How To Avoid Roofing Scams
All too often, a homeowner does not know if the quotes he is getting from local pros are fair. As a result, some roofers take advantage of this lack of information, and charge unreasonably high pricesand some homeowners end up paying:(
Here is a telling example from my business:
I was doing an estimate the other day, and the client showed me a quote he got from another contractor. Besides a ridiculously high price , what struck me the most was the difference in price between 3-tab and architectural lifetime shingles .
For 3-tabs , the price was $14790 , and for lifetime architectural shingles, it was $16500 . So what gives?
Why is there a $1710 difference between the two quotes?
Do architectural products cost $77 more per square?
The truth is, the roofer was taking the homeowner for a ride, trying to sell a premium package for an unjustified up-charge.
While Im not judging the other contractor its their business I want to inform homeowners of the real price difference between the two. So when you are getting roof replacement quotes, you will know how much premium upgrades really cost.
As you will see below, the $77 / square up-charge was completely unjustified. The cost difference between 3-tab and laminated shingles is only $10 per square, while ALL other components of the system, as well as the installation costs are the SAME.
Thus, the difference should be maybe $300-500 not $1700!
Importance Of A Quality Roof
Before getting into the actual roof prices, its essential to establish the importance of a properly installed high-quality roof. A roof does more than keep the rain off your head. It protects your biggest investment your home.
What you should expect from a high-quality roof:
Durability Sufficiently long lifespan stands up to high winds, heavy rain, snow, and hail less maintenance few replacements.
Protection doesnt leak protects the inside and outside of the structure provides proper drainage keeps family safe during extreme weather.
Efficiency proper ventilation and insulation of the attic space saves energy lowers heating and cooling bills helps HVAC equipment last longer helps prevent ice dams, can offer possible local energy efficiency rebates.
Increased Home Value If youre planning to resell your home, it will be worth more with a high-quality roof.
What you can expect from a low-quality roof:
Unreliable vulnerable to premature leaks cant stand up to pressure from snow peels off in high winds.
Quite Temporary short lifespan deteriorates at a faster rate high maintenance and unnecessary repair costs.
High Energy Costs improper ventilation and insulation decrease energy efficiency high energy bills heating and cooling unit must work harder.
Potentially Dangerous Low quality materials combined with improper ventilation can be a fire hazard and cause mold issues.
Remember, lower price doesnt always mean less expensive
What Are Architectural Shingles
Until the 1980s, the traditional 3-tab shingle was the most popular type of asphalt roof shingle. It remains a cost-effective option for homeowners who value its ease of installation and wide range of color options.
During the 1980s, technological innovations and changing consumer preferences elevated asphalt roofing shingles to a new level. This resulted in architecturally laminated shingles. The name “architectural shingle” refers to a shingle’s construction, which comprises two or more basic shingles bonded or laminated together.
Architectural shingles sometimes referred to as laminated shingles are specifically engineered to have a unique cut, contour, and dimensional thickness. They are often manufactured to mimic the impressive, sought-after appearance of authentic cedar shakes or natural slate tiles, achieving the same look without the weight, installation, flammability concerns, maintenance, and expenses involved with natural wood and stone roofing materials.
Some architectural laminated shingle manufacturers offer a wide range of colors. However, shingles meant to imitate the look of real wood shakes or natural slate tiles will be limited to the same colors found in nature, such as reddish or earthy browns or light and dark variants of grey to black.
While the primary reason for their use is a high-end look, they come with other advantages as well.
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Energy Star Asphalt Shingles Cost
Energy-efficient asphalt shingles come with an Energy Star rating, similar to many other home building products. These reflect the sun better for adequate temperature control. Depending on the shingle, they can reduce the roof temperature by as much as 50º, leading to less heat transfer. Energy Star pieces reduce air conditioning requirements by 10% to 15%. Most brands offer some form of Energy Star shingles that cost $25 to $60 per bundle. They are worth the extra money for many homeowners, especially for cost savings.
What Are Architectural Asphalt Shingles Cost & Effectiveness
Architectural asphalt shingles or dimensional shingles are among the more high-quality options for asphalt roofing. Such roofing products offer increased resistance to high winds and extreme weather conditions while providing a more textured appearance than other types of roofing or shingles. As with this general type of roofing, youll have the option of hiring a roofing contractor or going the DIY route. Read on to learn more about:
- Varied costs between different asphalt shingles
- How different asphalt roofs hold up to different climates
- The general benefits of each type of asphalt shingle
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Shingle Roof Replacement Cost
A leaking roof can cost you more than just repairing or replacing the roof. If neglected, water damage can occur to beams, decking, attic area, items stored, ceilings, , etc. Mold and mildew can also grow in all these areas due to moisture. It is vital to fix the problem as soon as possible. The cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof may be less expensive in the long run.
