Unexpected Factors That Affect Roof Replacement Costs

The commonly used phrase, “expect the unexpected”, has never been truer than in roof replacement. The project won’t always be smooth and stress-free, which is why covering all the bases is incredibly important. Take the costs associated with your roof replacement, for example. As you plan your budget and learn more about the project itself, you’ll soon find yourself dealing with unexpected factors that can add significantly to its overall costs. STARR Roofing & Gutters, the trusted roof inspections and installations company in the area, expounds on them here.

Water or Moisture Damage

When your roof nears the end of its service life, it becomes susceptible to water or moisture infiltration. The damage caused by this issue usually goes unnoticed until you get a replacement. As your choice of contractor performs a comprehensive inspection of your existing roof system, they may find the decking and trusses (which make up the roof structure) moldy, rotten, and unstable. It’s important that this problem is resolved via repairs before a new roof can be installed. Otherwise, the framework won’t be able to handle the weight of the replacement roof, making the entire structure a safety risk.

• What You Can Do. Dealing with existing moisture or water damage to the roof structure will add to your project costs. Make sure you have extra funds set aside for such contingencies. Doing so can help keep your residential roofing replacement within budget.

Roofing Material

Roofing materials and prices change over time. The type of asphalt shingles that used to grace your roof may already be obsolete today, replaced with newer, better (and more expensive) versions. You should also expect increased roof replacement costs if you decide to switch to a new type of material. Have you decided to go for metal, tile, or slate instead of the same asphalt shingles? The transition usually involves making some costly alterations, which may add a few hundred dollars to your project expenses.

• What You Can Do. Again, creating an extra budget beforehand should prove handy. It’s always a good idea to augment the number written on your roof estimate so you’re not stuck owing more than you expected. Here’s another one: try scheduling your roof replacement during the off-season. There are a few excellent benefits to this. For starters, you won’t be contending with other homeowners for your contractor’s attention, which means no long waiting times and delays. But most importantly, off-season roof replacement will likely net you greater deals and rebates, helping you save a fair amount of money on your project. Suddenly, the transition from asphalt shingles to slate or metal roofing won’t seem as painful on the wallet.

New Gutter Installation

If your gutters were installed around the same time as your existing roof, then they’re probably old and failing now, as well. You might want to have them replaced along with your roof. Just keep in mind that these may also add to your roof replacement costs. But given how gutters play a crucial role in keeping your home dry and damage-free, you’ll just have to account for the extra expenses.

• What You Can Do. As we’ve already mentioned a few times, creating another budget to deal with any additional costs can go a long way. But just how much more you’ll need to spend will depend on your choice of gutter style. Should you go for the cost-effective (but not very tough or long-lasting) sectional gutters? Or should you pick seamless gutters, which are costlier but are of much better quality? If you ask a reliable shingle and metal roofing installer like STARR Roofing & Gutters, we’ll recommend choosing the latter. You’ll find that prioritizing quality over price allows you to save more in the long run.

Seamless gutters are designed and crafted to precise measurements, ensuring they’ll fit perfectly along your roofline. Compared to sectional gutters, they have seams only at the corners, making them more impervious to leaks and congestion. When installed and maintained properly by a professional, your seamless gutters can provide decades of reliable draining performance while also elevating the look of your home with their sleek and clean design.

Building Permits

Major home improvement projects, especially those involving the roof system, will usually require a building permit. Having one in place guarantees that your new roof will be compliant with local codes and safety regulations. Acquiring the necessary building permits involves paying a fee – the exact amount is influenced by the size and scope of the project. Residential roofing contractors generally include permitting as part of the project costs when they submit a bid for the job. 

• What You Can Do. The shadier type of contractor may try to tempt you into not getting a permit, citing the fees as a reason. Tune them out and drop them immediately. Permit acquisition is an important step in the roof replacement process so make sure it’s included within your budget. Non-compliance can result in a number of things – all of them bad. Aside from large fines and forced removal of the new roof, you’ll also need to deal with your insurance provider’s refusal to provide coverage.

Another Pro-Tip

If you’re worried about possible extra costs in your roof replacement, the simplest thing you can do is to work with a reliable roofing contractor. Establish good communication with them. Let them know about any budget constraints upfront so they can think of a workaround that’s satisfactory to both parties. And if your choice of roofer offers flexible and convenient financing options, that’s even better. If you’re eligible for one, you’ll be able to invest in your roof upgrade with greater confidence.

High-Quality Roofing Services in the Texas Hill Country

Once you have your roof replacement costs figured out, turn to STARR Roofing & Gutters for your project. We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured roofing contractor who has your best interests in mind. Certified by trusted industry names like GAF, and with over 20 years of experience, we’ll make sure your roof replacement is done right the first time. 

Schedule a Roof Evaluation

Whether it’s professional roof inspections and installations or quality storm damage repair, STARR Roofing & Gutters will definitely deliver. Make us your top choice and we’ll show you why we remain one of the best roofing companies in Round Mountain, TX, and beyond. Get started on your roof replacement by calling us at (512) 736-6539 or filling out this contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!