Fall is upon us, and that means Thanksgiving, crisp morning air, and the last chance to shingle a roof before winter comes.
It’s not uncommon for April’s showers to create leaks and summer winds to take off shingles. Pair that damage with fall’s temperate climate and you have a compelling argument for autumn as the best time to have repairs done all year.
When You Might Want to Replace Your Roof
So, what kinds of damage might require you to replace your roof?
Most of the time, that decision is up to your insurance. Your insurance will assess the damage and determine whether or not the damage done is worth fixing or if a complete replacement is what you need.
If you have significant damage from hail, have many leaks, or if high winds have torn up your shingles, your insurance will likely recommend that you replace your roof.
You also might have to replace your roof because the right amount of time has elapsed. How long does a shingle roof last? Well, most asphalt shingles will last 25 years before they need replacing.
You can read more here about when you might want to consider replacing your entire roof.
How Much to Shingle a Roof? A Cost Analysis
Usually, asphalt singling will cost you between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on whether or not you decide to DIY or hire a pro and on the specific dimensions of your roof. You can estimate this yourself by calculating the square footage of your roof and then multiplying that by shingle costs, which can cost anywhere between $80 to $500 per square foot – depending on the type of shingling you buy.
You’ll also have to account for the time it takes to remove the roof that you’re replacing. Usually, this process takes several days and can cost $3-$10 per square foot taken off when you factor in runs to and from the dump.
If you’re hiring out, add several thousand onto that cost to account for labor.
All of these costs are for a standard, two-story home in a middle-class neighborhood.
Next, you need to work through whether or not a DIY effort is worth it. How much does it cost to shingle a roof by yourself? Well, how much do you value your time? Are you ready to commit yourself to 60-120 hours of backbreaking work in the sun? Do you have experience roofing, and do you have the right tools?
You might be able to save yourself a couple of dollars, but chances are, you’ll be better off with a professional who does the job right – the first time. Professionals work to make sure that every shingle counts and that your money going isn’t wasted.
So, How Much Does Roofing Really Cost?
How much to shingle a roof? Well, you decide. At it’s absolute cheapest, a roof replacement costs around $5000. Any amount you spend over this is usually spent on better roofing materials, hired help, and repairs to the roofing under your shingles.
Unfortunately, the benefits that you gain from upgrading to better quality and better service makes it hard for us to recommend that you go cheap. We recommend that you either go cheap on materials and have a pro install them or hire a professional part-time to guide you while installing the best shingles you can afford.
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