Repairing a roof comes with some concerns, even though it may save you money over replacing it. If the existing shingles are lifted or deteriorated, a repair may not be sufficient. Because all parts of a roofing system are connected, repairs are often only a temporary fix. are typically overlapped, so a repair may result in further problems with other shingles. An older roof will be faded, and new shingles will stand out as well.
A sagging roof, the presence of granules in your gutters or on the ground around the house, curling, or buckling shingles, are all good reasons to replace rather than repair your roof. The average cost to replace roof shingles is $7,500.
Whats The Best Option For My Roof
We recommend laminated shingles in nearly every case! When we lay out exactly why laminate shingles are superior, its not hard for our clients to see the benefits.
Of course, you will need to consult with a roofing contractor about your specific home and roof before making a final decision, but in 99 times out of 100, we find that laminate roofing is the option that makes the most sense for homeowners.
We are experienced roofing contractors with over 50 years in the business! Get a 10 year workmanship warranty on your roof replacement. Contact us today.
Serving homeowners in Hamilton, Burlington, St. Catharines, and Niagara.
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What Are Lifetime Roof Shingles
Lifetime architectural shingles are covered by a warranty that lasts 50 years. During this period, shingles are covered 100% throughout the first decade of their lifespan. The warranty is then prorated for the following four decades.
These shingles have exceptional durability and can withstand harsh weather without any difficulties. Lifetime shingles are a perfect option if you are looking for a roofing solution that will last as long as the house stands.
Additional Considerations And Costs
- Roofs may have more square footage than your home, due to pitch and shape. This means you might need more materials to cover it than the total square footage of your house.
- Algae can discolor your roof, and in some tropical areas, fungus may cause damage. You can invest in an algae-resistant roof that contains zinc particles to prevent its growth.
- An roof will last between 15 and 30 years on average, but if you live in an area with very high temperatures, it will be closer to 15 years.
- If your roof was damaged in a storm, have your insurance company send out an inspector to check the damage. If they and your roofer agree on the scope of the work, your worker will contract with the insurance company to pay for the new roof.
- You can install a single layer of asphalt shingles over another layer of asphalt shingles one time without removing them. After this, both layers must be removed.
- A new roof can increase the value of your home. The amount varies depending on the type of roof and the area you live in.
- You need a permit to have a new roof installed. Your roofer should take care of this for you.
- Architectural shingles cannot be roofed over because they are too thick.
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Year Or 30 Year Shingles Whats The Difference
Are you in the market for a new roof? Do you need to figure out what roof is going to work the best for your home? Trying to decide which roof is the best can be confusing for some, but it doesnt have to be as difficult as one might think. Once you have an understanding of the differences between the shingles, you can make an informed decision on which way to proceed.
Most of the 25-year shingles are a 3-tab shingle that has been out for quite some time now. You might want to think twice about using these particular shingles on your home. To help you understand why, consider this. Most of the architectural shingles arent going to cost you that much more to install. Plus, the 3-tab shingles are also more susceptible to wind damage and being ripped from your roof.
You will find that the majority of different architectural shingle brands come in three different grades. They offer the shingles in either 30-year, 40-year or 50-year grades. On average, you can expect a 30-year shingle to last around 25 years. On the other hand, the 40 and 50-year shingles are going to last you around 30 years on average. You have to consider how much wear and tear your shingles are taking from the elements. Most of the time, manufacturers assume you are going to move out of the home before your 30 years hit.
Composition Shingles Vs Architectural Shingles
Composite or materials encompass a wide range of materials. Roofing shingles using different materials in a composite is a composition shingle. Therefore, asphalt shingles and architectural shingles are considered subtypes of composition shingles. However, other composition materials use other materials, including stone dust, rubber, and tile. This can produce a much wider range of materials and costs. Some composition materials are lower in quality and cost than architectural, and some are higher in quality and cost. The material can have an impact on final costs. In general, architectural shingles fall somewhere in the middle range of composites.
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Whats The Difference Between 30
If you are considering roof replacement in Columbia, MD, both options will protect your house from various weather conditions, help control the temperature in your home, and add a layer of character to it. However, it may be difficult to decide which of these two options to pick, and thats why you should know the differences between them.
Although almost all shingles have limited warranties, these two types come with more specific ones. The warranty of 30-year shingles covers any defects that occur before and after they are laid on the roof, but it doesnt cover the usual wear and tear caused by harsh weather.
On the other hand, lifetime shingles are manufactured using upgraded materials, and they can withstand anything a roof must endure, such as strong winds, freezing hail, heat waves, and downpours.
