Factors That Affect Cost of a New Roof

Roof Repair - Jul 08,2012 - No Comment

What affects the cost of a new roof? Well, frankly, your new roof costs only as much as you want it to cost! But there are some elements that impact this expense and we’ll discuss them here.

The cost of a new roof depends upon the extent of damage that needs the repair. If your roof is leaky and you see parts of your gables or the support structure through cracks in the roof where shingles blew off in a storm, then you’re starting to think about having a new roof. If your building is large with a greater area to roof, then the cost of a new roof will be proportionately higher.

Another factor affecting the cost of new roofs is the extent to which you will provide the labor involved. If you’re a skilled handyman who enjoys doing things yourself, then your overall expenses on hiring a contractor or laborer to handle your roof installation is saved or reduced. But no matter how you slice and dice it, a new roof is not inexpensive.

How much does a new roof cost?

Typically, the estimate for a new roof will be given in rates per square (or 100 square feet). For asphalt roofing, this will range to approximately $200 per square, making the total expense for a new roof around $7,500. A chunk of this cost of a new roof is labor. 50% to 65% of your budget will go towards hiring a contractor and helpers who can install your new roof.

On the other hand, if you can handle the task yourself, then you’re looking at a cost savings of $3,500 or so, which brings in the overall expense of roofing your home to under $5,000. This can become even lesser by negotiating good prices for shingles and other roofing material.

Steep roofs cost more

An important factor that affects the cost of new roof installation is the pitch or slope of your roof. Because it is more difficult to work on steep roofs, the labor costs will be much higher than with flat or gentle sloping roofs. Safety precautions must be taken for the dangerous job and the equipment needed to carry out the task is also costlier.

Labor isn’t the only extra cost. Materials and supplies will set you back more. Even a smaller home with a steep roof can cost you $10,000 through the rates will typically be closer to $15,000. The labor charges reflect the higher skill needed and the longer time it takes to get the work done on steep roofing.

Laying down the felt lining and paper between the plywood under-layment and the shingles roof is hard work. Scaffolding is often needed and enhances the expense. If you are able to handle this job on your own because you’re an experienced roofer, then conceivably you could save two thirds of your projected roof building cost.

But there are very real and serious dangers involved, which mean you should carefully weigh the costs involved and adapt the goals to your individual condition.

Non Shingle Roof Cost

When asphalt shingle roofs need replacement, the cost is affordable. But it goes up steeply with alternative roofing like clay, wood, concrete or other materials. The price range then goes to $20,000+ because material and labor costs are both higher.

All these factors affect the cost of new roof laying. Be sure to be well informed and prepared to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Roofing Shingle Types

Roof Shingles - Jul 07,2012 - No Comment

Roofing shingle choices are diverse and plentiful – which makes it harder than before for home owners to complete their important investment decision in which type of roof to install. Choosing the right type of roofing shingle is a critical decision as one’s roof is the primary protection against elements of nature.

The right roofing shingle can help a home appear more attractive and enhance its value. With a wide array of shingles available in different sizes and shapes and colors, made of a variety of different materials, there is a type of roofing shingle to match any roof.

Roofing shingles have many elements that impact your choice. There are shingles to fit every budget, at each price range. You can select from a range of brands, models, types and color options. For greater guidance on roofing shingle types, be sure to check out this article.

Replacing Roof Shingles A Must For All Homeowners

Roof Repair - Jul 07,2012 - No Comment

There are certain musts like replacing roof shingles when they turn 20 years or older. Until a few years ago most asphalt shingles were 20-year shingles and since they were an economical and viable option most homes sported these shingles. Now a days there are more options with 20-year, 30-year, 40-year and 50-year shingles. Metal shingles come with 50-year warranty.

The norms have changed and today 30-year shingles are the norm. Almost every homeowner has to deal with the task of replacing roof shingles at some point in their life. Unless, you are lucky enough to purchase a home whose roof was recently replaced and you sell it before the roofing shingles deteriorates with age or you have a home with metal roof, you will have to face the unenviable task of replacing your roof.

If you are the unlucky few then you might be faced with the task of replacing roof shingles sooner than you planned. This happens when for different reasons a newly installed roof fails and needs replacement. Replacing roof shingles is an expensive and takes a lot of time, but it is also a task that can’t be put off for long, as this longer report explains.

Monier Roofing Tiles – Why Choose Monier Tiles?

