How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Roof?

Roof Repair - Feb 20,2012 - No Comment

How much does it cost to replace a roof? Expecting your roof to last forever is as unreal as hoping that your roof can be replaced inexpensively. Even though a good roof often lasts for 25 to 50 years (or even longer), eventually wear and tear sets in and makes either repair or replacement necessary. In this short report, we will discuss how much does it cost to replace a roof and offer some guidelines that will help you when the time comes to find a roofing contractor.

When To Replace Your Roof

How much it costs to replace your roof will depend upon many factors such as the size of your roof, the climate conditions in your area, local rates charged by contractors and their team of workers, and the nature of work involved in replacing the roof. The NCRA suggests viewing the expense as being distributed over the lifetime of the roof, rather than as a single upfront cost.

To arrive at this estimation, you must calculate the total cost of the roofing job which includes material and labor, and then divide it by the expected total number of years that the roof will be intact. That way you will be able to tell if the choice of repairing an existing roof is more cost effective than having it replaced.

Typically roofing contractors will quote you a rate based on squares (100 square feet of roof needing replacement). Most homes are between 2000 and 2400 square feet in size, and this can be used as a rough rule of thumb to compare how much does it cost to replace a roof.

Cost of Removing a Damaged Roof

When you have decided to replace your roof, the first step to take is remove or replace whatever is damaged in the previous roofing frame. The material must either be torn off or prepared so that the new roof can be laid over it. How much it costs to replace your roof will depend upon how many layers exist in the older roof. Usually the rates quoted will be between $90 and $170 per square foot.

Then comes the actual job of laying a new roof. Asphalt shingles roofing is the least expensive since the material is inexpensive and labor is relatively less difficult. Steep roofs will cost more as the contractors must work under harder conditions. Taller buildings will cost more to roof than one-story ranch-style homes.

How much does it cost to replace a roof when you are simply overlaying a new roof over the previous one? Well, obviously it will cost less because you have done away with tear off costs. But be warned that not all roofs can be handled that way, because codes and zoning laws prohibit the laying of too many layers unless the supporting structure is reinforced. Also, an overlaid roof has one-fifth lower life expectancy than a new one, which partially offsets the higher cost of roof replacement.

Cost of Replacing a Roof

Once the roof is prepared and ready for work to begin, roofers must make sure there is no ongoing damage or leak. The problems must be fixed first before new shingles can be laid. Protective under-layment may need reinforcing if the older roof has to be torn off.

How much does it cost to replace a roof after the old one is removed? Asphalt shingles roofs will cost between $110 and $140 per square, while slate roofs are almost the same. Wood shake roofing is more expensive at $150 to $215 per square, and clay tiles are slightly costlier. Metal roofing is in a higher bracket still, costing between $350 and $1100 per 100 square feet for roof replacement.

A higher cost will apply for materials that have longer warranties and are more durable and long lasting. Decorative or composite shingles that have special features such as solar panels are also more expensive. The use of protective membrane for waterproofing can run to an added $70 per square and removal of plywood decking will cost $50 to $60 per sheet.

Among other factors that impact how much does it cost to replace a roof are any necessary permits and orders to comply with governmental regulations. These will vary by area but some contractors will charge a flat fee to cover all exigencies.

Going by these estimates and approximating the average roof area to be 2,400 square feet, a roof replacement can cost upwards of $10,000 – a figure that grows bigger if you use premium roofing materials. For instance, metal roofs made of copper or zinc can run well in excess of $30,000 for a similar roof area.

So the next time you think about asking how much does it cost to replace a roof, keep all these factors in mind – and realize that even the most meticulously computed estimate can only be a rough indication.

Roofing Shingles Prices – The Cost Factor Of Shingles In Roofing

Roof Shingles - Feb 20,2012 - No Comment

Are you aware about roofing shingles prices in your area? If you don’t have a clue about the prices it is likely that you might be taken for a ride by unscrupulous roofing contractors. It is best to be informed about them for your own benefit.

