July 14, 2022
Understanding Roof Repair Costs
Did you know?
The average cost for a roof replacement using asphalt shingles in 2021 was $10,419.
Roofing costs can be quite confusing and unclear for many homeowners. Many contractors seem to provide estimates with arbitrary numbers and give little detail where pertaining to where these numbers come from. This is why we wanted to provide you with a transparent breakdown of roofing costs so you can be sure if you are getting the rice price, and so you know where your money is going.
Where Does Your Money Go?
Size of Your Home
This is the most influential roofing cost. In order to gauge your cost you can divide the roof square footage surface area by 100 and you will get the square number of the roof (or cost per square). Note that the cost per square typically includes both installation and materials.
Of course bigger homes will be more expensive than smaller ones. However, as we cover later in this article, materials also play a vital role in pricing as well.
Roof Pitch and Slope
Not always, but most times a steeper roof presents more challenges and is more labor intensive which often results in a pricier quote or estimate.
Where Your Home is Located
The area you live in is a large factor when considering how much it will cost to repair your roof. Consider the following:
- Climate/Weather
- Worker access
- Permits (if necessary)
- Cost of living
Those living in a location where the cost of living is cheaper, and whose roof is easy to access will likely experiences cheaper pricing.
Roofing Materials Used
The price for roof materials can vary largely due to the many options available. However, asphalt shingles, which are the most commonly used material are often times cheaper whereas more rare materials such as metal or solar roof materials are more expensive.
How to Avoid Overpaying For Your Roof Replacement
As the old saying goes, knowledge is power and this is especially true when shopping for a roofing contractor. The more you know the less you leave yourself open to be taken advantage of. We recommend doing significant research to learn more about the industry, but here are a few tips to help keep you from spending more than you should:
- Pick a contractor you can trust with a reputation - We can't stress this point enough. If you are uncomfortable with a contractor, or they are hesitant to provide information, then please do not work with them.
- Ask about warranties - Your roof should come with a warranty. If a contractor does not offer this then it is probably best to keep shopping around as there are many who do. There are typically two main warranties you want to look for: workmanship (this covers any mistakes made by the contractor and their team), and manufacturer (this covers any damages due to materials).
- Get a quote - While many roofing companies offer estimates, we recommend getting quotes instead since they won't change. Quotes are often times more accurate and the price you're given is the price you pay.
- Ask questions - Please do not be afraid to ask questions! Many people will take the information they are given and run with it. It is always better to ask too much than too little. Plus, if you find a great company then there is no such thing as too much. A great roofing company will be patient, full transparent and aim to help you as much as possible.
- Additional Resources - As we mentioned earlier, education is the key to spending your money wisely and choosing the right contractor. In addition to our blog, be sure to browse online and read other resources with accurate information to better understand the roof replacement process. A great resource is GAF, a trusted manufacturer used across North America. Check out how a roofing system works and explore their site for more useful advice.