When you’re having your roof repaired, you know you’re going to make a substantial investment – but what goes into the cost that you’re paying, and are there ways you can save money? Here’s what you need to know.
What Determines My Roof Repair Cost?
- Your roof type
- Required permits
- How much repair is necessary
- Whether you have water damage
- Special features on your roof that need extra attention
Roof Type
The type of roof you have – and the materials necessary to replace it – have a lot to do with your roof repair costs. Shingles are less costly than slate, for example, and roofs with different slopes and pitches may require different labor costs.
Permits
Your city may require permits (Dallas definitely does), and those cost money. Your roofer will add those costs into your total bill.
How Much Repair is Necessary
The extent of the damage on your roof has a huge impact on roof repair costs. If your contractor is only replacing a few shingles, it’ll be far less costly than it would if half the roof needs repair. Remember, though, that taking care of roof damage as soon as you discover a problem can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs in the future.
Water Damage
If your roof has water damage, which can seep into the roof decking (or worse) and cause further damage, your roof repair costs will be higher than they would if you were only dealing with surface damage. Repairing water damage can become expensive – but if you don’t address it now, you could be forced into a total roof replacement sooner rather than later.
Special Features on Your Roof
Roofs with chimneys, skylights, solar tube lighting and other special features can cost more to repair than those without them. If any of those elements are damaged, your roofer may be able to repair them or refer you to another local professional who can. However, even if they’re not damaged, your roofing contractor still has to work around them, which can increase your labor costs.
How to Save Money on Roof Repairs
There are a few ways you can lower your roof repair costs, including:
- Shopping around to find a good contractor who’s reasonably priced
- Do some of the work yourself
- Think about an overlay
Find a Roofer That’ll Give You The Most Bang for Your Buck
Ask family, friends and neighbors to refer you to roofing contractors they’ve used in the past. Read online reviews, too, and then check their website for essential credentials such as being an Owen’s Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor or a BBB Accredited Business. Be sure you don’t automatically choose the roofer who puts in the lowest bid, it’s important to choose a roofer who will provide quality service in your budget.
Do Some Work Yourself
Sometimes removing the old roofing can save you some money on labor costs – but check with the roofer you hire first about what you can do. If you do the wrong thing, your roofer could have to repair it, which will end up costing you more. Remember, too, that roofing is hard work. Don’t try it if you’re not up to the task.
Think About an Overlay
In some cases, you can have your roofer install new shingles on top of the existing ones. That’s not the right solution for all roofs, though, so make sure you listen to your contractor’s guidance. Sometimes overlays void or shorten manufacturers’ warranties, and when you need a roof replacement down the road, the roofers you hire will need to remove all the layers – so it’ll cost you more in the long run.
Do You Need a Quote for Roof Repair Costs?
Call us at 972-521-7149 so we can provide you with a free quote for roof repair costs. If it’s easier, you can also request a free roof inspection online. We’ll visit your home or business and provide you with an estimate while we’re there.
