What Are The 5 Key Factors Impacting Roofing Costs?

When gathering estimates from various roofing companies, you may notice that each one has their own ways of calculating quotes. This is due to subtle changes in roofing equations, which can lead to widely varying estimates for the same type of roofing repairs.

Generally speaking, reputable roofing companies will prepare quotes based on several factors.

1. The Size, Type, and Style of Your Roof

As previously mentioned, the area of your roof repairs will affect the ultimate cost. Costs will escalate as the number of repairs increases, due to widespread damage. Additionally, roofers will take into consideration the make and style of your roof.

Is the shape of your roof unusual? This may make repairs more difficult. Does your roof have multiple sections and a lot of square footage? That will lead to a higher cost. What kind of shingles are already installed? Will it be challenging for your roofers to safely access the roof? The answers to these questions will directly affect your final price.

Aside from your roofing system, features like chimneys, skylights, and other structures can add to the cost of repairs as well.

2. Roof Pitch and Slope

Did you know that steeper roofs are more costly to repair or replace? That’s because sloped roofs pose a higher danger and require more precautionary gear to repair or restore. To safely remove and repair roofing materials, roofers may require scaffolding and other safety components, which will increase the total cost.

A roof pitch can be defined as the number of inches a roof rises for every 12 inches in depth. Here’s an easy example: A 6/12 roof pitch would mean that the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches inward toward the peak of the roofing system.

It's worth noting that a steeper roof will also require more shingles for coverage. For example, a 4/12 pitch requires more shingles than a 3/12 pitch — about 2% more. When you need more shingles, your roofing project’s cost will continue to grow.

3. Roof Materials

The type of shingles you choose for your roof will have a major impact on your repair costs. You have a wide selection of roofing materials to choose from, such as asphalt shingles or tile. Every type of roofing material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and that includes price (The Spruce).

Asphalt composite shingles are the most popular type of shingles in North America and are budget-friendly, typically costing $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Clay tiles, however, can add charm to your property and have a lifespan of almost one hundred years. These tiles also offer better defense against the environment, but cost approximately $10-$18 for every square foot.

4. Permits and Fees

Securing a permit from the local government is an essential step for any roofing work, just like many other home improvement projects. Before you roofer can start any roof repair work, you must obtain a roofing permit from the county of Mobile.

A roofing contractor can get the required permits for your project, and will add the fee for the permit to your bill.

5. Labor Costs

Don't forget about the hard work required to fix your roof. Labor expenses will cover the removal of existing materials and the installation of new materials.

Although the cost of labor charged by roofers may be similar, they will still vary from one company to the next. You will likely pay a minimum of $2 per square foot on labor for your roof repairs.

Other Expenses to Consider

It's smart to be aware of any expenses associated with your roof repair project, like:

• How Long it Takes — Roof repairs can range from a few hours to a few days.
• Insurance Claims — If a recent storm caused damage to your roof, you may be eligible for insurance payouts through your homeowner's insurance policy.
• Unexpected Repairs — Your roofer may uncover extra repairs that need to be done, like your chimney or attic insulation.

What is the Average Cost of Roof Repair in Mobile, Alabama?

There is no fixed price for roofing repair services. The cost of roof repairs can vary greatly depending on the specifics of each project and the contractor you hire.

Generally, U.S. homeowners pay between $379 and $1,736 for roof repair work, according to HomeAdvisor. Keep in mind that the factors mentioned above will significantly affect the final cost of your roofing job.

Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Roof Repair in Mobile, Alabama

For dependable roofing services, Ethos Roofing & Restoration is the perfect choice. Our roofers have been providing repair and replacement services for roofs in the Mobile area for years. Drawing on our expertise and top-notch customer service, we'll make sure your roof is ready for the next storm before it hits.

Reach out to Ethos now and book a FREE roof inspection to learn more about our approach to roof repair in Mobile, Alabama.