Storms, Hurricane or Hail Damage to Roof – Steps to Replacing Old Roof or Repairing Damaged Roof

Roof Repair - Apr 17,2013 - No Comment

Natural Calamities And Disasters:

Every year hurricanes, strong winds, rains, storms, tornadoes, dust storms, blizzards and hail buffet our roofs causing untold damage to our property. It’s the nightmare that we all wish to avoid but can’t really do much if you are in path of hurricane, tornado or blizzard.

The wind speeds in a hail storm can be as high as 120 miles per hour, in a hurricane it can reach speeds over 150 miles per hour. Blizzards and tornadoes can be similarly devastating. While some of the damage is obvious, most of isn’t as apparent. If not assessed, you would never know the damaged sustained by your roof and can be unpleasantly surprised several months later. If the damaged roof isn’t fixed soon after the damage is sustained, it can worsen over time causing irreparable damage to various aspects of your roof and can be potentially damaging to the contents of your home.

Roof Inspection:

A complete and thorough inspection of the roof is very important and has to be as soon as possible after the damage is sustained. The first step obviously is to make a call to the company that laid your roof. You can also contact other trusted roofing companies in your area if for some reason your previous roofing contractor isn’t available. The roofing company will assess the damage to your roof. The assessment of roof damage is done on a randomly selected 100 square foot area of the roof. The cross-section of the roof is inspected to check the full extent of damage.

They will inspect the roof, gutters, sidings, chimneys, skylights and other roofing features. Most roofing contractors will do this assessment for free and present a quote with what needs to be done to restore and repair your roof. If your roof has suffered hail impact, then these are counted, circled and numbered. This will give an idea about the damage sustained by your entire roof. The gutters, gutter screens and other roofing aspects are checked for dents, cracks and holes. Once all aspects are inspected it is time to present you will a complete report about the state of your home. Most roofing contractors will explain the damaged sustained by the roof and how to fix it. They will give you the recommendations and give you a quote about the costs involved.

Assessing Roof Damage And Filing For Insurance Claims:

Experienced roofing contractors have spent a life-time assessing roof damage and filing for insurance claims. If they are offering that service take their help in filing your insurance claim. An insurance adjuster will fix up a time with your roofing contractor/yourself and will make joint inspection to ensure that the claims about the damages sustained are all in order. After all the parties have reached an agreement about the extent of the storm damage, cost for roof repair/roof replacement will be estimated and numbers arrived at.

Usually, within a couple of weeks you will receive information about the agreement reached between you and the insurance company and a check towards the first payment for your roof replacement. If you will pay a certain part of the roof replacement cost which is the deductible from the total cost. In most cases you will not receive the entire amount of cost of repairs as age of the roof, its condition before replacement; depreciation will be taken into consideration.

Warranty For Installation:

Your final check will be sent in after the roofing company finishes the work and sends in the work completion report. Before that you will need to finalize your roofing material choice, the color and design choice with your roofing contractor. Get all the permits and clearances required to replace and repair your roof. Make sure that the contractor does not damage your existing landscaping and other elements of your home. Damage to decking has to be fixed before new roof goes on it.

Ensure that the roofing contractor follows all the warranty specification and NCRA prescribed standards for your roof repair or replacement. Make sure that they properly dispose of old roofing materials and other debris accumulated during roof installation. A quality controller from the roofing company will make an inspection of the roof and issue a standard 10 year warranty for their roofing installation. They will also make sure that you are satisfied with the work done. A final check from the insurance company will be sent once the work is completed.

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?What-to-Expect-During-Your-Homes-Roof-Replacement-Project&id=2636435

Roof Replacement – 4 Steps to Take When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Roof Repair - Oct 05,2012 - No Comment

As a home or business owner, you know that roof replacement is no laughing matter. Replacing your roof is a serious undertaking in terms of time and money– and should be treated as such. Sure you want the job done quickly, but if you make the mistake of hastily hiring an incompetent roofing contractor, it will likely cost you dearly.

If you are considering replacing the roof on your home or business facility, there are a few proven steps you should take before hiring a roofing contractor. Failure to follow these steps could result in lots of future headaches.

Step 1 – Don’t just pick the first guy you find in the phone book. Perform your search carefully. Find local consumer feedback on roof replacement contractors through trusted sources such as Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau. These resources will inform you as to whether formal complaints have been lodged against a contractor. They will also let you know if they have a spotty service reputation with previous clients. Remember, if previous clients weren’t happy with the contractor’s service, odds are you won’t be either. And if the roof replacement contractor isn’t registered with the Better Business Bureau, don’t even give them another thought. Take your business elsewhere.

