A well-maintained roof provides comfort, beauty and safety for homeowners. But sometimes damage or aging necessitates roof replacement.
Your roof protects your home from scorching sun, torrential rain and snowfall. It channels rainwater away from the building, preventing water infiltration, mold and structural problems. A roof also increases energy efficiency. Visit https://www.bostonroofingco.com/ to learn more.
The cost of a roof replacement is a big upfront investment. But it’s a cost that will pay off when you sell your home because a new roof increases the value of the property by up to 60%. In addition, a new roof offers energy savings and protection from the elements for decades to come.
The cost to replace a roof is influenced by roofing material, home size, and square footage. The slope of the roof also influences costs because steeper pitches require special equipment and materials to install.
If you’re replacing a roof with the same type of materials as the existing one, you can expect to spend about $4.43 to $8.50 per square foot of your home’s square footage. However, if you’re changing the roofing material, this cost will rise because you’ll need to install flashing and other materials that support the new material.
It’s also important to consider the extent of your roof’s damage. Minor problems like a leak in one area or a few missing shingles can be repaired for far less than a full roof replacement. But if the damage is extensive or widespread, it might be better to invest in a new roof.
In some cases, homeowner’s insurance may cover the costs of a new roof. This is particularly true if the damage is caused by a covered event, such as a fire or severe storm. However, it’s rare for homeowners’ policies to cover regular wear and tear.
Depending on your situation, you might be able to finance your roof replacement with a renovation loan. These loans are based on the estimated value of your home after you’ve completed the upgrade, which gives you more borrowing power than a mortgage or HELOC. However, be sure to research personal loans thoroughly before making a decision. You don’t want to end up with a predatory loan that will cause you financial stress. Besides, this is a project that should be done by a professional to ensure safety and proper installation. The right contractor will be able to help you select the best financing option for your needs.
Materials
The type of roofing materials used will have a big impact on the overall cost of your roof replacement. There are many different options to choose from, including asphalt shingles, metal roofs, clay or concrete tiles, and wooden shakes. Each type has its own benefits and downsides. Some of them are more budget-friendly than others, and some offer better protection from various weather conditions.
The material you choose will depend on the climate where your home is located, as well as your budget and personal style. For example, if you live in an area with frequent hail storms, you should consider getting an impact-resistant roof. Some manufacturers produce impact-resistant materials that are covered by their manufacturer’s warranty.
You should also consider the weight of the material, as this may affect your framing requirements. Some roofing materials are heavier than others, and they might require specialized installation. A green roof, for instance, is an eco-friendly option that reduces water runoff and air pollution while insulating the building to save energy costs. However, it requires extra structural support, thermal insulation, vapor barriers, drainage, soil, plants, and waterproofing.
Another important consideration is the fire resistance of the roof material. A roof with a high fire rating can withstand a greater amount of heat and can help you qualify for lower insurance premiums. If you’re not sure which type of roofing material to use, ask your roofing contractor for recommendations.
Other common roofing types include clay and slate tiles, wood shakes, and fiberglass shingles. Some of these are good for hot and dry climates, while others are best for cooler regions. Metal roofs are energy-efficient and durable, and some even withstand extreme temperatures. However, they can be prone to corrosion in some environments.
If you’re looking for a more natural look, you can try composite shakes. These are made of recycled materials and have a long lifespan, making them a great choice for those who want to save money on energy costs. They are also resistant to rot, insects, and moisture damage.
If you want to sell your home in the future, be sure to check the roofing material’s transferability. This will ensure that the next homeowner will be able to get the warranty for any repairs.
Installation
A roof is one of the most important parts of a home. It protects interior building materials, and it’s usually the first to show signs of wear. Replacing a roof before it reaches the end of its expected life span can save on long-term repair costs and help you avoid more expensive damage to interior wood.
A new roof can also enhance a home’s value, which can be especially helpful when it comes time to sell. However, a roof replacement project is often complicated by a number of factors. It’s best to examine the roof before beginning the project. If there’s significant damage, it may be a good idea to replace the entire roof.
During a roof replacement, contractors will start by removing the old roofing materials. If the roof is shingled, the contractor will use a shingle fork to pry off the shingles, starting at the top and working their way down. The contractor will then dispose of the shingles and other roofing materials in dumpsters or garbage cans.
After the roof is torn down, flashing will be installed in all areas where leaks might occur. This includes the drip edge, vent flashing, dormer and chimney flashing, and valley flashing. These will ensure a watertight seal around chimneys, skylights, and stack vents, as well as along stretches where two sloped roof sections meet.
The roofing contractor will also add or replace ventilation. The attic needs to have air flowing in and out to prevent rot, mold, and condensation. It is recommended to install ridge vents, which will provide continuous ventilation and help prevent ice dams in winter. Other types of roof vents include gable or attic vents and pipe boots that wrap tightly around plumbing pipes sticking out of the attic.
Once the new roof is finished, the contractors will clean up and remove all trash and debris from the job site. This will take an hour or more, and should be done before the contractors leave. Homeowners should prepare by moving anything they don’t need out of the attic and covering the items they keep there.
Warranty
When it comes to your roof, it is important to protect yourself with a good warranty. A quality roofing contractor will be able to offer you a full system warranty that covers both the materials and installation. This is the best type of warranty available and can last up to 50 years. However, you should be aware of some conditions that can void your warranty.
Standard manufacturer warranties only cover shingles, but they do not usually include coverage for the cost of replacing other roofing materials like underlayment, ventilation products and flashing. However, some manufacturers do provide additional warranties that do cover these items. These extras may also be included in a limited lifetime roof warranty.
In addition, a roof warranty will not typically cover damage caused by natural events or sudden accidental circumstances. These types of damage should be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, so it is a good idea to check with your insurance company to make sure that you are properly covered.
Another condition that can void your roof warranty is improper maintenance of the roof. Keeping up with regular inspections and repairs can help you spot problems before they turn into major issues that could void your warranty. This will also help you avoid costly repairs that might not be covered by your warranty.
The length of time that a warranty will last will depend on the manufacturer and the roofing material. For example, asphalt shingle warranties can last up to 25-30 years, while metal roofs can have warranties that are much longer than this.
If you are considering purchasing a new roof, it is important to take the time to review your options and compare costs and warranties. A good roofing contractor will be able to guide you in the right direction and ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
One of the most common reasons that homeowners are disappointed with their roofs is that they have been told their warranties will not be honored due to certain conditions. These include using a different contractor for regular maintenance, failing to keep up with routine inspections and making DIY repairs that are not authorized by the warranty.