FAQ
Frequently Asked Roofing Questions
Why is a roof so expensive?
The majority of factors that impact the cost of a roof tend to be expensive, such as materials, labor, tools, insurance, plywood, landfill expenses, and others. Among these, insurance for a roofing business is often the most expensive due to the significant risk of injury or fatality associated with the job.
Why are roof estimates so different?
Every roofing company runs its business differently. It is important to not only focus on price but the quality of service and commitment to helping you. Know the difference between every bid you get and what they offer. Do not just go with the lowest bid as they often cut cost by reducing quality or other ways to remain profitable. Ask questions about the products, warranties, roofer's experience, timeframe of the project, and legal requirements to your contractor.
How much does a new roof cost?
Generally, you can expect to pay $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot of roofing. Since every home is a one-of-a-kind project cost are difficult to identify. Roofing companies need to first evaluate your roof to give you an accurate price due to the ever-changing price of products, scope of work, labor, and other factors.
Should I fix a roofing leak myself?
Although it could be cheaper to do it yourself, consider the huge risk of falling when doing the work. Most people who fix a roof themselves make the problem worse by doing an improper job. A bad job can cause more damage and further increases the cost of a future repair or replacement. Ironically, you save more money when you hire a professional to do it right the first time.
How long does a new roof take?
On average most roofs can be finished as soon as 1 to 3 days. Factors that determine the amount of time include size, steepness, amount of layers, roofer's experience, roof design and even weather conditions.
How long does a roof last?
The life of a roof can depend on many different factors like weather, installation, ventilation, maintenance, and quality of shingles. On average asphalt, laminated shingles can last 20-30 years if properly installed and maintained. Higher quality designer or luxury shingles last longer as they are thicker and paired with a better roof system. If you are looking for a long-lasting roof consider getting a different material like metal, slate or rubber.
When is the best time to replace a roof?
Spring is the best season as the days get warmer and longer, allowing roofers to work safely and companies with enough time in their schedule to get it done fast. The weather can cause many delays during the fall and leave your project stalled. The summer is when most people opt to replace their roof causing high demand and companies becoming too busy to negotiate on pricing. The worst season is the winter, as shingles do not become warm enough to activate the sealant strip in the bottom to stick to the roof. Workers are also more likely to get hurt due to rain, snow, sleet, and ice.
Do a roofing warranty matter?
Most problems with a roof are due to improper installation. A warranty is a legal guarantee that your roof will be installed correctly and last for years. In case there is ever a problem with your roof any honest contractor would fix it free of charge. A certified roofing contractor would also offer you an extended warranty by completing training set out by the manufacturer. This could add years of coverage to you roof.
Do you offer re-roofs?
In our experience, adding another layer to an existing roof is nothing more than prolonging the problem. You are increasing the cost for a future tear-off and allowing improper installation. Manufacturers may also not offer extended warranties as it is not a quality finished roof system.