In order to get the best deals, you have to learn some basic about the roofing industry. There are two major cost factors in roofing – one is roofing shingles prices and of course the materials prices, the other is labor costs.

This is not complicated science. Roofing related materials and their prices are easy to compare. There are certain pet likes and dislikes for each roofing contractor and how they work also falls a set pattern. So, using that as guidance you can generally match quotes from two different contractors. You can get quotes online which help you to compare and contrast more easily and it also serves as a guideline when choosing a particular contractor for the job.

There are a number of manufactures who offer roofing shingles at competitive prices. You will find roofing shingles prices that suit every budget. The makers of these systems offer complete roofing solutions with all the materials needed to lay a roof being offered as one package.

GAF offers some of best roofing systems which offer excellent value for money, high quality products and efficient roofing systems. Their roofing shingles prices are also pretty reasonable. Another company that offers similar roofing systems at great prices is IKO. There are several more of such big brand names like TAMKO, CertainTeed and others whose great quality and prices make them excellent buys. They offer dimensional, architectural and laminated shingles apart from normal 3-tab shingles. With this new range of shingles you get an additional dimension to your roofing.

The only problem with these complete roofing solutions is that the companies claim that you have to make use of these complete systems in order get a better performance and durability than trying to mix and match products across companies. They also put into a lot of pre-conditions stating that if you don’t use all their components when laying the roofing, then their warranties on the roofing shingles void. This is necessarily not a good thing for the consumers. Even if they shop around for best roofing shingle prices they may have end up paying lot more for accessories and extras which anyway jacks up the costs.

Considering these points it becomes imperative on your part to do a thorough research and find out about roofing shingles prices from different sources and how buying or not buying entire roofing systems affects the warranties. On average the best roofing shingles cost from $135 to $175 dollar per square ( a square in roofing is equal to 100 square feet). The prices also vary based on location. Most roofing manufacturers have several shingles making units in every state. This minimizes the transportation costs and also the locally made shingles are manufactured to the local area needs and follow the building codes set by the local councils and state building authorities.

What Are Rubber Roof Shingles?

Roof Shingles - Feb 19,2012 - No Comment

Rubber roof shingles is one the new latest options available for roofing your house. Normally people use wood shingles and other materials for their house. But wood is a vulnerable material and in areas that have frequent bad weather like heavy rains and strong winds, it is not a good option. Rubber is very durable and lasts for a very long time. They are suitable for any weather conditions and also provide good insulation in colder weather. Rubber roof shingles are becoming very popular and lots of people are going for it.

Rubber roof shingles are primarily made up of recycled material. If you are an environmentalist and is looking for a greener option for your roof then rubber is the best option. Getting rid of rubber shingles is also easy since it can be recycled and reused. Quality of the material is good and be can easily replaced for any ceramic or cement roof since it is equally durable. Most people do not use rubber shingles because they see rubber to be a cheap material and don’t want it on their roof. This thought must be completely avoided since rubber is one of the most reliable materials out there. Besides this you can also paint your rubber shingles any color thus giving it an added charm.

Roofing is one of the most expensive services and companies which render these services are often calculator to be very profitable. Whether it is having a new one or renovating the older one, it requires a huge budget. With rubber roof shingles the cost is very less compared to other materials. Rubber is cheap and is readily available so home owners need not worry about finding material. These roofs also come with a warranty of over 30 to 50 years depending on the manufacturer. Rubber roofs bring many other benefits along with being inexpensive. They are resistant to insects, moulds, etc. They are a natural insulator and hence prevent extreme heat or cold inside the house. They have the ability to expand and contract so you need not worry about the temperature conditions. Cracks and crumbles are completely avoided.

Installation of a rubber roof is also easy and prices are low. The unique ability to contract and expand makes it one of the easiest to use roofing materials. It will easily fit in bends and is one of the most flexible materials available in the market. Maintenance costs of rubber roof shingles is almost zero. If required they are easily done and finding a replacement is also very easy. Rubber roofing is fire proof, water proof and also take the shocks of hail storms.

