If you’re facing the reality of installing and paying for a new roof or making repairs to it, you’ve probably already realized it’s an expensive proposition. Homeowners and others unfamiliar with the roofing process often think repairing or installing a new roof should be a simple fix because of the seemingly uncomplicated nature of the work, but there are details in the mix. So, what are the details that make a new roof so expensive?
New Roof Expense Details
Even though some aspects of new roof installations are straightforward, there are details that add to the cost of a new roof. When there are no major moving parts or electrical circuitry involvement, homeowners and businesses assume that a new roof should be an affordable roofing project.
What you have to consider is the cost of high quality roofing materials along with the expertise of the company installing them. High quality materials and a roofing company’s experience and professionalism are just two of many other factors that increase the cost of a new roof. A new roof has to meet safety standards and show durability and dependability, and that’s what makes the materials aspect so important and costly. Besides those expenses, you have to add in labor and insurance costs. Here is more of a breakdown of those costs.
Materials
Though asphalt shingles are a common and popular roofing material and are fairly inexpensive, their prices like anything else will fluctuate within the industry. Their installation usually goes smoothly as they are adaptable to just about any type or style of roof. They’re also durable and long lasting but compared to other roofing materials such as clay, tile, metal or cement, asphalt shingles are usually low cost; whereas, the use of these other materials will be considerably more expensive and add to the cost of a new roof installation.
Companion Materials
Other materials that are used in the construction process of a new roof will add to costs. High quality lumber that goes into roof supports, trusses and rafters has increased in price and that alone will drive up the cost of a new roof as will any engineered wood, like OSB (oriented strand board) that will be part of sheathing or roof decking materials.
Additional Materials and Tools
The additional materials and tools used in a roofing job add to the costs of a new roof. A good roofing job will include the use of the best roofing nails (galvanized steel) as opposed to the use of low-cost inferior staples. There may be other costs that include different shingle fasteners, flashing, drip edge and ventilation materials.
Labor Costs
You want a professional job with the installation of a new roof, which will add to roofing costs. If an installation work is done in a shoddy manner, you could end up with major leaks, buckling, warping, shingle weakness, mold and other more serious problems simply because the shingles lacked proper fastening or the roof overhang was under calculated. If you want a precise installation, higher labor costs will be part of that formula. You want roofers who are skilled and know what they are doing. Labor costs will increase if your new roof has a steeper angle or pitch to it while a flatter roof will have lower labor costs. Any more complicated roof will increase labor costs. If you’re worried about finding expert workmanship and capable roofing contractors, check references and contractor organizations for qualified roofers.
Any Final Costs
Final costs for a new roofing job will usually include expenses that a roofing contractor has to incur to complete most any roofing job in a correct and legal way. Any larger roofing job requires tools like jacks, compressors, shingle cutters, air nailers and other tools. A roofing contractor also faces the cost of liability insurance, and any fuel costs. In addition, disposal of any old shingles or scrap materials will be the responsibility of your contractor who will incur costs to haul them away for you.
Cost Summary
When summarizing the costs and reasons behind why a new roof seems to be so expensive, remember the different areas you are dealing with, which include:
- Labor costs – which can be at least a quarter or more of your roofing costs.
- Shingle Costs (Fiberglass/Asphalt) – which can be well over half to three quarters of the total costs of a new roof
- Additional Materials – which can be two to three percent of total costs
- Contractor Equipment Costs – which are usually a bit less than one percent of total costs
If you have further questions about the costs of a new roof and why they can be expensive, complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the information you need to answer your roofing needs.
