Tips for a new roof
Installing a new roof for most homeowners is a once-in-a-lifetime project. So it is important, local experts say, to get it done right.
Roofs can be made of shingles, metal, concrete and even slate. The two most important choices then are material and a contractor who will replace the old roof.
In this region, most new roofs are made from asphalt shingles, a traditional material whose longevity is rated by the manufacturer, according to Mike Shimko, president of the Builders Association of Fayette County.
鈥淭hey usually last whatever the manufacturers warranty is and then some,鈥� Shimko said. Many of the products are rated to last for 25 or more years, he added.
As to other materials, Shimko said there is synthetic slate, tin 鈥渁nd a lot of different stuff out there that I鈥檓 not familiar with. The majority of work done around here is with (asphalt) shingles.鈥�
Cost depends on two factors, Shimko said: size and complexity of the roof.
鈥淚t will depend on how many squares of shingles are needed, how complex the roof is, how many reverse gables and valleys there are,鈥� he said.
The job itself, he added, is not very involved. 鈥淚t蘑菇视频 pretty much cut and dry. It depends on dormers and valleys and how long it takes to rip the old roof off and put on a new one.鈥�
Shimko also recommended it helps to know some lingo when talking to a roofer, specifically, the term they use to measure the size of a roof.
While many contractors base their estimates on square footage, roofing professionals go by squares, where each square is 100 square feet. So if a roof is 2,000 square feet it will be 20 squares. The more squares, the more the project will cost (most of the time).
When it comes to budgeting, the simpler the roof, the lower the cost, according to HomeAdvisor, an online site that provides information about a variety of home improvement projects and local contractors.
鈥淎n additional factor that could come into play is the condition of your existing roof and decking (the base over which the roofing is applied). If the decking is damaged, any repairs or replacement costs will be added to your budget. While you can鈥檛 change the size and shape of your roof, unless it蘑菇视频 new construction, you can change the materials you use,鈥� HomeAdvisor said.
Homeowners in the Pittsburgh region reported an average of $6,805 for a new roof, based on 243 cost profiles.
Most homeowners spent between $5,729 and $7,881. The minimum cost was $2,500 and the maximum cost was $11,033.
The cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by HomeAdvisor members.
When it comes to materials, the most popular choice is asphalt. Asphalt shingles are available in a number of different colors and styles. Composite shingles are becoming an increasingly popular option, according to HomeAdvisor, as they give the look of more expensive materials such as slate, tile and wood, without the expense that goes with it.
However, composite shingles cost significantly more than asphalt shingles.
For people living in an historic home, or who are looking for a more upscale look, there are wood shingles and shakes.
Wood shingles are typically made of cedar and will last about 25 years.
鈥淚f you鈥檝e got the budget and want to give your home a truly upscale look, look no further than slate roofing. Fire-retardant, incredibly tough and nearly maintenance-free, slate is one of the most durable roofing materials available, so much so that you can expect it to last your lifetime,鈥� HomeAdvisor said.
Other options include metal roofing, which is durable, noncombustible, energy efficient and available in a number of different styles.
鈥淚f there蘑菇视频 one downside to metal, it蘑菇视频 that it蘑菇视频 you have so many options 鈥� aluminum, steel and copper being the most common,鈥� according to HomeAdvisor.
Finally, tile or concrete roofing is available.
The downside is that, like slate, it蘑菇视频 heavy, so it might not be the right choice for a home.
For more information on roofing, call the Builders Association of Fayette County at 724-438-0630 or go online to www.homeadvisor.com.