6 Important Considerations before Replacing Your Roof

Are you thinking about repairing or replacing your roof? This can be a really stressful experience because of the investment of both time and money. These, of course, depend on the amount of repairs needed. This is why you need to assess the extent of damages to both the inside and outside of your roof.

The following considerations can really affect the costs of repair or installation of new roofs:

1.     The Type of Roof

Naturally, the type of roof over your home will influence its costs of repair. Rooves can be either low or high pitched, sloped or flat, tiled or shingled. All of these materials have varying costs, and some may require more material and labor than others.

2.     The Scope of Repairs

Another factor that greatly influences the cost of repairs is the size of the intended area. This is why the pricing will be determined on the square footage of roof repairs. In simple terms, shingles are sold in terms of squares and a square is also a 10 ft area. If, for example, your intended area for repairs is less than 10 ft, you will still be charged for a square.

3.     The Number of Layers

Estimating costs for removing roofs depends on the amount of time it will take. These costs will consist of dump charges (charges to dispose of the material – which usually depends on the cumulative weight of materials) and the cost of labor. The heavier the material of your roof will be, the longer it will take to replace your old roof.

4.     Exiting Water Damages

Water damages can easily get hidden under roof shingles, and will only be found upon inspection. Roofers usually have to remove the shingles to check the decking underneath, and this might incur extra costs.

This step, however, should never be skipped because leaks can bring about total roof replacement in the future.

5.     Skylights and Chimneys

Some unique elements on your rooftops like skylights and chimneys will definitely increase costs of roofing jobs. This is why, while you’re assessing your shingles you should check for leaks in these areas as well. If roofers do find leaks, they will have to add flashing around these areas – which will, ofcourse, cost a little extra.

6.     Permits for Roofing Repairs

In some cases, your roofer may even have to get permits for your roofing repairs. The flat rate of working in your area will also be the price of this permit and may be based on your home’s value or size. If this is the case, then the costs of repair will definitely be affected. These costs, however, vary from city to city and may especially be of consequence if you live in a coastal town.

Now that you have learned about some important considerations before going forward with roofing repairs, you should also learn how to inspect your home for roof damage. Follow the link to learn about the most telltale signs of roof damage.