How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Residential Roof?
If you are like most homeowners, you have finally come to one of the most dreaded home renovation projects there is – replacing the roof of your home.
Not only do homeowners today have to worry about general roofing costs, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive an unprecedented labor shortage and material delays. Making an already demanding process more inconvenient and stressful.
There is a lot to worry about when it comes to replacing the roof of your house, but rest assured we are here to walk you through this vital project and provide some tips for making it more affordable.
What is the Average Cost in Missouri to Replace a Residential Roof?
Since 2021, the demand for residential roof repairs and new installation projects has hit the roof, but many homeowners are faced with associated supply chain shortages, delivery delays, and not enough skilled workers – all of which result in inflated project costs.
According to Forbes, the national average last year for roof replacement costs was between $5,500 and $11,000; depending on the square footage, type of home, and chosen materials. Meanwhile, Home Blue reported that roof replacement in the Saint Louis, Missouri area has ranged from $3,200 to $18,900. Asphalt Shingle Roof repairs and installations continue to be the most affordable with a 1,500-square-foot home in Missouri costing $7,300 as per Angi (formally Angie’s List).
To help reduce the potential cost of your residential roofing project and avoid timeline setbacks, get on the books with a local roofing contractor to ensure you will not need to pay for additional damages caused by mold, water leakages, or insect infestations.
Choosing the Best Roofing Materials for your Home
If you are installing a new roof, the type of roofing material you choose can make a significant difference in the overall cost, including labor time to complete your project. Common replacement materials for residential roofs include water-resistant or waterproof underlayment, shingles, soffits to reduce moisture and improve home ventilation, and drip edge or flashing to redirect water from the roof and gutters. The type and quality of roofing materials will also impact the lifespan of the newly replaced roof, ranging from 30 to 100 years, and it can make a huge difference in the sale value if you decide to sell your home.
A great place to start when selecting roofing materials is to consider the environmental factors your new roof will need to withstand. Roofing material options usually include asphalt shingles, wood shingles, metal, clay shingles, or slate shingles.
Hot climates call for materials that will not curl in the excessive heat (such as terracotta tiles or cement tiles) or additional support materials if choosing generally heat-sensitive roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles. Meanwhile, colder climates require slate tiles or a metal roof (for a more affordable option) to withstand high winds, ice, and snow.
Since Missouri is blessed with everything from rain, heat, wind, tornados, and snow it is best to get recommendations from your contractor to determine the best materials for your specific area in the state. Choosing the right materials will not only impact the life of your new roof, but it will also ensure your electric bills stay affordable and that the job is done correctly.
Considering the Best Roofing Contractor for the Job
As supply chain shortages and other issues are likely to continue, it is important that you begin looking at roofing contractors as soon as possible to ensure your roof will be repaired and safe.
But how do you choose the best roofing contractor for your residential roofing project?
You want a contractor that will ensure you get the best roof possible for your home and that will responsibly manage the project to meet deadlines and quickly address any potential problems along the way. Both the contractor and construction crew should have strong experience in the field, a solid reputation in your community, be transparent, and have a strategic plan for executing the building process from start to finish.
Most importantly, the professional roofers should ensure and maintain proper safety guidelines every step of the way and should have validated proof of bonding, licensing, and insurance before any agreement or payment is made.
How to Save on Your Roof Replacement Project
Even as roof replacement and installation expenses remain high, there are a few options for saving money on your roof replacement project:
Do Your Research: The first step to saving money on any major project is to be diligent and thorough in your research. You want to consider the extent of the project, the type of materials, labor costs, and compare reviews of roofing companies. This will help you decide if you should hire a professional and/or commit to a DIY roofing project to save up to 60% in labor costs.
The Price-Adjustment Clause: Along with shopping around for project estimates with at least three local roofing contractors to find the best deal on materials and labor, be sure to ask about including a price-adjustment clause in the project contract. This will ensure that even if the price of your chosen roofing materials rise, you can stipulate that the cost of services may be adjusted if there are any cost changes between signing the project agreement and when the contracting project begins.
Get Offseason Discounts in the Winter or Spring: Roofers are always the busiest in the late summer and fall seasons, so, if possible, schedule your roof replacement in early or late spring or winter for offered off-season discounts or lower prices on materials and labor.
File an Insurance Claim: Look at your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if the cost to replace your roof is covered by insurance. Then speak with both your roofing contractor and insurance agent to further discuss the possibility of a claim and initiate the process, if possible. Most insurance policies will not cover roof damage caused by homeowner neglect, but damage caused by a hailstorm, tornado, or excessive winds may be partially or completely covered.
Telltale signs that it is time to speak with a local roofing professional, includes the loss of shingles, cracked or curling shingles, water leaks or pooling water, and emergency storm damage. If you notice any of these signs that you need a new roof, contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors for a free estimate or give us a call at (800) 646-1663.
