home but may not last much longer than an asphalt shingle roof.

Architectural Roofing Shingles

Architectural roofing shingles are perfect for homeowners who are looking for asphalt shingles but with a little something extra. These roofing shingles can be used in place of the traditional three-tab asphalt shingles and are made out of thicker, heavier material, boosting their lifespan and cost as compared to the asphalt shingles. Architectural roofing shingles provide extra protection from high winds and various other weather conditions and also result in a more custom appearance for your home. They also often come with longer warranties.

Contact Sunshine Contracting Today for High-Quality Roof Replacement Services

Is it time for you to get your roof replaced or repaired? Trust Sunshine Contracting to get the job done. As one of the top 50 businesses in the home remodeling industry, Sunshine Contracting has been serving the Northern Virginia area for more than 20 years, delivering only the highest quality services and professionalism for any home improvement needs. Our team of professionals provides their expertise and guidance, working with you to ensure your roofing vision becomes a reality. If you’re ready to upgrade your roof and are looking for unmatched craftsmanship and reliability, get a free quote or contact Sunshine Contracting today.