Monday, April 13, 2009

The Average Repair Costs For A Roof

Replacing damaged parts of a roof is an essential part of home maintenance.


Selecting and installing a roof normally is a time consuming, costly process but an essential part of keeping the home in its best condition. When roofing damage occurs, whether it is minor or severe, repairs should be done as quickly as possible. The cost of repairs will vary greatly depending on the type of roofing material and the severity of the damage. If underlying waterproofing materials are damaged, they will require replacement, which raises the cost. Does this Spark an idea?


Roofing Materials


Asphalt shingles are, according to The House Designers, the most common roofing material in the United States. It is low cost and easy to install with a 14- to 20-year lifespan. The purchase and installation costs run between $50 and $150 per square foot as of 2011. Synthetics are made from plastic or rubber mixed with recycled wood. This combination provides an easy to maintain product that will last as long as 50 years. Look to spend between $100 and $165 per square foot. Clay and concrete are heavier and more expensive than shingles but have grown in popularity in recent years. They are natural, renewable products and are highly reflective, which makes them ideal for warmer weather locations. The lifespan is approximately 50 years and costs between $300 and $600 per square foot.


Average Repair Costs


If roof damage is minor, individual shingles or tiles are replaceable, a process that will cost little more than a few shingles or tiles. More serious damage, however, requires replacing roofing and the materials underneath. According to CostHelper, the average cost of repairing a 10- by 10-foot section is between $100 and $350, as of 2011. Simple repairs or replacing asphalt shingles ranges between $95 and $127. Wooden shingles are significantly more costly to replace, running between $210 and $1,000 for a 10- by 10-foot space, or $135 to $175 for single shingles. Concrete and clay are difficult to estimate, as they usually are done on an individual basis depending on the severity of the damage, slope of the roof and a number of other factors.


Additional Costs


Flashing, a construction material made from metal or vinyl, works as a barrier between the roof and joints or potential water entry points. Wherever water could enter the home, around chimneys, vents or skylights, flashing is required. The material is invaluable for moving water from the roof to the gutter. Damaged or worn flashing around a skylight will run between $300 and $500 to repair, while valley flashing, the type used along slopes to create drain off, will run $15 to $25 per linear foot. Problems with chimney flashing will run between $200 and $500 to replace. All cost estimates are as of 2011.


Quote Inclusions


There are a few factors that should be included in the quote given by a roofer or handyman. Roofing materials and labor are the obvious two but aren't always all that is required. The repair process includes removing and replacing damaged shingles, but also requires sealing with waterproof roof cement and cleaning up debris. The cement will protect new shingles from rain, snow and harsh weather, while removing debris will aid in preventing future damage.







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