As U.S. economy continues to improve, the demand for new construction projects is expected to grow steadily as well. This has significantly widened the profit margins for the roofing industry. Recent statistics show that the roofing market is currently worth around $260 billion and is predicted to increase by 6.4 percent in the next 10 years.
While it’s a game-changer for roofing companies as well as roofing material manufacturers, it doesn’t seem favorable for the residential and commercial sector. Especially now that there’s a temporary relief in the price-based competition, the prices of roofing projects might go up. With that said, roofing costs have always been high. With or without economic resurgence, you will need to pay top dollar for roof installation or repair services.
Hard-working American families will never get used to high roofing costs. Even with renowned reputable roofing companies, pricey estimates could easily rouse customers’ suspicion. Then again, if you will look closely into the process, you’d realize that there are many different factors impelling roofing costs. So where does you money really go?
Significance of the Service
A new roof can be considered as both a necessity and a luxury. Replacing an old roof can help reinstate your home’s energy efficiency as well as prevent the growing water damage in your attic. At the same time, it can help enhance your home’s exterior aesthetics, which consequently boosts its resale value. A well-installed roofing system also provides your home with an excellent protection against the elements. This assortment of benefits makes roofing services more valuable (and therefore costlier) than other services you frequently use.
Roof Size
Needless to say, size matters the most in any construction or remodeling project. In roofing, specifically, the wider the coverage, the higher the cost will be. Covering a bigger surface takes more materials and longer time to finish, and naturally, your roofing contractor will charge you for any additional work and expenses.
Pitch
When estimating the cost of your roofing project, make sure to factor “pitch” in your surface area measurement. Keep in mind that the taller your roof is, the bigger its surface area will be, regardless of how small your floor area is. Reducing your roof’s pitch can also reduce the roofing cost. After all, you don’t really need a very steep roof, considering that a few degrees of inclination are enough to allow for efficient drainage. It’s a different story if you are planning to use your attic as an additional room or if you want to put up skylights.
Application
How you plan on installing the main roofing materials on the roof deck will also affect the overall cost of your roofing project. Are you planning to replace the entire roofing system, including the decking, or simply overlay the new material on the existing roofing material? There’s a huge difference in cost between these two installation methods. The decking closes and reinforces the roof structure and provides a nailbed for the shingles, and so the installation may also be a bit more complicated if it is performed with the existing roofing material in the way.
Materials
Roofing materials come in a range of types, each of which entails a different installation approach and cost. Here’s to give you an idea of how much it usually costs to install each of the common roofing materials available on the market.
- Asphalt Shingles. Preferred by 75 percent of households in North America, asphalt shingles still dominate the roofing market. This is a perfect choice for families looking to save money on their roofing project. Installing on a standard ranch-style house costs only about $4,000, although professional installation may cost up to twice as much.
- Wood Shake. Rarely a favorite among roofing materials, wood shake offers a natural, rustic appeal that any imaginative homeowner would fall in love with. Despite its many disadvantages, the cost of installing wood shake is still considerably high, ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 depending on the type of wood used and the roof size.
- Metal. If you are looking for a more affordable option but with the durability and shielding strength of slate, try metal. It’s becoming increasingly popular due to its many apparent perks, including ease of installation and flexibility. Depending on the type of metal the shingles are made of, the cost could go from as little as $5,000 to as huge as over $22,000.
- Tiles. Packed with impressive insulation properties in spite of its lightness, tiles are a perfect roofing material for homes in cold regions. Ceramic tiles may cost up to $12,000, but if you are looking for a cheaper option, you might want to consider concrete tiles, which may cost over $3,000 less.
- Slate. The most expensive of all roofing materials, slate also proves the most durable. It’s suitable for upscale homes with fine architecture. Customization using slate could cost over $100,000.
Source of Materials
While the government sets standard prices for building materials across the country, expect the cost of roofing materials in your area to be slightly or completely different. This is due to a variety of factors, including local business regulations and product importation. Your only chance to get high-quality materials for a reasonable price is when you hire a trusted contractor like Muller Exteriors. Established service providers like them have a wide network of suppliers where they can get first-rate supplies at competitive prices regardless of their location.
Extra Services
During the inspection phase, your roofer might find problems that can encumber the project, such as broken flashing and pipes that need reconfiguring. Those problems must be properly addressed prior or during the roofing installation to prevent future problems. If you have additional requests such as skylight installation, chimney repair, and some adornments, your roofer might charge you for those as well. It would be better to have all fixes and updates carried out during the installation to avoid having to pay for a new service once issues begin to emerge.
How to Reduce the Cost of Your Roofing Project
Knowing how these factors affect the prices of roofing services helps you prepare a descent budget before hiring a roofing company. It also helps you negotiate for a lower price, particularly in aspects of the project that can easily be adjusted.
Also, now that you know how expensive a roofing project can really get, you’ll have less chance of getting ripped off. Most of those who misguidedly expect roofing costs to be lower than they should often fall prey to underhanded deals. They think those who are asking for large fees are trying to rip them off. That’s something you can’t afford to experience, especially if you are on a budget.
However, you can also use this knowledge to cut down on your roofing cost. For instance, now that you know the different roofing materials available, you can choose one that offers long-term benefits. Most metal roofing contractors in Chicago would recommend metal roofing not only because it’s what they specialize in but also because every good thing you hear or read about it is true.
Metal roofing is easy to install, extremely durable, and very flexible when it comes to decoration. You may be wondering “will metal roofing rust?” The answer is no, at least the modern versions of metal roof don’t. Metal roofing is made from well-made alloys, making it insusceptible to corrosion. But to be absolutely sure that it will really not deteriorate very quickly, it has to be coated. You can paint it with any color to match a particular season or special occasion. If you are worried that maybe it might heat up too quickly during the summer, you can simply paint it white to enhance its ability to reflect sun’s heat back to the atmosphere. You can enjoy all those benefits for a fairly low price.
The best way you can make the most out of the benefits of a metal roof is to have it installed by a reputable roofer, such as Muller Exteriors. With their expertise on modern roofing systems such as metal roof, you can rest assured that your new roof will last for longer and perform its duty to your home and family excellently.
