Is it time for you to consider roof repairs or a replacement? If so, you may feel like you're drowning in factors and potential decisions, especially if you're a new homeowner. If this is your first time owning a home or hiring someone to take a look at it, it's time to understand what goes into the process.
No matter what type of roof you have, key aspects will affect the cost of your roofing job. However, one of the most significant factors that go into pricing is the slope of your roof. Though usually not the first thing people think of when it's time to have roofing work done, it's a vital element to think about.
Here at RoofCrafters, we've repaired and installed sloped roofing types for three decades. Over the years, we've addressed every component that goes into repairs and replacements for sloped roofs with curious homeowners. Because it's a common question in the roofing world, we've compiled all the details to help you stay informed when it comes to your home.
This article discusses the essential aspects of what contributes to the cost of repairing or replacing a sloped roof. By the end, you'll be confident in knowing what to expect when the time comes to receive roofing services. To begin, we'll review a quick rundown of what sloped roofing is.
What is Roof Slope?
The roof slope is, basically, the incline of the roof. Going more in-depth, it's generally a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run and signifies how many inches the roof rises for every twelve inches of depth it reaches. The higher the height of the roof, the steeper it is. The measurement ratio is always referred to as "inches per foot." To give an example, a roof that rises six inches for every foot would be read as 6:12.
Usually, the most common roof slopes are referred to as:
- Flat
- Low-Slope
- Medium-Slope
- Steep-Slope
Roof slope is an essential component of every roofing system and helps determine a variety of other aspects that contribute to the home, like materials. The steepness of a roof impacts what materials can and can't be used for it, among several other things.
What Determines the Price of Repairing/Replacing a Sloped Roof?
The slope of every roof serves a purpose, and almost every home has a different one. For example, some may have an architectural style, while others can be vastly different. The steeper your roof is, the easier it will be for weather elements like rain and snow to drip off. That’s why you’ll typically see homes with steeper roofs in areas like the Northeast, where it snows every year, and flatter roofs in parts of the Southwest, where they don’t have as much harsh winter weather. So, what actually goes into the price of repairing or replacing a sloped roof?
Walkability
Roofs with steep slopes are challenging to walk on. That means your roofing crew won't be able to confidently stand on the roof and walk around to install new shingles without the potential of falling off.
Roofs that aren't walkable require roofers to take extra precautions when moving around, which can add time to the project. Since most roofers charge by labor hour, this can add more to the cost of your roof repair or replacement.
More Safety Equipment
Roofing contractors needing extra safety tools for specific jobs isn't uncommon. Roofers working on steep roofs require additional equipment because they can't easily walk on your roof without risks.
Depending on the complexity and steepness of your roof, the crew may need scaffolding or rigging to make sure all workers are protected while they're completing your project. This equipment takes extra time to set up and more money to rent or purchase, so your quote will reflect those changes.
Varying Installation Techniques
Steep roofs may require different techniques for installation. Flat roofs are generally easier to install, with fewer nail requirements for every shingle. Steep roofs can require additional labor to ensure your shingles stay on regarding the inclined roof slope.
Roofers often have to use more nails per shingle, work with other materials, or even use a unique roofing underlayment to comply with local building codes to ensure that your roof is performing to its best ability. Since some of these techniques are outside the traditional scope of most roofing jobs, you may have to pay more to complete your roof repair or installation.
More Experience
Steep-sloped roofing systems require more work and a highly experienced crew to complete the project successfully. Not all roofing contractors have the team and tools necessary to complete fantastic work on a steeply sloped roof. That essentially means there's less competition for the roofers who can complete the work, and they're able to set their prices more freely due to the lack of feasible competition.
If you need work done on your steep-sloped roof, it's always a great idea to get bids from multiple contractors and ensure the roofer you're talking to has experience with your specific roofing type. As we always say, never settle on the lowest bidder - make sure you select a roofer that you know has your best interest in mind. There are highly experienced, qualified roofers everywhere. Though sometimes they may be difficult to find depending on your area, they're always out there!
How Much Does it Cost to Repair/Replace a Sloped Roof?
As mentioned above, different factors determine the final price of having roof repairs or a replacement completed. The complexity of your roof, labor, and materials all play a part in what you'll pay for new roofing materials. On average, the cost of a roofing repair is around $1,000. That is a very vague amount, however, and repairs can run from around $300 to $15,000.
Having a sloped roof, you'll typically pay more for repairs and replacements because of the uniqueness of your roofing system's makeup. Even though that may not necessarily be good news, many homeowners find the increased curb appeal and complex design of their roof to be worth the additional costs it takes to maintain this roofing type.
As a homeowner, you might have questions about your roof. As a starting point, check out our Homeowners Guide to Roof Replacement.
Am I Ready to Have My Sloped Roof Repaired or Replaced?
It's possible! Even though roof slope is often overlooked and can be a little confusing to determine, we're glad you have an idea of what factors go into deciding the price. Now that you officially know the details of potential steep-roof costs, what are your next steps? If you're ready for an expert to take a look at your roof, RoofCrafters is eager to assist you.
Here at RoofCrafters, we completely understand that making decisions about your roof can be pretty tough. That's why it's vital to know that there are dedicated professionals who can make your roofing project a breeze! If you want to get in touch with one of our fantastic representatives, you can make your way over to our contact page. Feel free to check out our comprehensive roofer checklist to help you determine the best contractor for you, as well.
Whether you're looking for repairs, roofing installation, or anything else, we want you to know that we're here for your convenience!
