Why Do Roofing Prices Vary So Much?

Roofing prices vary for a variety of reasons and like any product, service, or consumable good, many factors come into play. When you choose to move forward with a new roof, you are generally paying for three main components which include materials, labour, and disposal. Taking these factors into consideration means there are a variety of reasons why the price of your roof might fluctuate including the cost of goods, cost of labour, years of experience, quality materials versus more standard materials, and the size of your roof. If you’re looking for a quality product from quality builders, you will pay more than you would if you opt for a company with little to no experience. 

In this article, we will dive into various reasons why the price of your roofing project may fluctuate in addition to covering tips, tricks, and best practices for choosing the optimal avenue. 

Labour and Materials

When factoring in how much you will pay for your new roof it’s important to consider costs for both labour and materials. Generally speaking, your labour will cost as much or more than your materials. Opting for a team of experienced builders that will complete the job both timely and efficiently is much wiser than opting for a cheaper team of builders that may come with less experience. Remember, cutting costs upfront may ultimately lead to more costly expenses and repairs down the road. 

After you’ve taken your labour costs into consideration it’s time to factor in the cost of your materials. It can be difficult to provide an initial quote if you aren’t clear on your expectations. Before moving forward with an accurate materials quote, you must first determine which roofing materials you’re looking for. Choices include but are not limited to asphalt, tile, slate, and metal roofing. If you’re looking for a durable roof that lasts, you’ll want to move forward with the popular and most affordable option like asphalt shingles. If you’re looking for something that will stand the test of time, or hold up against harsh weather conditions, you may consider choosing something more costly like slate, or metal. 

Peak Season/ Time of Year 

What many consumers fail to realize is that there is a peak season for roofing and you’re often able to get discounts or better prices if you catch your builders during their down season. Most roofers are busiest in the late summer and fall as the majority of consumers are looking to avoid any roofing mishaps during spring or winter. Contacting your local builders and planning for repairs that don’t fall within their peak season may mean discounted rates due to a lack of competition, or potential off-season discounts. 

Insurance Perks or Benefits

If you aren’t replacing your entire roof and are instead opting for a quick repair as a result of damage that may have occurred due to ice or snow, you may be eligible for some form of compensation through your insurance company. Homeowners’ insurance often covers damage that has occurred as a result of inclement weather. Whether or not you’re eligible may impact the price that you pay out of pocket for your new roof or repair. 

Cheaper Doesn’t Always Mean Better 

As you can see, there are a variety of reasons that attribute to varying roofing costs. When considering what avenue is best for you and your roofing needs, it’s important to remember that cheaper isn’t always better. At Forest City Roofing, our customer service is second to none and we would be happy to discuss your roofing needs. We have proudly served our community with exceptional service for over 25 years and would be happy to provide a free estimate.