Replacing your roof can be one of the most expensive projects for homeowners in Orange County, California (and everywhere else) so there are a few tips. There are a number of variables that affect the overall cost of the project, including the size and shape of the roof, as well as its pitch and accessibility.

Materials are also a large factor when trying to determine the overall price of replacing the roof. Because the cost is dependent on so many different things, prices for a roof replacement can vary dramatically. Even location plays a role, as a roofing project for a home on the beach may cost a bit more that houses that are more inland.

Generally, asphalt shingle roofs are the cheapest, and are the most common type of material used. A new roof comprised of asphalt shingles can start as low as $5,000, and can range in price to more than $25,000 for more detailed and complex jobs. On average, most asphalt shingle roof replacements for the typical home cost around $12,000.

While asphalt roofs can last 20 years or more, and are the most affordable option for roof replacement, metal and slate are considered more durable and can last longer than 50 years. However, metal roofs can cost twice as much as asphalt, and slate is five times more expensive. It’s important to weigh the costs of materials and the durability and quality when determining which type of roof to select.

Like other home improvements or upgrades, the scope of the project is the largest influence on price. The size of the roof to be replaced will have the biggest effect on how much the project will cost. Professional roofers use an equation relative to roofing square in order to determine a fair price. One roofing square is equal to a 10 by 10 foot (100 sq. feet) area.

The pitch of the roof is also calculated into the price of a roof replacement. Pitch is determined by a ratio where the first number represents the height and the second number represents the length. For example, a 7:12 roof suggests that every foot that the roof expands horizontally, the slope rises 7 inches vertically.

Roofs with a ratio of 7:12 or higher typically require extra equipment to ensure the job is done safely. Professional roofing companies have to pay more for insurance to cover steeper roofs, and workers often have to wear harnesses. Also, roofs that have a high pitch are unable to support stacks of materials which makes the work go slower, and makes the project longer. This steeper the roof, the steeper the price.

Aside from just the slope, roofer’s often take into account how accessible the roof is. If the project doesn’t allow for a truck to be as close to the property as possible, then the cost of labor is significantly increased as workers have to carry materials farther.

Want to Know More?

If you have a home or business within the Orange County, California area, then call Gary Fox Roofing for a free estimate at (800) 427-9369.

You probably aren’t going to hire a Southern California contractor to repair your roof without first receiving an estimate of the damage on the interior and exterior of the home. If you don’t want to be surprised by the numbers you are quoted, you should familiarize yourself with the factors that can affect the cost of roof repair.

Roof Type

There are a variety of roof types, including flat, sloped, high or low pitch, metal, tiled and shingled. Depending on the type of roof you have, materials can greatly affect the cost of the repair. Materials vary significantly, and can range from asphalt to slate, to metal and tile. Asphalt shingles are typically the cheapest, and cost an average of $120 per 100 square feet. On the other hand, metal shingles are generally the most expensive type of roofing material, which can set you back as much as $1,500 per 100 square feet. It’s important to research the type of roof you have, as well as comparative prices of materials and labor before accepting a quote.

Required Permits

It’s possible that the city or locality in which your property is located requires special permits for roof repairs. If so, these permits can also affect the general cost of the project. Some areas assess a flat fee for permits, while others use the home’s value to determine the cost of obtaining a permit. If your property is located along the coast, requirements to protect your roof from storm damage can also add to the total cost of the project, as some localities require a separate fee for permits to add hurricane braces and straps. A roof repair that spans 1,350 sq. feet can assess a permit fee ranging from $145 to $400 depending on location of the property.

Damage Assessment

As with any home improvement project, the size of the job and the scope of the repair is the biggest factor on the price. Contractors typically assess the price of a roof repair based on the square footage of the damaged area. It’s important to remember that shingles come in 100 square feet “1 square”, so even if your repair is smaller, you will still need to pay for that size in order to get the required materials. Typically, a contractor will leave any remaining materials with you, to use in the future, if needed.

Also, once the shingles have been removed from the area to be repaired, a contractor may find existing water damage to the structure. The damage may not be apparent in the initial assessment, but if you suspect there may be damage, you should expect to pay more for the repair. Also, ignoring water damage is not recommended, as it can eventually require you to have the entire roof replaced in the near future.

Chimney and Skylights

If you need to repair flashing around chimneys or skylights, your repair costs may rise between $200 and $2,500 dollars. This type of work is more detailed and requires extra labor, which is generally where the additional costs are incurred.

Who to Call

If you have a home or business within the region of Orange County, California, then call Gary Fox Roofing toll free for a free estimate at (800) 427-9369.