Tag Archives: cost

What Factors Into the Cost of A Roofing Estimate?

Are you considering replacing the roof of your North Dallas home this coming spring? To find the best company and the best price, you should gather estimates from several roofing companies. You may be surprised, however, to see that after doing your due diligence that these estimates are wildly different in price. What gives?

Several factors go into your roof quote such as:

Project scope. Are you repairing your roof or replacing your roof? If you’re merely fixing or replacing just part of your roof, it will naturally cost less than replacing your entire roof. Some factors to take into consideration about repairing your roof: if the underlayment material is damaged or your shingles are not available – you may need to replace your entire roof.

Not only will your roofing project estimate include the costs of repairing or replacing your roof, it will also include the costs associated with tearing out your old roof, too.

Roof size. A professional roofing company will measure the square footage of your roof and divide by 100 to get a number known as a roofing square to know how much roofing materials to order (roofing materials are sold and priced by the square instead of the square foot).

Materials. While we are talking about materials, the type of shingle you choose factors into your final costs, too. Do you want a 3-tab asphalt shingle or an architectural shingle? Are you thinking about a tile roof or metal roof? These are all critical factors that impact the cost of your roof project. Don’t forget that underlayment material costs, insulation, and fasteners also factor into your estimate.

Pitch. Did you know that the pitch of your roof is also a factor in figuring out the cost of your roofing project? The steeper the angle of your roof, the greater planning and safety steps required to complete your repair or replacement safely and correctly.

A very steep roof also requires additional underlayment material to meet fire rating requirements.

Warranty. Many professional roofing companies offer a standard warranty on workmanship. Materials also often come with a basic warranty to cover defects. Some companies also offer an extended warranty for a fee to continue the amount of time you are covered. Learn more about roofing warranties here.

 

 

Three-Tab or Architectural Shingles: What Should You Choose?

You’ve picked the roofer, you’ve selected the color, and now you have to choose what type of shingle you want for your new roof for your home. For many years, homebuilders in Carrollton and Plano opted to put three-tab shingles on homes, but in recent years, there has been a switch by builders to using architectural shingles. Many homeowners are also choosing to upgrade to the architectural shingle when given the opportunity when replacing their roof. Learning the difference between the three-tab and the architectural shingle can help you decide choice to make when the time comes.

What is a three-tab shingle?

Three-tab shingles are one-piece asphalt shingles with cutouts along their lower edge to make it look like it is three separate pieces.

What are architectural shingles?

Architectural shingles are one-piece asphalt shingles with no cutouts but feature an extra laminate asphalt layer along their lower edge.

Should I choose the architectural shingle?

While three-tab shingles and architectural shingles seem very similar, some marked differences may interest you:

Improved Appearance. This additional asphalt layer helps to create a multi-dimensional look that can give your roof a better aesthetic, and can even resemble other high-end roofs – without the high price tag of high-end roofing materials.

Long Lasting. Architectural shingles are thicker than three-tab shingles, which gives them increased durability to withstand damage from the sun and other elements. Many brands of architectural shingles can withstand winds up to 80 to 120 miles per hour, while three-tab shingles can only withstand wind speeds of 60 miles per hour.

Longer Warranties. Most three-tab shingles are warrantied for 25 years, while coverage for architectural shingles is between 40 to 50 years on average.

Cost Concerns. Architectural shingles are more expensive than three-tab shingles, but cheaper is not always better. You may find that the durability of the architectural shingles means a long-lasting roof and cost you less over the life of your roof compared to three-tab shingles.

Do you have questions about what type of shingle would work best for you? Contact a DFW roofing expert today.