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If you are planning to
replace your old roof because you want to sell
your home or simply want to ensure that your
biggest investment your home, a new roof can be
expensive. Before you decide on which roof is
right for you, first you need to review your
area’s building codes, as many communities
have specific building codes that dictate the
type of roofing material that must be used.
An example of this would be if you live
in an historic district and are required to use
roofing materials that are replicas of the
original roofing material used when the house
was built.
Another example is if you live in a
community, which requires all homes to use
matching building material.
The next important step is for you to
choose a reputable roofer who follows building
code requirements set forth in your area.
Here are a few things that you should
consider before you replace your roof.
Types
of Roofing Materials:
The most approved,
architecturally roofing material in all regions
is asphalt roofing.
It is also the most versatile material,
in most area.
Asphalt roofing material is available in
a wide variety of styles and colors, and is the
least expensive of all roofing materials.
Asphalt shingles range in price from $25 to $30
per 100 square feet, with installation at a
rate of $36.
In addition a new asphalt roof will last
up to 25 years.
The only drawback to asphalt roofing
materials is that it may be restricted if you
live in a historical district.
Slate on the other hand is
the roofing material of choice in the United
States during the turn of the century, making
it the number one choice in many historical
districts.
Slate is still popular today, especially
near the east coast where it is quarried.
The draw backs to slate are that it is
expensive, heavy, and easily broken.
This means that it is requires complete
and frequent replacing, which in turns means,
expensive home repairs and slate requires
reinforced supports because of its weight.
Slate can last for 50 to 100 years.
However, remember the necessity of
frequent repairs, and the ease or difficulty
with which those repairs can be made.
Slate is the most expensive roofing
material and can run anywhere from $550 per 100
square feet, and can cost as much as $145 per
square feet for installation.
Therefore if you live in an area that
experiences ground shifts or earthquakes, you
might want to choose a material that is more
resilient and lest costly to replace.
There are many excellent
composites available that can give you the look
of slate without the high cost of slate, but
even these may be restricted in historical
districts.
Wood shakes and shingle
roofing material like slate has been around for
generations, with the most popular and reliable
wood shake being cedar.
Like slate, cedar shakes and shingles
are often used on historical homes.
However in recent years, shakes and
shingles have gained popularity because of the
increase in popularity of historical style
homes increases.
Wood shakes or shingles range in price
from $100 to $165, with installation coasting
an additional $75 per 100 square feet.
The benefit of wood shakes is that they
give a home a warm rustic look, and it also
provides a natural insulator from heat and
cold. Cedar shingles when properly maintain can last up to 25 years
and wood shakes can last longer, from 25 to 75
years.
The major drawback is that wood shakes
and shingles usually turn gray and become
weather worn over time.
Clay tiles are another
type roofing materials which is especially
popular for mission style adobe houses and on
homes that feature Spanish and Italian design.
Clay tiles are fire proof, but they have
a major drawback in that they are prone to
leaks and require reinforced supports because
of its weight. Like slate, clay can last for 50
to 100 years.
However, keep in mind the necessity of
frequent repairs, and the ease or difficulty
with which those repairs can be made.
Clay tiles cost approximately $300 or
more, and installation cost can go as high as
$140 per square feet, keep in mind that if you
have lots of rain, you’ll want to go with the
material least likely to leak.
Another very popular
roofing material is metal.
This choice is very popular for use on
Victorian and farmhouse style new and
historical homes.
Metal roofing material is also a popular
choice for some contemporary home designs.
The biggest benefit of metal roofing
material is that it’s strong, and provides
excellent protection from the elements and can
be painted any color. In addition, steel and
metal roofs usually last 20 to 50 years and
often come with a lifetime guarantee.
Tin roofing has been known to last over
100 years with proper maintenance.
Possibly the only drawback is the cost.
Standing-seam steel roofing is expensive
ranging in price at $250 to $275 for materials
and $105, for labor, per 100 square feet.
The last type of roofing
material is fiber cement, which is a relatively
newer material.
Fiber cement is a strong and durable
material that is available in a wide range of
textures and colors.
Because of its durability is has become
a popular choice for beach homes and in areas
with hot, humid climates.
However, fiber cement like all other
types of roofing materials does have its
drawbacks in that it is very heavy and
difficult to repair and require reinforced
supports because of its weight.
Get
Estimates:
When you are considering
spending as much as having your home roofed,
then it is best that you get no fewer than
three estimates from three different
contractors.
In fact, the more estimated you get the
better. When
getting estimates, you want to make sure that
the contractors you interview are licensed.
Next you want to insist on references
and if possible, actually go by the address to
view the work.
Remember, it’s your money.
You also want to get everything in
writing and that every detail of the roofing
project is spelled out in detail.
In this economy, as tempting as it may
be, we strongly suggest that you do not decide
on a contractor simply because they offer you a
"good deal." More than ever it’s
important that you take your time and check out
the contractor before you hire them.
This should include doing a background
check, and verifying his references including
ask his past customers if they are satisfied
with his work.
Remember, reputable contractors will
gladly offer a list of customers to you just so
that you will hear how wonderful their work is.
Finally, once you have
decided on the contractor, do not pay in
advance. If
you must pay ahead, then pay some then make
your final payment once the job has been
completed.
Keep in mind that the contractor is not
your friend, but someone who you have hired
that is in business to make money.
Reroofing your home is
possible the most expensive home improvements
you will make.
With careful planning on your part, you
can make this one of your best investments.
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