Roof Shingles - Jul 05,2012 - No Comment

In the roofing world Monier roofing tiles is a known and respected brand name. The tiles are designed to be long lasting and they are made with the highest quality materials. They need little maintenance unlike other roofing options. You end up saving money as roof repairs and roof replacement are rarely needed unlike asphalt shingles. Monier tiles are known for their affordability and for being suitable to a variety of roofing needs. The company offers a huge range of colors, shapes and contours to suit the needs of its many customers.

Customers who want to use tile as their roofing solution usually opt for Monier roofing tiles. It is one of the best options for sound proofing homes. It cuts out large amount noise usually found near highways, airports and busy streets. The roof absorbs most of this and keeps the home relatively quiet.

Durability is the key reason why these tiles are much preferred. They come with 50 years guarantee. Also, like wood or metal these tiles do not rust or rot. And if you happen to live in the more noisier parts of town the capacity of these tiles to reduce noise penetration into the home is a big advantage. Homeowners who have experiences with metal roofs know about the sudden noises that expansion and contraction of metal with change in temperatures. This can be disconcerting in the beginning. Monier roofing tiles don’t make any such noises. Even in a hail or a thunder storm the pinging noises usually found in metal roofs are completely cut-off when it comes to these tile roofs.

For a more detailed look at monier roofing tiles here’s a link that will give more information.

Cost Of Roof Replacement – Factors Affecting The Prices

Roof Repair - Jul 05,2012 - No Comment

Every roof is different and so is the cost of roof replacement. A number of aspects have to be taken into consideration as they affect the cost of replacing an old roof in different ways. It is important to check out the roof to verify if you need a new roof as the price of replacement is very expensive, and takes time and effort. In most cases all you need to do is replace a few shingles that are damaged. A inspection by a roofer will give you an idea about what are the problem areas and how to fix them.

The roof replacement cost for a few shingles is much less than if the whole roof needs replacement. Proper maintenance avoids most problems and avoids costly full replacement. So, if you see any signs of cracked or damaged shingles, warping, curling, sagging or missing shingles try and replace them as soon as possible to avoid major problems and huge costs later on.

Cost of roof replacement is covered in greater detail in this article here. Click here for the article.

Roof Repairs Cost – Hiring the Best Roofing Contractor

Roof Repair - Jul 04,2012 - No Comment

What is true when considering roof repair cost? Should you hire one roof repair company over another simply because the cost is less? Is it better to get estimates from 2 or three or ten contractors? How do you know who to trust. Big companies or smaller local companies? And most important, do you need a roof repair or will the damage cost much more than a fast in-and-out repair and lead to major renovations?

Unfortunately most home owners opt for the lowest price. Does this work? Yes, sometimes. You can receive some excellent service from small local roofing businesses. You can also receive excellent service from some of the big hitters, you know – the roofing companies that have been around for 80 years or more.

But true cost is not about age or size – it is about quality service, dedication, proven track record, excellent referrals (word of mouth goes a very long way), and finally the ability of the roof repair company to understand WHY your roof needs a repair in the first place!

Getting confused yet?

Roof repair cost is also another consideration. You may get 5 different repair cost prices. One for $500, another for$1200, and another for $3200. Now what? As earlier mentioned, most of us go for the lowest price.

Dumb…

Let’s see this scenario from YOUR point of view, or possible point of view: You notice some water stains on your bedroom ceiling. Great. A leak! That’s all you need, right? So you go through the tedious task of going online (or perhaps you are one of the few remaining people still using that big, heavy, yellow book) and you make some phone calls and try your best to get someone to your house to tell you why you have stains on your bedroom ceiling.

Fine. You did your job as a home owner with a roof leak. Congratulate yourself.

But it ain’t over until the fat lady sings… you want 100% trustworthy service, no-nonsense, and you truly WANT to be able to trust the roof repair company you hire. Oh, pardon me – at a competitive price, to boot!

Fantastic! You are well on your way!

One thing though… most roofing companies do not have the time to travel to your house (often across the entire city), pay for the gas, the one or two guys sitting in the work truck driving to your house, the time to speak with you, to look in your bedroom, to check your roof, to check your attic, to check all the possible areas of your roof that MAY have caused the leak that stains your bedroom ceiling, AND to write up a report about all this FOR FREE!!!!!

Bottom line – if you really want to get excellent service, top-notch roof repair, fast and reliable service, you need to pay for it. If a roof repair business charges money to inspect problems on your roof so you can have your roof repair handled right, pay the cost of the initial visit to your home.

Think of it this way: A lessor roof repair company will not have the confidence to charge an upfront cost to visit your home because they do not value their time enough. And you will pay the cost anyway, one way or the other. Guaranteed. Be smart and don’t short-change yourself. Pay for quality.

