Replacing your old roof can be one of the best things you can do for your home. It will improve your protection against weather extremes and harsh elements. If you’re thinking about selling your property in the future, a new roof can also attract more buyers as it increases your home’s curb appeal. Moreover, this project will also ensure the year-round comfort of your family. The right roof will help prevent outside temperatures from affecting your interior, which results in savings in your heating and cooling costs.
Read on to discover what usually goes into the cost of a new roof.
Roof Replacement: Typical Breakdown
Materials
Materials make up around half of the total cost of your roof replacement project. Some roofing professionals allocate 55% of the breakdown for materials while others use the 40% benchmark. This section of your roofing estimate should include the actual roof covering or shingles, felt, ridge cap, all metals, starter course, fasteners, paint, silicone and roof vents.
Labor
Another huge part of your roof installation estimate is the labor. Your roofer may charge you more for skylights or chimney flashings. It’s the same for complicated rooflines, which can increase your project cost by 25% or more.
Other Fees
You should also expect to see other expenses in your roofing estimates, such as liability insurance, vehicle and equipment maintenance, building permits, advertising, general overhead and federal and state taxes. It can also include the cost of renting a dumpster to dispose of refuse materials.
Why Do Roofing Estimates Vary?
Overlay vs. Tear-Off
Your roof won’t last forever and would eventually need replacement after years or decades. Building codes typically allow for two layers of asphalt shingles on a home. However, installing new shingles over the old ones won’t allow your contractor to check the condition of the sheathing.
On the other hand, with a tear-off, your roofer will be able to check the condition of the decking and perform necessary repairs before the actual installation. While it is more labor intensive and has higher upfront costs, it has better results. Since your roofer can locate any water damage and replace old flashings, your new roof will be more durable. Shingles also lay flatter, resulting in a more appealing roofing system.
Product Quality
Among the biggest things that make a difference in roofing estimates are the products your contractor will use. Roofing contractors offer different products from different manufacturers. Also, manufacturers have various shingle lines, which also differ in cost. For instance, architectural shingles cost more than a three-tab shingle because it has better quality.
Aside from shingles, other materials, such as underlayment, flashing and nails, can also vary in cost. Synthetic underlayment lasts longer than felt, but it also costs more. It’s the same for flashing and nails. When requesting quotes, always ask what type of shingles, nails and flashing are included in the breakdown. Doing so will help you compare product costs better.
Other Factors
If you’ve spoken to different roof installation companies, and they have the same products and services, the price difference may be due to the contractor’s reputation. Your prospective roofer may be insured and bonded, and have employees instead of subcontractors. Expect higher estimates from contractors with physical addresses. Another factor that can affect roofing costs is the workmanship warranty. While longer warranty coverage may cost more, it will give you more peace of mind.
Tips on Comparing Roofing Quotes
Do Your Research
Roofing estimates should be quite similar, but that’s not always the case. Quotes that are too low or too good to be true may be a red flag – one reason you should always do your research before hiring a contractor.
Read reviews online, ask for references, and check your prospective contractors’ websites. On the websites of the contractors, see if they have a physical address and not just a P.O. box. It would also be a good idea to check if they are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Always follow your gut if something doesn’t feel right about the company.
Ask About the Materials They Will Use
Your estimate should include a detailed description of what materials your roofer will use. If the quote doesn’t have them, make sure to ask. Quality materials last longer and protect your home better. They can also help you avoid major repairs and early failure in the future. Ask your roofers about the types of sheathing and underlayment they will use.
You should not also forget about the insulation and sealants. Thicker insulation means less conditioned air can escape from your home, resulting in lower energy costs. A good roofer would make sure that your attic is sufficiently insulated and ventilated to prevent significant energy loss.
Focus on Labor and Incidental Costs
Besides material costs, home improvement project costs must include labor and incidental costs. It should cover costs for shipping supplies and materials, clean up after the installation, proper refuse material disposal and permits.
Assess Workmanship and Material Warranties
Roofing is a significant investment, so you want to make sure it stays protected by a strong warranty. Hiring an experienced, reputable contractor means gaining access to comprehensive warranties. A good warranty will not only provide extended coverage, but is also transferable between homeowners. In case you put your home up for sale in the future, a transferable warranty can be a huge selling point.
Never Make Decisions Based Only on the Price
When looking for a roofing contractor, it’s never a good idea to hire the one with the lowest quote. Most times, the cheapest roof lasts the shortest. Pay attention to workmanship, the quality of materials used, customer feedback, warranty and experience.
For superior residential roofing services, turn to Green Rhino Builders LLC. We also install high-quality siding and windows. Our team has been providing new construction and home remodeling services for three decades. Call us at (570) 901-1334, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.
