Cost of Roofing: Factors that Affect your Price

There are so many factors that affect the cost of roofing. You want to make educated choices when selecting a roof system.

A new roof installation is a very important investment in your home. There are so many choices that can make the process seem overwhelming. One of the most basic considerations is the cost of the roof. There are many factors that affect the final cost of your roof system; however, the basic cost of any roof are materials, labor, and the roofer’s overhead. A contractor is going to use these three factors to calculate his proposal. These three categories can be analyzed to understand how much your roof will cost.

There are many different kinds of roofing material on the market these days. Their prices vary considerably because of the raw materials required to make them. Slate and tile tend to be at the upper end of the price scale. Metal roofing is usually in the upper price levels, but it usually cost less than slate or clay tile. Asphalt shingles have always been the least costly of all the roof materials. Consequently, asphalt shingles are used more than any other roof material, and they perform well. If the houses in your neighborhood are predominantly asphalt shingles, it is usually best to follow suit from an architectural stand point. There are different thicknesses of asphalt shingles; the thicker the shingle, the more the cost. The extra thickness may add a little extra protection and life to the roof. The main reason for using the thicker laminated shingles is because the appearance has more definition. Some home owners’ associations require a thicker laminated shingle so the neighborhood will maintain a quality appearance.

Labor is another factor that drives up the cost of the roof. Slate, tile, and metal require more time to install and consequently, cost more from a labor standpoint. Asphalt shingles can be installed faster than any other product on the market, so the cost is lower. If the slope of your roof is steep, the cost of labor must go up. Steep roofs require roof mounted “toe boards,” ropes, and other safety equipment to keep the installer from sliding off. This adds extra time to the job. Roofs with a lot of details like valleys, dormers, and gables require extra flashing work and the cost increases accordingly.

The contractor’s overhead and profit also affect the cost of a roof. If the contractor profits, the homeowner will also profit. Profit keeps the contractor in business. If the contractor has a profitable business, he will be around to take care of a warranty issue. If your roof is under warranty and you have a leak, you will want the roofer to be in business. Most reputable roofers carry some type of insurance that protects the homeowner. This will increase the cost, but will also add value to the overall project.