New Roofs

Written by No Doubt Marketing

A new roof can be one of the biggest home improvement expenses you face as a homeowner. Fortunately, many roof problems can be fixed with simple roof repairs instead of an entirely new roof. If you have one or even a few spots that are showing leaks, a roofing contractor can examine your roof and make recommendations. You might be surprised to find that most of your roof is in great shape and you merely need repairs on those few spots.

If you do need entirely new roofing, however, the new roof cost isn't easy for you to determine without an estimate from a contractor. A great deal of the cost depends on how many layers of shingles exist on your roof already. This is because, depending on your state, you may not be allowed to have more than 2 layers of roofing before it has to be stripped down the wood by the contractor for installation of a new roof.

It all depends on your areas building codes, though. Some areas allow only two while some may allow three. Despite those allowances, some contractors may not be willing to install a third layer of shingles and may insist on removing the old roof first if you already have two layers. This can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your new roof cost. It's always cheaper if they're able to install a new layer of shingles over the old.

Most contractors will suggest to you to strip the old layer for a new roof even if there is only one. This is because the new roof will simply look better and be more secure if it's installed on the bare wood, especially if any of the shingles are damaged.

A new roof cost is also determined by the size of your home and how many different pitches the roof has, as well as the roofing material you choose. If wood is damaged and needs to be repaired that will add considerably to the cost, as will a choice of expensive shingles over plain asphalt. With no shingles needing to be removed and a very simple roof style, a new roof for a house of about 1500 square feet done in basic gray asphalt shingles will probably cost at least $5000.

This is a base minimum price, though you may be able to find a contractor in your area who will do it for less. The more square feet and more complicated roof pitching will of course add to that amount. While a new roof can seem a large expense, it's arguably the most important part of your house, and well worth it.

Without a stable and leak-free roof, the wood that forms the roof can start to soften and rot, causing more leaks and larger leaks, which will damage the interior ceiling and can even damage the wall structure, depending on where the leak occurs. A good roof is essential to the stability and strength of the house, so if you need a new roof it's best to take the plunge rather than put it off.

Ready to find new roof shingles for your home? Use BuyerZone's free request for new roof shingles price quotes, and we'll match you to multiple contractors in your area.