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Average Cost of a Shingle Repair Job
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on October 19th, 2009
Sometimes you don’t need a new roof, but you do need some repairs. Shingles get torn off or damaged from rain an wind. Ice or even high heat and beating sunshine can damage roofs. Letting your roof go without maintenance is dangerous for your home, but it’s also dangerous for your wallet. Ignore repairs long enough, and you’ll need a full roof replacement much sooner that you would otherwise.
The average cost of shingle repair job is around $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage. Shingles are sold by the square, which is 100 square feet. Shingles generally cost between $100 and $300 per square. Of course you’ll want to use the same shingles you already have, so the more expensive your roof, the more expensive the repair will be.
With a shingle repair, you’re paying for the materials as well as the labor cost. The greater the area that needs repair, the higher the cost will be. In general, you’re looking at an average repair cost of $1,500, give or take a few hundred dollars. Different contractors can have very different prices, so it’s best to shop around to find the best price. Be sure to get estimates from a handful of companies before you decide on one.
Shingle Repair Estimates
The Average Cost of a New Composite Roof
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on October 5th, 2009
When the time comes for a new roof, your first question is probably about costs. You want to be sure you’re getting a good deal. So how much does a new composite roof actually cost?
A lot of factors contribute to the cost of a new roof. The quality of the shingles being used, the steepness of your roof, and your location in the country can all affect the final cost.
On average, composite roofing materials can cost between $100 to $300 per square (100 square feet). An average roof may use about 20 squares of roofing materials, meaning a materials cost of $2,000 to $6,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof. Labor cost may also include stripping away the old roof and disposing of the old materials.
The average cost of a new composite roof varies depending on the region of the county. In the southeast and Midwest, roofs are usually less than $10,000. Higher quality roofing materials, such as hurricane resistant roofs in the southeast can cost a little more.
New composite roofs in the Northeast and West Coast can cost more, averaging $15,000, give or take a few thousand.
Different contractors can have drastically different prices, so it’s best to shop around and find the best one. Be sure to get several estimates from different roofing companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
How to Assess Multiple Roof Repair Estimates When You Need Repairs Fast
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on September 14th, 2009
When you need roof repairs fast, you don’t always have time to carefully review multiple estimates and take your time choosing a contractor. You need to know you’re getting a good value without compromising on quality. How do you go about choosing between estimates when you’re short on time?
Assessing estimates quickly isn’t very hard, but you don’t want to just jump at the lowest price, especially if it is drastically lower than the others. A price that is dramatically lower than its competitors could be cause for suspicion. However, you do want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
The best thing to do is to look over the references and choose the company that you feel most comfortable with. A good contractor will have a good attitude and be willing to work with you to meet your needs for a fair price. Avoid contractors who seem disinterested or unwilling to give you the information you require to make your decision. A good contractor will be more than willing to give you multiple references and examples of previously completed projects.
Ask your prospective contractors for references, and call them. Speak with previous clients and ask, “Would you hire this contractor again?” That’s the quickest way to get an idea of a company’s credibility. If the previous clients seem happy and satisfied, then you can reasonably expect that your experience will be a good one.
No matter how desperately your roof needs repair, you can’t take chances with bad contractors. Make sure the contractors are licensed and have good reputations. The experiences of previous clients is the best indication of your potential satisfaction.
3 Essential Factors to a Positive Roof Repair Experience
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on August 31st, 2009
When your roof needs repairing, you want to be sure to get the best value for your money with the least amount of hassle. When entering into any roof repair project, there are three essential factors that will help ensure that you have a positive experience.
1. Find a reputable roofing contractor committed to quality.
Do your homework. Check references to ensure that your contractor has the experience and the dependability to make your project a success. Ask to see examples of previously completed projects in your area, and speak with the previous clients. You want to be sure that your contractor will live up to your expectations. Most problems in a roof repair project can be avoided with a good contractor.
2. Obtain multiple estimates.
It’s important to shop around to determine what constitutes a fair price for your project. Obtaining multiple estimates is how you’re going to find the best deal. Contact three companies at an absolute minimum. Once you’ve checked the references and are sure that your prospective contractors are reputable, you’ll be able to choose the best deal. Knowing all your options is going to help you feel confident and satisfied when you make your decision.
3. Know the game.
Knowing what to expect during the course of your project is the biggest factor that will lead to positive experience with your roof repair. Educate yourself on the process. This is the best way to avoid getting taken advantage of. For example, it’s well known in the roofing industry that you should not pay for the job until it has been finished. A contractor that requires money up front is questionable. Also, expect that your roof repair contractor be able to provide a time frame in which the work will be completed. These and other facts are important to know before beginning. The more knowledge you have about the process, the better your experience will be.
