The average roof on a modern home in the U.S. today is expected to last between 20 and 25 years. For homeowners, their roof is their main form of defense against the weather. Failing to properly maintain a roof or have a roof replacement done can lead to the interior of a property becoming vulnerable to water, moisture and pests.
A roof replacement is a large project that requires a significant investment. There are, however, a wide range of factors that need to be taken into account when determining the overall cost.
Factors That Influence The Cost Of A Roof Replacement
It is impossible to give an exact figure for how much your roof replacement could cost. The average on a national basis is $8,158 for a new roof, with the vast majority of homeowners spending anywhere from $5,376 to $10,975.
However, there is a significant difference between major cities in the U.S. The numbers reveal that the average cost of a roof replacement is $9,000 in Denver, CO, but only $7,000 in Austin, TX. This is why it is necessary to consult with an experienced roofing contractor to get an exact figure on how much a roof replacement will cost.
Size Of The Home
Obviously, the size of the property will be a major factor in deciding how much a full roof replacement will cost. Larger homes will come with larger costs simply because more material will be required to replace the roof. Furthermore, it takes longer to replace a roof on a large property, which means additional labor costs.
Take note, roofing materials are measured by the square not the square foot. One roofing square is equal to 100 square feet in the roofing business.
The Pitch Of The Roof
The pitch of the roof is another determining factor because a higher pitch means additional complexities for roof installers. A ranch style house is completely flat, so the process of roof replacement is relatively simple. Homeowners with a ranch style roof will see the lowest costs of all. Colonial homeowners will have a few slopes here and there, but the process is still relatively simple. These homes tend to be older, and may even have historical value, so this will also need to be taken into account.
Finally, the most difficult properties of all to manage are homes with Tudor style roofs. These come with both slopes and eaves. They can be problematic to manage. These are typically among the oldest properties in the country and may have strict rules regarding their renovation.
Type Of Shingles Used
A new shingle roof will incorporate both the cost of the new roof and the removal costs of the old roof. Shingle roofs are by far the most popular roofing option in the U.S., but there is a huge amount of variation within shingle roofs.
Not all shingle roofs consist of a standardized asphalt shingle. A shingle roof can also be made from clay, wood, slate and metal. These different materials all come with their pros and cons, as well as widely varying life expectancies.
For example, a wood shake roof may last for up to 30 years, whereas a metal roof comes with a life expectancy of 50 years. Homeowners should examine each material carefully and determine which one best fits their tastes and budget.
How The Roof Is Installed On The Frame/Deck
The way a roof has been installed matters. Poor workmanship in the past could require remedial work to be carried out. If a homeowner opts for new roofing material, additional support may need to be built into the frame/deck to ensure the structure remains stable.
Another consideration is the amount of access a contractor has to the roof. If a roof is too steep to climb on foot or the roof is in a highly built-up area, specialist equipment may be required to replace the roof. This will increase the overall cost of the roof replacement.
Skylights, Chimneys Or Plumbing
Skylights and chimneys are just some the common aspects of a roof. They add additional wrinkles for roofing contractors to negotiate. This increases the time taken to replace the roof, thus enhancing labor costs. Furthermore, roofs must have an adequate amount of ventilation. This has a direct impact on residential plumbing systems. The plumbing vents appear as narrow tubes pointing into the air.
These are required to bring in oxygen and push out sewer gasses. The installation of a new roof may require work to be done on the plumbing vents.
Reach Out To The Experienced Northern VA Roofing Contractors
A new roof is not something to manage by yourself. Installing a new roof is inherent with dangers, and if something goes wrong it can cost tens of thousands of dollars more to put things right.
Homeowners should never attempt to install a new roof by themselves. Adelphia Exteriors have been in the business of roof replacement for many years and give their clients a professional roof replacement service at a fair price. Contact Adelphia Exteriors for more information on replacing your roof in Northern Virginia.
The correct term for cracked shingles is thermal splitting. Shingles tend to crack, or the edges curl, due to excessive exposure to the sun. This is a more common problem in the Sun Belt states. When this happens, the underlayment of the roof becomes exposed. This makes a roof more prone to leaking. If this problem is allowed to continue unaddressed, leaks can cause damage to the rest of the property. 
Roofs have different life expectancies depending on the material used. However, most experts agree the average roof will last for 20-25 years with good upkeep. There is a range of factors that could contribute to a roof needing to be replaced. A professional home exterior contractor will do everything they can to avoid a full roof replacement for as long as possible.
Not all types of growth on the roof are as benign as Gloeocapsa magma. Other types of moss and algae can cause a lot of damage to roof granules and shingles. Moss tends to grow in the areas of the roof that does not get much sunlight. This is a particular problem in the more northerly states of the U.S. While most types of moss and algae are simply a cosmetic problem, freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to the tops of shingles afflicted with this problem.
In the long-term, opting for a full roof replacement may even save money because it reduces the overall frequency of repairs. Deciding on a partial roof replacement may mean scheduling another one after the next period of bad weather.
Shingles are the first layer of defense of any roof. They are constantly exposed to difficult weather conditions, but poor workmanship and old age are major factors in how long they last. Shingles that have split due to heat, or that are curled or torn must be replaced as they are not protecting the roof structure. Some damaged shingles can be replaced as part of a partial roof replacement.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for residential homes in the United States. This is due in large part to the combination of affordability, ease of installation and attractive appearance they provide. They also come in a variety of color options, so you can personalize your roof. Asphalt shingles are particularly popular among suburban-style homes, although they work with a range of house styles. 
Metal roofs are interested due to their fantastic durability during bad weather. They also allow for effective drainage of rainwater as water slides right off the metal roof. Many also have a preference for their appearance as well, although some still prefer the more traditional asphalt shingle appearance. They offer excellent durability that matches or improves upon asphalt shingles, slate roofs and clay and concrete tiles. While they are somewhat affordable, they do cost substantially more than asphalt shingles. 
Storms are one of the most common causes of roofing leaks. Water can enter your home from various angles, so be vigilant before a minor leak spreads. You can also check for water damage and leaks by going into your attic with a flashlight.