Depending on how often you inspect your roof or what kind of climate you live in, you could be replacing your roof every 20 years. While some roofs will last up to 50 years with good maintenance, if you’re unsure of the last time your roof was replaced or inspected, you could be up for a repair.
Knowing your roof price comes down to how well you know your roof. For instance:
A leaky roof isn’t as simple as having to put a bucket down to catch drips. A leaking roof can cause your house frame to rot, bend and buckle over time. It can also allow rodents or insects into your home, destroying your belongings and your home’s value in the process.
In order to ensure you’re keeping your home in the best possible shape, you need to keep your roof in great condition. If you’re on a budget, follow these five tips to estimate a replacement roof price.
1. Think About Square Footage
The bigger your roof is, the more material you’ll need to buy to cover it.
A roof is measured in a unit of “squares.” One square is 100 square feet. Take a measurement of the square footage of your roof and divide by 100 to get the number you’re looking for.
2. Every Material Is Different
No two materials cost the same in the roofing game. Composition shingles are one of the most common materials for roofing, but modern roofs take on a few different styles.
Metal, clay, tile, and slate are all potential materials for your new roof. Clay tends to be the most expensive, and membrane roofing is the cheapest. Think about your budget and what material would look good with your home before deciding.
3. There Are Different Types of Roofs
The type of roof that you have has an effect on how much your roof will cost. If your roof is steep, it’s harder to install material than on a roof that’s perfectly flat. The more complicated it is, the more it will cost.
You’ll find there are about six common types of roofs, and each one has its own set of challenges. Roof pitch is probably the biggest factor when it comes to determining the cost.
4. Labor Could Cost a Lot
Some people decide to go the DIY route to save on labor costs. Even if you’re not a pro, it’s possible to install a roof on your own. The only problem is knowing whether or not it’s worth your time and effort to learn a new trade like roofing.
Perhaps it makes more sense to hire a professional. In this case, you’ll want to get some estimates. Feel free to ask a few different contractors for quotes and compare.
5. Location Means Something
The area you live in will make a difference. If your area gets a lot of rain and snow—like here in Milwaukee and surrounding southeast Wisconsin—you’ll have a pitched roof for it to run off of. You’ll also need a good drainage system.
Dry, arid climates allow for more flat roofs because water won’t collect and cause problems.
Your Roof Price Depends on Many Factors
Understanding the elements that affect your roof price will also give you insight into the complexity of its installation. The more factors you have to juggle—like expensive materials or inclement weather—the harder your installation will be. Usually the harder a job is, the more it will cost.
If you’re not ready to take on a major home repair like a roof yourself, contact us for some professional help. We’ve been keeping Milwaukee homes dry since 1975.