At Interstate Roofing, one of the most common questions we get from homeowners who are in the market for a new roof is, “What’s it going to cost?” It’s understandable why that’s the first question most people choose to ask. After all, constructing a new roof is one of the largest—and potentially the most expensive—home renovations there is. It can also be one of the most necessary.
However, cost is actually one of the hardest questions to answer accurately since every home varies a great deal. The size, the materials used, and the overall design are major factors, as is the location where the roof is constructed. The cost of a roof in Portland, OR, is different from the cost of a roof elsewhere in the country.
In this article, we’ll discuss how we come up with an estimate for the overall cost of a roofing project: what factors we consider and what variables are in play. This will be a helpful start if you are considering having a new roof constructed. When you’re ready, you can contact Interstate Roofing for a free quote.
What Type of Roof Is It?
One of the first things we consider when thinking about the overall cost of a roof is the type of roof. The next time you are out and about in your neighborhood, take a look at the differences between the roofs of the various homes that you see. Some will be flatter and others steeper. There could be many reasons for this; for example, many steeper roofs are constructed with an eye toward maximizing attic space for storage purposes.
Steeper roofs, like those you might see on a traditional-looking cottage, are referred to as gabled. They provide many advantages over flatter roofs in terms of storage and insulation. However, the added pitch means that they will require a great deal more material to construct than flatter roofs, and thus the estimated cost will be higher.
What Materials Will Be Used?
When you contact us to commission a roofing project, one of the first questions we’ll have for you will be about the materials you wish to use in the construction of your new roof. You’ll have plenty of options, depending on your specific needs. But, as you might expect, your eventual choices will greatly impact the final price tag.
To offer an example, one of the most common choices Oregon homeowners make when they’re having a roof built is to opt for asphalt shingles. Asphalt is an excellent material for roofing, as it is strong, lightweight, and highly weather resistant. It also happens to be one of the most inexpensive materials you can choose for your project, which is probably another major factor in its ongoing popularity.
When it comes to aesthetics, however, many homeowners believe that asphalt shingles leave something to be desired. While it’s certainly possible to have a beautiful roof that is entirely overlaid with this type of shingles, there are other options, such as slate or wood, that many people prefer for their elegant curb appeal. Not surprisingly, though, these materials tend to be pricier; not just on initial installation, but over time as well, as they tend to be more expensive to maintain and replace.
How Big Is the House?
Of course, the size of the building is always a very large consideration when it comes to estimating the overall cost of the roof. In general, a roof on a larger home will require more materials, more time, and more labor to build. However, you should take note of the fact that this is not always the case. The factors we’ve mentioned above can sometimes outweigh the size factor. For example, a flat, asphalt roof on a larger home may not cost as much as a gabled, slate roof on a smaller one.
If you are wondering how large your own roof is, there is a formula you can use to get a good approximation of the surface area. You will want to measure each section of the roof separately, including any dormers that jut outward from the main structure. If possible, use a tape measure to gauge the length and width of each section. Then multiply your length times your width to get the area of each part of the roof. Finally, add these numbers together to get your total square footage.
What’s the Weather Like?
The location of your home and the local climate have a large impact on the overall cost of a roof. The cost of a roof in Portland, OR, for instance, is affected by the regular rainfall that occurs throughout the year here. Roofs constructed in Portland need to be carefully waterproofed and have a higher pitch, otherwise, they won’t last very long before needing repairs or replacement. Contrast that with a roof in, say, Arizona, where rainfall doesn’t tend to be a huge concern. A flatter roof might be sufficient, but it will need to have sufficient UV protection to withstand hundreds of days a year of sunshine and heat.
Your roof is your first line of defense against the weather in your area, so make sure that it is properly protected from the elements. In Oregon, this likely means you will need to have good drainage due to the rainfall, including a system of gutters and downspouts to redirect water away from your home. Otherwise, the water will stagnate and eventually begin to leak into the home.
So How Much Will My Roof Cost?
We’ve mentioned the many variables we take into consideration when estimating the cost of a roof in Portland, OR, and hopefully, it has helped you to get an idea of what to expect for your own project. The average cost of a roof in Portland ranges from around $8,000 to $15,000 dollars, but it’s likely that your roof won’t be average, for one reason or another. This means that the only way to know for sure how much your specific roof is going to cost is to contact a roofing contract, such as Interstate Roofing. Our professional contractors will take all of the above, and more, into account to offer you an accurate free estimate.