When you think about roofing, it is likely that you think about shingle roofing. There are two main types of shingles: architectural and asphalt. Asphalt shingles are probably what you typically see used on homes. Architectural shingles are slightly more expensive and can be used to create dramatic shape and design effect. Whether you need to repair your roof or you need a completely new shingle roof installation, here are the factors affecting roofing shingle prices:
Proper installation:
Because roofing is not only dangerous but also technique-driven, shingle roof installation is not a particularly DIY-friendly home repair—you will likely have to call a trustworthy local roofing contractor. Depending on the manufacturer of your shingles, the roofing contractor will either use the ”stair-stepping” or ”vertical racking” method of shingle roof installation. While both seal your home to minimize leaks and maximize insulation, they are very different methods.As the name implies, vertical racking refers to installing shingles vertically. This method is much faster, but can null certain manufacturer’s warranties because it can cause pattern curl—the curling of shingles upward—and shadowing—the striped appearance of a shingled roof. For some shingle types, though, vertical racking can save time and money in the installation process without the risk of losing your manufacturer’s warranty.Stair-stepping is a more arduous shingle roof installation process that requires a lot of back-and-forth along the roof. It can, however, be the best choice for certain shingles in order to prevent pattern curl and shadowing. Your roofing contractor will know which process will be best for your particular roof.To ensure the longevity of your roofing system, you’ll also want to look for a contractor that provides only premium shingles—Atlas & Owens Corning are some of the best manufacturers available. While subpar products allow some contractors to provide lower quotes, they will not provide the same level of protection nor will they last as long.
Pitch, size, and shape of roof:
There are many factors affecting roofing shingle prices, but they can all be separated into two categories: material and installation costs. The pitch—or slope—of your roof, as well as its size and shape will most directly affect your installation cost. The steeper the roof, the more dangerous the project will be—in order to cover insurance, your roofing contractor will need to charge slightly more. And, the more flashing around dormers and skylights you have, the longer the installation will take.Roofs are typically measured in ”roofing squares,” which are equivalent to 10 ft. by 10 ft.; shingles are sold in bundles, and you need about 3 bundles for each roofing square. Bundles of asphalt shingles run about $25-30, while bundles of architectural shingles can run all the way up to $50 or more.
Roofing shingle prices vary widely depending on the materials you select as well as the size and shape of your home. In order to get an accurate estimate for shingle roof installation, you’ll need to call a reputable roofing company for a FREE estimate. At Roofing & Exterior PROS, we’ve been installing, maintaining and repairing shingle roofs for years. We strive to complete each roofing project right, and we stand behind our work—that’s why our clients have such good things to say about us. When you call us for a free estimate, we’ll walk you through our quote estimate point by point. Whatever your roofing needs, we’re the St. Louis roofing company you can trust. Schedule a FREE consultation today.
Slate roofs are some of the nicest and longest lasting roofing options available to homeowners. While slate roofs can be pricier than other materials, they can last as long as 100-150 years, making it well worth the upfront cost. However, slate roofs are one of the most complicated roofing systems to install. And, if installed incorrectly, slate roofs will last only a couple years. That’s why you need to be careful when you’re selecting a roofing contractor for your synthetic slate or authentic slate roof.
Here are a couple things your roofing contractor should know about slate roof installation:
Roof deck and underlayment:
Using the proper type of wood for the roof deck is key to a long-lasting synthetic slate or authentic slate roof installation. Ideally, you should only use 3/4- to 1 ½-inch thick rough or kiln-dried lumber board that will last for at least the next 150 years. Better yet, use a roof deck that will be good for the next 300 years. Never use plywood or particle board, as it will reduce the usable life of your slate roof.If slate is properly installed, it will be watertight on its own and does not require underlayment. As such, your roofing contractor should not rely on underlayment for water- or wind-proofing, but may use underlayment to cushion the slate during installation and as a surface on which to draw course—or slate row—lines.
Headlap and aligning courses correctly:
A good way to determine whether a slate roof installation was performed correctly is to look at the ”headlap.” Slate roofs are installed in ”courses,” or rows. The bottom course should overlap the top of the slate two courses below by at least 3 inches, ideally, but never less than 2. Headlap is what keeps water from penetrating your synthetic slate or authentic slate roof. Depending on the pitch—or slope—of your roof, you might need more or less headlap. Low pitch roofs, for instance, need more headlap because water rolls more slowly off than it would on a steeper sloped roof. In order to achieve the correct amount of headlap, your roofing contractor will likely draw out all courses in blue chalk on the underlayment. Measuring out courses beforehand ensures precision and accuracy throughout the whole slate roof installation process.
Valleys, ridges and flashings:
Simply ensuring the correct amount of headlap isn’t enough. For a completely waterproof slate roof, you’ll need to make sure all the seams are sealed. If you have a dormer on your roof, then your roofing contractor will need to install flashing around the edges. It’s the same for valleys—the low points of your roof—and ridges—the high points of your roof. There are many different options for flashings and ridge caps. If, for instance, your roofing contractor is using copper flashings, they might use about 20 oz. copper for valleys and 16 oz. for ridges and flashings.
