The roof is one of the most important elements of a home, protecting you from the elements and keeping you safe. It is key to ensure that your roof is in good condition and there may come a time when you need to replace your roof, either due to damage or just because you wish to change the look of your home.
The cost of a whole new roof can vary dramatically based on a number of factors. Here are some important things to consider when looking to replace your roof.
Size
The size of your roof will be one of the main factors in determining the cost associated with replacing your roof. This is often determined by the size of your house – a one-bedroom bungalow is likely to have a smaller area to cover than a four-bedroom, detached house, for example. Additionally, if you are looking to replace the roof on a shed or a garage, this will tend to cost less due to the simple fact that the roof is not as large as on a full house.
Style
There are many different styles of roofing to choose from, each with their own associated benefits, drawbacks, and costs. A flat roof is the simplest style of roofing, and therefore, often the cheapest to install. Most residential homes have a gable roof, with a peak in the centre. These roofs are an excellent choice as they allow for good drainage and have the added benefit of creating space at the top of the house that can be used for storage.
There are other, less common types of roofs, such as a hip roof or a mansard roof. These styles may come at a higher cost due to the expertise required to design and fit them. They come with benefits such as a more unique look and better performance in inclement weather. Mansard roofs are also an ideal choice if you are looking to add a living space to the top of your house.
Something else to note is that the cost of replacing your roof will be higher if you are looking to change the style of your roof, since it is likely that you will need to change the structure of your house in order to accommodate the new roof. Have a look at the options and determine which style would work best for you, both aesthetically and practically.
Material
Another major choice to be made when replacing your roof is the material you wish to use. Again, each material has its associated benefits, weaknesses, and costs. Roof felt is the cheapest and easiest to install, and is often used for flat roofs. Felt is an ideal choice for garage and shed roofs.
For the roofs of most houses, roofing tiles are most commonly used. These provide good durability and protection from the elements. Roof tiles come in many different materials. Concrete tiles are the cheapest option and provide a good all-round tile for any roofing. If you wish to use something other than concrete, clay and slate tiles are also great options but will also come at a greater cost. Wood can also be used but bear in mind that this will have greater associated upkeep costs.
Again, there is a balance to be found between how you wish your roof to look, material cost, and maintenance. Look at the options and decide which works best for you.
Labour
Replacing a roof is a complicated and specialised job and therefore should only be carried out by professionals. This is not a simple DIY job. Labour costs will vary depending on the type of roof and material you wish to use. More intricate and complicated roof designs, such as a hip or mansard roof, will require specialists that will likely charge more. There is also a greater amount of work and planning that goes into these roof types, particularly if they are being newly installed, therefore increasing the cost even more.
It pays to hire high-quality professionals who, although may cost more, will ensure the job is done correctly and reduce the chances of your encountering problems further down the road.
Extras
It is also worth considering if you would like to add any extra things to your new roof. Skylights are a great way of adding natural light to your home and increasing the feeling of space inside. These can be added when replacing your roof, but will of course come at an additional cost.
Certain types of roofs may allow for the addition of storage space at the top of your house, and this is something that can be added during the replacement process. To take this a step further, you may also wish to convert your loft from storage into a usable room. This tends to have a high cost due to the need for insulation, electricity, plumbing, etc.
With roofs such as the mansard roof, there is the potential to convert the top of your house into extra outside space. Again, this will come at a higher cost due to the requirements to make this space safe and secure, and to add convenient access.
These are extras and not necessary when replacing your roof, but it is a good idea to consider whether you wish to add any of these things before committing to replacing your roof.
Hopefully, these have given you a few ideas of things to think about when replacing your roof. Changing the roof on your home can be a great way to give the house a new look and make sure everything is in top shape, so consider the options thoroughly and find what would work best for you and your family.