Most roofs have long-life spans which can last for 20 to 30 years or more, depending on the quality and the type of materials used. Harsh weather, high winds, hurricanes, and fallen debris can shorten the life-span of a roof.
If you are looking at a full roof replacement it is a huge project that most homeowners would like to postpone. With materials and labor costs consistently rising, installing a new roof is a high investment and unexpected expense.
Are you looking at whether to install a new roof or simply repair the one that is on the house now? Here are ten items that can affect whether you repair or install a new one:
1. Age of the roof
Consider the age of your current roof?
Under 20 years?
You may be able to fix the roof with a less costly solution and add another 10 to 20 years onto your roof’s life.
Over 20 years?
Your roof is already nearing the end of its life span and you have considerable damage. It is probably a good time for a roof replacement.
2. What’s the damage?
It could be as simple as wind that caused a shingle(s) to come off which can be easily repaired. If you assess that there is more damage such as shingles that appear to be buckling, an increased amount of shingle granules in your gutters, or damage to flashing, it could be time to have your roof replaced. What percentage of the total roof surface needs repair?
Bob Villa says it is important to determine “whether to simply patch leaks and damaged areas or whether partial or complete reroofing is in order. If you choose the latter, you’ll also have to decide whether to roof over your existing roof or whether to remove it. There are cost consequences either way”.
Was there a recent disaster in your neighborhood? This could push an older roof over the edge and require a new one to be installed.
3. Scope of roof repairs
One of the biggest factors in pricing a roof repair is the size of the repair.
The price is generally determined by the square footage of the roof. In roofing terms, a square is a 10-foot-square area. Shingles are sold by the square, so you will be charged for a square even if your repair is smaller than 10 feet.
4. Roof type
Roof types greatly influence repair costs. Roofs can be high or low pitch, flat or sloped, high or low pitch, shingled or tile. Roofing material costs vary greatly between roof types, and some require more labor and materials than others.
5. Climate in your area
A big factor for susceptibility to future damage and how well a roof can hold up is the climate in your area. Do you get hurricanes, tornados, high winds, etc.? If this is the case, you’ll want to reroof with a durable shingle that has strong adhesives. “The fact that the new shingles would have six nails per shingle instead of four, as now recommended by the shingle manufacturer for high-wind areas, was also an incentive”, says Bob Villa.
6. Repair versus replacement costs
Small roof repairs can typically be done quickly and easily with lower costs. Partial reroofing may be the answer depending on the damage. This can save you a ton of money. On a cost per square basis, it tends to be a bit higher than replacing the entire roof. Make sure your shingles blend seamlessly. Occasionally, it is the best choice and less expensive option to replace the entire roof at once even with only partial damage.
7. Type of roof being removed and number of layers
Estimating the cost of removing a roof is determined by the amount of time it takes to remove which is the labor and the dump charges to dispose of the roofing material, which is typically determined by the weight of the material. The heavier the material or the more there is, the longer it takes to remove the old roof and the more it costs to dispose of properly.
8. Existing water damage
Water damage can be hidden until the roofer removes the shingles and inspects the decking underneath which can be expensive and inflate your final cost. Don’t skip this important step because it can lead to a total roof replacement.
9. Chimney and skylights
Unique rooftop elements like Chimneys and skylights, can raise the cost of a roofing job. Check for damage or leaks while assessing the shingles. Roofer may need to fix the flashing around the elements which will increase labor costs.
10. Roofing repair permits
The roofer may need to pull permits for repairs. The price of the permit may be a flat rate in your area, or it could be based on your home’s size or value. Roof repair costs can be affected city by city especially in our coastal town.
If you notice damage to your roof, No. 1 Home Roofing is ready to evaluate your roof and help you to determine whether it can be repaired and to install a new roof.
No. 1 Home Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing company conveniently located on US Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, Florida. We are dedicated to providing top quality workmanship and materials to ensure that your new roof is done right. We specialize in shingle, tile, and flat roof installation, repairs, and maintenance. Contact us for an appointment and/or estimate at 727-781-7663.