How Much Should You Spend On A New Roof?

Your house is leaking and you know that this time it’s more than fixing the flashing, or cleaning out the gutters. It is time to install a new roof on your house. However, before you start, there are lots of questions you need to ask and have answered: Will you be able to cover what is already there or will you have to remove it? What sort of material do you want to use? There are several to choose from. How much is it going to cost?  

The price of a new roof can vary dramatically depending on the kinds of materials you choose as well as how much demolition will need to be completed before the new material can go down, and the largest investment for most of us, our homes, can have a reliable top layer of protection. Consult with us, the top Northern Virginia roofing installation provider and we’ll answer all of these questions, and more.

One of the things you need to do is consider what kind of roofing system you want. Some customers know exactly the kind of roof repair they need, and others need a consultation to consider if they want to same material put back down, or if they want to change products. As a roofing contractor, we can discuss pros and cons of replacing what you currently have your roof with the same material, and we can help you decide if you should change the material that is currently on your home.

As you consider what material you want to put on your roof cost and durability are probably at the top of the list of considerations. However, architecture and overall style also matter. For example, a Spanish colonial house would look better with clay tiles on the roof than a metal roof.

1. Fiberglass shingles

Organic and fiberglass felt can be used as an underlayment for fiberglass shingles adding insulation and more water repulsion. One benefit of fiberglass shingles is they have a fire-resistance rating of A, B, or C with A signifying that it is the most fire resistant. The more fire resistant a shingle is, the greater the cost. 

2. Wood shingles and shakes

Roofs with these materials are most often found in Western states, but there are some houses in the East that incorporate architecture in which these roofs are the best option. These shingles and shakes are made mostly from cedar, redwood, and southern pine although there are other materials too. Wooden shingles are usually machine sawn while shakes are handmade and look rougher. Some building codes prevent these wood roofs because of a lack of fire resistance, although some wooden shingles are treated with a fire retardant and can rate a Class C fire resistance rating.

3. Tile roofing

Clay or concrete tiles are very durable and most common on mission homes and Spanish style homes.  Although these homes are most common around Florida and the Southwest, this style of architecture can be found most everywhere, however it is less common in other areas of the United States. Flat tiles can fit an English or French style of home, and these clay or concrete tiles can be colored to match nearly any exterior. An important factor with tiles is the weight: the structure must be able to hold the roof up.

4. Slate roofing

This product was once very common in the Northeastern parts of the United States. Slate is quarried in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Like tile, slate can be constructed different colors. One of the benefits of working with slate roofing is the fact that it will seemingly last forever, but this also makes it more expensive than most other materials. Another aspect of slate roofs is the fact that it requires special skill and experience to install it on a roof. Older homes were often given slate roofs.

5. Metal roofing

Trust Exterior Medics to do your roof repair or any other home improvement, or if you need it, we’re also the Northern Virginia roofing installation experts. We’ll work with you to ensure that you choose the right product for your roof, and we’ll be honest and fair. You can trust us for all of your exterior remodeling in Northern Virginia needs.