Whether you want to get a new roof installed or have an existing one repaired, it goes without saying that some roofing jobs are more expensive than others. It’s a fair question when people ask, “How much does roof repair cost?” I wish that I could give you a simple flat answer, but the fact is that there are factors that come into play that will seriously affect pricing and will help determine the final cost of your roofing job.
If you are in the market for a new roof, the materials you choose will directly affect the price of installation. You have various types of roofing materials from which to choose from conventional types to eco-friendly alternatives. Some may last long while others may be low maintenance.
One important thing to consider when installing a new roof is the life cycle cost of the material. There are some materials that might be expensive up front but will require significantly less maintenance and last a lot longer compared to others. Repairing these types of roofs may also be costly but they don’t require as much repair.
In this article, we will discuss some factors that affect the price you pay for roof repair or installation. The goal of this article is to help you make an educated decision based on your budget.
Asphalt Shingle Costs
Asphalt shingles are the most common and popular choice for homeowners because they are affordable, durable, and give any home that classic look. Most asphalt shingles available today are made from fiberglass or some type of paper mat that’s covered in a mixture of minerals with asphalt. They are then topped with crushed rock or granules as they are called, finally coated with a sealant to keep it safe from the elements.
There are three different types of asphalt shingles from which you can choose:
Three Tab Asphalt Shingles
These happen to be the most basic type and also the least expensive. The simple square pattern gives them the look of a brick wall. The average cost of these shingles is typically anywhere between $0.75 to around $0.90 per sq/ft.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
These shingles are meant to add a 3D effect or texture to your roof, which improves aesthetic appeal. Those who perform roof repair near me will quote a price of anywhere between $.85 to $1.65 per sq/foot for these shingles.
Premium Asphalt Shingles
These shingles add a bit more personality, and for that, you need to pay a slightly higher price. Expect to pay roughly between $1.60 to $2.85 per sq/foot. The upside is that they are available in many unique colors and shapes.
While installing asphalt shingles is definitely less expensive per square foot, their lifetime cost is often higher since they need to be replaced more frequently.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
An excellent, durable and premium alternative to regular asphalt shingles is a standing seam metal roof. It also happens to be among the most popular types of roofing because it provides long-lasting durability, protection, and excellent aesthetic appeal. However, these positives do come at a higher installation cost.
A standing seam metal roof cost will probably be somewhere between $8 to $12.50 per sq/ft. That is twice as much as what asphalt roofs will cost you. However, they are far superior in terms of longevity and the ability to protect your home.
The initial installation of a standing seam metal roof cost is high, but so are ongoing shingle roof repairs. The good news is that you’ll not be required to pay $500-$1000 for repairs every few years, which can be the case with asphalt roofs which require repairs more frequently. So in reality, the life cycle cost of a metal roof is lower than other alternatives like concrete and asphalt. Some estimates put the life cycle cost at being as much as 33% percent less than others.
Other Material Factors to Consider
Along with the type of roofing material, some roofing jobs are more expensive because they require an expert roofer to manage the work. Not all roofers can handle every type of repair on all types of roofs. And problems like leaks and problems in the roof sheathing (“sheeting” or “decking”) and structure can be considerably more expensive to fix, especially if they are time-intensive or the material used is expensive. So, the more premium your roofing material, the more you’ll have to pay to replace it. However, the only exception here is metal which lasts much longer than other materials giving it a lower lifetime cost factor.
The Size of the Roof Repair
Another important factor that impacts the cost of roofing jobs is the size and scope of the repair needed. Typically, roofing contractors will estimate the cost of the job determined by a price based on the square footage of your roof. For roofers (and those who sell roofing products) the space is divided by “squares”. A square refers to an area that is ten square feet. Shingles are sold and purchased by the square so you will often be billed for a square of shingles even though your repair is less than ten square feet. However, most contractors will leave the leftover shingles for you should you need more repairs later on.
Water Damage
Your home’s important structural elements can be damaged quickly and deeply by water intrusion. And unfortunately, unless it’s recent storm damage, these kinds of problems often remain undiscovered until your roofer removes some shingles in order to see the sheathing beneath it. If the decking is rotten or soft, your total costs will go up because now you will also need to replace the sheathing, at least in places. Anytime you are repairing water damage it may also lead to a complete roof replacement. The average cost to tear off and replace a roof can be significant. But a total re-roof job can sometimes be avoided by replacing or re-decking just one side of the roof, depending on your home’s structure.
Working Around Skylights and Chimneys
Anytime your home incorporates special rooftop components like a skylight, chimney, satellite dish installation, etc., the price of your roofing job can increase. Furthermore, there may be flashing or parts that need to be replaced. Sometimes the skylights may need to be replaced or the chimney may need work done to it, so it’s a good idea to ask your roofer to inspect them while he’s examining the rest of your roof.
And though these things may not require repair themselves, your contractor is still going to have to manage to work around them, which will, in turn, add to your final costs.
Final Considerations
It is generally wise to get roof repair estimates from more than one contractor before you make your choice. However, we also understand that sometimes here at Lake of the Ozarks, unfortunately, it can be challenging to find contractors who keep their appointments. So do the best you can to educate yourself about roofing issues. And if possible, ask the roofer to take you up on the roof and show you what they’re seeing. Also, be advised that estimates can vary substantially between roof repair companies.
If you get roofing companies or independent contractors who give you an estimate that seems considerably lower than the others, be cautious.
This may signal that they plan to cut corners and may not honor their agreement. We also hear the horror stories of those who simply leave jobs unfinished. So do your best to protect yourself.
Ask plenty of questions and be sure to do your homework on the contractors by requesting references. Then go ahead and check out their references and make sure they are reputable.
All we ask is that you allow Roof Lux to be one of the contractors to give you a quote! We value no-pressure customer service because we genuinely care. And we care about our customers and we care about our reputation.
So when you’re in need, give us a call for a free, no-hassle, no-pressure roof inspection and estimate.
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Roof Repair or Replacement: How to Know When You Really Need It
