Roofs can last a long time, but eventually outside elements take their toll. As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of your options and choose those that best fit your wants, needs, and budget. This article will show you how costs are determined, the pros and cons of roofing techniques, and the various materials and types of roofs you can choose from.
Columbus roofing systems can last a long time,Guest Posting but eventually the outside elements take their toll. As a homeowner, you don’t want your expenses “going through the roof,” as the idiom goes. You want to be aware of your options and choose the ones that best fit your wants, needs, and budget. This is especially true for large investments—including your Columbus roofing system.
You should take some time to review how costs are determined, the pros and cons of roofing techniques, and the various materials and types of Columbus roofing systems you can choose from; and then select the best options for both your home and your wallet. This article will help you through the process.
How is Cost Determined?
The cost to replace a Columbus roofing system is dependent on numerous factors, including the size of the roof, the roof’s pitches and slopes, whether a tear-off or an overlay would be involved, if plywood decking would need to be repaired or replaced, if a protective coating is desired, the climate, the accessibility of the roof, local labor rates, permits, and the amount of work that will be involved.
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests that homeowners look at the annual cost of the roof per year instead of the total cost up front. You can calculate this by taking the total cost of your roofing job (including materials and labor) and dividing it by the life expectancy of your new roof.
Roofing professionals usually quote roofing materials in “squares.” A “square” is 100 square feet, or a 10 feet by 10 feet area. The average size of a roof in the United States is 40 feet by 60 feet, which is 2400 square feet or 24 squares. The examples given below are based on this figure.
The Pros and Cons of Tear-Off or Overlaying
Before a Columbus roofing system can be replaced, the old roofer in columbia sc materials need to be torn off and disposed of or prepared for overlaying. Overlaying an old roof is when one layer of shingles is placed over another; doing so will virtually eliminate tear-off expenses. However, there is a downside to overlaying a roof. First, many city codes limit the amount of layers allowed on a roof. Second, many Columbus roofing contractors estimate that overlaying a roof can decrease its lifespan by as much as 20%; therefore, the roof may cost less up front, but it will likely need to be replaced again much sooner than if you choose to have your old Columbus roofing system torn-off.
Roof Replacement
After the roof has been prepped, the roofing materials are ready for replacement. This is when the Columbus roofing contractors may notice water damage or other issues that need to be addressed prior to the installation of the new shingles or tiles. If your roof requires repair work, it will certainly add to the total cost. If the roof has been torn-off to the decking, this is when the protective underlayment will be implemented…if one was selected. The protective underlayment is typically an option, and will add to the total cost as well.
When you replace your Columbus roofing system, there are a variety of materials to choose from. But which material is best for your needs? Continue reading to learn more about the most popular materials.
All About Asphalt
One Columbus roofing material you can choose from is asphalt shingles. This is a highly affordable option, and therefore, the most common option. The cost per square is on the lowest end of the spectrum, compared to other roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are extremely durable and have a long life, as far as roofing goes. Sounds too good to be true? Well, there is one downside, namely aesthetics. That is, some people don’t care for the look of an asphalt Columbus roofing system and think they don’t look modern and chic enough.
