How Much To Do A Roof

Unit Costs: How Pros Price

Unlike websites which blend pricing from dissimilar jobs, Homewyse creates custom estimates from Unit Costs. The Unit Cost method is based on job specific detail and current costs. Contracting, trade, design and maintenance businesses rely on the Unit Cost method for transparency, accuracy and fair profits.

Take Care Of Your Roof

Replacing your roof is a big job, but its also a necessary one. A good roof should last you at least 20 to 25 years or more, and its a major part of what protects your home. Dont put off roof repairs or replacements due to costs it could end up costing you more down the road than if you acted more quickly. Call for an estimate today to find out what your roof replacement cost will be.

What Impacts The Cost Of Roof Flashing

There are several factors that might affect the final cost of the flashing replacement:

• The length of the flashing. SImple mathematics here: the more you need, the more it will cost you to replace it.
• The type of flashing material used. Galvanized steel, aluminum, roofing felt, copper, rubber, and plastic are the most common materials available. However, prices will vary on the material due to their quality. For example, copper is more expensive than plastic because it is more durable and long-lasting.
• The scope of the damage. The more damaged the roof, the more extensive the labor required to repair or replace it.
• The location of the replacement. Certain spots on the roof might cost more than others. Valleys, for example, would cost more than connections on the wall because of the depth and complexity of the replacement.
• The labor hire. While you can DIY the roof flashing, in many cases, the difficulties with replacing it mean youll have to hire a roofing company to do it . That will set you back in labor costs.

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How Many Shingles Will My Roof Need

Some roofers over or under estimate the amount of bundles a roof will need in a replacement. This is because an average 30 square home needs more than 30 squares of shingles. You have to consider the waste. Waste generally takes 10% of the material. That equals approximately 4 squares. An average home has 150 feet of ridge, and 240 feet of starter, so that makes up another 3 squares. After all the extra shingles are accounted for, a 30 square roof generally requires 40 squares of shingles. If youre worried about wasting the edge shingles, see how they can be recycled here

Ridge and starter shingles are very important. 3 Tab shingles are not made by manufacturers with the intention of being used as ridge shingles on an artchitectrual roof that is rated at 110-130 mph. Roofs with that sort of rating need enhanced ridge shingles that have the same life cycle than the field shingles.

Weve heard professionals explain this concept with a comparison to car tires. Using cut up 3 tabs as ridge shingles with an architectural roof is like buying three 100,000 mile tires for your car and one 50,000 mile tire. One tire will wear out faster than the rest. Similarly, the ridges will fail faster if they are not of equal or higher quality. The moral of this story is that you need to be sure your roofing contractor is using the correct starter and ridge shingles for your home.

What Is My Roof Pitch

You need to determine the pitch of your roof. Generally, steep roofs cost more to replace. The angle of a rof is calculated by a ratio. A common roof pitch is a 6-12 pitch. This means that the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches it runs horizontally. Any roof with a slope of 8/12 or higher is considered very steep.

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The Roofing Around The Flashing

Flashing is required on roofs at different points. Flashing is normally made of galvanized steel or aluminum and is installed in roof/wall intersections and in and around roof protrusions to help prevent water from seeping into the home and causing damage.

Flashing is needed whenever there are features of the roof that break up the contiguous nature of the material. Some examples of this are chimneys, skylights, vents and dormers.

Such sections are the areas most prone to leaks if it is not installed properly. Its imperative on the installers to take the extra time to carefully cut and install the flashing and the roofing material at these points in the roof, which increases the time it takes for install, which increases the cost associated with it.

If your roof has multiple chimneys, vents, skylights, dormers and other features that require flashing, it will cost more to replace.

Cool Roof Shingles Cost

A cool roof is an energy-efficient roof that stays cool even in the hottest weather. Three key features characterize these asphalt shingles: thermal emittance , and solar reflectance index or SRI . The higher the SRI rating, the cooler the home will stay. Normally, cool roof shingles will be lighter colors. The cool roof shingles cost about $2.50 per square ft.

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How Many Shingles Will Your Roof Need

Once youve determined all of these various measurements, you should have a good idea of how many shingles your roof will need for a replacement. Remember that shingles are sold in 100 square foot increments known as squares and that your roofs square footage is affected by its pitch.

Once you find your pitch, and the total number of square feet for your roof, you can determine the number of squares you need by dividing your final number 100 and rounding up to the next whole number.

Dont be discouraged if you need something like 8 and a half squares its a good idea to have some shingles from the same lot as your roof on hand in case of future repairs. Shingles can vary in color from lot to lot, which can make a patch or repair job stand out if you needed to order additional shingles, so always round up and save your extra in case its needed later.

