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Looking to get a roof replacement? It can be quite a large and costly undertaking. But if your roof is too old or has irreversible damage, it’s imperative to look into the possibility of replacing your home’s roof. Living under a damaged roof can be dangerous to anyone living there.
To determine whether your roof needs to be replaced, it’s best to contact a professional roofing company. Once you’ve determined that you need a roof replacement, you can start planning for it. The most significant factor to consider is the cost. Be prepared to spend at least $8,000 – but depending on materials and labor, the cost for a 2,200 square foot home can end up being upwards of $30,000. Read on to find out more about the cost and how much you can expect to spend on your new roof.
Cost of Roof Replacement
The cost to replace a roof is dependent on a number of factors and varies from house to house. The main factors that affect the cost of a roof replacement are: size, material, and slope. There may be other factors specific to your situation, but understanding the scope of these three factors will help determine the cost.
Size of Roof
There are several factors that go into determining the cost of a roof replacement. The size is the first and biggest factor because this tells you how much roofing material you’re going to need, and therefore how much it will cost. The size of the roof is measured using a unit called a “roofing square”. One roofing square is equal to 100 square feet.
Roofing Material
The material of your roofing is a big cost factor, as well. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive compared to other types, but metal roofs are more durable. The material you should use depends on the climate where you live, the structure of your home, etc. Keep reading to learn more about the more common types of roofing (residential).
Roof Slope
Another factor in determining the cost is the slope of the roof. The labor involved in a sloped roof is more intensive than a flatter roof. The installation of a roof with a slope includes the installation of an underlayment system as well. Having a roof that is very sloped can end up being very costly.
Common Types of Residential Roofing
There are several different types of roofing to choose from. The most common types of roofing material are: shingle, metal and tile. Asphalt shingles are the most common material for roofing.
Shingle Roof
Shingle roofing is a more traditional material of housing, and accounts for 80% of roofing on homes in North America. Shingle roofing is a great way to go if you’re looking for the most cost-effective roof replacement. Asphalt shingle roofs are easy to install and easy to repair if anything comes up. They do have a shorter life span than other types of roofs. Shingle roofs are expected to last between 15 and 30 years.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs are a great, durable option. They have relatively low maintenance, and they are energy efficient. The initial cost is high, and these roofs are difficult to install – but if you’re looking at a metal roof for your home, it does end up paying off in the long run. You’ll have a durable, low-maintenance roof that you can count on.
Tile Roof
There are lots of different types of tile roofs. Regardless of which type of tile you go with, your tile roof will be durable and long-lasting. While the initial cost can be high for tile roofs (depending on which material you go with), these roofs are relatively low maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about constant upkeep. One other thing to keep in mind with tile roofs is that they are very heavy.
Tear Off vs. Overlay
One of the first things that your roofing company will look at is whether or not you have the option to tear off your roof or overlay it. If both options are available, you and your roofing company can choose between the two based on what you think is best for your home.
Tearing Off Your Roof
With this option, you would be getting rid of the old roof entirely. Tearing off your roof is the more extensive process – it takes time to remove the old roof, which means that it is the more costly option out of the two. The majority of roofing experts would say that this is the better option because tearing off your whole roof allows your roofers to see any issues that lie hidden under the old roof. After the old or damaged roofing material has been removed, your roofing company will identify any other issues with your roof and get them fixed before the new roof is installed.
Overlaying Your Roof
Overlaying your roof with new material is the less extensive option of the two. The process involves installing the new roof over the existing roof that already exists. This means that your roofing company will not need to rip off the existing or old shingles. Going this route also means that the overall cost of a new roof installation will come down. But this type of roof replacement poses a problem; the damage beneath the shingles will remain hidden. If the damage under the shingles spreads or worsens, you’ll face issues with your roof even after the new roof installation. It will be almost impossible to fix the damage after the installation of another roof. Be sure that your roofing company does a thorough inspection before starting the job – this will help to identify any unknown damage.
The decision of whether to tear off your roof or overlay it should be left to the roofing company that you hire for inspection. Roofing experts will know exactly what to look for and can make recommendations based on what they find in their inspection.
Roof Underlayment
A roof underlayment is a waterproof or water-resistant barrier between your roof and your home. If your roof requires an underlayment, this can also add cost to your roof replacement. The cost of the underlayment is measured by square foot. Knowing that your roof is approximately 2,200 square feet, you can get a good idea from your roofing company
Your roofing company will assess this before starting the project – there shouldn’t be any surprises for you. Any costs associated with underlayment will be in the contract.
Is it Time to Invest in a New Roof?
Now it’s time to decide whether a roof replacement is necessary for your home. Your roof is a critical component of your home. If your roof was installed properly initially and it is still young, you probably won’t need to replace it. But if your roof is damaged and cannot be repaired, a roof replacement may be necessary.
Replacing your roof in a timely fashion is important to the safety of you, your family, and your home. You don’t want to leave any damage unrepaired because it can cause more damage or eventually cause the roof to collapse.
To determine whether you need a roof replacement, look for these signs:
- Shingles cracking or curling
- Sagging
- Granules are missing (bald spots)
- The attic has leaks or openings
- Poor energy efficiency
- Questionable workmanship
If you’ve seen these signs around your home or think it’s time for a roof replacement, call our professionals for a free roof inspection. We’ll assess the damage and let you know if it’s repairable or needs replacing.
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