Causes and Costs for Roof Replacement

Roof replacement does come at a price. Experienced and knowledgeable roofers don’t grow on trees, and they’ll value their work appropriately. There are a few different factors that can help you figure out your budget before starting your roof replacement.

• Materials – The material you choose for installation is going to have a large impact on pricing. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable option. Metal roofing is the most expensive, but any metal roof contractor will laud single sheet metal roofs for their durability and longevity. You need to consider other materials, like underlayment and gutters, too.
• Size and Accessibility – This one’s pretty obvious: the bigger the roof, the higher the price. Accessibility also plays a big role. If the roof is very steep, it will likely cost you more due to the added caution required to work on it.
• Joints – The peaks and valleys in your roof require a bit more attention to join the roofing materials together. This is also true for chimneys, vents, and skylights. These are the areas most susceptible to leaks, so extra care is taken while installing these portions of the roof. If you have multiple points on your roof that fit under this category, your price may go up. However, it’s well worth it for a long-lasting and durable roof.
• Time and Labor – Roofers will charge differently for their time and labor, so it’s important to get quotes from several contractors and compare. Lower prices don’t necessarily mean lower quality or vice versa. This is just one piece of the puzzle. You will need to sit down with your roof replacement company to discuss all the variables of price.
• Unforeseen Costs – Replacing your roof means the old roof is taken off. There may be underlying problems that aren’t seen on the surface of the roof, and repairing these means additional costs. Make sure to leave room in your budget for unforeseen problems that may be under your existing roof.