What to Expect During Your Home’s Roof Replacement Project

Roof Repair - Oct 20,2012 - No Comment

Replacing your roof is an essential part of maintaining your home. A damaged or improperly maintained roof can cause thousands and dollars in damage to other parts of the home. Repairs only go so far, and eventually it will be time to replace your roof entirely. Replacing your roof can seem like a daunting task for the first time homeowner. Choosing between hundreds of professional roofing contractors can be confusing. Thankfully, the project of getting a new roof is not too complicated, and it helps to know what to expect.

The first step in any roof replacement project is obtaining estimates and choosing a contractor. It’s a good idea to research several companies. Make sure they have good reputations and are licensed in your state. Be sure to obtain estimates from several contractors before signing a contract, as roofing estimates can have a wide range. There are many factors that can influence the cost of a roof replacement. It’s good to know a little about them before you get too involved.

The size and slope of the roof, the materials being used, and the region of the country can all affect the final cost of the project. A roof that is particularly steep and slippery will cost more to replace than a roof that is more easily accessible. The height of the roof matters as well. Roofs on two-story homes are more expensive to replace than roofs on ramblers or ranchers. This is simply because it’s easier for the workers to access a roof that is closer to the ground. Also, like almost anything, prices vary depending on where you live. Roof replacements cost more in places where the general cost of living is higher. The frequency of roof replacements differs depending on the region of the county as well. Roofs in the Midwest generally need to be replaced more often than roofs in other parts of the country due to extreme weather. Likewise, homeowners in Southern California replace their roofs less often since the weather is usually mild year-round.

There are several different types of roofs you can have installed. The materials can range in price anywhere from $1 to $40 or more per square foot. The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. These are relatively inexpensive and are usually guaranteed to last anywhere between 20 and 30 years. They come in may different colors to compliment the exterior of your home. Another form of roofing is wood shake, which usually costs $6 to $9 a square foot. These roofs are usually made of cedar and can last 12 to 25 years, but they require almost constant maintenance. Metal roofing such as copper or aluminum can cost $15-$20 a square foot. Tile roofs, such as terra cotta, are generally used in southwestern architecture and cost $6 to $9 a square foot. (Tiles are not recommended in areas with frequent rainfall, as they have a tendency to leak.) A slate roof is the most durable, though it is also the most expensive, and can cost up to $40 a square foot ($120,000 to replace a 3,000 square foot roof). Slate is generally used on upscale homes and can last up to 200 years or more depending on the quality.

Along with being inexpensive, asphalt shingles require little maintenance, making them the most popular roofing choice for American homeowners. While asphalt shingle roofs are often designed to last 25 or 30 years, the actual life span of your roof can vary depending on where you live. High speed winds, hurricanes, heavy storms, blizzards, and dramatic temperature fluctuations decrease the longevity of your roof. Estimates for replacing an asphalt shingled roof can range from $1,500 to $9,000 depending on the size of the roof as well as location.

The cost of a roof replacement project varies depending on where you live. A roof replacement costs less in the Midwest than it does in the Northeast. In places where the general cost of living is higher, roof replacements will cost more as well. If you live in the Midwest, you will need to replace your roof more often. High speed winds, tornadoes, blizzards, and ice storms will all wreck havoc on your roof. Temperature fluctuations can also damage roofs. In the desert the temperature can be over 100 degrees during the day and drop to 50 or 40 degrees at night. 20-year asphalt shingles in Arizona and New Mexico last on average only 15 years, due to sustained damage from temperature fluctuations. Homeowners in regions with mild weather can get away with more moderate roof repairs, putting off full replacements for longer periods of time.

Roof replacement estimates may vary depending on all of these factors (location, materials, etc.). The final cost once the work is completed may be higher than the initial estimate, as your roof may have some unforeseen damage that will add to the final cost . Underneath the shingles, your roof could be rotted or have water damage. Replacing the roof support system can add thousands of dollars to the bill, depending on the extent of the damage. This is a good incentive to keep your roof properly maintained and have it replaced on time.

When you’re choosing your roofing contractor, ask for references. You’ll definitely want to see examples of their work on local homes. When giving an estimate, a contractor will come to your house to inspect your roof. He’ll come up with a number that factors in the cost of materials and labor, including the cost of stripping and throwing away the old shingles. The estimate should include the cost of removal and disposal of the old roofing material. If not, ask about this to avoid surprises. There is a chance that there will be some unforeseen costs in the project, so it is good to avoid as many of these as possible. After the visit, they will send you a written contract. A contract from a roofing company should include a description of what is to be done, as well as when it is to be done and a schedule for payment. Having it all in writing can protect the homeowner later on. Be sure to shop around before settling on a specific contractor, as prices can vary considerably.

Once you’ve chosen your roofing materials and your contractor, it’s time to set a date for the project. The actual work of replacing the roof can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the roof. You should plan to have someone at home while the work is being done. If they have any questions or discover any additional problems with your roof, it helps that you are home to discuss things with them.

Before the workers arrive, it’s good to remove any items that may get in the way of their ladders. Climbing on roofs can be dangerous, even for professionals, so it’s best to stay out of their way. First, the roofers rip out all the old roofing shingles and replace any rotted or damaged wood in the roof. Next they lay a base, and then they lay the shingles. Roof work is noisy. Expect to hear a lot of hammering as well as people running around all over your roof. It’s not really an invasive home repair. You won’t have workmen coming inside your house. As long as you don’t mind the noise, it’s not much of a hassle.

