The cost of a new roofing system will depend on many factors, similar to the cost of any large purchase, such as a new vehicle. Regarding material options, some roofing materials will last 10 years while others may last for 30 years of more. So, the type of material you choose will affect the price, but so will the quality and reputation of the roofing company you hire. The trick is to pick a roofing contractor who has been in business longer then the material warranty he or she is seliing. So to answer the questions about cost, because each project can be so different, start by getting a proposal from a company you trust and work with them on matching the right material cost to your project.
Just like most construction products, roofing material ages at different rates depending on numerous factors such as: the quality of the original roofing material, the skill of the installation crew, the level of maintenance, suitability of structure design, and so on. In general, wood roofs last around 18-25 years, composition roofs last anywhere from 15-30 years, and flat roofs about 10-25 years. Most roofing professionals feel that 20 years is an acceptable service life. Please keep in mind that manufactures warranties do not reflect the actual life expectancy you can expect from roofing materials.
Generally a residential re-roof can be started and completed in a few days. Commercial projects can last for many days or weeks depending on the complexity and size of the building.
The most cost effective installation in the short term is installing a new roof over the old existing roof. However, there are many potential problems that arise when taking this short cut. The first is the inability to detect and properly repair rotted decking. Roofing nails and shingles depend on a strong and sound surface for them to attach to and perform over the next 20-30 winters. There are also issues with leaks and blow-offs resulting from the uneven application of new shingles over the existing old shingles. But if you decide to add that second layer, most Portland roofing companies will not warranty the labor or the material. In other words, if you decide to take the chance on a 2nd layer and put quality on the back burner, you’re on your own.
Installing a new roof can be loud, dusty and vibrate the pictures right off the walls. Keep in mind, every house is different, along with the many options for removal and installation of roofing, may result in varied experiences. So it is best to be prepared for the worst: Remove precious items from your home’s walls that may get viberated off over a busy day of roofing. Generally you don’t have to take everything down, only those items that would break your heart if they fell and shattered. Noise can be a problem during a roof installation for many reasons, such as working at home, babies sleeping, or a nervous pet. If you have one of these situations, it’s best to plan ahead and make other arrangements. Lastly, dust and debris comes with the removal and installation of a new roof. If you have storage in your attic or garage, talk to your roofing contractor how the project will affect those areas. Also, remember to discuss the yard and what type of protection and clean up will be done once the roof installation is complete
There a many types of materials available once you have decided that your roof needs replacing. There in no perfect roofing material, but there are many roof material types that vary in cost, longevity, and appearance. One way to get ideas is to look around your own neighborhood at the different types and styles of roofing currently being used. You generally want your new roof to blend in with the area and if you have HOA’s, make sure you check which materials and manufactures are allowed in your neighborhood. An additional helpful tool is to locate your local roofing suppier and make a visit to their yard. Many will have showrooms and samples you can take home and put up on your roof to get a good idea of what your new roof may look like.
The simple answer is yes. If you have the time and your one of those talented folks who fixes their own cars, rewires and plumbs your own bathroom along with pouring the new concrete driveway, you can do your own roof installation. That doesn’t mean all the tricks and risks associated with installing a new roof can be learned on Youtube or from a book, but it does mean that if your roof should leak, you will be happy to go back up on the roof and repair it again. For the rest of us mortals, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs in America – much more so than Policemen and Fireman. The many other benefits of hiring a professional Portland roofing company is the warranty issued by the roofing manufacture is longer and stonger along with having pros on your roof with 20 years worth of expert experience.