Step 2 – Once you have a list of 2 or 3 potential contractors that have passed the first test, it’s time to interview each of them. When interviewing, ask about:

? their area of specialty

? how many years they have been in business

? certifications

? guarantee of quality work

You’ll also want to get a detailed itemized estimate of the work to be done. Carefully analyze each estimate. Look at the prices based on comparable materials, warranty periods and such.

Remember, you always get what you pay for. Don’t get so hung up on price that you just search for the cheapest guy off the side of the road. Anyone can quote the cheapest prices. But few can provide quality work. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean the highest price offers the highest quality either. Be smart and carefully weigh all your options.

Step 3 – Regional weather and climate considerations should always come into play in roof replacement. These issues affect not only the materials used, but also state law regulating roofing contractors. For example, in the Texas Gulf Coast area, roof replacement must pass windstorm inspection in order to obtain a windstorm certificate. If a roof doesn’t pass this inspection, the home can’t be insured. Since Hurricane Ike, many home and business owners have had to obtain re-roofing jobs because they originally hired contractors whose work did not pass windstorm certification. Think of the time and money wasted!

Step 4 – Make sure that you schedule your roof replacement job with the contractor’s main office supervisor. This ensures that an agreed upon timeline is in place, which in turn guarantees that the job will be completed on time and as ordered. Both parties will be on the same page and you’ll be on your way to having a new roof.

Remember, roof replacement is a big deal. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. When you hire a roofing contractor, be careful to do your homework.

Find Roofing Contractor Houston and Roof Replacement Houston at BayAreaRoofersInc.Com

By Nathan Riley

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?Roof-Replacement—4-Steps-to-Take-When-Hiring-a-Roofing-Contractor&id=4612238

Using a Roof Replacement Cost Calculator To Determine The Cost Of Roof Repairs

Roof Repair - May 20,2012 - No Comment

A roof replacement cost calculator is useful to have handy while computing the expense of roof replacement. It can be a helpful tool while calculating roofing costs of a variety of options, be it materials or style of roofing or any other factors.

The area of your roof needs to be measured with a certain degree of accuracy in order to calculate the cost as accurately as possible. There are some helpful points which need to be kept in mind while measuring.

To get the area of roof right, you need to know the pitch or slope. Roofs are low, medium or high pitch. The pitch of the roof determines its slope. Low and medium pitch roofs are easy to walk on, while the steeper slopes are very difficult to walk on and need support. They are dangerous to work on without safety equipment. A roof replacement cost calculator will help estimate the cost of working on low, medium and steep slopes at the selection of a box.

The pitch of a roof is determined by how much the roof rises for every unit of length you walk towards the ridge or highest point of the roof. The total length that runs from outside edge of the perimeter stud wall to center of the house divided by the height as measured from the top of the stud wall to the peak of the roof gives the pitch of the roof. A pitch of 6 in 12 is considered moderate pitch. That means for every 12 inches length the the rise is 6 inches. A 12 in 12 pitch is very steep with a 45 degree angle roof. You need enter the pitch value in your roof replacement cost calculator to arrive the right numbers.

Pitches 2 in 12, 3 in 12 or 4 in 12 are considered low pitch roofs. 5 in 12, 6 in 12 are considered medium pitch, 10 in 12, 11 in 12 and 12 in 12 are examples of steep pitched roofs. The steeper the pitch the more difficult it is to walk on it. Based on the pitch there are certain factors that need to be multiplied with the area of the length and breadth of your floor area taking into consideration any overhangs. These factors are integrated into the roof replacement cost calculator and all you need to do enter the dimensions as close to the actual size as possible to get a rough estimate of the roofing cost.

When it’s time to go for a new roof, most homeowners pick up their yellow pages or go online in search of competent roofing contractors. At the back of their mind they are worried if the contractor they picked is giving them a fair bid or is he overcharging by a huge margin. A fair margin as profit and overheads is acceptable but going into greed territory is not. A roof replacement cost calculator comes handy in such circumstances. Available as free tools on many roofing websites and as apps on mobile phones these are invaluable in getting a ball park figure on roofing related costs.

A professional will make a personal inspection, make the measurements and then present you with a bid. Being in the business of roofing for years they can make fair assessment of the difficulty o job, the amount of wastage that will be generated the complexity of the roofing job and so on and they will present you with the quote shortly after making the calculations.

