Factors That May Affect a New Roof Estimate
One of the largest investments you can make in your home is roof replacement. Replacing an old roof can have many benefits, from the money-saving features of some new roofing materials to protecting the interior of your home from leaks. If you are ready to find and compare estimates for what a new roof might cost you, there are a few factors to keep in mind that may affect the total expense.
The materials you choose for your new roof can affect its cost. For example, the type of tile, underlayment and flashing you request or that an individual company uses can all cause price to fluctuate. New underlayment technology can increase how well your roof withstands wet weather, as it is designed to protect the area between roofing shingles and the material beneath it. However, this may raise the cost of the overall roof replacement.
Shingle style is another factor in what it might cost to replace your home’s roof. There are all types of shingles, and depending on your sense of style and color, you might want a pattern or shade that may require a custom job. Remember to discuss the shingle manufacturer’s warranty with your roofing contractor, as well as what kind of guarantee he or she puts behind the labor and installation.
If your existing roofing has a chimney, this may affect the cost of a replacement because of what must be done to protect this structure once the new roof is installed. Flashing is often used around chimneys to prevent leaks around the seal, and additional flashing may add additional expense to a roof replacement estimate. Let your roofing contractor know that your roof includes a chimney and talk about how this may affect the cost.
Roof replacement can seem like a daunting home improvement project. However, when you understand how to read a contractor’s estimate and understand how certain materials and other factors can affect the cost, you can feel confident that you are getting the best deal possible.