Factors Affecting the Cost of Roof Replacement

Roof replacement specialists believe that there are five primary factors which determine the cost of the replacement project:

• Type of Roof
  When it comes to a commercial roof, there are two main varieties:

   

  • Flat or Low Slope – A traditional choice for a roof that does not have much slope or grade.
  • Sloped – The degree of slant or pitch is more in sloped roofs.

  Typically, built-up bituminous or single-ply are the best roofing materials for a flat roof because of their durability and reliability. They are often less expensive and require less time to install when compared to other types of materials. Often, they come with a warranty of 20-30 years.

• Roof Access
  There are several factors regarding access to the roof which may influence the replacement cost as much as the material used and the type:

   

  • Height
    The cost of a roof replacement for a 15-storey building will be more than that of a 5-storey structure due to the requirement of cranes and other machines to lift the roofing materials.
  • Access to Property
    The ability to get equipment and other materials close to the building and into the property will affect the cost of the project.
  • Occupancy
    An occupied building may pose additional challenges in the form of safety, productivity, and comfort for those inside. If work is required beyond the regular hours, it may incur extra costs.
  • Storage Space for Materials
    If extra space is required for storage, it will often result in an increased overall cost.
• Components Under the Roof
  There is a combination of one or more of the following elements under every finished roof:

   

  • The fundamental structure, which may be wood, metal, or concrete
  • Cover board
  • Insulation
  • Other underlying materials

  In addition to these, the following factors regarding components underneath the roof will also determine the overall price:

  • The condition the materials are in
  • If there is moisture trapped in them
  • Any signs of water damage
  • Whether any of these materials require repair
  • How old the materials are
• Wind Loads and Fastenings
  Depending on where your building is located, the weather, and local codes of the area, you must decide the type of fasteners and wind loads your roof requires. If your region gets strong winds, you may need sturdy fasteners at more frequent intervals.
• Code Requirements of the Region
  There are several regional, local, and provincial code requirements such as structural efficiency, construction materials standards, and more which you may have to consider. They can impact every aspect of your roof replacement project from underlying materials and insulation to slope and ventilation.