New Roof Cost By Material

The material you choose has a tremendous impact on the total cost of your roof, both for the materials and the installation labor involved. Some heavy roofs require reinforcement of the deck, while others need specialty labor. Combined with the pitch and shape of your roof, your material is a major driving force behind the total cost.

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Whats Included In Roof Replacement

If you are planning to replace the roof on your townhouse, then expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 on this project.

Although that may seem like a lot of cash, it isnt that much when you consider how much work your roofing contractor will be putting in. To begin, your roof replacement process should include everything from:

• Removing shingles
• Applying newer flashing
• Installing the metal drip edging

FYIif your shingles are worn, cracked, or curled, this is a major sign that you need to replace your roof. If thats the case, then your contractor might have to remove your old layered shingles. Otherwise, they may be able to put another layer of new layer shingles over the older layer.

Once you find the quality contractor that you are looking for, they will look at your roofs decking to see if it needs to be fixed. In case you didnt know, the decking is the foundation for your roof, making sure that your shingle stays in place at all times.

And then, theres underlayment. This will also need to be replaced. For the uninitiated, the underlayment makes sure that your roof is much more waterproof or water-resistant.

Now, its time for your roofer to apply newer flashing to your roof. This is typically done as a result of water damage on your:

• Roof valleys
• Chimney
• Skylight perimeters

What If I Want To Change My Roof Type

Updating your existing roof with the same roofing material is always the most practical, cost-effective choice. That doesn’t mean there aren’t times when switching to a new material aren’t warranted though, particularly if you’re trying to give your home a certain look or you want to switch to a material that’s more durable long-term.

It’s important to note that switching roofing materials from a lightweight to a heavier option is generally the most expensive and cost-prohibitive option. That’s because the structure beneath your roof may need to be reinforced to support the added weight.

Average cost to change my roof type: $6,500 to $13,500

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How Do You Maintain A Flat Roof

The cost to seal the roof surface is $400 to $1,800 but its well worth the expense. The sealant creates a thick barrier that makes all the rest of your maintenance tasks a breeze. With that done, you just have to keep the gutters and surface clean plus check the flashing often for damage.

Clear the gutters after storms or at least every six months. Homes with many pine trees nearby may need their gutters cleaned every four months. In addition, its important to sweep off the roof periodically. Flat roofs are much more likely to collect leaves, dirt and other debris that can accumulate in piles and trap standing water, resulting in leaks.

Finally, be sure to inspect the flashing around chimneys and other roof joints for cracking. Apply caulk to the cracks or replace pieces of the flashing if necessary to prevent leaks.

Roof Shingles Prices By Style

The appearance of your shingle roof will depend on many factors, including the type of material. Some materials like cedar will give your roof a rustic look, others will make your roof look like a cottage roof. The style and material that you choose depends on your needs and your budget.

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Cost To Install Flashing On A Roof

When you have your roof replaced, all the around skylights, chimneys, vents, and other protrusions is also replaced. Bob Vila recommends installing flashing to prevent the roof from ice dam damage if you do need to install it later on, it can be easily added. The cost to add flashing is around $300 to $600 on average.

New Roof Cost Calculator National Averages

If you are looking to replace your three-tab asphalt shingles, expect to pay between $7,000 and $12,500. Better yet, those of you who are looking for a 30-year shingle roof replacement can prepare to spend between $9,000 and $16,500. To take it up a notch, a 50-year shingle replacement costs between $11,000 and $18,500.

It costs between $8,000 and $15,500to replace your EPDM rubber roof. For homeowners with PVC or TPO membrane roofs, dont be surprised to shell out between $10,000 and $16,500 in for a full roof replacement.

The final few roof replacement types costs include:

• Standing seam replacement $19,000-$30,530
• Steel shingle replacement $11,000-$25,500
• Wood shingle replacement $10,200-$25,500

Keep in mind that these costs are based on a national average. This means that your costs may vary depending on your homes location, region, and the number of stories. The number of old shingles to be removed will be a big factor too!

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Why Is Roofing So Expensive

Roofs can be flat or sloped, have many levels, or have a low or high pitch thus impacting materials and labor costs. A steep roof is harder to work on and increases risks to contractors. A roof thats difficult to access causes extra labor and sometimes equipment to finish the job. If your home has skylights, theyll have to be re-flashed or you may opt to replace them entirely.

