The colloquial term “a roof over your head” is more than just a saying; it’s an investment, especially a new one. Every home eventually presents the homeowner with the challenge of needing replacement or roof repair in Ann Arbor. While repairing a roof can help with short-term issues, it helps to know the average cost of replacing a roof for your home or business.
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the replacement of a roof and the cost involved are subject to a number of variables. The square footage of the roof and the quality of the material being used are the best places to start.
Calculating roof size is the place to start
The size of your roof is the single biggest factor associated with determining the cost of your roof replacement. The amount of square footage will directly determine the number of asphalt shingles needed to make the replacement. While shingle quality and material costs can change with time or suppliers and materials like metal roofing or slate could drive the price higher, your roof’s size is a constant in the pricing calculation.
HomeAdvisor estimates the cost of a typical roof replacement in Michigan to be anywhere from $5,600 to $12,000, but there are plenty of factors that can change that price and some that can help get the price down as well.
Price increases in Ann Arbor are impacted by:
- Having a multi-story home or business.
- The roof’s pitch is steep.
- There are many segmented areas of the roof, like a complex multiple gable design.
- Using architectural shingles or luxury roofing.
- Upgrading the quality of the underlayment.
- Replacing deteriorating underlayment.
- Removal of old shingles prior to installation.
- Using copper for valley flashing.
- Trees impeding roof access or casting debris onto the roof.
- The replacement was necessitated by a storm, in which case contractors are in high demand and supply prices are also likely to rise.
Factors that may decrease the price include:
- A one-story home with easy roof access.
- The roof’s pitch is standard and not especially treacherous.
- Existing tiles can stay in place.
- Underlayment is sturdy and has not deteriorated.
- The house has one continuous roof without much segmenting.
- Favorable weather.
Selecting the right materials for your roof
Different materials have different lifespans, and some may work better in some climates than others. Accounting for the weather in Ann Arbor means taking the snow and winds of winter into account. The effect of changing seasons may lead to the misaligning of metal or other materials that can’t hold up for years under the pressure of Ann Arbor’s freezes and thaws.
Replacing a roof due to storm damage
Storm damage to a roof is a major frustration to homeowners because it’s unlikely you could have done anything to prevent it. If a large storm has caused damage to your home’s roof, be sure to check with your insurance company to see what options might be in your homeowner policy. There may be coverage to offset some costs or even cover a full replacement.
If the damage is isolated, you also may be able to avoid a full replacement. A repair isn’t nearly as expensive in most cases as a full replacement. Our professional team can evaluate the roof and help you understand the value of a repair and whether it makes long-term sense just to replace the roof.
Making a roof replacement due to storm damage may also be a good opportunity to consider an assessment of upfront costs versus long-term care of the room. Using more expensive material at the time of replacement may keep the roof intact longer and wind up saving you money down the road.
Investing in your roof
Your home is likely the largest investment you will ever make, and maintaining the roof on top of it is one of the most essential aspects of protecting that investment. If your roof has any issues, ranging from a small leak to visible shingle displacement, the ramifications for your entire house could be significant.
The average cost of replacing a roof in Ann Arbor can be substantial, but if you work with a professional roofing company, you can be assured your investment is a good one. Choose a reputable company that has a track record of working on roofs of all shapes and sizes.
What to do when it’s time for a new roof
If you think it’s time to replace your roof, your first job is to research roofing companies in Ann Arbor to find the best and most reasonable option. Contact us for a professional estimate and to see how we compare.