When the old shingles have been stripped, any un-shingled portions of the roof should be covered with a tarp overnight to protect your home in case of rain or overnight storms.

Once your new roof is completed, make sure the workers have cleaned up all the debris that has fallen. When a roof is replaced, the workers usually toss the pieces of the old roof onto the ground or into a dump truck as they’re working. Once the bulk of the old material is disposed of, responsible companies will clean up after themselves to ensure customer satisfaction. They usually have a magnetic broom that picks up all the nails and other materials that can be hazardous as well as unsightly. You may find a shingle or two in your yard afterwards, which is perfectly normal.

When you have roof work done, you should never pay anything up front. You always pay after the job is completed. This is standard procedure. All reputable roofing companies operate this way.

During your next project, it’s important to have a general idea of the costs as well as procedures. The basic thing to remember is to get several roof replacement estimates before choosing your contractor. Expect professionalism and get references. Knowing what to expect is the key to having a pleasant experience.

By Connie Gallerizzo

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

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Cost To Replace A Roof – Let’s Find Out

Roof Repair - Jun 05,2012 - No Comment

Cost to replace a roof is a not easily arrived at. It has many things affecting it in various ways. The following article will try to answer the many doubts and questions that most homeowners have about the cost of replacing their roofs and the budget that they should be planning for this major job.

This does not always happen but there are several homeowners who will testify to having been scammed and need to replace their roof. A person selling a home might install cheap shingles and sell it off as new roof installation. The roofing may be of such bad quality that within a year or two this might fail and you will be left with the huge task of replacing it. You will need to get a quote from a roofing contractor on the job to be done and the costs involved. Cost of replacing a roof can run into thousands of dollars or it can be managed for a few hundred dollars depending on whether it is replacement or simple repairs.

To know more about the factors affecting cost to replace a roof here is a detailed article on the topic.

What Factors Impact The Cost To Replace A Roof?

Roof Repair - Mar 05,2012 - No Comment

How much do you think it will cost to replace a roof? This question, with various nuances and twists, has been asked so many times that this report was created as a definitive answer to help others like you who face the dilemma of trying to budget for roof replacement – and want to know how much they should expect to pay to replace a roof.

Sometimes home owners are forced to replace a roof because they got scammed. For instance, a home flipper may fob off a building on you after just slapping on a new row of shingles over an older worn out roof. When you take possession of the new home and go through everything carefully, you may discover that the roof needs to be replaced and get a quote from a roofing contractor.

So what does it cost to replace a roof? Do typical costs run into tens of thousands of dollars? Or can it be done in a more cost effective manner?

Cost To Replace a Roof – A Ballpark Figure

If you begin with a working estimate of $250 per square, you’ll not be far off the correct figure. This estimate should include the cost of roofing material and labor, with additional charges being applicable for complex work such as roofing around chimneys, skylights, working on steep roofs and special tasks that may be unique to your building.

The cost to replace a roof will depend upon the size of your building and the area of the roof to be replaced. What material was used before, and what kind of roof you are looking to install now are other factors. Special issues such as a very steep pitch, bad climatic conditions, the need to remove or fix rotten wood frames of the older roof, and disposal of environment-unfriendly previous material will all escalate the cost to replace a roof.

Should the Cost to Replace a Roof Intimidate You?

The short and simple answer – absolutely not! Look, there are some home improvements and modifications that are optional and can be put off to whenever it is convenient and affordable. Replacing one’s roof does sit under this umbrella category. But if you put it off for too long, not only will the problem become more severe, you may face several other related damages to your home which could end up costing more by way of money and trouble than if you acted promptly to replace your roof.

Unless you first make sure your roof is secure and non-leaky, any other improvement jobs you do inside the home will be to waste. The most excellent interior decorating job or an attractive paint job will be ruined when your roof leaks. So replace your roof first before engaging upon other interior work.

Does the Cost to Replace a Roof Decrease in Summer?

Not really, especially if you can find a good roofing contractor to handle your project. Indeed, in certain climates, it can be practically impossible to find ideal weather conditions in which to have your roof replaced. That’s why whatever you pay for roofing contractors is money well spent. They will be able to handle your roofing job regardless of weather conditions, and not many will charge you more for working in bad weather.

It is however important to ensure that some areas are dry and will have time for the roofing cement to set before further work can progress. So if the circumstances are very bad, then artificial protection for the working area may be necessary for a portion of the time, which can add to the cost to replace a roof.

The Roof Replacement Process

A modest roof replacement job can be done in just 3 or 4 days. The step by step sequence is similar for most buildings. The first step is to remove existing roofing, including roof shingles. These must then be safely disposed. Any repairs that are necessary on the roof are then carried out. Ice dam protection may be needed in some locations.

The next step is to lay asphalt paper on the roofing area, and then the shingles are fixed in a sequence that is well described and followed by most roofing professionals. The projections and outcroppings on any roof are handled specifically, taking care to ensure no leaks are left. Flashing is applied around chimneys, vents and dormers. Ridge vents are finally placed and the roofing job is finished.

The cost to replace a roof depends upon all these factors and the degree of damage that exists at present. By working with a skilled professional and taking care to act promptly before the damage is too severe, it is possible to replace a roof in a cost effective and efficient manner.

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.