Why is Roofing So Expensive?

There are a few reasons that make roofing so expensive, including the materials, labor, and durability. This article will give you an overview of these factors. You'll be able to get a good idea of what these factors are and how to save money on your roofing project. Whether you're replacing your roof yourself or looking to hire a contractor, here are some factors that may impact your cost. - Labor and insurance

Cost of raw materials

If you are interested in installing a new roof on your home, one of the major factors that determine the price is the raw material used for the roof. Raw materials are often determined by the price of the source material. Asphalt shingles, for example, are made from petroleum, a resource that fluctuates widely and with the seasons. Similarly, copper roofing materials are sourced from raw copper, which has a somewhat dynamic price.

Cost of labor

Roofing labor costs can vary widely, but the average range is about $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. To find the cost for your particular project, multiply the square footage by 100 to determine the total price. This means that a one-hundred square-foot roof could cost between $150 and $300. However, this cost will depend on your particular project, materials used, and the size and accessibility of your roof. When hiring a roofing company, make sure to ask them about the materials and labor they use.

Durability

The durability of roofing materials varies greatly. The useful life of a roofing system may range from 10 years to the entire lifespan of the building. This variability in durability has direct economic implications for the building owner and also has wider social and environmental implications. In the U.S. alone, 9-10 million tons of asphalt roofing are discarded in landfills every year. A longer-lasting roofing system reduces waste, reduces landfill space requirements, and makes more efficient use of embodied energy.

Cost of materials

The final cost of roofing material will depend on the material that you choose. You should consider how long you plan to live in the home and the lifespan of the new roof. Metal and wood shingles will both be more expensive than asphalt shingles, but the cost will be much less than that of plastic polymer shingles. Plastic polymer shingles imitate wood, slate, and tile. In contrast, clay tiles are much more expensive than asphalt, and cost up to $800 per square foot. Clay tiles are made of natural clay and are typically more expensive than asphalt shingles, although they can last up to 100 years.

Cost of overhead

Most roofers charge their customers for their overhead expenses. If a roofer charges $20 an hour, that's $48,000 per year. For each employee, 40% of that amount will go toward worker's compensation insurance, which costs an additional $19,200 a year in Ohio. On top of that, income taxes will also add to the overhead. While the federal government imposes a flat 35% rate on corporations, the federal government taxes individual income of roofing company owners.