Rubber roof shingles also come with a few disadvantages. Rubber, being an inflammable material requires extra fire protection. While installing a rubber roof the weather conditions need to be considered. Newly installed roofs come with an odour which can last for a few weeks. For someone looking for inexpensive roofing that is long lasting, rubber roofing is still the best option. If you are looking to install a new roof then try rubber shingles since it comes with a large number of benefits added with low maintenance costs.

Roof Shingles Price – Things To Remember

Roof Shingles - Feb 15,2012 - No Comment

When it comes to estimating roof shingles price, you should keep in mind that an asphalt roof will serve you from anywhere between 12 and 30 years. How long it lasts depends upon what quality materials you use for your roof and what extremes of climate and weather it is subject to. Damage to a shingle roof can come from heat or cold, water or snow, and sun. There are different manufacturers supplying this industry and roof shingle prices can vary widely from one to another.

You are quite literally spoiled for choice. There’s something for every taste, with roof shingles coming in various shapes and colors, spanning a range in quality and roof shingles price. The guarantee a manufacturer offers you will usually parallel the quality of their product. But there’s still variety, with guarantee periods ranging from 15 to 35 years or longer. Heavier asphalt shingle roofing lasts longer, and carries longer warranty periods.

Choosing Roof Shingles That Are Right For You

You need to constantly keep in mind the kind of architecture and style of your building while selecting roofing shingles. Everything should work together to create a pleasing appearance. Depending upon whether your siding is of aluminum, vinyl, wood or brick, your choice of roof shingles will vary to get an aesthetically appealing harmony. Regardless of which one you choose, your warranty period will typically last the lifetime of your roof shingles.

Three-tab Roof Shingle

Three-tab shingles have now become the default standard for most homes and even some office buildings. They are inexpensive considering the value they provide and their longevity, making this kind of roof shingle price effective and durable. You get a wide range of choice by way of color, size and structure. Quality usually comes in 3 broad categories, with roof shingles prices to match.

Shake Roof Shingles

Shake shingles are ideal for country home roofs, looking almost like cedar shake roofing, but at far lesser cost. Styles are pretty much the same across manufacturer, and the product itself is durable to last you in great style for many years. Your choice will often be driven by other factors than just roof shingles price.

Victorian Shingles

With a renaissance of sorts in the Victorian building style, these forms of roof shingle are coming back into vogue. Victorian shingles have rounded tongues, with large dark shingles creating a pattern of relief and contrast from the rest of the building. When sunlight strikes them, you can see some interesting patterns which add to their aesthetic appeal. Slightly irregular sizes and shapes add to the illusion of having a real slate roof. And to make it even more attractive, you can pick from a choice of gray, black, blue and even other colors.

Interlocking Shingles

As the name implies, this kind of roofing shingle is made of interlocking individual blocks that act like armoring over your roof. These are especially strong and can resist extremes of temperature and heavy winds, making them ideal choices for your roof shingle needs in specific geographic locations. The geometric pattern created by the interlocking shingles is also attractive.

Architectural Shingles

Designed for durability, architectural roof shingles feature shading and vertical lines that create appealing patterns when light strikes the roof. The chic and stylish look provided to your roof is what buyers are looking for when they buy architectural shingles. Architectural roof shingles price varies, but is usually a little more expensive.

Roofing Shingles For Slow Pitched Roofs

Shingles for slow pitched roofs have a wider portion covering adjacent shingles, making them slightly more difficult to lay. But once they are on, these appear very similar to regular three-tab shingles. When your roof has a pitch less than 4″ to the foot, and up to 2″ to the foot, this may become your preferred roof shingle.

