Roof Replacement Costs Homeowners Need To Watch Out For

Roof Replacement Costs Homeowners Need To Watch Out For

There are plenty of consideration needed when considering roof replacement...

During the late 90's Australian's began acquiring a taste for large homes, and by 2011, the average home size in Australia reached a massive 243 sq metres, surpassing home sizes in the US.

Since then, things have changed.

The latest published figures by Commsec report that homes sizes in Australia have been shrinking year on year in line with global trends to a 22 year low of 186 sq metres.

Our thirst for big homes translates into substantial costs for labour and materials in the construction, repair and replacement of residential roofing.

 

Considerations that vary roofing costs

As your home ages, maintenance, restoration and repair become more frequent.

A question many homeowners ask is how much does roof replacement cost; we're going to do our best to answer this question.

Well, the truth is, there are a variety of factors which vary the cost of roof replacement, such as;

1. Size of the roof
2. Pitch of the roof
3. Roof material and availability
4. Contractor labour costs
5. Does roof require upgrades or repairs?

 

Pitch vs Size.

So, when calculating the cost of a roof, we need to know, not only the size of the roof but it's pitch because pitch alters the area of the roof.

Why, because unless your roof is a flat roof, the roof size varies with the roof pitch, meaning that your roof area is significantly larger than your homes square meterage.

 

How roofing materials vary pricing.

Replacing your home's roof provides an excellent opportunity to consider alternatives, like changing the material or colour of your roof.

Of course, changing your roofing material may lead to additional costs.

For instance, upgrading from a metal roof to a terracotta roof often requires further strengthening of your roof bracing, and terracotta tiles are more expensive than metal sheeting.

The four most commonly used materials for roofing are;

1. Metal roofs (Colorbond®)
2. Terracotta tiles
3. Concrete tiles
4. Slate tiles

When considering material types, also think about the location of your home, is it situated near a bushfire threat, is it subject to harsh climate conditions such as severe heat, cold or stormy weather.

The best way to avoid potential pitfalls is to discuss your roofing options with a roofing specialist.

 

Enhancements you might want to consider.

One of the benefits of replacing your homes roof is the opportunity to make enhancements which improve the comfort, lighting, ventilation or energy efficiency of your home.

Add to the comfort and value of your home by considering these options;

1. Roof Flashing
2. Roof Sarking
3. Roof Insulation
4. Skylights
5. Whirlybirds

In the majority of cases, roof sarking and flashing is included in the roof replacement costs.

Some is a foil which is applied to the roof and sits under the roof tiles or metal sheet.

Sarking both improves the energy efficiency of your home with the benefit of additional weatherproofing and prevent condensation buildup.

Sarking is recommended inclusion if you do not already have it, so if it does not appear on your quote, be sure to ask.

 

Roof insulation.

If you have been thinking about roof insulation, it's the perfect time to get it done.

As your roof area is more accessible, it's likely to reduce the installation cost.

If you're looking to increase the energy efficiency of your home, roof insulation is a great place to start.

 

Skylights and whirlybirds.

Replacing your roof is an excellent time to transform and brighten your home with a skylight or two.

If you'd like to keep a little cooler in the summer months, consider the benefits of a wind-driven whirlybird.

Whirlybirds are extremely efficient and prevent heat buildup by extracting warm air from your roof cavity.

Other factors that might drive up the cost of roof replacement.

1. Deteriorating flashing
2. Rotting fascia boards
3. Rusty guttering
4. Blocked gutters and downpipes
5. Solar panels and solar heating
6. Cost to dispose of your old roof

Replacing your homes roof is a significant investment; the right roofing specialist will thoroughly analyse your roof and bring any concerns to your attention.

The opportune time to tackle problems like rotting fascia boards, rusty guttering and downpipes are at the time of roof replacement.

 

Price comparisons

As with any work you may get done around your home, it's a good idea to seek at the very least, three quotes, the more, the better.

Don't be afraid to ask why one quote is significantly more pricer than another.

Compare the value of each service and cost on your invoice, we all want the job done as affordable as possible, but don't confuse quality workmanship with cheapness.

When hiring or seeking to hire contractors, it's a good idea, to ask for references, or read online reviews from past customers, ensure your roof specialist is aptly qualified to do the job.

 

Conclusion

Although costly, replacing your roof provides your home with a welcome face-lift, hiring the right contractors will determine whether the experience is stress-free or stress-filled.

Carefully considering your options, educating yourself as to the benefits and pitfuls of each component of the roof replacement process will empower you to make the right choices.

We hope we have provided you with some useful insights into the roof replacement process which impact on cost.
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