How much will it cost, and how long will it take? These are two of the most common questions homeowners ask when considering a roof replacement. Costs vary widely, and some roofs take longer to replace than others. The best way to get a direct answer to these questions is to get an estimate from a local roofing company. However, you’ll still want to know what goes into the estimate and how costs are determined.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Roof Replacement
When a roofer comes out to give you an estimate, they will spend a considerable amount of time looking at your roof and your home. This is because there are several different factors they need to consider to tell you how much your new roof will cost.
Square Footage
Cost is highly dependent on the size of your roof. The square footage of your roof is not always the same as the square footage of your home. For instance, a 1,500 square foot home with two stories will have a smaller roof than a 1,500 square foot ranch with one story.
Roof sizes are measured in squares, which are equal to 100 square feet. Your roofer will measure your roof and include its size, in squares, in your estimate.
Home Height
The height of your roof will also affect the cost of your roof replacement. It is more challenging and takes longer for roofers to carry shingles up onto a tall roof than a short one. So, if two roofs have the same square footage, but one is taller, the taller one will cost more to replace.
Pitch
Pitch is the angle of your roof. A roof with a high pitch is very steep, which makes it harder for your roofers to work on. They’ll need to use more safety gear and take more precautions. Low-sloped roofs with a low pitch can be re-roofed faster and easier, so they tend to cost less to replace.
Number of Layers
The first step in re-roofing a home is to remove the old roof. If there are multiple layers of shingles to remove, your cost will be higher than if there’s only one layer of shingles to remove.
Decking Replacement
The decking is the wooden structure beneath your shingles. It’s the main structural component of your roof. If your decking is starting to rot or crack and needs to be replaced, this will add to your roof replacement cost.
This is one reason to replace your roof sooner rather than later. If you replace the roof before the decking starts to break down, your costs will be lower.
Material Choice
Different materials come at various price points. For example, you will pay more for a tile roof than for a shingle roof. Your roofing contractor can give you quotes for several different roofing materials. They can help you choose the best material for your budget.
Factors Affecting Roof Replacement Timelines
Most roofs can be stripped away and replaced in one day. However, there are a few factors which may cause your roof replacement to take a bit longer.
Roof Size and Height
Extensive roofs sometimes take more than one day to replace. If your home is tall, this can also add to the time it takes.
Roof Complexity
A simple roof with one peak takes a lot less time to replace than one with multiple peaks and valleys. If your roof has dormers, skylights, and other features, then it may take more than a day to replace.
Decking Repair
If any of the decking on your roof needs replaced, this will make your roof replacement take longer. The roofing team will need to remove the old decking and install new decking before installing the new material.
Material Choice
Some roofing materials take longer to install than others. For example, tile tends to take longer to install than shingles. It’s heavier, so it takes longer for the roofers to carry up onto the roof.
Weather Patterns
We can’t control the weather! They have to consider their safety and yours if inclement weather hits. If a big storm blows through, they’ll need to tarp and protect the roof, then come back to it later.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what goes into creating a roofing quote and why some roofs cost more than others. If you need a new roof in the Georgetown area, contact Texas Traditions for an estimate.