Replacing a roof is an expensive home improvement project that takes significant time and effort. The type of roof, its pitch and features like chimneys and skylights all play a role in the cost and difficulty of the job.
One of the biggest signs your roof needs replacing is leaks. Other indicators include shingle curling and granule loss.
A new roof is one of the most significant financial investments a homeowner can make. Its price tag varies widely based on several factors, including the type of materials used and geographic location. A roof replacement project isn’t cheap, but it’s a worthwhile investment that can protect your home from the elements and increase its value.
Choosing the right roofing material is the biggest factor that impacts your roof’s cost. Certain types of roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, are more budget-friendly than others, like slate tile. However, there are other variables that can affect the final price tag of your roof, such as the size of your house and its square footage.
The square footage of your roof directly influences the amount of roofing materials needed. A larger roof requires more materials and will be more expensive to re-roof than a smaller roof. It’s also important to consider the pitch of your roof, as steeper slopes require more materials than a flatter roof.
Another major factor that impacts the cost of your roof is the labor required to complete the project. The average roof replacement costs around $4 per square foot for labor, but this can vary depending on your geographic location and the complexity of your roof.
In addition to the cost of materials and labor, homeowners must also pay for permit fees and inspections. In some cases, these additional costs may be necessary to ensure that the project meets local building codes and requirements. You’ll also need to account for the cost of disposing of your old roof.
If you’re considering a roof replacement, you should always have an accurate estimate of the cost before starting the project. If you can, try to get a quote from more than one roof specialist to compare prices and services. You can also use apps like HOVER to create accurately-measured and customizable 3D models of your home from smartphone photos for a more precise estimate of your roofing needs.
Lastly, you should consider any associated costs that might be incurred during the project, such as temporary housing or accommodations for your pets. If you’re not able to afford the full cost of your roof replacement upfront, there are financing options available that can help you pay for it in installments. Just be sure to research personal loans carefully to avoid getting stuck with a predatory or costly loan.
Materials
Your choice of roofing materials can impact the cost of your roof replacement. Basic asphalt shingles are a popular and economical choice, while metal or slate will cost more upfront but may last longer and require less maintenance. The architectural style of your home should also factor into your decision. A slate, metal or tile roof can add to the curb appeal of your house and increase its resale value.
The type of material you choose will also depend on the slope (angle) of your roof. A steeper roof with a high pitch is better suited for more durable materials than a flat roof.
You’ll need to consider other factors when choosing a roofing material, such as how much maintenance you can tolerate and whether the material is appropriate for your climate. For example, metal is a good choice for colder areas because it’s insulative and resistant to wind damage. It’s also a more affordable option than slate or ceramic tiles.
Other roofing materials include concrete, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) and wood. Concrete reflects heat, so it’s best for warmer weather, while EPDM is an affordable choice for flat roofs. Wood shingles provide aesthetics and can be a good option for colder regions, but they are more likely to attract pests, mildew and mold.
To protect your underlying sheathing and framing, you’ll need to install a waterproof underlayment. This is a uniform layer that acts as the first line of defense against water penetration. Roofers lay this over the sheathing and tack it in place.
A new ridge cap will complete the look of your roof and seal the ridge area to prevent moisture penetration. These caps are available in a variety of styles and can be made from natural slate, concrete or synthetic clay.
Flashing is another important part of your roof’s structure, rerouting water away from vents, chimneys and skylights. Roofers will use galvanized steel or pre-painted aluminum for this purpose, unless you live near the ocean where copper and galvalume are preferred. These materials will eventually oxidize and bronze, giving them a raw, natural metal finish that’s attractive in most locations.
Installation
The roof is one of the most important components of any building. It protects the interior from sun, rain, snow, wind and extreme temperatures. If it is damaged, the whole interior of a home or business can be affected. This can lead to leaks, pest infestations, mold and mildew, higher heating and cooling bills, or even a lowered resale value. It is a good idea to replace a roof as soon as you notice signs of damage. If you wait until you have major problems, the cost of a replacement will be much higher.
Once you have made the decision to replace your roof, it is a good idea to choose a roofing contractor with a lot of experience and a solid reputation. You should also ask for references and a list of previous jobs. It is also a good idea to make sure that the roofing contractor has insurance. This will protect you if the roofer goes out of business or is injured on your property.
The first step in the roof replacement process is removing the old shingles and other materials from the existing roof. This is a messy job that may take several days to complete. It is a good idea to move your vehicles away from the house during this time. If you don’t, they may get covered in debris and dirt.
After the roof is empty, the crew members will prepare for installation of the new roofing material. They will remove any rubber or lead boots around sanitary stacks, lift off vents and chimneys and carefully tear off the old shingles. They will inspect the flashing on the roof, which covers joints and helps prevent water leaks. This includes drip edge along the bottom of the roof, dormer and chimney flashing, and valley flashing.
The roof replacement crew will install the new shingles and other materials in sections. They will start on the edges of the roof and work their way up. They will also seal the areas where the shingles meet the underlayment. This will help protect the underlayment from moisture and pests.
Maintenance
Your roof is an important protective barrier between your living space and the outside elements. It protects your interior from moisture, mold and mildew, pest infestations and higher heating and cooling bills. A leaky, damaged or missing roof can cause serious damage to your home in no time.
Getting the most out of your roofing system requires regular maintenance. A good maintenance program helps you avoid expensive emergency repairs and extends the life expectancy of your roof by 20-30%. The maintenance process includes cleaning drains, gutters and roof surfaces and pruning all organic growth. It also includes re-caulking penetrations, flashing and valleys as well as examining all components for damage and wear.
Inspect for signs of mold, fungus or algae. These can lead to the degradation of the underlying layers, which can result in leaks. The maintenance team will remove and prevent the recurrence of any of these issues.
Examine the condition of the decking under the roof. It’s important to make sure the sheathing is in good shape and that no areas are rotted or in need of replacement. The sheathing is the structure that supports the shingles. It is made of plywood or 1 by 6 boards.
The roof sheathing is then covered with a layer of asphalt roofing paper, which creates the inner barrier against water. The layers of the roofing paper are overlapped and tucked under each other. The shingles are then placed on top of the roofing paper and secured with nails.
During the repair or replacement process, some factors will help you decide which option is best for your property. The age of the roof, extent of damage and your budget limitations will influence your decision. If the damage to the decking under your roof is extensive, a replacement will probably be a more practical choice than repairs alone.
A roof replacement is a significant investment, but it can improve the overall look of your home and increase its resale value. It will also provide peace of mind that your home is protected against the elements and will maintain its integrity.