Why does roofing cost so much?
Tiles and asphalt are the most commonly used materials for roofing and are produced using concrete, clay, or oil. The rise in oil prices can have a direct impact on asphalt shingles and become more expensive. In addition, the costs of disposing of old and damaged materials have increased in recent years. Good question — I bet a lot of people think the same thing when they start looking at rooftop deals.
And are these costs offset shortly after buying the house? I’m sure it seems overwhelming. As with most construction works, labor costs for roof coverings have barely changed from year to year over the last half ten years. The work is skillful, often challenging and involves risks. A steeper roof slope (the angle of your roof) requires higher costs, while a flatter roof (depending on its complexity) requires less.
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material, but other materials are also becoming more expensive. Timber prices are rising, and a lot of quality wood is needed for rafters, trusses and other structural supports for your roof. Sheets made of high-quality oriented extruded boards are also required for the roof terrace or the sheathing. If you break down the price over decades and consider all the protective measures and peace of mind that a solid roof will provide for you, you’ll find that your roof really does the job for the costs.
If you use asphalt shingles, for example, it won’t cost the same as a real slate tile roof, which is one of the most expensive roofing materials. And if you need more good news, you can recoup some of the average cost of demolishing and replacing a roof when selling your home. Because of its popularity, the average cost of replacing fiberglass asphalt-shingle roofs is quite low compared to other materials such as clay or cement tiles or metal. So your roofer can increase or even double the cost of replacing your roof if you have rotting wood under your roof, as they need more time and equipment to ensure their own safety while you complete your roof change.
Since the size of your roof slope affects the time and effort required to replace a roof, this also affects the costs. If you have the time, the right equipment, and a fear of heights, removing old roofs before the installer arrives can help cut costs. When you get a roof replacement estimate from a roofer, you can expect that around 60% of that estimate is for roofer labor costs per square foot and around 40% of that is for the materials needed for your roofing work. While you’re here, let’s take a look at all the factors that could increase your roof replacement costs and the steps you can take to potentially prevent the costs from continuing to rise.
The following is a breakdown of the cost of replacing a roof using some of the most popular roofing materials today. While the cost of new roofs is a burden that most of us aren’t prepared for, it increases even further if you don’t have a well-maintained roof system. Let’s take a look at all segments of a roof system that could impact the cost of a new roof, starting with decking. Roof leaks can cause serious damage, among other preventable incidents, which increase the cost of your new roof.
Your completed shingle roof replacement may include costs for fresh drip edges, fasteners, new ventilation and new cladding.