The roof is arguably the most important part of a home because it provides protection from the elements, insulation from temperature extremes, and protection from pests and vermin. The importance of the roof cannot be overstated, which is why, whenever it falls into disrepair, it is imperative that it gets replaced as soon as possible. Indianapolis residents are well aware of how important a roof is because of the changes in temperature and climate they experience throughout the year, going from humid and wet in the summer, to cold and snowy in the winter.
A damaged roof can create severe problems for the interior of the home as well because leaks can damage walls, furniture, and appliances. Plus the lack of proper insulation could have a negative effect on the temperature regulation in the home, leading to skyrocketing heating or cooling costs. So, replacing the roof when it is damaged is important, but before you call your roofing contractor in Indianapolis, there are factors you need to know about that can affect a roof replacement.
Removal of the Old Roof
The old roof needs to be removed and disposed of before the new one can be installed. Roof removal can be just as involved as roof replacement for much the same reasons (roof pitch, roof materials, and so on) and in addition to the removal of the shingles, the underlayment might have to be removed as well. Additionally, the old roofing material needs to be transported to a landfill, which adds to the cost.
The Material of the New Roof
There are many different types of roofing material and the cost of both purchasing the material and installing it can affect the cost. Asphalt shingles are typically the cheapest option while certain types of metal, wood, and slate roofing materials are the more expensive options because of their aesthetic appeal and endurance.
Wood and slate roofs also create additional expenses, wood roofs need extra work in order to receive a class A fire rating. Slate is a very heavy material, so the roof and roof supports need to be reinforced in order to support the extra weight.
The Size of the Roof
This is an obvious factor, of course. The larger the roof, the more the replacement will cost per square foot, and the longer the job will take. To determine the size of the roof, the roofing contractor will measure the square footage of the roof and then divide it by one hundred. The resulting number is called a roofing square, which is the unit in which roofing materials are sold. The cost of a roofing square depends on the replacement material of the roof.
The Pitch of the Roof
The angle of the roof is a determining factor in how much a replacement will cost. The labor and staging costs, as well as the safety requirements are increased on a steep roof over a roof with a flatter pitch.
Also, the underlayment system is different for a roof with a steep pitch, it needs to be able to support the roofing material. The type of underlayment also contributes to the fire rating of the roof; a class A fire rating is the best and the underlayment of a steeply pitched roof requires more work to achieve that rating.
Access to the Roof
It is generally easy to reach most roofs using a ladder but actually installing a new roof requires additional resources to get the necessary materials and equipment onto the old roof. So, there will be additional expenses for homes with more stories and for homes with trees, or other impediments, that limit roof access or make it more difficult.
Learn The Details That Affect Your Replacement Roof
A pristine, intact roof is vitally important to the integrity of the home, so if the integrity is compromised, it is important to get a replacement as soon as possible. It is just as important that you take into account the factors that can affect the roof replacement. So, before you contact your roofing contractor in Indianapolis, you should find out if any of those factors apply to your home. Once, you’re ready, call Jackson Contracting, Inc, and let us take care of the rest.