How Much Does a Roof Really Cost?

A roof isn’t something that you can just buy off of a shelf. It has to be made specifically to meet the needs of your home, and that can make it difficult to know exactly how much your roof is going to cost. But if you have an idea of the different factors that affect the cost of the roof, it’s possible to come up with a good inspection of what a replacement roof will cost in your area. Calling a roofing specialist like Dynasty Building Solutions will give you a more accurate quote, of course, but take a look at some of the most important elements that go into determining roof replacement cost in Tampa.

The Roofing Materials

One important factor in determining the cost of a replacement roof in Tampa is the materials that you choose to have your roof made out of. You don’t necessarily have to replace your current roof with the same materials that the old one is made from. If you currently have asphalt shingles, for example, you may want to switch to metal or tile for your new roof. Your roofing professional will help you make this decision.

The up-front costs of the materials shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when you’re choosing the materials for your new roof. For example, tiles may cost more than asphalt shingles, but they’re also likely to last longer and withstand more of the elements that are common in Florida. Concrete and clay tile roofing can stand up to the hail, high winds, and heavy rains that accompany major storms, and weather events like tornadoes and hurricanes. They can even withstand fire. Because tiles last for so long, tile roofs may be less expensive when you break the cost down over the number of years that the roof is good for, even if you have to pay more for them up front.

However, even a long-lasting roof will need occasional repairs over the years. Because tiles are more expensive, it can be more expensive to repair a tile roof after it’s installed. If you’re worried about not being able to afford these kinds of costs as they crop up, asphalt shingles, which are less expensive to repair, may be a better choice for your home.<

You also have to consider which materials work best for your home and your neighborhood. Depending on the structure of your home, some materials may not be an option. Slate or concrete tiles, for example, are very heavy, and some houses may require a lighter weight option like metal roofing or shingles. If you live in an HOA area that requires tile roofs, then the choice is largely made for you. Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a roofing material, but you also have to make a choice that’s appropriate for your home’s needs.

The Roof’s Design

The shape and slope of your roof is also an important element to consider when determining the cost of a new roof. When you think about it, it’s common sense to assume that the more difficult it is to install the roof, the more expensive the labor will be. And different roof shapes will have different levels of difficulty.

Consider the style of your home. Many roofs in Tampa and the surrounding areas have varying elevations for aesthetics and also for hurricane protection. Peaks and valleys, obstacles like skylights, and other flourishes will result in a more expensive installation, as will steep slopes that make the roof more difficult and dangerous to access. On the other hand, if you have a simple ranch-style home with shallow slopes and not a lot of varying elevations, your cost will be lower.

Don’t forget to consider the size of the roof as well. The larger the roof, the more materials will be needed to cover it. The bigger your house, the larger the roof you’ll need and the more expensive your roof is likely to be.

The Tear Off

One factor that homeowners often overlook is that the price of having a new roof installed also includes the cost of removing the old roof. The more labor the roofers have to put into removing the old roof, the more expensive the new roof will be.

The removal of the old roof is called a tear off. In some cases, a new roof can be installed over the old roof, making the tear off unnecessary. This can save you money on the installation. However, usually no more than two layers are allowed, so if your current roof was installed over an older roof, both layers will need to be removed, and that can be more expensive than simply having one roof removed.

The type of material your old roof is made from can also impact the cost of the tear off. Heavy materials like slate or concrete are harder to remove, so the removal will cost more. Shingles are easier to remove and therefore less expensive. Heavier materials are also more costly to dispose of, so that also has to be factored into the cost.

You don’t have a lot of control over the cost of the tear off. You may be able to decide to skip and install the new roof over the old roof, but if you can’t or choose not to, the price will be based on the roof that was already in place, possibly since before you bought the house in the first place. A roof is a long-lasting home feature, so you may not have to think about the cost or tearing off the new roof that you have installed, but if you plan to live in the home for the rest of your life or if you plan to pass the home down to a child or family member, you may want to consider installing a roof that won’t be unusually expensive to remove the next time a replacement is needed.

The System Components of the Roof

The shingles, tiles, or metal sheets are the part of the roof that you can see once it’s completed, but those aren’t the only parts of the roof. A roof is really an entire system designed to keep the elements – especially water – out of your home. And when considering the cost of a roof, you have to take all of the components of that roofing system into account, not just the parts that you can see.

A roofing system requires ventilation, insulation, flashing, underlayment, drip edges, and more. All of these components work together to keep water out and to keep your home safe, warm, and dry. And just as with the primary roofing materials like shingles or tiles, these components come in a variety of forms and in different levels of quality. Part of the process of choosing a roof is choosing these components as well. Your roofing contractor can explain what types of materials are available for your roof and which ones will best serve your needs. Then you’ll be able to make an informed decision about how much you’ll need to spend on these system components for your Tampa roof.

The Roof Warranty

As home repairs go, a roof replacement is one of the most expensive repairs that you’ll need to have done and also one of the most important. And that’s why getting a good warranty on the work is an important part of the roof repair process. The warranty also factors into the cost.

There is more than one type of roof warranty. The one that you’re probably most familiar with is the contractor’s warranty. This warranty backs up the workmanship and labor performed by the roofers. However, that may not be enough. If you want a warranty that backs the materials themselves, what you want is an extended or no-dollar-limit (NDL) manufacturer’s warranty.

It’s important to note that in order to get a manufacturer’s warranty, you may need to take some extra steps, and these steps can cost additional money. For example, your roof might need to be inspected at various points during the replacement process. You may need to pay for higher-quality materials. There may be additional fees. And even after your roof is finished, there may be costs associated with ensuring that the warranty stays valid. Failing to have your roof inspected regularly or failing to make needed repairs in a timely manner could void the warranty, so you’ll need to be ready to pay for inspections and repairs as needed.

dUnderstanding the different types of roofing warranties, including what they require and what they offer, is important. Ask your roofing contractor to explain your roofing options and think carefully about what you want from a roofing warranty. Because you’re already investing so much into a new roof, it may be well worth paying a little more to ensure that that new roof is as protected as possible for as long as possible.

Picking out a new roof isn’t just one choice. With help from your roofing contractor, you’ll make a series of choices that will eventually become your new roof, and the choices that you make along the way will impact the price. Dynasty Building Solutions is a Tampa roofing company that understands your home’s needs and your own budget and will work with you to come up with a plan for the best roof replacement for you.