When your existing roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s time to think about a replacement service. With residential roofs being a fairly sizable investment for most homeowners, it only makes sense that you want to get a decent idea of what you’ll be paying for the service ahead of time. We’re going to discuss some of the most common factors that are going to impact the overall cost of your roof replacement service.
Roof Size
One of the most obvious factors that is going to impact the overall cost of a roof replacement is the size of your roof. Most roofers will have a set rate for replacement based on what they refer to as a roofing square. A roofing square is equal to 100 square feet.
Slope
Another factor that’s taken into consideration is the overall steepness or slope of your roof. Generally, the steeper your roof is, the more expensive it’s going to be to replace. All roofers will give a set percentage to the slope of your roof that they’ll use to calculate its role in your replacement price. For example, if they designate your roof as a 12% slope, the total cost of replacement based on the roofing squares will be multiplied by 1.12. This will help to account for the steepness of the roof in regard to the overall cost of the entire service.
Roofing Protrusions
A roof will have various protrusions that require flashing to be installed around them. This flashing works to ensure that water gets diverted off the protrusion and down onto your roofing material. These protrusions can include things like chimneys and vent pipes. The more protrusions your roof has, the more expensive your replacement service is going to be.
Roofing Material
One of the most significant factors that’s going to play a role in the cost of your replacement is the type of roofing material you choose. Typically, asphalt shingles are going to be one of the most affordable options on the market today. However, if you would like a longer-lasting product or just a unique look, you may decide to get metal, slate, or even tiles for your roof. All these materials are going to come at their own price point per roofing square.
Material Removal
The existing material that’s on your roof will need to undergo removal before the new material can be installed. While some roofers may re-shingle over an existing roof material, that’s not recommended as it adds too much weight to your roof. If you already have multiple layers on your roof, you can expect the cost of disposal to go up. If you take care of scheduling dumpster service, you’ll likely get a lower replacement cost than if your roofer has to do the scheduling on its own.
Roof Design
Generally speaking, the overall complexity of your roof’s design is going to play a large role in its replacement cost. Roofs with a simple design are going to be cheaper to replace than those with a more complex one, such as roofs with various angles, skylights or gables.
The more features your roof has, the more labor-intensive it will be to replace. Most roofers will have set replacement rates per roofing square, depending on the complexity. There may be a few different categories, each with its own replacement rate.
Replacement Time
Timing is going to play a crucial role in the overall cost of replacing your roof. If your existing roof is damaged to the point where it needs a full replacement, a roofer may charge more for having to replace it quickly. However, they are likely to charge less if you opt to replace your roof during off-peak times. For example, scheduling a roof replacement service during the winter months may be cheaper than having it done in the summertime.
Roofing Company
The contractor you use for your roof replacement service is going to be another factor that could affect your overall price. Roofers that have a lot of experience and perform quality workmanship are going to typically come at a higher labor rate than those that are new to the business or that do not specialize in this type of service.
Necessary Decking Replacement
Decking is going to be the foundational layer for any roofing system. When you undergo a roof replacement, some of the decking boards may show signs of rotting or cracking. In cases of damage, these decking boards should get replaced. This is going to increase the overall cost. Obviously, the more decking boards that need to be replaced, the higher the replacement cost is going to be.
Roof’s Accessibility
For an ideal job, the company will have clear access to all points of your roof. However, this isn’t always possible. There may be landscaping features, patio areas, or neighboring homes that can all restrict free access to your roof. Furthermore, if there is fencing or other features that limit a dump truck or dumpster access to the roof, it’s going to be a more challenging job to complete. When there are access limitations, the overall cost of your roof replacement will increase.
Local Permitting
It isn’t uncommon for municipalities to require you to file for a permit to replace your existing roof. Typically, most roofing contractors will take care of filing for your permit so that you don’t have to. They’ll simply include this permitting cost in the overall replacement cost of your roof. Permitting costs will vary depending on your specific location.
Additional Services
Some homeowners might ask for additional replacement services when getting the roof done. These may include replacing fascia boards, rafters, and gutters. The more additional services that you add to your roof replacement, the more expensive it is going to be.
Free Replacement Estimates
One of the best ways to learn about what the cost of replacing your existing roof may be is to simply get a free estimate, and most roofing companies will offer them. Make sure that whatever company you choose comes out to your property to assess it before providing you with a written estimate.
Inquiring About Financing
With roof replacement services being a very large investment for the average homeowner, many will need to seek out financing to cover the cost. Most roofing companies will be able to provide you with some type of financing, whether in-house or through a third party. You may also want to consider taking out a home equity line of credit or home improvement loan to cover the cost.
Trustworthy Roof Installation Service
Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations offers trustworthy roof installation services for Charlotte, NC and the surrounding communities. We can assist with all your roof repair, inspection, and storm damage needs. Simply contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced professionals if you need roof replacement or any other roofing service.
