Roof repairs, let alone replacements, strike fear in the heart of every homeowner.
Even seemingly simple roof repairs can seem needlessly expensive.
Your roof has no missing parts, and no electronics, so many people feel that even a complete replacement of a roof should be simple and inexpensive.
But even though the work itself may be pretty straightforward, it's not always easy.
It takes expertise and quality materials to replace a sturdy, safe and reliable roof.
Several factors come into play when it comes to roof complete roof replacement costs, and we'll discuss a few of them below.
Factors Influencing Roof Replacement Cost
A few essential components affect the cost of replacing a roof.
You can't do anything about some of these factors, like your geographic location, weather, and the size of your roof.
But there are things, like the materials and keeping up with routine maintenance, that can make a massive difference in your roof replacement cost.
And there can be additional costs that weren't expected at the beginning of the project that can influence the replacement cost.
When calculating your project budget and reviewing estimates, you may see the term "roofing square."
A roofing square is a 10-foot by 10-foot section of the roof or 100 square feet.
It's a unit of measurement unique to the roofing industry, making it easier for roofers to calculate material costs.
The price per square foot typically includes the cost of the roofing material, supplies, protective elements, waste removal, and labor.
Your professional roofing company may use a per-square-foot measure, so be clear about your contractor's units while discussing cost.
The Scope Of The Repair
The amount of work you will have to do to your entire roof, or the scope of the repair project, plays a pivotal role in just how much your roof repairs cost.
Expect a detailed scope of repair work from your roofing contractor.
It should break down the work required, the materials needed, a warranty, a timeline, and a payment schedule.
Labor
A roof is only as good as the roofers who installed it, so labor is perhaps the most critical part of the replacement.
Quality roofing work is very precise.
Something like an insufficient overhang at the roof's edge can lead to water damage.
But if there's too much overhang, it will leave your shingles weak and susceptible to other types of damage.
Any home improvement job requires excellent workmanship.
But something like a sloppy paint job is only aesthetically unpleasing.
A sloppy roof repair could create a leaky roof, inadequate ventilation, mold, or even a hazardous collapse.
The best way to research a company's workmanship is by checking references and even inspecting previous jobs, if possible.
The Roof Deck
The roof deck provides added support and structure for the roof itself.
The roof deck might not have to be replaced, and it will depend on the damage that has been caused.
If the deck's integrity is intact and efficient enough to hold the weight of the new materials, you don't need to worry about the deck's costs.
The only way to know if the roof deck will have to be replaced is to tear down the shingles.
Location
The location of your roof will also impact roofing costs.
Different locations will need different types of roofs.
For example, a roof in the PNW will need to be able to withstand constant rainfall, and a roof in Florida will need to withstand heat and hurricanes.
Your house's location isn't something you can change, so seek out multiple estimates to see the average in your area.
Roof Type and Roofing Material
The type of roof you have and the type of roofing material you choose will also impact the price of a roof repair or replacement.
Is your roof pitched or a flat roof? Do you have wood shingles, or is your roof made of metal?
Asphalt shingles are typically the cheapest material and cost about $120 to $400 per 100 square feet.
Changing the roofing material used for your shingles can increase the cost of your roofing project.
Ceramic shingles cost $300 to $500 per 100 square feet, and slate shingles cost between $800 and $1,000 per 100 square feet.
If you opt for a metal roof, it will cost $1,500 per 100 square feet.
Roof damage to a flat roof tends to cost more than pitched roof repairs because pitched roofs are designed to minimize water damage.
A flat roof is more likely to be a leaky roof, making them more likely to need repairs.
Insurance
Accidents on the roof can also be expensive, especially if you are found liable.
When searching for a roofing contractor, the lowest bidder probably hasn't purchased comprehensive liability and workers' compensation insurance.
When you hire your roofing contractor, get proof of the proper insurance and ask to see their current license.
Water Damage
Sometimes water damage isn't immediately visible on your entire roof.
When your roofer starts removing your roof, they may find existing water damage that they didn't see when doing your estimate.
If this happens, your roofer will likely work with you but expect unforeseen water damage to add to the cost of roofing repairs.
If you think your roof might have water damage due to heavy rains, ask your roofer to quote you for what replacing sheathing in that area would cost so you can budget for it.
Removal Costs
Sometimes be placed on top of an existing layer, but this isn't always recommended because it adds extra weight to your structure.
And if the current roof is badly damaged, structurally unsound, or already layered, having your old roof removed and disposed of will affect your roofing prices.
The cost for this varies based on the type of roofing material of your current roof.
If your contractor discovers old or rotted timbers, the replacement cost for those can run between $1,000 and $10,000.
The cost of asphalt shingles can sometimes be mitigated if you can remove them yourself.
Still, it's challenging to work while balancing on a sloped roof, and the savings may not be worth the risk because removal is typically bundled into the replacement cost.
Can I Decrease the Cost of a New Roof?
A well-maintained roofing system brings down the average cost to replace the entire roof.
If you neglect routine maintenance and don't keep up with your yearly inspections, you will likely pay more money when your roof needs to be replaced.
Roof leaks and water damage can cause severe damage that will increase the cost of your new roof.
Foruntaltey, you can take steps to keep the cost of your roof replacement down.
Just take the following steps:
- Conduct thorough research for the roof's dimensions, the types of roofing material you should use, and your current damage.
- Speak with several roofers to get an estimated cost and choose the professional roofer who best fits your needs.
- Schedule the replacement during the slowest season.
- Apply for an insurance claim if you can. Your roofer should be able to help with this.
Contact The Best Roofing Company Today
For over 15 years, TK Roofing and Gutters has provided Northeast Ohio residents with the highest quality roofing services available.
We have a customer-first approach and treat your home as our own.
As a CertainTeed certified roofing company, we can offer the longest warranties in the industry.
If your home was damaged and you need a roof replacement, we can help give you peace of mind.
And if there is a problem with your roof for the next ten years, we'll fix it.
We are also insurance specialists.
If your home was damaged due to a storm, high winds, or heavy snowfall, we can start the insurance process for you.
Dealing with a damaged home is a trying and difficult time.
We will walk with you step by step and ensure that your home and family are taken care of.
To see how Ohio's Best Roof Replacement Contractors can help you with your roof replacement, click the button below.
