Keeping the cost of roof repair in mind is something that every homeowner should do. You never know when a problem is going to turn out to be something that needs immediate and invasive repair. Keep in mind, however, that it’s really not possible to get more than a general idea of costs until your roof has been inspected by a professional.
Why Roof Repair Cost Can Vary
The reason it’s difficult to estimate how much roof repairs will cost is because no two roofs and their damage or issues are likely to be exactly the same. The size of the roof, the pitch, the type of shingles, the age of the roof, and what the problem is all play a role in calculating the cost. For example, a roof with a high degree of pitch that needs a partial reroofing, new flashing, and the stripping of two layers of shingles will cost significantly more to repair than the a lower pitched roof with new shingles being laid over the old.
Therefore, if you suspect that your roof needs repairs, or you are in need of a new roof, make sure you call for a free quote to find out what the job will cost. You may not be aware of how far the damage spreads, or what’s under your shingles, both of which can affect the cost, and both of which can be discovered during an inspection.
General Roof Repair Cost
Keeping in mind that the roof repair cost can only be used as a very general estimate to give you something to budget toward, these are the general cost of roof repair in Northern Virginia.
The average cost of repairing about 200 square feet of roof, which includes the shingles, the labor, and any additional supplies runs from between 1,000 to 1,400.
Cost Breakdown
The first cost involved in repairing a roof is the removal of the old shingles. Removing a single layer of shingles runs about $100 a square to remove, while removing a double layer runs around $115 a square. If you are reroofing a portion or the entire roof, and you have one layer of shingles currently it is possible to save on removal costs by layering a second set of shingles on the first. Keep in mind that this may not last as long, and will translate into higher roof repair cost down the road.
The cost of installation per square runs around $120 for asphalt shingles. Other materials will have higher installation and purchase costs as well. The shingles themselves often run about $800, which is where the bulk of the costs come from.
New flashing, higher pitches, and architectural shingles can all add extras onto the cost. Keep in mind that most roofers charge roughly the same amount for labor in an area; finding a bidder who comes in significantly cheaper than the others does not equal a good deal. In fact, it often means they are cutting corners somewhere, which translates into double the cost when you need to fix their problems.