Roofs come in all shapes and sizes. There can be a steep slope or barely any at all. When replacing a roof, your neighbor may receive an estimate significantly different than you, even though the two houses seem very similar. Many factors go into the cost of a roof replacement. A thorough inspection by a professional roofer is the only way to be certain about the price of a new roof for your home. Here are six factors that affect your roof expense: 

Materials 

 

Generally, the primary expense for any roof replacement is the materials. The quality of the materials determines the cost. This cost can vary significantly depending on the type of roof being installed. Items you will find on your estimate include:

  • Asphalt Shingles 
  • Metal Roofing Panels
  • Synthetic Slate
  • Cedar Shake
  • Rolled Roofing

 Additional Materials needed include:

  • Flashing
  • Decking
  • Underlayment
  • Drip Edge
  • Water Shield
  • Ridge Capping
  • Roof Vents

You may only need some of these items. Damaged decking or flashing may need to be replaced to ensure your roof is secure. You may need repairs on roof vents or ridge capping added with the new roof. Professional roofing companies will always give you a detailed estimate, including all the necessary items. A thorough inspection will reveal the need for any repairs. 

Shipping Costs

 

Additionally, the weight of different types of roofing varies. Slate shingles, asphalt shingles, metal roofing panels, and other types of roofing all have different weights. These variations in weight will affect shipping costs. Metal roofing can be manufactured in large panels compared to asphalt shingles, which can be boxed for easier shipping. If your roof needs decking replaced, this also adds to shipping costs. A roofer experienced in installing different types of roofing will know the most cost-effective method of shipping the materials.

Labor

 

Another key factor is labor cost. The labor cost for a roof installation is measured by the square foot. As you can imagine, this is different for every style of roof. Factors affecting this cost include installation, tear-off of the old roof if necessary, and other variables such as roof pitch and design. Likewise, the complexity of your roof will also add to the difficulty and time required to complete the job. Labor is needed to clean up and haul away old materials. If your home is large or has complex landscaping, extra time and labor may be necessary to ensure the area is free of debris. 

Overhead Costs

 

This can encompass insurance, safety education, licensing, and related necessities. Safety education must be updated regularly as new materials are used in roofing, and installation methods are updated in the industry. 

Permits are needed for exterior construction. The cost can vary depending on your municipality. The authorities control permit pricing, which the roofing company can’t negotiate. Fuel for trucks and equipment is another example of overhead costs.

Roof Pitch and Size

 

Equally important is your roof’s pitch. The pitch or “slope” is the angle of your roof. A professional roofer will calculate this slope by measuring the vertical incline of your roof in inches for every 12 inches horizontally. Common pitches are from 4/12 to 9/12. The difficulty increases outside of these numbers. The result is a longer completion time requiring more labor and possibly more equipment for the installation. Your roofing estimate cost will reflect these variables.

Location

 

Finally, different climate conditions require different roofing materials. You may be told by a friend, who lives in another area, that the cost of their roof is a certain amount because of cheaper roofing shingles. Your location may require a stronger type of material, or a stipulation in your local building code may require the use of a particular kind of roofing. Sometimes, a homeowners association will have this in your contract.

The Bottom Line

 

These factors all affect your total roof expense. Your best method of assuring you receive an honest, accurate estimate is by using a licensed, experienced contractor with a good reputation because an estimate that seems too low may not include all necessary costs. It is much better to be aware of all the possible expenses you may incur rather than being surprised later and being over budget. A locally based company that is familiar with specific building codes and the climate in your area is preferable.

Contact Straight Line Roofing & Construction today for a free estimate on a roof replacement. We have proudly served customers in the Sacramento and Silver Springs area for over 21 years. Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your new roof. Our highly-trained professionals will be happy to answer any questions regarding roof replacement or any of our other services.

We look forward to working with you to provide an efficient and cost-effective roof replacement!