Your roof provides a solid defense against the elements from spring to summer and fall to winter. Unfortunately, constant exposure to severe weather conditions means your roof will eventually need a replacement. There are many factors involved in determining the longevity of a roof and the cost of replacing it. Knowing these factors can help you with the decision making and financial planning processes.
How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?
A roof isn’t meant to be replaced often. If your roof was installed correctly, you’ve been keeping up with maintenance, and your attic is adequately ventilated, it will get as close as possible to its expected lifespan. 3-tab asphalt shingles should generally last 15 to 20 years and architectural shingles 20 to 30 years before needing replacement.
How often you’ll need a replacement will depend on a few factors, including:
- Weather: Strong winds, heavy snow, hail, and increased sun exposure will take a toll on roofing systems and accelerate deterioration.
- Slope: Low-slope roofs take longer to shed water and are thus more easily damaged.
- Color: Dark-colored shingles absorb more heat and hold it for a longer time. Heat accelerates wear and tear.
- Insulation and ventilation: Poor attic ventilation and inadequate insulation cooks roofing materials from the inside and exposes the roof deck to moisture damage.
- Installation and maintenance: Workmanship errors and lack of maintenance are the most frequent cause of premature roof failures.
Factors that Impact the Cost of Your New Roof
1. Height and Accessibility of Your Roof
The roofing crew will need to tear off the old roof, dispose of the old materials into a dump truck, and send the new materials up to the roof for installation.
This factor of time and labor adds to the cost. A home surrounded by large shrubs and trees or stone walls limits where ladders can be safely placed. The roofing crew will need more equipment and time to climb up and down the roof of a two-story home than on a ranch house.
2. Size of the Roof
The size of the roof is the most significant driving factor when it comes to the cost of a roof replacement. The larger the roof, the more surface area you must cover and the more it will cost to get a new roof. When we say “larger,” we’re talking about the square footage of the roof, which is different from the square footage of your home. Square footage affects the amount of materials used, time, and labor needed to complete the job.
3. Roofing Material
The type of roofing material you select can drive the cost of your roof replacement up. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material because they’re generally the most affordable and last for many years. Architectural shingles cost more than traditional 3-tab shingles and give you a unique look that really stands out.
If you choose a different roofing material, such as tile, metal, slate, or wood shingles, you can expect the cost of your roofing project to go up considerably.
In addition to the roof covering, you will also need:
- Underlayment
- Ice and water shield
- Flashing
- Vents
- Ridge capping
- Pipe boots
- Drip edge
- New decking
These materials vary in cost due to differences in quality, performance, and design.
4. Roof Slope
The pitch or slope of your roof can add to the cost. A steeply pitched roof (with more than 6:12) or one with an unconventional shape will be more challenging to navigate, which means it will need additional safety considerations, staging, and labor. If scaffolding and or additional safety equipment is required, expect to see a rise in your replacement cost.
5. What Needs To Be Removed
There are two costs associated with old roof tear-off: time and labor needed to remove the old materials and dispose of them.
Applying a second roof on top of an existing one is an inexpensive way to reroof a house. However, multiple layers will increase the overall timeframe of the next replacement project, which means higher labor costs. It can also hide damage which is only found when removing all of the roofing layers.
6. Condition of the Roof Deck
If your roof is just old and it’s time to go, the roofing project should be reasonably straightforward. However, if there are leaks, missing roofing material, or ventilation problems, there could be some hidden damage to the underlying structures.
Tearing off the old materials can reveal flaws in the roof deck, such as rot, mold, mildew, or splintering. The amount of roof decking that needs to be replaced will add to the final price tag.
If your shingle roof is extensively damaged or has passed 15 years of age, it’s time to look into roof replacement possibilities. Quantum Roofing is experienced in offering shingle roofing solutions to homeowners in the Greater Cincinnati area. We will answer your questions, provide an honest quote, and execute an unbeatable install. Contact us today to learn more.