Experts suggest planning our budget first and foremost before undertaking a new construction project or renovation. But where do you start? If you’re not a contractor and may be unfamiliar with what’s involved in a new roof build, how do you know how much and what to budget for?
Besides, there are a number of roofing decisions to take into account before calculating costs. For example, does the roof project require new gutters or rafters to withstand a different weight load if another roofing material is to be used? Accurate measurements must also be conducted to estimate total square footage of roof area and quantities of materials required to complete the project.
Still, you may only require a chimney repair or the installation of a new skylight. A roof replacement generally runs over $10,000, depending on materials and scope of work, and simple repairs can cost under $1,000. It’s also helpful to incorporate labour costs and permit fees into your roofing plan.
Subsequently, there are a few key elements to determine roof costs.
ROOFING MATERIAL
The type of roofing material affects performance, longevity, and future maintenance required, in addition to the amount of money you’ll shell out.
Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material because of their durability, affordability, and versatility in design selections. An asphalt roof in Canada can range from $2,000-$11,000. You can see the challenges in deliberating costs without any details, like square footage and contractor costs in your province.
Asphalt roofing materials are more prone to wear and tear, like flying off during temperamental storms. Also, they are not as environmentally friendly as say, cedar.
Cedar
Cedar wood shingle roofing in Canada can average around $15,000 for installation, depending if shakes or shingles, and the grade. Cedar roofing is light weight, biodegradable, and energy efficient. However, Cedar roofing is expensive and requires regular maintenance to make it last.
Metal
Installation of a metal roof in Canada’s national average stands at over $10,000. The type of metal used will affect costs, such as stainless steel versus aluminum. A metal roof can last up to four times longer than shingles, so its longevity is excellent. Metal roofs are energy efficient, low maintenance, and can weigh almost half that of asphalt.
But it will have higher upfront costs, require noise insulation, and may not properly expand and contract through weather changes.
ROOF DESIGN
The roof pitch or slope further affects the price of materials. For instance, a low slope roof (flat roof) alters design and structural costs compared to a steep pitch roof. Other roofing features, such as chimneys and venting make a roof job more complex and therefore, more expensive, in addition to a roof with several valleys where two pitched roof faces connect.
Research different roofing contractor rates to get an idea what labour and project management cost in your area for your budget. To keep costs down, remain flexible in choosing materials, colours, and design. Whether its roof repairs, a re-roof, or an entire roof replacement, arming yourself with the details assists you in developing an accurate budget.
Indeed, the entire roofing process from old roof removal to installing the new roofing material can be a great expense, but it protects the integrity of the entire structure and if the best material is used, can keep your home dry and protected from the elements for decades.
Our roofing experts can guide you in planning a budget that suits your needs and provides you with the best roof possible. For an accurate, detailed quote, contact us today for projects in Victoria, Sooke, and adjacent areas.