Common Factors That Affect Your Roof Replacement Budget

It’s normal not to think much about your shingle or metal roofing system, as long as it keeps your home protected against the weather. Of course, proper care and maintenance are still imperative to ensure that it remains in good condition for most of its serviceable life.

However, as soon as your roof approaches the end of its life span, you’ll find that having it repaired becomes even costlier than before. The extent of the deterioration is such that the whole structure is beyond saving, which means a complete replacement is due.

When Should You Get a New Roof?

A complete roof replacement is recommended if your current one is at the end of its serviceable life span. It’s also more cost-effective if it suffers from recent storm damage. But before you start planning your roofing project, you’ll need to hire a skilled roofing professional for the job. They must be capable of conducting thorough roof inspections to identify any unexpected factors that affect your project’s overall cost. These roofers usually have the experience necessary to address delays and avoid additional expenses.

What Can Affect Your Roof Replacement Costs?

Qualified roofing contractors have the expertise to complete your project while guiding you through each step of the process. They’ll also know how to manage unexpected factors that may typically happen throughout the project. Of course, this will mean additional expenses as they vary from material costs and delayed shipping to hidden damage to additional permits for the roofing job. As such, it’s recommended that you include a 10 to 15% buffer in your budget to cover them.

Some of the most common roofing factors include:

• Accidental Property Damage

As your residential roofing system undergoes the replacement process, your property may unexpectedly suffer damage that may lead to additional costs. This tends to happen by accident, but it’s less likely to occur if you work with qualified professional roofers who are experienced in managing roofing projects. They know how to protect your property and take precautions before the roofing begins. They also carry insurance, so you’re covered for damages in case something happens to your property during the process.

• Rotten Roof Decking

As the workers tear off the old roofing materials, there’s a chance that they’ll find rotten decking and plywood underneath the old materials. This is a result of gradual weather deterioration wherein the water penetrated the upper layers over time. Although this is usually expected for old roofs, faulty installation can also sometimes contribute to wood rot. This can lead to delays and additional costs because the rotten decking must be completely replaced before proceeding with the roofing process.

Choosing to cut corners and keep the rotten decking and other affected wooden components intact will only lead to several issues and costly repairs. The wood rot will slowly spread to the newer layers and compromise its performance. Leaving the damage intact will also void the manufacturer’s warranty, forcing you to shoulder additional roofing costs without compensation. This is why they must be replaced despite the setbacks and delays in the residential roofing process.

• Code Non-Compliance

Building codes are issued by your local county or township to ensure that any structure within their area meets their standards. If it’s been several years since the roof was last installed, you can be sure that the building codes have been updated since then. Your hired contractor will take care of applying for the necessary codes as soon as after the pre-replacement inspection once they identify the issues in your old roof. This may often cost extra on your roofing cost, but it’s necessary to ensure your new roof is up to code.

• Old Material Disposal

Some homeowners may opt to install new roofing materials over their existing roofing system to avoid paying additional costs in properly tearing off and disposing of the old materials. Don’t consider this for your replacement as it can affect your new metal roofing system over time. A roof overlay is never recommended by professionals because it can slowly compromise the structure’s overall performance. It also voids the manufacturer’s warranty because the materials weren’t installed properly. This is why a full tear-off is recommended before installing brand-new materials.

Tearing off and disposing of your old roof materials should be done carefully to prevent damage to your home. This can sometimes add to your overall roofing budget since you’ll need to spend extra on a dumpster and other related disposal costs.

• Water Traps Beneath the Roof

A water trap is a result of gradual weather damage as well as poor roof design and workmanship. This won’t always be easy to detect unless the old materials are removed. It can sometimes be identified if it visibly affects the rest of your old roofing system. You’ll find water traps in semi-hidden places that are highly susceptible to leaks or where water tends to converge to a single area. Addressing this issue will entail additional roofing costs, but it will also ensure your new roof won’t experience premature damage once it’s installed successfully.

• Interior Roof Damage

Besides rotten roof decking and plywood, the workers may also find other signs of deterioration and decay once they see the inner roofing structure. If this is the case, you must replace the affected rafters, trusses, and other wooden components to maintain structural integrity. Other signs of structural damage include hidden leaks, pest infestation, mold, mildew, and even termite damage, to name a few.

Inner roof damage can also affect the attic insulation if left unaddressed. The mold and mildew left intact can also spread to your ventilation system which affects indoor air quality and comfort. To avoid this, the damage must be addressed properly before installing the newer materials.

Residential Roofing Services You Can Count On

When it comes to top-quality roof inspections and installations, STARR Roofing & Gutters is committed to getting the job done efficiently. We are considered one of the top residential roofing contractors in Central Texas, and our reviews show our dedication to excellent customer service. Give us a call today at (512) 736-6539 for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll show you why our customers choose us, time and time again.