Factors That Affect the Cost of a New Roof
Factors That Affect the Cost of a New Roof
Your roof's shape and materials selection will have an effect on its cost of installation. Chimneys, skylights, turrets, dormers or any other features that must be worked around can increase installation expenses accordingly.
Labor costs also depend on how difficult your roof is to access. If it's in between houses or surrounded by trees, this will require extra time and safety precautions when working on it.
Material
Material choice plays a huge role in the cost of roofing projects. Different roofing materials have their own price points, lifespan and installation requirements; roof types such as lighter colored shingles may help lower energy bills in summertime.
Size plays an integral role in determining the cost of a new roof installation, with most roofs typically measured in "roofing squares," which measure both its length and width.
Roof replacement can add considerable resale value to your home. Potential buyers will likely make quick offers if it has a new roof that offers protection from storm damage.
Installation Method
Have you noticed that roofing squares aren't measured in square feet but instead use squares as the measurement? As your home becomes larger, more roofing "squares" must be covered and this impacts material costs.
Your roof's pitch or steepness also has an effect on its cost, as higher slopes require special equipment and more time for safe completion of the project.
Roof penetrations or features that protrude through your roof can increase its cost, such as plumbing vents, kitchen/bathroom vents, skylights and chimneys.
Once they are removed from your old roof, all these penetrations need somewhere to go once removed, adding to labor costs and possibly incurring a dump fee for materials no longer useful to you.
Labor Costs
Labor costs will also have an effect on the total cost of installing a new roof, with its size playing an influential role in labor requirements for installation. Complexity also increases labor costs; for instance if your roof features unusual shapes, multiple slopes or penetrations such as chimneys and skylights.
Roof contractors typically charge by the "roofing square", or 100 square feet. Your roofing quote will outline this fee structure which factors in dimensions like roof size, pitch or slope and accessibility; penetrations require extra time and labor costs to work around; while height of home increases labor costs significantly due to difficulty climbing safely up and down it.
Permits and Fees
Home improvements such as roofing projects often require permits, with costs depending on your municipality and location; your contractor should include this cost in his estimate.
Permits are usually necessary when performing roofing replacement, repairs, structural work or performing home improvements in historic districts. Some permits may also require a final inspection to ensure compliance with building codes.
If you live in an area with higher costs of living, be prepared to spend more for roofing materials and labor. Furthermore, local climate conditions may require special roofing materials in order to withstand extreme heat or cold or heavy snowfall. In such an instance, partial reroofing might be more cost-effective.
Warranty
Your new roof represents a substantial financial commitment, so it's crucial that any warranty provides coverage in case any issues arise.
Most shingle manufacturers provide warranties lasting up to 40 years; the details can vary considerably. Some warranties offer prorated coverage for repairs; while others have exclusions such as poor installation.
Selecting a contractor who provides a workmanship warranty can save money over the long term. Furthermore, understanding how to read manufacturer warranties is essential; some may appear as though they offer lifetime coverage; this is often misleading marketing hype.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a New Roof Your roof's shape and materials selection will have an effect on its cost of installation. Chimneys, skylights, turrets, dormers or any other features that must be worked around can increase installation expenses accordingly. Labor costs also depend on how difficult your roof is to access. If…