When it comes to roof repairs or replacement, it is important to know you made the right choice when choosing your roofing contractor. Most roofing companies are happy to offer a free roof inspection to give you an accurate quote. Houston Reality Roofing is certainly able to do so and we are an honest and ethical company. In this article we will explain what to look out for and what you should know so you feel more confident in choosing a reputable roofing contractor.
For starters, let’s cover the basics. These are the things to consider when properly estimating a roof repair:
- Estimated cost of all materials, including the roof covering, underlayment, flashing, drip edges, gutters and new ventilation if required.
- Estimated cost of removing your old roof
- Estimated cost of hauling away debris
- Estimated cost to rent a dumpster and heavy equipment, if necessary
- Approximate timeline, from start to finish
- Warranty for materials and for workmanship
- Payment due dates, and accepted methods
Other aspects of your roof such as it’s pitch, size, and accessibility is also considered.
A roofing contractor will give your roof’s pitch a ratio, which measures its height and length. Roofs that have a pitch of 7:12 or more are considered to have a slope that’s steep and generally cost more money to replace due to the safety concerns and increased work they present to your roofing contractor.
You can calculate your roof’s pitch by assessing how many inches it rises for every 12 inches it runs horizontally. For example, a ratio of 7:12 indicates a roof that rises 7 inches for every 12 inches it runs horizontally. Assessing whether your roof has a pitch that’s considered steep or not is the first step in estimating your costs.
Size is the most important factor in determining your costs for replacing old roofing. The more square feet you have to cover, the more it will cost. Roofing contractors generally charge by the roofing square, which is a 10-by-10-foot (100 square foot) area.
Accessibility also plays a factor. A roof with a chimney, skylights, overhangs, and complicated gutters are more challenging for a roofer to work around.
Finally, your roof’s materials, as stated above, is also a factor.
- Asphalt is generally the cheapest material to replace, costing about $120 to $400 per 100 square feet.
- Metal roofs are the second cheapest to replace and will generally cost you between $500 and $1,800 per 100 square feet.
- Next is Tile roofs, which generally cost between $600 and $4,000 per 100 square feet
- Slate comes last with a price of between $800 and $4,000 per 100 square feet.
The cost for a roof replacement runs about $7600 on average.
Questions to ask the roofing contractor
- Which areas of my home do you need to inspect to provide an estimate?
- May I have a detailed breakdown of each expense?
- How does the material affect installation costs?
- Can you quote a price for possible repairs common to roof installation or replacement?
- What is the cost of roof removal?
- Does the estimate factor in material price increases?
- For hail or wind damage, how much will my homeowner’s insurance cover?
- Can I see your insurance?
- Can you provide references?
- What warranties do you have or your preferred manufacturer have?
- How will you protect your workers’ safety while on my property? You want them to be OSHA compliant.
- How will you ensure the project is completed on time?
- What are the rules on filing a warranty claim?
Ready to get your free roof inspection? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to give you an honest estimate. (713) 294-3404