As a homeowner new to roofing you may underestimate the wastage, forget to add extra shingles for starter courses, ignore the need for extra shingles at the ridges, valleys, around chimneys, vents and other extensions on the roof. Your roof replacement cost calculator will add a fair amount as wastage based on the number you key in and the complexity you enter into the tool.

The roof replacement cost calculator also makes a fair assessment about the cost of labor, the cost of materials, the cost of other items like nails, felt, tar paper, the cost of removal of old shingles and its disposal. Some of the numbers like prices of materials in your local area and the prevailing labor costs for roofing have to pre-set into the roof replacement cost calculator for use while calculating these numbers.

Roof Repairs Project

Roof Repair - May 04,2012 - No Comment

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.

Read more in this article about a roof replacement project.

By Connie Gallerizzo

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?What-to-Expect-During-Your-Homes-Roof-Replacement-Project&id=2636435

Roof Replacement Cost Estimator

Roof Repair - Mar 20,2012 - No Comment

A roof replacement cost estimator will be able to provide you with a reasonably accurate estimate of how much it will cost to re-roof or repair your roof. This should apply equally for new homes, or for replacing leaky or worn out roofs of existing buildings. The roof replacement cost estimator will have to factor in variables such as the cost of roofing materials, pitch (or slope) of the roof, area to be covered, and labor charges.

Roof replacement is by no means a casual or simple project. The expense involved in repairing or replacement of a roof can be a significant sum, making any decision about your roofing needs one that must be carefully considered and meticulously researched.

The first step before using a roof replacement cost estimator is to collect relevant data to help with your estimation. Roofing area is among the most important. Roof area is measured in squares, a square being 100 square feet (typically 10×10 feet). This sounds easy to calculate, except that most roofs are not simple squares. They have projections and outcroppings, come in different shapes and slopes, and have dormers and chimneys that need to be separately measured.

Getting your roof replacement contractor to handle this part of the project makes more sense than you trying to measure the roofing area – unless, of course, you’re a wizard at geometry! It is important to understand that the accuracy of any measurement or estimation will be only approximate at best. The idea is to get as close as possible to the real metrics, so factor in an error rate of 10% or so in every estimate.

Roof replacement cost estimator scripts exist online as roofing calculators. They will be of enormous help in assessing the cost of a new roof for your new building, or for roof replacement cost in older homes. Once you arrive at an estimate, you will be in a better position to evaluate quotations from different contractors, or even negotiate a better deal because you have a fair idea of what it will cost.

Factors That Impact Roof Replacement Cost

Even without using a roof replacement cost estimator, it is clear that the weight and slope of a roof will have a significant impact on expenses. Shingles are more expensive when they are of higher quality, which usually means the roof will be heavier. Pitch (or slope) makes working on it harder, so a steep roof will typically incur higher labor charges.

Because of the slope, it can be deceptive to estimate roof area if you try and go by the floor area. As the slope increases, it takes a surprisingly higher number of shingles to cover it. A roof of 12/12 pitch will consume two times as many shingles for roofing it as a roof of 6/12 pitch.

Roof design affects the appearance and style of a house. At the same time, it also has an effect on how costly it will be to repair or replace it later on. Heavier shingles of higher quality are proportionately more expensive. And while it adds to the resale value of the building, this factor is one to keep in mind when you are repairing a roof.

Roofing Costs and Warranties

Most roofing material is covered under a manufacturer’s warranty for the natural lifetime of the shingles. That’s a benefit for homeowners who face the prospect of roof replacement cost shortly after building a new roof. Heavier shingles often have a longer warranty period. Checking with your manufacturer to see if the roof replacement cost can be at least partially defrayed through a warranty may cut down on your overall costs.

Roof Replacement Costs For Complex Roofs

Some roofs are harder to fix than others. Labor charges will make up a higher share of the total cost. Chimneys or dormers add a level of complexity to the roofing, for which most contractors will charge a higher fee. Materials also will be needed in larger quantities. Roof replacement cost estimator software must factor this into the calculations. Otherwise you could end up making a gross underestimate – and run into costly surprises later on.

A roof replacement cost estimator can speed up the process of making roof repair estimates, and even simplify what is a boring and tricky task. However you cannot rely too much on such a cost estimator because of the number of variables that impact roof replacement cost. Be sure to allow for some margin of error. Used correctly a roof replacement cost estimator can be a very handy tool to compute roofing expenses.

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.