The roof is an important part of the home and more often than not does the selfless job of protecting the interior space from the hazards of weather conditions. While generally most roofs are long-lasting and have a lifespan of about 15-25 years when properly maintained, there are some cases where you may need repairs or a replacement of the roof.

One thing is certain, whether you are planning on a new installation or a full roof replacement, top quality materials are not cheap. While these materials are not cheap, there are certain ways by which you can save money on roofing. To help you save costs and effectively manage your budget when it comes to roofing, below are some of the things you need to know.

WHERE TO CUT COSTS AND WHERE TO BUY GOOD MATERIALS

When planning on cutting costs, whether, for a new roof installation or roof replacement, there are certain factors you need to consider.

HOW MUCH DOES A NEW ROOF INSTALLATION OR A ROOF REPLACEMENT COST?

Roofing costs are not universal. That is, the cost of new roof installation or roof replacement may vary based on the type of contractor you are working with, the years of experience, tools and craftsmanship, roofing material type and other factors. However, to better save costs, the cost of roofing is broken down into three main categories:

• Labour: this is the cost paid to skilled workers to tear down the old roof and install a new one.

• Materials: This is the cost of the roofing material to be used for the property. This cost takes into consideration the overall cost of shingles, drip edge, flashing, protective coating, and others.

• Disposal: this is the cost or recycling or trashing the roofing materials that have been removed.

If you wish to reduce the cost of new roof installation or replacement significantly, below are some of the tips to consider:

CARRY OUT YOUR RESEARCH

As with everyone who wishes to pay little for the best value, research is important. You want to make sure that you are aware of all the types of roofing materials that there are and the cost of each of the materials. You also want to consider the advantages of each material as this will help you make a decision that balances your budget and overall satisfaction. In addition to this, research all the available contractors and choose the one that offers the most realistic value for the most competitive pricing.

When working with a roofing contractor, you should also be aware that the term “roofing square” means 100 square feet of the roofing material.

SHOP AROUND

Whether you are planning on getting the roofing materials yourself or through the contractor, it is recommended that you shop around by getting roofing estimates from a number of contractors or seeking a supply estimate from a number of suppliers. This can help you choose the most cost-effective quote to go with.

PROPER TIMING

Timing your roofing project perfectly can also help you save costs. If you really want to enjoy discounted prices, approach roofers when they are not too busy. Usually, roofers are busiest in the fall and late summer. You can schedule your roof installation or replacement to come off-season, maybe in spring or late winter.

USE INSURANCE

Most homeowners usually have insurance coverage for their roofs. If you seek to spend less money on roofing, dipping into your insurance may be the best way to go about things.