Why Southern California Homeowners get Away with More Low Cost Roof Repairs and Less Replacements
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on August 17th, 2009
In sunny Southern California, homeowners can get away with more low cost roof repairs and less roof replacements. The reason? It’s the weather. Southern California is home to some of the most mild weather in the country. Sunny skies and 80 degree temperatures nearly year-round means little damage to your roof. A popular roofing choice in Southern California is tile. Tile roofs usually cost $6-8 a square foot and can last indefinitely under proper conditions. In a wetter and colder climate, tile might break and leak due to ice and storms. In Southern California, the warm weather and lack of ice means a tile roof can last a lifetime without being completely replaced. Different things can cause tiles to break or other problems to occur with a roof, so repairs may be necessary at times. On the whole, however, homeowners in Southern California can have roofs that last much longer than in the rest of the country.
While asphalt shingles are cheaper than tile, they need to be replaced more often. In Southern California it makes more sense to invest in tile, that way the roof will last much longer. In the rest of the country, tile roofs tend to need replacing after 20 or 30 years, but in warm and dry regions like Southern California, they can last much longer. This is why homeowners in Southern California get away with more low cost roof repairs and less roof replacements.
The Average Cost of a Roof Replacement in Different Regions of the Country
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on August 3rd, 2009
When it’s time to replace your roof, the first question you’re probably going to have is, “How much is this going to cost?” There are a lot of factors that affect the final cost of your project. The size of your roof, the height and pitch of your roof, and the cost of materials are all factored into the bill. So what does an average asphalt shingle roof cost? Believe it or not, where you live has a lot to do with it.
Where you live can have a big effect on the price of your roof replacement project. The national average for a 3,000 square foot asphalt shingle roof is roughly $11,500. The actual cost varies. Like anything, urban areas are generally more expensive than rural areas.
The average cost of a roof in New York, for example is close to $15,000. The same roof replacement in Georgia or the deep south will probably cost less than $9,000. The Midwest is also less expensive. Homeowners in Wichita, Kansas pay an average of $10,000. The west coast is just as expensive as the east, with homeowners in Los Angeles paying about the same as homeowners in New York.
Even within the same general region of the country, prices vary drastically. The average cost of a new roof in the Carolinas hovers around $7,000 while Atlanta homeowners pay around $10,000.
While these averages are a guide to know what to expect, keep in mind that actual prices may vary greatly.
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Why You Must Replace Your Roof More Frequently When You Live in the Midwest
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on July 31st, 2009
Homeowners in the Midwest have to replace their roofs much more frequently than everyone else. Extreme weather is really the biggest reason for this. Far from the climate-calming oceans, the Midwest generally has much colder winters than the rest of the country. Harsh temperatures, heavy blizzards and ice will put a lot of strain on roofs. Winter in Nebraska, for example, can get as cold as 40 degrees below 0, while summer temperatures can reach 100. Hail storms in the Midwest can create icy projectiles as large as baseballs, a phenomenon rarely experienced elsewhere in the US. All that ice beating down on a roof really doesn’t help it’s longevity. Let’s not forget that all that flat land breeds hundreds of tornadoes every Spring, which can rip a Kansas or Missouri roof to shreds. Thanks to Mother Nature, Midwestern roofs have the shortest life span. The unforgiving weather of this region makes a good, sturdy roof all the more important. All the weight of snow and ice sitting on your roof for days and weeks can get dangerous if your roof isn’t in top condition. Repairs only go so far, and a full replacement will be needed every so often to ensure the safety of your home. It’s good to have a nice strong roof over your head when a 5 foot snowfall is on its way. The good news for Midwestern homeowners is that roof replacements in the Midwest generally cost less than they do everywhere else.
Common Roofing Material Choices in the Pacific Northwest
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on June 24th, 2009
Quality roofing is important no matter where you live, but in the Pacific NorthWest, the style and quality of your roofing material is especially important given the heavy precipitation and moisture from roofing in Oregon up through British Columbia. Because frequent roof repair and internal water damage can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, it pays to do research upfront to avoid any unexpected financial outlays on the backend.
Cedar and Redwood Shake Are Still Popular in the Pacific NorthWest
Cedar and redwood are two of the most common roofing materials in this region for a variety of reasons. Both types of wood are relatively abundant (owing to the numerous forests in the area), attractive, and durable, with some roofs lasting as long as fifty years. However, even with water-resistant treatment, these roofing materials are prone to rotting, moss, and algae, making maintenance and upkeep time-consuming and costly. Any homeowner interested in cedar or redwood shake must weigh the benefits of a rustic, natural-looking roof against the time and energy necessary to maintain that look.
