Having the ability to estimate how much it will cost to replace a roof is often a delicate calculation. For a roofing contractor, they often take into account various factors at once to ensure whether or not a simple repair needs to be done, or total replacement.
Usually, a roof is designed to last upwards of two decades. The longevity of the roof is often dependent on how well it has been maintained over the years. Shingle roofs tend to wear out quicker under intense heat or extreme cold temperatures when they are exposed to serious weather elements.
Ice can often form underneath the shingle and cause significant damage and leakage. Intense direct sunlight can cause blistering where the shingles actually buckle and pull away from the substrate below. Over time, the damage can allow the shingles to get blown off during intense wind and leave the roofing system exposed to the elements, creating the potential for penetrating water into the attic and eventually into the home.
If the entire roof system needs to be replaced, a roofing contractor will take a measurement of the home. They will measure the length of the roofing system by its height up to the peak. They will calculate how many valleys and hips they will need to replace and how long the ridge of the entire system is.
The entire roofing system is calculated in squares which equals 100 ft.² or 10 feet times 10 feet. As an example, 1600 ft.² of roof will be calculated is 16 roofing squares. Generally, to offer an actual estimate based on the squares they include the cost of tearing off the existing roof, discarding and replacing it.
Understanding exactly how many squares are on the roof will help the homeowner decide exactly the best type of product to reinstall in a new roofing system. However, not every roof is strong enough to accommodate all types of roofing material. The weight of an asphalt shingle is significantly less than a concrete tile, and the roofing system may not be designed to handle the extra weight. The roofing contractor will be able to evaluate whether or not the roofing system can accommodate the heavier weight.
The total price in estimating the cost of a roof replacement is often highly dependent on how much the roofing contractors charge per square. This is why it is important to receive at least 3 to 4 bids from reputable contractors in the community. They should be able to quickly relay all the information on how they would calculate a bid based on the material preferences, the size of the roof, the date of construction, and the conditions of the existing home.
Understand that not all factors of a roofing replacement can be seen up front. There may be significant damage caused to the substrate below as a result of water penetration or insects. However, based on how much a contractor charges per square along with the materials chosen, the homeowner can easily estimate how much it will cost to replace the roof.
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