Reroofing Using Asphalt Shingles

For buildings that are 30 years or older, re-roofing is a looming necessity. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to get rid of those loose shingles, fix leaks, and maybe even do a complete job on the roof. Before deciding on this, make sure you have an expert come and take a look. Sometimes, it may only require replacing a few old and worn out shingles. Also there are local municipality permits necessary before you embark upon any re-roofing job in certain countries, so make sure of your requirements and plan the project in advance.

And always get adequate help. A roofing contractor may save you a lot of hassle, but even if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, having the help or two or three others is usually a good idea as the work isn’t as easy as it first appears.

Is Your Roof Damaged?

Here are some early warning signs that things may not be good with your roof:

Broken roof shingles

Broken shingles are easy to spot if you go over the roof carefully, looking for them. When roof shingles are broken, they can’t protect the building from water infiltration. This problem is worse with roofs that have a low pitch, leaving water to collect on the roof and seep through.

Wavy roof shingles

Usually this is not the result of a fault with the shingles, but due to the support structure of your roof being weakened and getting warped. Often a consequence of poor attic ventilation, this may require structural support first, before doing anything with your roof shingles.

Warped roof shingles

The older your roof, the more likely that your roof shingles will get warped and deformed. These shingles can more easily blow off in heavy wind or get cracked or broken in snow or heavy rain.

Raised roof shingles

Whenever the edge of your roof shingles get raised above the surrounding roof, they are subject to greater strain from wind, and can get blown off. As your roof ages, portions of it will lift up as the building settles a little or the shingles contract and expand upon exposure to elements.

Roofing Material Calculator To Help Estimate Cost Of Roofing

Roof Shingles - Feb 12,2012 - No Comment

With the aid of a roofing material calculator you can estimate the price you need to pay for different types of roofs. A shingles roof may be the cheapest but a slate roof is elegant and attractive. The roof not only protects but also makes a style statement. It draws the eyes of the beholder towards your home. Paired with attractive exteriors and surroundings you home will the cynosure of all eyes.

Wood shake shingles are another option and you can easily find the cost using your roofing material calculator. Though wood roofs are beautiful option and present an old world charm unmatched by any other commercial product there are certain very serious disadvantages. Wood is susceptible to mold, fungus and fire. This means you have to replace the roof often. Wood is expensive and also difficult to maintain. Compared to this asphalt shingles are simpler to lay, are cheap and last a couple of decades.

No wonder that asphalt is the most commonly used roofing material in the United States. It’s light weight, simple to lay, easy to handle and is resistant to fire, wind and impact. There are several new types of shingles available that are tougher, thicker and last longer. With dimensional shingles you also get an additional degree of attractiveness as the shingles no longer appear flat and lifeless. Like real life slate and wood these shingles have lines and other design elements to make them stand out.

Other roofing options can be explored with help of the roofing material calculator. Tiles and metal are options that are extremely long-lasting and attractive to boot. The price is slightly more compared to asphalt shingles. But, since they last much longer and have better resistance to fire and wind, these qualify for lower insurance premiums on your home insurance and you get to save quite bit on roof replacement and roof repairs costs over time. Metal is lighter than asphalt shingles but tiles are heavier. You might need to strengthen the structure of the roof to take the extra load of tiles.

Costing Using Roofing Material Calculator:

Here are some costs arrived at by using the roofing material calculator. The cost of asphalt shingles for a single story ranch style home with a gentle slope costs from $800 to $4000 dollars for homes that are $1500 to $2100 square feet in area depending on quality of materials. To remove the old roof and getting the roofing installed professionally you will have to additionally around $500 to $4000 for the same home depending on where you live and materials used.

Take wood shake or shingles, these are no doubt elegant and long lasting. But, in moist weather conditions they are a nightmare to maintain because wet weather encourages the growth of mold, mildew and fungus. The wood needs special treatment to prevent fungus and other growth. This can be expensive in addition to cost of shingles which costs $7000 to $20000 for 1800 to 2100 square feet area ranch style home. If you would to do the same home in fire proof materials made of recycled rubber or molded plastic of high quality then the cost is about $8000 to $21000 or more.

