Factors That Go Into a Roof Installation Cost

There are many factors that go into a roof installation cost. Some are outside of the homeowner’s control, while others can be controlled.

The choice of materials is one factor that can dramatically affect the cost of re-roofing. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable option, while metal roofs are more expensive. Read on to know more.

Materials

There are many different roofing materials. The choice depends on the structure of your house, your location, and the budget you have. The most common residential roof covering is asphalt shingles. Alternatives include metal, EPDM or built-up hot tar systems of layered, asphalt-impregnated felt faced with mineral granules. Some homeowners choose to add a natural, luxurious touch to their homes by choosing slate for their roofs.

Gutters help protect the house from rainwater that could deteriorate foundations and erode the soil around the home. Skylights, dormer windows, chimneys, and vents require flashing, a thin material that prevents water from leaking into areas where it shouldn’t be.

Wood roofs can be attractive but are expensive and may not perform well in areas that get a lot of moisture or where wildfires are a risk. Concrete tiles are a heavier option but are long-lasting and provide excellent insulation. These are popular choice for luxury homes. They are also fungus, fire, and mildew-resistant.

Labor

Homeowners will spend up to 60% of their budget on labor. This is because installing a roof is hard work and can be dangerous. Depending on the roofing product type, local weather conditions, and roof size, labor costs vary. For example, a slate or tile roof requires expert installation and is more expensive than asphalt shingles. A metal roof is also more expensive, but it is durable and lasts longer than a shingle roof.

Special features like skylights, dormer windows, and chimneys require new flashing and additional roofing materials. They also add to the project’s timeline and increase labor expenses. Additionally, a permit may be required for roof replacement. This fee varies by location and is necessary to ensure that the new roof meets local building codes. Also, homeowners will incur dump fees to dispose of the old roof. These fees range from $50 to $500. These expenses can add up quickly. As a result, homeowners should consider these extra charges when planning their budgets.

Permits

The roof is the most important part of your home’s envelope and keeps everything in your house from the outside elements. It’s also one of the most expensive parts of your home, but it is a necessary component to keep your house insulated, warm, and feeling like a home.

Permits are required for structural work which can include repairs, reroofing, or replacing the roof. Permits vary from state to state and city to city so check with your local building department.

A permit means a 3rd party entity will come to your home and inspect the work performed by the contractor. The inspector will make sure the contractor is following city codes and standards.

Some municipalities have high fire risk so a permit may be needed for reroofing or roof replacement. The contractor will usually get the permit for you and notify the city that they are performing the work. Many municipalities have online permitting processes.

Equipment

It’s important to have all the equipment needed for a job before you start because nothing can halt the flow of work faster than running back and forth to the hardware store. A few key tools for roofing include a ladder, a hammer with a flat claw (it’s more useful than the traditional curved claw), a chalk line for marking straight lines, and tarps to protect landscaping and catch stray nails and debris.

You also need underlayment, which is a layer that helps prevent water damage. Roofers use plywood or oriented strand board for this, and it’s often included in the roofing estimate. Flashing is another layer of protection that’s installed in prone-to-leak areas like valleys and chimneys. It’s typically included in the roof replacement estimate, and it’s available in a variety of materials, including copper, galvanized steel, zinc, or aluminum. You may also need to install drip edge or soffit vents. These are sold at home improvement stores in a variety of styles. Click here for more interesting articles.