Composite Roofing Materials in the Pacific NorthWest
Thanks to recent advances in synthetic roofing materials, composite roofing is actually more popular than organic shake. Designer shingles offer the look and feel of wood, ceramic, slate, and metal, but at a fraction of the cost. In addition, composite shingles offer a roof in Washington to BC additional protection since the material tends to be waterproof, heat resistant, and extra durable. However, again, homeowners must weigh the costs and benefits of composite materials. Future buyers often expect their roofs to have a natural, wood finish. If you plan on selling your home in the next several years, it is possible that a cedar roof can fetch you a higher price. On the other hand, if you intend to live in the same house for many years to come, composite roofing materials might be a better option.
Sources:
Haider Construction • Roofing Products • Dec 31, 1969 • http://www.haiderconstruction.com/ • http://www.haiderconstruction.com/roofingproducts.html • NA
Metroplex Roofing • Roofing Materials and Roof Structure • Jun 07, 2006 • http://www.metroplexroofing.com • http://www.metroplexroofing.com/roofing_materials.htm • 2004 Metroplex Roofing, Inc.
Cost Factors of Roof Replacement
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on June 16th, 2009
Like any other home modifications, roof replacement is an investment with numerous upfront and back-end costs. Besides the obvious cash that you must shell out, you must also consider the time and labor required (yes, these are costs). If you want to earn the highest possible return on this investment, you must factor in all three aspects of roof replacement prior to making any commitments.
Roof Replacement Material
Probably the single greatest expense is the actual material used. Typically, asphalt is the most affordable roofing material, costing anywhere from $50 to $150 per 100 square feet. Next up are metal, wood or concrete tiles (starting at $100 per 100 square feet). And at the upper end are ceramic, clay, and slate tiles that can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 per square 100 feet.
Roof Replacement Labor
Although replacing your roof on your own is probably the cheapest alternative monetarily, a professional contractor can save you energy and time; both of which have economic value. Unless you are extremely competent in roof replacement techniques, consider hiring someone else to do the job. It is important that you research contractors and ask for written estimates upfront, but the benefits of outsourcing the labor usually outweigh the financial costs of paying professional fees. Understand, however, that if existing tiles must be removed before new tiles can be installed, this will add to the overall cost, regardless of who handles the installation.
Durable Roof Replacement
As mentioned before, there are backend costs associated with roof replacement. Will your roof last for ten years? Twenty? Fifty? Obviously, the better the materials and craftsmanship, the less often you will have to pay for roof replacement. So even though a professional contractor installing slate shingles might be more expensive than if you installed your own asphalt shingles, you must factor in the lifetime value of any renovations.
Sources:
BobVila.com • Roofing Materials • Jun 02, 2009 • http://www.bobvila.com • http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Roofing_Materials-Miscellaneous_Roofing_Topics-A1937.html • 2009 BobVila.com
Roofing Trends in the Northeast
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on May 19th, 2009
Roofing Trends in the Northeast
Northeast slate was once a traditional roofing material for homes and civic buildings. While it’s beautiful, long-lasting and great for ice and snow, slate is also extremely expensive — as much as $1,000 per hundred square feet. Roofing in Massachusetts and Connecticut roofing used to see much of this.
Today composite asphalt shingles are king when it comes to replacement roofing materials. About 90 percent of homes nationwide use composite shingles. They come in a wide range of colors, styles and with different levels of quality and types of warranties.
But composite roofing is far from the only choice. And because it is so common, you can easily set your home apart by using a different, more unique roofing choice.
Wood Shake and Wood Shingles
Decay resistant cedar is a common choice for wood shake and wood shingle roofing. You can count on wood roofing to last 20 to 25 years (however, you’ll find those who say cedar can last much longer); cedar roofing costs between $70 and $170 per hundred square feet.
Clay Tile
Clay or ceramic tiles, like slate, are heavy and durable, with roofs lasting 100 years or more. However, such a heavy roof requires reinforcement to support all the weight, meaning installation will likely be pricey. Clay and concrete tile roofs cost about $300 to $500 per hundred square feet.
But keep in mind that they are virtually maintenance free. If you plan to live in your house for the rest of your life, a ceramic tile roof might make sense.
Consider installation and maintenance costs as you weigh your roofing choices — and how long you plan to live in your home. According to Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value” report, a new composite roof averages just less than $19,000 and has a 65 percent return on investment.