Roof Renovation: When Is the Right Time?
Roofs, as an integral part of any home, often face the ravages of weather and the vicissitudes of time. So, when should you consider reroofing? This depends heavily on the materials used and their quality.
The cost of reroofing varies depending on the region, materials, and scope of the project. Three key factors influence the cost:
- Materials: Shingles, underlayment, drip edge, protective coating, etc.
For example, asphalt shingles cost between $3.50 and $5 per square foot, while higher-end materials like metal, tile, and slate can cost between $9 and $15 per square foot.
- Labor: Professional workers remove the old roof and install the new one.
If the homeowner's roof is large and complex, professional roofing installation will cost more. Labor costs typically account for 40% to 50% of the total cost of a reroof. Experts say this is due to the increasing scarcity of skilled workers, resulting in higher costs. 3. Dealing with an Abandoned Roof: After replacing the old roof, recycle or clean up the old roofing materials.
When is a roof replacement necessary?
● A few shingles are missing from the roof.
● Cracked shingles.
● Frayed edges on the shingles.
● Leaking roof.
● Water pooling on the roof.
● Damaged roof deck.
● The recommended replacement deadline has arrived.
Reference lifespans for roofing materials
● Composition shingles: 12-20 years.
● Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years.
● Wood shingles: 20-25 years.
● Rubber roofs: 30-50 years.
● Metal roofs: 50-75 years.
How can you save money on roof replacement?
- Do your homework.
Before hiring a roofing contractor, understand the size of your roof, the difficulty of the replacement, and the materials used. With these details, you can better estimate the cost and find the most competitive price.
Tip: When purchasing roofing materials, you'll often see the term "roofing square meter." Here, one square meter equals 100 square feet of material. Also, roofing contractor quotes typically include installation and cleanup costs.
- Compare Prices: Get quotes from multiple roofing contractors and check their local reputation before hiring them.
Tip: Be cautious of very low quotes, as they may indicate subpar installation skills. Also, carefully check whether the materials and installation are covered by a warranty.
- Choose the Right Time: The busiest seasons for roof replacement are summer and fall. Replacing your roof near the end of winter or in the spring may offer off-season discounts.
- Use Insurance: Homeowners insurance generally covers roof damage caused by unintentional causes. If hail knocks off a few shingles, your insurance may cover the entire roof or a portion of it.
Homeowners insurance premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on factors such as coverage, deductible, and the insurance company. Just like car insurance, each homeowner's individual circumstances and background are assessed differently, resulting in different premium rates.
It's recommended to comprehensively review premium quotes and service reviews from various companies to choose the plan that best suits you.
