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 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 of 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.