Roofs can last a long time, but eventually outside elements take their toll. As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of your options and choose those that best fit your wants, needs, and budget. This article will show you how costs are determined, the pros and cons of roofing techniques, and the various materials and types of roofs you can choose from.

Columbus roofing systems can last a long time,Guest Posting but eventually the outside elements take their toll. As a homeowner, you don’t want your expenses “going through the roof,” as the idiom goes. You want to be aware of your options and choose the ones that best fit your wants, needs, and budget. This is especially true for large investments—including your Columbus roofing system.

You should take some time to review how costs are determined, the pros and cons of roofing techniques, and the various materials and types of Columbus roofing systems you can choose from; and then select the best options for both your home and your wallet. This article will help you through the process.

How is Cost Determined?

The cost to replace a Columbus roofing system is dependent on numerous factors, including the size of the roof, the roof’s pitches and slopes, whether a tear-off or an overlay would be involved, if plywood decking would need to be repaired or replaced, if a protective coating is desired, the climate, the accessibility of the roof, local labor rates, permits, and the amount of work that will be involved.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests that homeowners look at the annual cost of the roof per year instead of the total cost up front. You can calculate this by taking the total cost of your roofing job (including materials and labor) and dividing it by the life expectancy of your new roof.

Roofing professionals usually quote roofing materials in “squares.” A “square” is 100 square feet, or a 10 feet by 10 feet area. The average size of a roof in the United States is 40 feet by 60 feet, which is 2400 square feet or 24 squares. The examples given below are based on this figure.

The Pros and Cons of Tear-Off or Overlaying

Before a Columbus roofing system can be replaced, the old roofing materials need to be torn off and disposed of or prepared for overlaying. Overlaying an old roof is when one layer of shingles is placed over another; doing so will virtually eliminate tear-off expenses. However, there is a downside to overlaying a roof. First, many city codes limit the amount of layers allowed on a roof. Second, many Columbus roofing contractors estimate that overlaying a roof can decrease its lifespan by as much as 20%; therefore, the roof may cost less up front, but it will likely need to be replaced again much sooner than if you choose to have your old Columbus roofing system torn-off.

Roof Replacement

After the roof has been prepped, the roofing materials are ready for replacement. This is when the Columbus roofing contractors may notice water damage or other issues that need to be addressed prior to the installation of the new shingles or tiles. If your roof requires repair work, it will certainly add to the total cost. If the roof has been torn-off to the decking, this is when the protective underlayment will be implemented…if one was selected. The protective underlayment is typically an option, and will add to the total cost as well.

When you replace your Columbus roofing system, there are a variety of materials to choose from. But which material is best for your needs? Continue reading to learn more about the most popular materials.

All About Asphalt

One Columbus roofing material you can choose from is asphalt shingles. This is a highly affordable option, and therefore, the most common option. The cost per square is on the lowest end of the spectrum, compared to other roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are extremely durable and have a long life, as far as roofing goes. Sounds too good to be true? Well, there is one downside, namely aesthetics. That is, some people don’t care for the look of an asphalt Columbus roofing system and think they don’t look modern and chic enough.

Beauty Awaits if You Choose Slate

For the people just mentioned who don’t love the look of asphalt, perhaps they will like cement and slate shingles for their Columbus roofing system. These materials are great for someone who is interested in the aesthetics of their home because their texture and color can be customized to the homeowner’s desires. But there is always a price for beauty, which makes cement and slate roofing a more expensive option for your Columbus roofing system. This is due to the fact that it takes a very special skill set to install them correctly. Additionally, a slate roof is not durable, as the slate can commonly become damaged and cracked due to extreme weather or people walking on it to perform repairs. Although, a slate roof can last about 50 years before requiring replacement, as long as you keep up with maintenance and repairs.

Find a Middle Ground in Metal

Are you looking for something more luxurious than a shingle roof, but more durable than a slate one? Then, a metal Columbus roofing system may be the solution for you. Metal roofs can actually last an entire lifetime without replacement! All they require is some occasional upkeep, such as sealing and painting, which protects the roof from excess moisture and extreme weather. A bonus is that you can paint your metal Columbus roofing system any color you want. There are some negative aspects to a metal roof, as well. First, they can be noisy when it rains, for obvious reasons. Second, metal Columbus roofing systems tend to be among the most expensive materials, depending on the type of metal and any extra coatings.

And remember…

Homeowners can save money on labor costs by choosing to install their new roof by themselves; however, they must also take into consideration the quality of the job that they can do and the time it will take them to complete the job. Professional roofing contractors are trained to determine the most appropriate materials to use for specific environments, to install roofing materials according to industry standards and building codes, to make sure that the property is properly cleaned up—including stray nails, to know where to properly dispose of waste, and to work safely without damaging the Columbus roofing system or injuring themselves.