Tags: Roofing, Replacement, Shingles, Installation
When installing a new roof on your home, there are several materials to consider. Metal, wood and asphalt are all available, but the region you live in will affect the building material you choose. The best choice in Maryland is asphalt shingles because they can handle the temperature range, including hot weather, snow and ice.
Popularity of Asphalt Shingles in Maryland
Homeowners in Maryland commonly chose asphalt shingles for a variety of reasons. The state does not typically see extremely hot temperatures, but it does experience higher temperatures in summer and freezing conditions when winter arrives. Asphalt shingles in this region last up to 30 years, and that lifespan is appealing to local homeowners.
Asphalt shingles are also one of the most affordable options. They carry a lower cost than copper or other metal roofs, and that makes them a top choice for homeowners who are on a budget. They also require very little maintenance. Unlike wood roofs that require regular care to keep them in top condition, asphalt shingles do not need regular maintenance. This helps consumers save money both on the installation and in the long run.
Available in a multitude of colors, asphalt shingles can be customized to suit your home. You can choose different colors, and you can also look for various styles that will match your home better. In addition to choosing shades that match your shutters or siding, you can also opt for asphalt shingles that mimic the look of wood.
The Cost of Repairs
Another benefit of asphalt roofs is that they can be repaired if they are damaged in a storm or with age. Dimensional shingles interlock and are not likely to blow off in a storm, but they are also relatively easy to replace is that should occur.
Shingled roofs are more likely to fail in the valleys and around roof protrusions. Head walls, skylights, chimneys and vents are protected with flashing, mortar and caulk. Over time, the mortar can give way, allowing the flashing to bend away from the structure and grant water access. Caulk eventually shrinks, cracks and fails as a waterproofer.
When you have a water leak in your home, the most time-consuming process is often finding the source of the leak. Checking caulk, flashing and other materials takes time, but it's the only way to determine the source of the leak. Once the problem is identified, roofing professionals can replace caulk, fill in fresh mortar, reform flashing and replace damaged or missing shingles. The average cost of a roof repair is $700 to $800. Simple repairs that are performed quickly may cost less than $200, but more complicated ones can run well over $1,000 to take care of.
Cost of Replacing Asphalt Roofs
When more than 30 percent of a roof is in disrepair with missing shingles or other problems, you will probably need to replace the entire roof. This is a costly endeavor, but ignoring the problem will lead to water leaks, structural damage and even higher repair bills. There are several factors to consider when having a roof replaced. This makes it impossible for a roofing company to provide you with an estimate over the phone. They will insist on viewing the property first, and you should only work with companies that will take the time to do a thorough inspection and provide you with a written estimate.
Size of Roof Shingles come in something called bundles or squares. Each square covers up to 100 square feet on the roof. The first thing a contractor will do is measure the various roof planes to determine how many squares are required.
Pitch A roof that is very steep requires extra safety equipment and care. You can expect to pay a premium on these types of roofs. They also have more squares to cover, and that drives the price up.
Design Valleys are the inside corner where two roof planes meet. If you have areas where two roof planes meet to form an outside corner, then you have a hip area. These areas all require special considerations to protect the corners from the elements. Skylights, vents, chimneys, head walls and other protrusions will also have an impact on the final price.
Removal Removing the old shingles drives the cost of roofing up slightly, but not as much as you might think. You could try to save a little money by removing the shingles yourself, but you will still have to pay a fee for dumpsters and disposals. After pricing out both options, you may decide to that it's well worth the price to have the professionals remove the old shingles.
Quality You pay for what you get, and higher quality shingles do carry a premium. However, they are also more durable, less likely to sustain damage in a storm and more attractive. When you consider that cheaper shingles will have to be replaced sooner, the more expensive ones may become more attractive.
Attic Inspection Roofers won't just look on the roof, they will also look inside your home at the attic. This allows them to see if there might be water damage to the roof decking, problems with mold or ventilation issues inside the structure. They will correct all of these problems when replacing your roof, and that is taken into account with the price.
A simple roof with two opposite planes that covers a small to modest home will easily run $8,000 or more for professional installation. As the roof becomes more complex and larger, the price will rise. However, it's a necessary investment to protect your home and ensure that it remains dry in a storm.
You can save a substantial sum by installing the roof yourself, but it is best to turn the job over to professionals. Incorrectly installing a roof can void the warranty, and it won't last as long if certain steps are not taken during installation. When calling for roofing estimates, talk to several companies. They will do an inspection of the home, and they should be willing to provide you with written estimates. You can then use the information to choose the right company for your needs.
Looking for Maryland Roofers? Check out our Maryland Roofing Information and Contractors page"