If you are a home or business owner, you can expect to experience at least one roof replacement during your lifetime. Even the most responsible property owner that schedules regular maintenance and minor repairs ASAP can’t avoid accidents or unexpected problems that require a large-scale roof replacement. When this happens, it’s understandable to worry about your family, your peace of mind, and your wallet. Wagner Roofing is here to help by providing you with the knowledge you need to make good, fiscally responsible choices to get your home or business back on track.
Top Reasons for Roof Replacement
The good news is that replacing your entire roof isn’t common. There may be sections of the roof that are in need of removal and replacement, but it’s rare for the whole thing to come up. Sometimes you’re making the change to provide yourself with more durable or more aesthetically pleasing materials. No matter what, it’s important to know what to look for so you can make that decision between repairs and replacement.
- Heavy mold, mildew, or rot
- Excessive leaking, pooling, or water damage
- Exposed attic or underlying structure
- Worn or aged roofing
- Changing roofing materials
- Boosting curb appeal/resale value
Any time you suspect damage or wear to your roof, it would be wise to call your local contractor for a more thorough assessment that can give you a professional opinion.
Planning for a New Roof
Knowing that your roof will eventually need to be replaced can feel like a looming threat. But if you know you will face this problem eventually, you can plan for it now. By taking small steps over time, you help ensure that it hurts a little less down the line. With luck, you’ll be able to calmly schedule your roof replacement in due course with as little fuss as possible.
Start saving now: We know it seems obvious, but putting back even a little towards a future roof replacement can help ease the strain on your wallet. The average cost for a roof replacement runs between $6,000 – $15,000 with the national average coming out to a little over $9,000. Most roofing contractors have payment plans available, but saving now will help mitigate the cost later.
Obtain an estimate: Most reputable roofing companies will offer a free estimate along with their inspection. It may be tempting to go with the contractor that gives you the lowest rate, but we strongly advise you to get at least 3 – 5 estimates before deciding who you’d like to work with. Compare the estimates with the integrity of the company and look for someone who will do the job right.
Get your roof inspected: Everyone should have their roof inspected regularly, but this is especially true for new home or business owners. You want to know how old your roof is, what condition it’s in, and if there are many minor repairs or concerns to pay attention to. With this, you can start keeping a record to help you and your contractor stay informed.
Budgeting Expectations
The cost of replacing your roof can vary greatly depending upon a myriad of different factors. Some of these are outside of your control as a property owner. Others are based on the decisions you make for the roof you want. It helps to do some research beforehand so you know what to expect as you move forward.
House Size: The size of your house plays a vital role in the cost of your roof replacement. To start calculating the expected cost, your contractor will need to know the square footage of your roof as well as its pitch (or incline) and its complexity. The steeper and more complex a roof is, the more difficult it is to replace, thus increasing the price.
Material Cost: With a plethora of materials in the marketplace and more being developed, the average property owner is spoiled for choice. This decision has a significant effect on the cost of your replacement, so it’s important to be well-researched. Upgraded, heavy-duty materials will last longer but add cost to your overall budget. So plan carefully.
Geographic Location: There is a reason that certain materials are more popular in certain climates. Arizona’s clay tiles reduce the temperature and help reduce cooling costs. Metal roofing is popular in Florida due to its wind resistance. Take a look at what roofing materials are popular for your area and see what will offer your property the best protection.
Special Features: Many home and business owners want to stand out from the crowd by adding customized features such as skylights and bay windows. These features are truly beautiful but can introduce expensive complications when getting your roof replaced. They add time and materials to the overall cost of the project and in some cases may require specialized knowledge to work with.
Labor Costs/Permits: When you factor in the licensing, permits, expertise, and physical labor involved in giving you a reliable roof it should come as no surprise that labor costs make up about 60% of the overall price tag in roof replacement. The good news is that working with a contractor helps maintain any warranties on your roof. Some companies will even communicate with your insurance to help cover the cost of replacement.
Clean Up & Removal: Any reputable contractor will want to leave your property as good as it was before it arrived. Clean up and removal of debris, old roofing materials, tools, scaffolding and any other accumulation during the job is essential. This is normally included in the labor costs, but depending upon your local ordinances it may fall to the homeowner to pay for the disposal of certain materials.