In our last blog post, we shared some information about the real cost of a new roof. We also help you learn to identify if it’s necessary to pay for a total roof replacement or a partial roof repair.
Several other elements influence the cost of a new roof. Today we’ll discover how flashing and gutters, as well as fascia and soffits, can modify the final budget of that residential repair you must not longer postpone.
FLASHING REPLACEMENT
Take care around the flashing once you start removing the tiles. There’s no need to replace it if it’s in good shape. Pry it up gently and put it aside. Take special care with flashing that joins a wall and around chimneys.
The following is what to look for with flashing:
- Rust
- Cracking
- Excessive amount of sealant
Does your roof feature two angles forming a valley? Then there will be probably flashing there as well. Replace the valley flashing regardless the shape it’s in. Be careful once you remove it because it is very susceptible to forming kinks and warps.
Replacing the valley flashing is kind of problematic, but it has to be done correctly since it could crack again due to the constant flow of water.
Cost of Flashing: When bought in sheets, flashing usually cost about $5 per square foot. These use to be applied around vents.
REPLACING GUTTERS
Gutters are a significant sticking point for home maintenance in general, keeping your home as trouble-free as possible. They channel rainwater and snow away from your walls and foundation. Keeping them clean is not an enjoyable task, but it’s a smart investment. Replacing your roof but keeping the failing gutters doesn’t solve the problem. However, some sagging gutters can usually be re-hung again.
To restore gutters into their proper angle and keep runoff flowing in the correct direction you’ll need some vinyl gutter hangers. They cost about $1.72 each.
Cost of Gutters: A 10-foot length of vinyl gutter cost around $4. For sections that use end caps, each cap cost about $5. Do you need a downspout to guide the water? A 10-foot downspout pipe can cost around $9. The elbow used to send the water away from the foundation costs about $2.50, with a small extension at the bottom that cost around $6.
REPLACING FASCIA:
Replacing that gingerbread fascia may involve matching the existing decorative pattern, which could mean to customize the cut which can increase the cost of a new roof.. For woodworkers, this task can be a reward, but if you’re not, maybe it would be better to replace the entire fascia with something less fancy. Replacing the fascia involves nailing cedar boards to the ends of the rafters. The replacement usually falls into two camps. One side of the argument states that 1×6 cedar boards contour to the ordinarily uneven rafters. The second side of the argument says that the 2×6 cedar boards won’t contour and will provide a more even appearance. The problem here is that the straight board will not be attached correctly to the rafters. So, the best choice is to install a wavy “sub-fascia” with a 1×6. After that apply an “appearance-fascia” with a 2×6. Replace your entire fascia if you want to maintain a uniform appearance.
1×6 inch x 8-foot cedar board ($7.35 each)
2×6 inch x 8 foot cedar board ($10.77 each)
REPLACING SOFFITS
A soffit is a ceiling-like feature located under the roof’s overhang. Soffits are ventilated to help move warm air and moisture in the non-livable attic spaces. A well-ventilated attic helps lower utility bills because you use the air conditioning less. Soffit vents usually get clogged by dust and debris. They also suffer clogs and damage when insects build their nests over them. Excessive painting can also restrain the airflow through a soffit vent. Soffits can be made of wood, aluminum or vinyl. The frequent exchange of moisture and warmth can cause the wood to rot, the aluminum to weaken, or the vinyl to crack. However, the failure point of most soffit vents is usually improper installation. Once you start replacing your roof, be sure that felt or insulation doesn’t cover the vents. Also, make sure you have enough soffit vents.
Cost of Soffits: Though soffit vents are inexpensive they also influence de cost of a new roof. They cost about $2 to $4 each. Some soffits are continuous, forming an entire ventilated strip. These are usually sold in packs of 50. A pack of continuous aluminum soffits costs between $150 and $200. Soffits are also available as individual panels. Individual panels are sold in 12-foot by one-foot panels. They cost around $22 each.
HOW MUCH ROOFING DO I NEED?
To know the cost of a new roof you have to do some measurements. The best way to measure your roof is climbing up and take measurements by yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable climbing onto your roof, hiring a pro could be a smarter decision.
Gabled roof
A gabled roof is the one with only two opposite sides slope downward. If they have no dormers or special features, you just have to measure the length and width of each side. Then, multiply the length and width per side. Finally add the two numbers together.
Rectangle: length x width = area
Hipped roof
Measuring a hipped roof is more complicated because it doesn’t have final square sections. The larger sides of the roof are trapezoidal, and the shorter sides are triangular. To measure the triangular hips, you have to multiply the base by the height and then divide the result in half. Use one of the two alternatives to get the area of the trapezoid. You can also divide the trapezoid into three parts. How to do it? Just measuring it as a rectangle with two triangles at either end, after that add the results. This can sometimes lead to small errors, however.
What we recommend at Bay 101 is measuring the two parallel sides or bases and add them together, dividing the result by two. After that, multiply the result by the height of the trapezoid, and you’ll determine the square footage.
Triangle –> (base x height / 2 = area
Trapezoid –> ((base 1 + base 2) / 2) x height = area
Domed Roof
Measuring this type of roof gets harder, and you’ll probably want a pro to do it for you. However, for a primary spherical dome, what you have to do is multiplying the radius of the base times itself. Besides, multiply the height of the base times itself, and add these two figures together. Finally, multiply the result by pi (3.14).
Spherical dome: 3.14 x (base2 + height2)
Do you have an ellipsoid dome? Then you better call a pro to do the measurements for you. Trust us; it involves too many factors in the math process.
When measuring your roof, consider these additional factors:
- Measure the special features such as dormers separately.
- Do not subtract for flashing or skylights when calculating your roof’s area.
- If you are not sure of your basic math skills, use a calculator.
- Calculate how many squares you’ll need.
Calculating the cost of a new roof
After so many figures and math problems do you feel overwhelmed? If you plan to renovate your roof but do not know how much material to buy, do not hesitate to ask for the help of a roofing expert.
At Bay 101 Roofing, we’ve measured roofs throughout the Bay Area for over 35 years.
We’ll be pleased to come out and inspect your roof. Do not wait anymore! Contact us now and ask for YOUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION.
Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/roofing/install-a-roof/
Image credit: Pixabay