A roof is one of a home’s most important features because it protects building materials and interior contents, affects property values, and impacts curb appeal. But, it is essential that roofing remains sound. When a roof has reached the end of life or is too damaged to repair, Dennis & Sons Roofing can efficiently install a replacement that meets any homeowner’s needs. We have been serving Bucks County and Montgomery County residents since 1909 and are committed to 100% customer satisfaction.

Technicians provide custom estimates, so no two roofing projects cost the same. Many factors determine each project’s pricing, including the type of materials chosen, roof size, the number of stories, and the labor involved. Estimates are entirely transparent, and roofers are happy to discuss details of assessments with clients and explain the pricing.

Roof Replacement

Experienced technicians inspect roofs carefully to determine whether they need to be replaced. Common indicators include:

• Bald spots with missing granules
• Shingles with curled edges or cupped tabs
• A roof that is 20 or more years old
• Cracked shingles
• Dark streaks caused by airborne algae
• Roofing that looks old and unsightly

When a replacement roof is recommended but is not in a homeowner’s budget, technicians can sometimes make repairs to extend roofing life until customers can afford a new roof.

If repairs are not possible, contractors can offer various re-roofing options. They highlight choices that are the best values, which may not be the least expensive. A new roof is a significant, long-term investment, so it is essential to consider total costs, including the price of ownership. Choosing high-quality materials means roofs last longer, offer maximum protection, and cost less to own.

A Roof’s Condition Impacts an Estimate

The condition of an existing roof influences the cost of a replacement. When installers are merely adding new materials to a sound structure, there are relatively few added charges. However, if they need to make repairs, the final price can increase.

For example, when a roof has one or more holes, technicians need to repair the underlying structure before installing new materials. There may be extensive water damage that has to be fixed. Repairs mean extra time, materials, and labor. Minor repairs may not add much to an estimate, but significant damage can get pricey.

Other Factors That Influence Roof Replacement Costs

When professionals estimate the costs for installing a new roof, they look at a wide range of factors that can impact expenses. Technicians evaluate the current roof condition and decide whether the supporting structure needs repairs. Stripping off old materials adds to overall costs.

Home design also makes a difference. Simple roofs without chimneys, dormers, or vent pipes are less expensive than more complex styles. Homes with elements like intersecting rooflines, chimneys, skylights, and turrets cost much more.

Other factors that impact roofing costs include:

• Size – A roof’s size plays a big part in replacement costs. Bigger spaces need more materials, including underlayment, OSB/plywood, and shingles.
• Square Footage – The square footage of a roof is not the same as a home’s square footage. The home’s square footage is typically listed during an appraisal and represents the sum of gross living areas. The figure includes all levels but usually not basements, garages, and interior walls. To determine a roof’s square footage, experts measure covered living areas as well as walkways, lanais, overhangs, garages, and front entryways. To get a rough idea of how large a roof is in square feet, they multiply the length in feet by the width in feet of all flat planes and add them all together.
• Slope – A general rule is that the steeper a home roof, the more expensive the project, primarily because of safety issues. Home roofs might have low slopes, steep slopes, or a combination of both. Roofers often need to use special equipment to work on very steep roofs, which is an extra expense.
• Roof Design and Shape – The architectural style and design of a roof can influence the price of re-roofing. For instance, a roof might have several dormers, a steep A-frame, or multiple valleys and gables.  A technician considers architectural design as they work up an estimate. When they talk about a roof being “cut-up,” it means the roof has a complex construction.
• Waste Factor – In the roofing industry, waste factor accounts for material that is overlapped in hips and valleys. It also describes the cutoff material around penetrations, flashings, and gable ends. Contractors usually add approximately 10-15% to roof square footage to account for the waste factor. However, the calculation varies, depending on roof style and materials.
• Roofing Squares – Contractors use the term “squares” during estimates because roof surfaces are measured in squares. A roofing square is 100 square feet, covering a 10′ x 10′ area. Estimators determine the number of squares they need by dividing the total roof area by 100. For example, if a roof covers a 2200 square foot area, they divide 2200 by 100. The project requires 22 squares of shingles.
• Licenses and Permits – Most Bucks County and Montgomery County communities require permits before roofs can be installed. Permits must be obtained from local authorities, and their costs are factored into estimates.
• Underlayment – Contractors might need to replace or install underlayment before adding a new roof, which adds to final costs. Underlayment prices can vary based on factors like material, performance, design, and warranties. For instance, synthetic underlayment usually costs more than felt because it is of better quality, and a roll covers more area.
• Ventilation – If technicians find that a roof doesn’t have adequate ventilation, they will need to install new vents. That impacts costs and the project’s timeline.
• Contractor Fees – Roofing costs can vary widely from one company to another, and established companies typically provide an all-in-one square foot price that includes labor and materials.
• Disposal Fees – When contractors need to strip off existing materials and dispose of them, they must add disposal charges to estimates. In some cases, that also includes the price of dumpster rental.

Professional Roof Replacement Makes a Difference

A roofing estimate includes the cost of installation, and it is worth it to pay for the best. Even the highest-quality roofing materials will not provide maximum performance unless they are expertly installed according to manufacturers’ instructions.

• During installation, experienced technicians prepare the job site, remove existing materials, inspect the deck, and make repairs. They install the new roof and pay close attention to details such as flashing.
• Technicians clean up sites, and contractors perform a final inspection. Customers can walk through with them or request a formal copy of the inspection results.

Dennis and Sons Roofers understand that replacing a home roof is a significant investment, and many factors determine the total cost. Our technicians can help customers make the best choices and provide them with accurate time and materials estimates. Contact one of our representatives today and request a quote.