Though no one looks forward to paying for a roof repair or replacement, these projects are a necessity for every type of house, commercial structure, and other buildings. What matters most is whether you select detail-oriented roofers who provide a competitive price and complete the project in a timely manner. Let’s take a look at the many different factors that affect roof estimates from your local roofing company.
Table of Contents
The Scope of the Project
The amount of work required for the repair or replacement is fundamental to the estimate. A minor repair will prove cheaper than a complete roof replacement. If underlayment material is compromised or if the shingles that require replacing are no longer sold, it might be necessary to replace the full roof. Furthermore, removing the entirety of the aged or dilapidated roof will require a considerable amount of labor, making the project that much more time-consuming and costly.
Roofing Materials
The type of shingle you select plays a major role in determining the total cost. From architectural shingles to 3-tab asphalt shingles and beyond, there are all sorts of options available. Perhaps you would like a metal roof. Others prefer a tile roof. The material and style you settle on will determine a large part of the cost of the project. Furthermore, fasteners, insulation and underlayment materials each have their own unique pricing.
The Size of the Roof
The size of the roof to be replaced or the size of the portion of the roof that requires repair dictates a large part of the project’s total cost. Roofing companies measure square footage then divide by 100 to reach the figure referred to as the roofing square. This figure is necessary to determine the number of roofing materials required for the job.
The Pitch of the Roof
The roof pitch is a major factor in the project’s total cost. A roof with an especially steep angle will require extensive safety measures and planning in order for the repair or replacement to be completed in a thorough and safe manner. Furthermore, especially steep roofs will require an underlayment material that meets nuanced fire rating requirements.
The Warranty on Workmanship
Most professional roofers provide a standard workmanship warranty. Materials are typically provided with a basic warranty that applies to defects. However, some roofing companies provide an extended warranty for clients willing to pay a premium. This extended warranty increases the amount of time coverage is applied.
The Contractor’s Access to the Roof
Most people are surprised to learn roof access is an important component in roof estimates. If it is difficult to obtain access to the roof or traverse the roof due to its slope, size or other features, the roofing contractor will have to pay for additional labor and/or equipment. After all, if it takes more equipment and laborers to remove the roof, load up the roofing materials, apply the new roof or perform the repair, the estimate will be higher. Alternatively, if it is easy to access the roof, less material and time will be required to finish the job and the estimate will be comparably lower.
System Components
The roofing system components play a major role in dictating the project’s cost. The bottom line is applying new shingles or tile is usually not enough. Most homeowners desire waterproofing, high-quality decking and underlayment materials, insulation, ventilation, elite fasteners and other components to extend the roof’s longevity.