Installing a new roof may cost a lot, but it surely increases the value of your house. Roofing styles have evolved greatly over the past few decades and today there are variety of options to choose from depending on your budget and style. Here are 3 main questions you should ask yourself before getting a roof job done:
How to Measure?
You would notice most of the roofers using the term “squares” when talking about the size of a roof. 1 square refers to 100 square feet in an area. Generally, a 2,000 sq feet house would have a gable roof measuring 1,500 square feet.
How Much Does it Cost?
It is very important to have a good budget in your mind before investing in a new roof. According to 2010 and 2011 statistics of Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs Value report, 3,000 sq feet of roof shingles can cost you around $22,000. The shape of the roof also plays a major role in the cost. Roof job on a simple gable roof with no chimney openings will be least expensive, while a roof with many openings can cost more.
What Material to Use?
You cannot use any type of material on your roof. Not every type of roof can support every material; for example, tiles are heavy and there is a chance that your roof may not be able to support the weight of them. It is recommended to get help from professionals to guide you better on the type of material you should use.
Wood
Wood is mostly the first choice of many due to its long life expectancy and cheap availability. It gives a natural look to your house and can be painted in color of your choice to make the house look attractive. The only drawback is that it is not fire resistant and prohibited in some parts of the country. The cost per square foot is around $5 – $15 dollars.
Composition Shingles
Composition shingles, also known as “asphalt shingles” are perhaps the most widely used material. They are very cheap and can be easily installed. Usually costs around $2 – $4 per sq foot.
Metal
Metal tiles are also long lasting and most of the companies offering them provide life time warranty. They don’t require a lot of maintenance and are fire resistant too. The drawback of metal panels and tiles is that they are more expensive ($3.50 – $11 per sq foot) than composition shingles.
Slate
Slate usually comes from Northeast, Virginia, Vermont, Pennsylvania and other states. They can even be recycled to use for another decade or so. Slate is very durable and is perfect for steep roofs. It is also expensive and usually costs $10 – $20 per square foot.
Clay and Cement Tiles
Give your house a Spanish look by installing red clay tiles that last a long time and are very durable. They also come with lifetime warranties but are usually expensive, around $6 -$12 per sq foot.