Another beautiful roofing material are tiles. A rough estimate using roofing material calculator gives the following values for a simple style home as above. The prices for a concrete tile home is around $7650 to $21000. Ceramic tiles cost from $12000 to $22000 for standard shapes and colors. For the premium ceramic tiles you will pay anywhere between $17000 to $60000 both for the custom shapes and complex installation.

Compare this against metal roofs using the roofing material calculator. Metal roof is light weight, durable, resistant to fire and is not affected by fungus and does not rot like wood. It does not break like tiles on impact. A long-lasting roof this costs about $5000 to $22000 for a simple ranch style home of similar size as above. Let’s look at aluminum which costs from 12000 to 24000 dollars. Coppers is more expensive at $26000 to $40000 dollars.

A slate roof is much more expensive even if it is the most long lasting of all roofs. Installing slate roof can set you back by $17000 dollars for the lower end slate shingles to $85000 dollars for more expensive ones for a small home of size 1700 – 2000 square feet. For a larger sized home of size $3000 square feet you can end up paying $120,000 for a high-end slate roof according to your roofing material calculator.

The cost of removal and disposal of old shingles is task whose cost can’t be underestimated. The price for such as calculated by the roofing materials calculator runs into about $1000 dollars. This can be lower or higher depending how far the disposal site is, how difficult it to remove the old shingles and the type of shingles to be removed and disposed off.

New Roof Tax Credits – Learn More About It

Roof Repair - Feb 08,2012 - No Comment

If you are seeking pointers to new roof tax credits then we have the required details. Homeowners facing the prospect of fixing their old roof or replacing it will be looking for the above information as they might have be informed that they are eligible for credits on new roofs. You should also know how to claim them and what to do in order to get the credits.

The business of repair, renovation and replacement is a costly one. Homeowners are all the time faced with huge bills when fixing their homes. So, if they are new roof tax credits that helps in potentially saving few hundred dollars then it is a welcome relief to overburdened family. These tax credits can help tide over some of the smaller expenses and helps subsidize costs.

The government at the federal and state levels in order to encourage homeowners to invest in safe and strong abodes allow several tax savings. Among them new roof tax credits is one that is most concern to us. Governments wish us to create assets that can withstand most vagaries of nature. By giving homeowners a potential savings they encourage people to periodically to go in for roof replacements and repair.

If you are looking for more info on the topic of new roof tax credits, it can found here!

Simple Tips To Replacing Shingles On Roof

Roof Shingles - Feb 07,2012 - No Comment

Replacing shingles on roof that are damaged – warped, torn, cracked, curled or blown away in wind should be the number one priority for any homeowner with a to-do list of home renovation projects. Every other task can wait but not roof repair. The reason is simple. Damaged roofs can leak water and ruin nearly everything inside the house if not fixed properly. From your tastefully decorated interiors to your paint job and your carpets will suffer if water starts seeping in.

You kitchen renovation and bathroom remodeling can wait but not roof repair or replacement. Once, its importance is established let’s move on to the actual task of replacing shingles on roof. The following are the usual roofing types found on most homes. Asphalt shingles – affordable and easy to install, cedar shake shingles – natural, attractive but not suitable for wet weather, metal roofing – light-weight and versatile, slate roofing – heavy but attractive, needs special skills and very expensive. The pitch of the roof also determines the type of roofing to opt for. Very steep roofs should use wood shingles.

The cost of replacing shingles on roof is largely determined by the roofing material used. The most economical are asphalt shingles while architectural shingles fall at the higher end. Slate, metal and tiles are the most expensive and also require training and skills on the part of the roofer to do a good job. Replacing roofs can set you back by $5000 dollars at the lower end of the scale. If you pick the more expensive roofing options you will be paying a lot more.

Remember that replacing shingles on roof does not mean just the material cost but also the cost of labor and cost of repairing any damaged part on the deck. Other factors like area of roof, pitch and expertise of the roofing contractor also determine the price you will pay to get your damaged roof repaired. As roofing contractors quote prices with their overheads and other costs included you can and should negotiate for better prices.