Also, lifetime shingles come with a higher price compared to 30-year shingles. As you can see, the main differences include warranty duration, price, and warranty conditions.
Cool Roof Shingles Cost
A cool roof is an energy-efficient roof that stays cool even in the hottest weather. Three key features characterize these asphalt shingles: thermal emittance , and solar reflectance index or SRI . The higher the SRI rating, the cooler the home will stay. Normally, cool roof shingles will be lighter colors. The cool roof shingles cost about $2.50 per square ft.
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Your Asphalt Shingles Are Around 20 Years Old
The last sign you need to replace your asphalt shingles is that its the right time. If everything was done correctly during installation, no extreme weather hit it, and it was properly maintained, your roofing materials have simply reached the end of their lifespan.
Because architectural shingles last around 25 years, you should start considering a roof replacement around the 20-year mark. Im not saying you have to replace it immediately, but I recommend starting to budget once you get past 20 years.
This ensures that youll be financially ready when the time comes for the replacement. I understand that spending money on a new roof is not fun.
But reaching this point means your original roof investment was worth it, and you got the return that was expected.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Asphalt Shingles
There are several kinds of asphalt shingles on the market today, and depending on the style, the warranty covering these shingles also changes. You might know the basics, such as 3-tab shingles, which were popular for many years, t-locks, and also dimensional, laminate, and architectural shingles.
Dimensional shingles are the latest wave of shingles and are much more durable than 3-tab shingles. Most of the time, 3-tab shingles are rated as a 20-year shingle, though they usually only last up to 15 years with routine preventative maintenance. Dimensional shingles contain things like fiberglass that is mixed into asphalt layers.
On the other hand, there are architectural shingles. The main difference between dimensional and architectural shingles is that one is more expensive than the other. Placed side-by-side, you will see that dimensional shingles are less fancy in both color and texture. There are also more luxury options of architectural shingles for enhanced durability.
However, whether you choose plain dimensional shingles or luxury architectural laminates that look like slate, you will see that most are rated as a 30-, 40-, or 50-year shingle.
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What Are 30 Year Roof Shingles
30 year roof shingles come with a warranty of 30 years. They are an excellent option if you are thinking about roof replacement and want to ensure your new roof will last for three decades . 30-year shingles boast excellent quality and durability, and they are perfect for areas with a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year.
Roof Shingle Repair Cost
The most common type of roof shingle repair is needed when shingles have lifted or have fallen off entirely. This usually occurs due to wind damage. Homeowners may not realize this has happened until a leak starts inside the house. The cost to repair missing shingles depends on how many shingles need to be replaced. For a smaller area, you should expect to pay $150 – $300. If the area is larger or you have damage to the decking underneath, the repair cost can run $500 – $800.
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Labor Cost To Install Asphalt Shingles
The cost to install asphalt shingles ranges from $2 to $5 per sq.ft. Some installers charge $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the complexity. Asphalt shingles can be installed by most roofing contractors and are a common roof type. While asphalt shingles are common, this installation should always be done by a professional to ensure the roof is safe and stable. DIY installation jobs can leave the roof exposed to the elements and lead to even more expensive repairs in the future, not to mention serious safety concerns.
If your home has a single layer of asphalt shingles, you can install a second layer over them. However, your roof deck needs to be in good condition. Your roof must be torn off before the new shingles can be installed if your roof deck needs repair, you switch roof materials, or you already have two layers. Once the old roof is off, your roof deck is inspected and repaired as needed. The shingles are installed over a layer of underlayment, which varies depending on the roof and shingle type.
Roof protrusions, a high pitch, or a complex roof with dormers, valleys, or curves increases your installation cost. Installation costs can reach $7 per sq.ft. for very complex designs. Likewise, installation costs increase if your roof deck requires repair.
How Long Does A Roof Last
Typically, a 30 year roof will last on average 12-15 years in more extreme climates, such as we have here in Texas. 25 year roofs lasting 9-12 years on average. But, how can this be, you say. To understand this we need to first look at how the manufacturers define their shingle levels and warranties now versus how they defined them in the past.
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How To Calculate Shingle Costs For Your Roofing Project
To calculate how much roofing material you need, youll need to know the square footage of your roof, along with its pitch.
Square footage is measured by taking the length and width of each plane on the roof, and multiplying those numbers. A roofs pitch is determined by how measuring how much your roof rises for every foot it runs. For example, a 6 in 12 roof pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 horizontal inches of length.
Once you have these numbers, use an online Roof Shingles Calculator to for an accurate estimate. Youll also want to add about 10% to 15% in additional materials to account for waste.