Chimneys, pipes, and vents also need to be re-flashed during roof installation. Commonly, vents have to be replaced due to new building codes and better ventilation requirements. Choosing architectural or premium designer shingles is an excellent option for high performance and elevated style, however, its pricier than traditional 3-tab shingles.

The best way to determine your cost is to contact a roofing professional for a free estimate.

Stick The Bottom Part Of The Underlayment To The Roof Of The House

Install the second course just like the first, using the guidelines on the underlayment to get the correct overlap. When an ice dam forms on a roof , ice and water can work their way up under the shingles and leak back into the house. Also, strong winds can blow rainwater under shingles. Self-stick roofing underlayment can prevent this because it sticks to the roof decking to seal out water. It also seals around nails, which keeps water from leaking through nail holes.

Rolls of self-stick underlayment have a plastic backing so the material won’t stick to itself. The backing is separated down the middle. Line up the lower edge of the roll with the outside of the drip edge. Peel back part of the uppermost backing on the roll, and nail the top corner of the underlayment to the decking. Start pulling the roll across the decking using the backing, making sure the material is lying as flat and as straight as possible as you pull.

You’ll be able to roll out long sections at a time if you have a low-pitched roof, but the underlayment may slip off the eaves on steeper roofs, so roll out no more than 10 ft. there . It’s important to make sure all your underlayment lies flat before you fasten it to the decking. Ripples and lumps can telegraph through the shingles and may be noticeable from the ground.

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Factor #: Roof Accessibility

The roof’spitch isn’t the only thing that makes working on roofs complicated accessibilityis another important factor. While some houses are isolated and far away fromneighboring homes, others only have a small distance from the neighboring home.This often makes reaching the roof a bit more complicated and affects the jobprocedures that get done. If a roof has large trees around it, this will affecthow difficult it is to reach.

If you’relooking for services for roofing in Atlanta, GA, then chances are trees mightindeed be an issue. These circumstances can require a need for specializedequipment to access the roof.

Shingles Vs Tin Roof Cost

Comparing shingles vs. tin roof, many differences can be noted. A metal roof is more eco-friendly as its materials can be recycled. In addition, a metal roof reflects heat better, so it keeps your house cooler. Special coatings may be applied that reflect heat as well.

One of the best things about asphalt shingles is that they are easy to apply, and the job is done quickly, sometimes within a day or two. Asphalt shingle roofs are less expensive at $4 per square ft. while a metal roof runs around $10 per square ft.

Metal roofs are longer-lasting, sometimes as long as 40 to 70 years. They are vulnerable to denting when hit by hail or tree branches. A shingle roof will typically last 15 to 20 years.

While a metal roof is more expensive, consumers may find that they save money on utility bills. Also, they may receive a discount on home insurance and may receive a tax credit when the roof is installed.

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Choosing A Trustworthy Roofer

Unless you personally know a contractor, the thought of finding a reputable company can be overwhelming, to say the least. Between horror stories of people getting blatantly ripped off, the fly-by-night crews and storm chasing contractors, it can be hard to know who you can trust.

Use these steps to find a reputable roofer:

1. Ask friends and family for recommendations.

If your friends and family dont know any good contractors they can recommend, then do some online research to identify top local contractors that seem transparent and have solid reviews across different sources.

2. Once you have a list of prospects, call them, and ask these questions:

• Do they take on projects of your size? This one will almost always be a Yes, but it is a good starting point to get the contractors interest and attention
• Can they supply a list of previous clients as references?
• Are they willing to provide financial references from banks and suppliers?
• How many other projects will they be working on while doing your roof?
• Will they be using subcontractors? If so, how long have they worked with them?

This information will tell you how reliable they are, how much attention theyll give to your project and how smoothly the work will go.

3. From your phone conversations, choose three to four contractors to come to your home for estimates. Dont go on personality alone! Be sure to check their reputation with their past clients and/or BBB, rip off report, Angies List if you have it, etc.

Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost

An asphalt shingle roof is the most common type of roof you see on homes today. Its a roof system made primarily out of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components. Its also the most affordable type of roof on the market.

For a one-story house with a basic up and over roof with no penetrations and no valleys, you can expect to pay around $3.68 per square foot. This includes architectural shingles, underlayment, and other roof components.

For a two-story house with a little complexity and good accessibility, you can expect to pay around $4.76 per square foot. This includes a good quality architectural shingle, upgrading your underlayment, and using all of the manufacturers roofing components.

For a two-story house with a cut-up, complex roof, a steep pitch, and not easily accessible, you can expect to pay around $7.50 per square foot. This includes luxury shingles, using all of the manufacturers roofing components, and upgrading to copper for the flashing and in the valleys.

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