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

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How Much Is The Average Cost To Replace A Roof?

Roof Repair - Feb 05,2012 - No Comment

How much is the average cost to replace a roof? For those in a hurry, I’ll first list out average costs of roof replacement – and then get into the details about what impacts and affects them.

The average cost to replace a roof depends upon the type of material used in the roofing. Asphalt shingle roofs can be replaced for $700 to $3,500 and slate runs between $20,000 and $85,000. Other materials lie somewhere in between these extremes, with wood shingles or shakes costing $10,000 to $20,000 and concrete tile roofing running between $7,500 and $20,000.

The average cost to replace a roof with metal is even higher, with steel roofing costing $6,000 to $21,000 and aluminum being twice as costly and copper setting home owners back by $25,000 to $40,000 for similar sizes roofs.

Obviously, then, the question is bound to draw a flawed answer. How much is the average cost to replace a roof? A figure derived from the above approximates will be far higher than asphalt roof replacement, and much lesser than copper roofing.

So let’s take a closer look at what factors influence the cost to replace a roof.

Roof Size

The average cost to replace a roof is clearly a function of the size or area of the roof. A larger roof will cost more than a smaller one, primarily because more material will be used in the larger construction and labor costs will be greater because it takes longer to roof a greater area.

Roofers will give you estimates based on the measured (or calculated) area of your roof, computed in ‘squares’ (100 square feet).

Roofing Material

The type of material used in roofing has an impact on the average cost to replace a roof. Commonly used material like asphalt shingles are the least expensive, and can cost under $1,000. Metal roofing has the highest upfront cost, running to $40,000 or more, though the cost distributed over the lifetime of the roof is more reasonable, and even cheaper by some analyses.

In addition to the kind of material used, the quality of material has an effect upon the average cost to replace a roof. Premium material of higher grade and better quality will cost more than basic ones. If we take asphalt shingles as an example, the difference in quality may change the rate from $50 per square to three times as much.

Roof Pitch or Slope

Steeper roofs are harder to work on and labor charges will be higher to compensate workers for this effort. The pitch of a roof is measured by dividing the length by height. Steep roofs are more expensive to replace.

Access to the Roof

Some roofs are very high, or close to tree branches or other obstacles, making it harder for contractors to access them. The labor rates charged for roof replacement will reflect this added difficulty. In such inaccessible roofs, expect to pay more for a replacement or repair job.

Number of Stories

A taller multi storied building roof is likely to cost more to replace because of access problems for the contractors. Labor time is longer as each time material is needed, it must be moved up a larger distance. Also, there is a greater degree of danger while working at heights, for which workers expect to be compensated by higher wages. Safety precautions that are mandatory by law also cost the contractor more – and they will pass along those additional expenses to the home owner.

Old Roof Tear Off

An old and worn out roof may need to be taken down before a new roof can be installed. The average cost to replace a roof will be higher if the labor costs of removal of an old roof are tacked on to the total. The same is true if extra labor is involved in repairing or replacing the supporting framework of the older roof.

Permits and Licenses

Some kinds of roofing projects require special permissions or licenses from the government or local authorities, which costs more money. In cities, this cost can be significant and boosts the average cost to replace a roof.