Are you in the market for a new roof? Whether you’re having a new home built or you’re looking to sell your home but need to make some upgrades first, having a new roof installed in a major home improvement project that requires careful consideration. From the materials used to complete the project to the style of the roof and overall costs associated with the project, choosing how your roof will be redone can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! This guide explains each factor you should consider prior to investing in a new roof.
- Cost. The total cost of a new roof is probably the most important factor. The materials you want your new roof to be constructed from and the shape and condition of your existing roof play a major role in determining the cost of your project. Materials like wood and metal can increase your total cost greatly when compared to materials like asphalt shingles, tile, or cement. Once you decide on the materials you want to be used, the cost is estimated based on how much of those materials you’ll need. Finally, if your roof is damaged and requires major repairs, that will increase your overall cost.
- Materials. The type of roof your home features determines what materials will be used to construct a new one. Some homes weren’t built to adequately hold heavy roofing materials like slate or concrete. The style of your home may limit the roofing options available to you. If your home is a new construction project, your options are virtually limitless, as you are involved in the design process. These are the most common roofing materials used when constructing new homes:
- Asphalt Shingles: The most common roofing materials because it is the least costly option and is easy to install. The typical cost is $50 a square (10 ft. x 10 ft. square).
- Wood: Cedar, Redwood, and Southern Pine are the most common, costing twice as much as asphalt shingles but lasting much longer.
- Metal: Aluminum, steel, copper, and lead are all sturdy roofing materials that start at $250 per square.
- Tile/Cement: If you live in or are building a Spanish Colonial or Mission style home, tile/cement roofing is your best option.
- Slate: Perhaps the most expensive roofing material, slate is harvested from quarries or recycled from prior structures and costs upwards of $800 per square.
If you’re making changes to an existing structure, the current style of your home will determine the type of materials you’re able to use based on weight, texture, durability, and your personal budget. For more guidance on choosing the roof that’s right for you or to learn more about the roofing options available to you, contact A.H. Davis & Son, Inc., West Chester roofers.