The roof of your home is probably the most critical aspect when it comes to general maintenance. A properly maintained roof will help to keep your home clean and nicely insulated.
Putting on a new roof is quite an endeavor – aside from the roof replacement cost, you also have to consider the upheaval.
It’s not something that many people want to undertake, but there are times when you have no alternative but to re-roof. In this post, Metro Area Construction will show you how to tell if it is time to call in a roofing cost estimator and give you an idea of the average cost of roof replacement.
How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced?
Here are some signs that your roof might need replacing:
- It is getting on in years: Turning 21 is a big deal in most people’s lives. It is also a big deal in the life of your roof. Depending on the type of roof, you should have around twenty to thirty good years with your roof.
- Curling shingles: This is never a good sign and is as a result of weathering. If it is just one or two, it’s not a big deal, but if it starts happening to most of them, you need to start planning for a new roof.
- Missing shingles: Again, one or two that are missing are easily replaced. If your roof starts to look like a patchwork quilt, however, it starts to affect the curb appeal of your home.
- Cracked shingles: If you have had some severe wind, this is a problem you’d probably find. Again, one or two is not too much of an issue. But if you see cracked shingles here and there in different areas, you might want to call in a roofing contractor.
- Granules in your gutter: If you have just had the roof installed, that is normal. There will be some bits that detach naturally. If the roof has been there for a decade and this starts to happen, it means trouble.
- Too many holes: If your attic has turned into a sun room, without the addition of extra windows, you need to consider replacing the roof. Also look for signs of water damage to see where there are holes.
- The roof is starting to cave in: This one means calling in an expert straight away. It’s a sign that the roof is past its sell-by date.
What is the Average Cost of Roof Replacement?
Let’s just preface this by saying that there are a lot of factors to consider here. It depends on where you are, what your roof is made out of, the structure of the home, etc. Usually you can expect to pay from about $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot.
This could translate to around $5000 for a relatively simple job to around $15000 for a more complex one. That is why it is best to have someone come out and give you a quote upfront.
Things that can affect the cost include:
- Where you stay: Are you in a large town, or are you out on a remote farm? The further the contractor has to travel, the higher the price is likely to be.
- How much extra work must be done: A simple roof, without any dormer windows on a single-story building is a lot easier to work with than a three-story house with dormers and chimneys, for example.
- What prep needs to be done? How many layers of shingles must be removed first? The more layers there are, the more it is bound to cost you.
- The type of roofing: There is a price difference in terms of the materials that your shingles are made out of. Speak to one of our trained consultants to find out what you can expect to pay.
How to get insurance to pay for roof replacement?
This can be easier said than done. While you might be covered if your roof is blown off during a storm, that does not necessarily mean you are covered if the roof needs replacing due to age.
It is best to find out ahead of time what kind of cover you can expect. Some companies will also look at how old the roof is when they determine how much to pay you out. So, an older roof could mean a lower payout when it is damaged.
This is not always the case, so it pays to speak to the company upfront. Usually, though, normal wear and tear are considered your responsibility and not that of the company.
If you want to increase your chances of having your insurance pay for roof repairs as a result of damage, preparation is your best bet.
Take down any trees that are at risk of damaging your roof and be sure to be scrupulous when it comes to roof maintenance. Take photos of the outside of your home and roof on a regular basis and keep a log of maintenance done, along with a file of all receipts.
That way, if something happens, you can present the evidence to your insurance company nice and neatly.
Do You Offer Free Roofing Estimates?
As a professional roofing contractor, Metro Area Construction knows that you want to know need to know how much the replacement would cost you. That is why we will come out and give you an obligation-free quote.
Our highly-trained assessor will come out and have a look at the extent of the problem and discuss your options with you. They will look at whether or not a repair might suffice, what special circumstances might influence the price and discuss what materials you need.
When we give a quote, we look at a range of factors – we look at what options will be best for your roof in your area and what will work with your home. How exposed is the house? Do you need to be concerned about hail or other weather damage?
We look at the problem holistically so that you have a solution that works perfectly for you and your home.