You should be aware of few roofing terms used in the industry that lay men may not understand. A square is 100 square feet, composition shingles means asphalt shingles, vent – runs along the ridge of the roof and is used to let out the heat trapped under the shingles. This vent is important to prevent the shingles from buckling under high heat and failing.

If you are attempting the roofing job yourself then you have to wait for nice, dry day to do it. Professional roofers on the other hand don’t have the luxury and have enough experience and safety equipment to it even on a rainy day. As a one man homeowner trying to do your roof you can’t imagine what a team of professionals working in perfect harmony can accomplish in the spells of dry weather available on a rainy day. Most professionals can finish replacing shingles on roof in 3-4 days maximum.

Sometimes, it pays to get a professional to do the job. Replacing shingles on the roof is best left to professionals if it is for the entire roof. On the other hand replacing a few damaged shingles can be handled by most homeowners if they follow all safety precautions.

How Measurement Mishaps Can Increase Roof Replacement Cost

Roof Shingles - Feb 07,2012 - No Comment

Measuring for a new roof can be complex, and miscalculations can lead to a higher roof replacement cost. If you want to roof your house by yourself, you will need to understand all the intricacies of measuring your roof. Math calculations must be done to account for special features of the roof after the measurements are done. A professional home remodeling company can make short work of measuring accurately for a roof replacement. Here is what you need to know if you are doing it yourself.

1. Basic Square Footage

You will need a measurement of the basic square footage of the outline of your roof. Remember that this includes every part of the house that is covered by a roof. Include every ell. To do this, you have to measure the length and the width of each rectangle that makes up the base of your house. Figure the area of each rectangle by multiplying the length times the width. Then, add all these figures together.

2. Overhang

The basic area is not good enough for the calculation of overall roof coverage area. You will also need to add on an extra measure for the overhang of the roof that goes beyond the edge of the house. If you do not include this figure in your reckoning, you will be short on materials when you go to do the roof. It is best to include this roof replacement cost in the beginning rather than pay more for it later.

3. Pitch

The basic square footage and overhang are measurements of the roof if it were level. Assuming you are not replacing a flat roof, you will need to consider the slope or pitch of the roof in your calculations for roof replacement cost.

Pitch is described as the number of feet the roof rises for every 12 feet of distance. For example, a low pitch might be 3:12, a medium pitch might be 6:12, and a steep pitch might be higher than 9:12. These categories are important in determining the number of shingles needed.

4. Conversion

A special number is used to convert the flat, level measurements into 3 dimensional figures using the pitch of the roof as a guide. This number is called an approximate average roofing multiplier. For a low pitched roof, it could be from 1.15 to 1.25. For a medium pitched roof, the multiplier might be between 1.25 and 1.4. A steep roof would have a multiplier of anywhere from 1.41 to 1.7.

The basic measurement of the roof is then multiplied by the approximate average roofing multiplier for the given roof, and you arrive at a new, more accurate figure. If you use the wrong multiplier or do not do the calculations correctly, you can throw off your roof replacement cost budget.

5. Special Features

The measurements of a roof can be altered by special features such as dormers, end-walls, valleys, and chimneys. These must all be accounted for and there is no one neat, simple formula for figuring them in.

If you want to get all your shingles at the same time to get a price break, it is important to figure correctly. If you want to make sure you get enough of the same kind of shingles, you need the proper number. Finally, if you do not want to overbuy, you need an accurate estimate of your roofing material needs. A home remodeling company can help you measure and calculate to reduce the roof replacement cost.

Shawn Hickman is the Search Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvements

To read more about Roofing by Sears, visit the Roof Replacement Cost section of our website.

By Shawn Michael Hickman

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Measurement-Mishaps-Can-Increase-Roof-Replacement-Cost&id=5477273

< 1 … 61 62 63 64 65 … 76 >