Keeping The Cost Of Roofing Down

Total Roofing Cost Depends on Many Factors

There are very few structures used as living or working areas that come without a roof and since it is one of the most important parts of any building, the roof can be quite costly.  In fact, this even includes mobile home roofing. Find out how to determine the cost of roofing whether you're having it installed or repaired and what you can do to keep the costs down.

When you need to have your roof installed or repaired, expect some costs if you want it to last.  And your roofing has to last.  Once it gets damaged, imagine the kind of effect it will have on the rest of the house – the roof goes, the ceiling gets affected and so will the walls and flooring, not to mention all the stuff found inside the house.  Here's how to determine the cost of roofing and how to maintain it to help you save money:

Roofing Costs Depend on Material

The cost of roofing will go up and down depending on the material used, aside from other determining factors.  The different materials used for roofing include:

Asphalt – this is the most common material used for roofing and usually the least costly.  The standard asphalt is smoother than the laminated type and costs from $50 per square.  It lasts about 15 years or up to 25 years depending on care and prevailing conditions.  Laminated asphalt costs at least $100 per square but it lasts longer, about 25 to 40 years tops.

Slate - more expensive, costing about $800 or more per square but it will last a lifetime.  It will only need periodic inspection and replacement by piece in case anything breaks off.

Wood Shingles – usually made from the Western Red Cedar variety because of its ability to withstand decay.  Wood shingles assure you of no corrosion for the life of the material.  Costs from $250 per square and can last up to 25 years.

Steel – tough and durable, steel can last up to a maximum of 75 years and prices start at about $300 per square.  The cost will depend on the thickness, style and finish of the material.

Clay and Concrete – probably the most durable type of roofing material.  These can last for at least 50 years, even a hundred.  These days, the corrugated type is the most commonly used.  The cost of this roofing material starts at about $150 per hundred square feet although more expensive types can be priced at $400.  They are quite heavy, though.

Area Size

Area will also affect the cost of roofing – the more area you have, the more roofing material you will need. 

Installation

Building and roofing contractors charge labor according to how easy your roof will be accessed and whether or not it's a complicated project.  The easier the installation process involved, the cheaper the cost.  Geographical location will also figure into the cost of roofing and so will the height of the building.

Do you Need to Re-roof?

Just because your roofing shows some wear and tear, leaks and breaks in certain areas don’t mean you should have it re-roofed.  Re-roofing is costly and unnecessary re-roofing more so.  Don't call a professional to re-roof unless the roofing shows a 65% damage at least.  If damage is this severe, investing in a repair will turn out to be less beneficial than re-roofing. 

Lowering Your Roofing Cost

When it comes to roofing, the best way to lower cost is through prevention, not cure.  When your roof leaks, don’t think it's just the roof that will sustain the damage – there's also the ceiling and probably the floor underneath.  Interior damage adds to the cost.  Regularly inspect your roofing and patch up things as soon as you see them.  It would also be prudent to have your roof professionally inspected about twice a year, especially before and after the rainy season.

Causes of Roof Damage

Aside from the weather, there are other factors that will contribute to damage and spike up the cost of roofing.  Mold, fungi and termites are common causes and so does damage from birds and animals.  Poor ventilation can also contribute, along with improper installation and badly mounted drainage.  Foot traffic (walking on the roofing too much) and neglect also contribute to the damage.

Finding a Roofing Company

It's always best to talk to at least 3 roofing companies so you can compare cost.  This way, you get to pick the best deal and save money.  Your local Yellow Pages has a listing of contractors in your area or you could check with your local municipality's Building Department and ask for their contractor's list.  The Chamber of Commerce or your local homeowner's association also has a list of contractors operating in your area.  And of course, there's the Internet, often an excellent source of roofing specialists. 

Ask the company for their license number and have it verified with your local agency.  You can also ask for sample photos of their previous projects and references in case you want to see what their workmanship looks like and how they perform.  Hiring an unlicensed contractor will cost you and so will working with one who makes a bad installation and repair job.

You will know the cost of roofing from a bid that will be submitted to you by the roofing company.  The bid is an estimate of the costs that should include the type of work that will be done on your roof, materials that will be used, period of time covered by the construction, payment details and labor and materials warranties.