Richard Woolsey is a Roof Repair Toronto Contractor with 25 years in the Business of Helping Roofing Contractors. He is also the owner of Roof Insulation Protection.

By Richard Woolsey

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Woolsey

http://EzineArticles.com/?Roof-Repair-Cost—How-to-Hire-the-Right-Roofing-Contractor&id=4732535

Roofing Shingles Colors – Need Help In Choosing Shingles Colors

Roof Shingles - Jul 04,2012 - No Comment

Whether you need to buy a new roof or replace an old one you have to choose roofing shingles colors to complement your home overall look and theme. Picking a good color combination raises your home’s profile in the neighborhood and makes it worth more in terms of resale value. Shingles are no longer monochromatic. They are available in vivid colors and shades both in modern and traditional styles. They are available with different textures and grain enhancing today’s roof shingles appeal. The most recent trend in shingles include the 3-dimensional design.

But, picking the right roofing shingles colors is important in more ways than one, here we list out a few:

Light

Light plays an important role in how the different roofing shingles colors will play out. Depending on whether the day is sunny, bright, dull, gray, cloudy or heavily overcast you shingles will appear different. So, choosing shingles based on your local climate makes sense. If it’s going to be predominantly sunny or mostly overcast pick a color that appeals to you the most.

Slopes

The same roofing shingles will appear differently shaded in different parts of the roof. In some areas it will look darker than the rest. This is because at varying angles on the roof the light reflection changes and you have shingles looking brighter or darker depending on the angle. Clay tiles and cedar wood shingles don’t have this problem and they appear the same in all types of sloping and lighting conditions.

Save Energy

Did you know that roofing shingles colors plays a significant role in the amount of heat absorbed by the shingles. A darker colored shingle absorbs more heat while a lighter shade reflects it. So, in cooler climate it is better to go for dark brown, black, deep blue and green to help in the melting of the snow. A lighter shade of shingle helps reflect light and keep the interiors cool. This color is more suited for hotter climates. Clay tiles or imitation clay tiles works great in both hot and cold weather conditions. For moderate weather conditions also these tiles work well. Even in terms of looks the classic clay tiles offer superb value. Not many shingles can offer insulation, aesthetic appeal and uniform shading in all light conditions like clay tiles can. Cedar wood shingles are another classic option that is suitable in all weather conditions but it is a lot more expensive than asphalt roofing shingles and hence not preferred.

Darker Shades Or Lighter Shades

The darker shades help make a tall building look less formidable. While a white roof is used to make a low slung roof appear taller. White roofs make a home look nice and airy. You can get the classic look with a white colored roofing shingles. But, there are many problems with white colored roofs. They look dirty and dull in a few short months of laying. They need frequent and constant maintenance to keep that pristine look. White roofs are not attractive when used in combination with many colors. So, it is better to go with light gray roofs that are flecked with white which gives excellent reflection of light and keeps the home cool. They are quite elegant too.

Darker shades are known to deteriorate faster maybe because they absorb a lot of heat. A proper ventilation is a must when you apply dark shades of roofing shingles to prevent heat build up inside the attic and consequent damage to the roofing shingles and also to items in storage in the attics.

Solar Roof Shingles – The Better Kind of Roof Shingles

Roof Shingles - Jul 01,2012 - No Comment

Flexible solar roof shingles combine innovations in harnessing solar energy with state of art shingle design which results in solar panels integrated into traditional asphalt shingles. Photovoltaic shingle faces are designed to blend with the surrounding roof and other elements of the design.

Solar roof shingles measure 86.5 inches by 12 inches. It is typically nailed in to roof decking with long nails. The solar panels are linked by electric lead wires that extend a foot from beneath the shingles and pass through to the interior of the building.

The sun rays heat up these shingles and over time bonds them together, creating a water resistant seal. The power generated by solar roof shingles varies based on the duration of sunlight, the directness of the rays, and the number of solar shingles installed.

Installation of solar roof shingles is not very complex and a roofing contractor can handle the job. Following instructions in the user manual, the roofer will drill holes through which the wiring is pulled through the roof. An electrical system installer will be involved in connecting the solar shingles together beneath the roof, and then hooking up this set of wires into the power conditioning equipment.

The benefits of solar roof shingles are an attractive style, integration into shingles, reduced electricity costs, zero pollution energy generation and a manufacturer backed warranty. Not only are solar roof shingles durable and inexpensive, they also protect the environment and owners enjoy state rebates for installing such a green-friendly solution.

For more benefits of solar roof shingles, check out this detailed review of solar shingles – click here.