Roof Replacement 101: Understanding Materials, Costs, and Timelines

When you wind up needing to replace your roof, you certainly won’t do any of it on the spur of the moment. What’s more, you’ll probably try doing some repairs first, and then you’ll decide to go for a replacement after realizing that the repairs aren’t fixing the problem as well as they should, and that you’re spending money on fixing something that simply doesn’t work anymore. Now, you understand that this is a big investment, and a big job for that matter, which is why you want to get better familiar with the materials, the timelines, as well as the costs, before scheduling the installation itself. Well, you can click here to get a better understanding of the prices and the other factors you need to know.

But, you can also keep on reading and hear what we have to say about it. Below I will share a list of some of the popular roofing materials, as well as explain the timeline a bit better, and get you prepared for the investment by breaking down the costs. So, if you keep on reading, you will get much readier for the process, understanding what to expect, as well as how to make some important choices along the way.

Understanding Roofing Materials

Clearly, we are going to begin with helping you understand the actual roofing materials that you can nowadays go for when doing the replacement. As you may have guessed it already, there are quite a lot of different materials that you will have to choose among. So, let me tell you about some of the most popular ones, explaining their pros and cons along the way, and thus ultimately helping you choose.

Asphalt is definitely first on the list, as it is the most popular solution, thanks to its affordability and the fact that it is available in different styles and colors. The downside is that asphalt is not that durable in extreme weather, and it doesn’t have a very long lifespan. Usually, it can last between 15 and 30 years.

Here’s a guide to roof installation, if you want to learn how it’s done: https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-roof-a-house/?srsltid=AfmBOooHg_LVCGjaLXl7k9KGooU5ikj6fNowWx-E7cFEF5IXTpr5byc2

Next comes metal roofing, which is known for its durability, energy-efficiency, as well as fire resistance. The upfront costs may be a bit higher, but it lasts for a very long time, which is why those costs may pay off. The lifespan of metal roofing is usually somewhere between 40 and 70 years.

Wood is a popular choice because it adds to the aesthetic appeal, and offers good insulation. But, it is a fire hazard, it is susceptible to pests and rot, and the maintenance requirements are quite high. This type of roofing is known to last between 20 and 40 years.

Slate is the winner in terms of durability, often lasting for much longer than 100 years. It is also the winner when it comes to fire resistance and general weather resistance, and it is perfect for extremely hot climates. Sure, the upfront costs are bound to be a bit higher, but if you think about the durability and the lifespan, you’ll realize that those are sure to pay off.

Timeline: What to Expect

Wondering how long the entire replacement project will last? Well, this depends on your choice of materials, as well as some other factors, such as the complexity of your roof, and the actual weather. But, let me break this down in phases and give you a better idea about what to expect in general.

The researching phase comes first. You have to take time to check out different solutions, choose the right roof for you, as well as research different installation professionals. Furthermore, this is the stage during which you should get all the necessary permits, and all of it can last between a week and a month.

Then, the old roof will have to be removed, which the pros will do in a day or two. After that, the actual installation will start, lasting up to 5 days, depending on the materials you choose. Asphalt is, as you may have guessed it, among the easiest options to install, while slate is quite complex. In the end, once the installation is completed, the contractor will take a day to clean everything up, as well as inspect the roof once again, and make sure you’re happy with the end results.

Breaking Down the Costs

Let me now break down the costs for you as well. Once again, the overall costs will depend on the mateirals you’ll select. Asphalt is often the cheapest solution, ranging from $100 to $400 per square, and then the prices increase with other materials. Metal roofing ranges from $300 to $1200 per square, wood can cost between $400 and $700, while slate can cost anywhere between $1000 and $4000. Don’t forget to factor in other expenses, such as labor costs, roof removal, permits, as well as any structural repairs that may be necessary.