Choosing the installation materials:
If you can, avoid ordering foreign slate boards. American standard slate boards come with indented nail holes, which allow the nail to be tight against the slate it’s securing without putting undue pressure against the overlapped boards. As far as materials are concerned, copper and stainless steel nails are typically the best for securing slate roofs. ASTM, a reputable third-party standards organization, has developed a series of tests by which they measure the quality and predicted durability of slate used for roofing applications. Their standard for slate—ASTM C406—categorizes slate into three categories: S1, S2 and S3. To ensure your roof lasts long into the future and to be sure of the weatherproofing qualities of your slate, make sure your contractor uses only S1 grade slate.
There is so much to consider when conducting a slate roof installation—that’s why you need to choose a roofing contractor that has experience with slate roofs. At Roofing & Exterior PROS, we’ve been repairing, maintaining and installing slate roofs for years. We know a thing or two about slate roof installation—from what kind of nails are best to the best manufacturers for every price range. Plus, we use only S1 grade slate boards. If you’re thinking about installing a slate roof, give us a call. We’ll talk you through your options and offer you a FREE, no-obligation quote.
Shake roofs are used on both large and small residential & commercial buildings for their effectiveness and durability, as well as their rustic and natural look. The inherent qualities of cedar shakes, along with dutiful shake roof installation by a skilled roofing contractor, make for a durable and strong roofing system for both residential & commercial applications. Here are several things about commercial shake roof installation before hiring a roofing contractor:
Natural weather and temperature resistant:
In nature, wood is a natural insulator, protecting trees from harsh environmental conditions everywhere from the desert to the tundra. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that shakes—most commonly made from red cedar—are used in commercial roofing systems for their durability and weatherability.Naturally occurring oils within shakes help commercial shake roofs resist decay. Using flashing, valley and ridge materials such as copper and zinc can compound this natural quality. Runoff water will pick up trace amounts of zinc or copper—which can help control moss growth—and then flow over the entirety of the roofing plane. Installing metal drip edges can also mitigate the effects of excessive rainfall or ice damming.The natural qualities of cedar, combined with proper commercial shake roof installation by an experienced roofing contractor, make commercial shake roofs a great roofing option for commercial applications.
Energy efficiency qualities:
Energy efficiency is the word of the day and, if you’re trying to earn an Energy Star or LEED certification, it’s integrated into every facet of your building. The USGBC recently rolled out its latest LEED certification—LEED V4—and it emphasizes the use of sustainable materials much more than previous iterations.Using sustainably sourced shakes in your commercial shake roof installation can contribute credits toward LEED v4 certification. Moreover, commercial shake roofs are biodegradable, meaning shakes won’t end up in a landfill at the end of their service life. And, because commercial shake roofs naturally insulate your building, they can keep extreme temperatures out, promoting energy efficiently throughout your facility. Commercial shake roofs are both environmentally responsible and cost-effective in the long-term.
If you’re looking for a St. Louis roofing contractor skilled in residential & commercial shake roof installation, then your first call should be to the PROS at Roofing & Exterior PROS.
Metal roofing has been increasing in popularity throughout St. Louis recently. And, with its energy efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance, it’s not hard to guess why. Add in the reasonable metal roof cost, and metal roofing is an attractive option for any homeowner. Here are just a few reasons St. Louis homeowners are turning to metal roofing over other roofing options. Metal roofing systems are more unique than most other types of roof systems. Here are a few features that make metal roofing products stand out from the crowd.
Aesthetic appeal:
Our roofing contractors can deliver metal roofing panels that look like almost any other popular roofing material, including slate, shake, asphalt shingles, and tile. And, with the wide variety of types of metal roofing, including zinc, steel, copper, galvalume, or aluminum roofing, you can create any type of design or look you’d like. You can also select from a huge breadth of paint coatings to fit your home’s unique style.
Energy efficiency:
One of the main reasons St. Louis homeowners are turning to metal roofing en masse is because it can drastically reduce energy bills. More than some other roofing options, metal roofing such as copper roofs can, with the right coatings, treatment, fasteners, and insulation, reflect the sun. As such, metal roofs can lower heating prices in the winter and cooling prices in the summer. The energy savings a metal roof provides oftentimes make it more cost-effective in the long run.
Durability:
The national average metal roof cost is about $25,000. However, every roof is different. Your metal roof cost can vary based on the pitch or square foot area of your roof. Although they’re on the more expensive end of the roofing costs spectrum, metal and steel roofing can be worth the initial investment because they have a lifetime of about 50-70 years. They’ll live even longer if they receive the proper maintenance throughout their lifetime. By comparison, other roofing materials have a lifespan of about 20-30 years. Additionally, metal tiles are fire-resistant, adding an extra layer of security to your new roof. The initial metal roof cost can seem steep, but this will likely be the first and last roof installation you will have to pay for. Imagine the peace of mind you’ll receive knowing you’ll never need to worry about your new roof ever again.
Ease of maintenance:
Recent advances in paint coating and sealant technology have drastically improved the lifetime of metal roofing in St. Louis. When you hear about a metal roof completely rusting through, it likely has old metal panels that the installer improperly implemented. You can avoid this mishap by partnering with the right contractor in the first place. Reputable roofing companies install, seal, and insulate your St. Louis metal roofing properly. If the contractors are especially skilled, they pay special care to flash, ridges, and valleys to prevent leaks and maximize the lifetime of your roof. Moreover, metal shingles and sheets are typically treated and coated in order to prevent rust, minimize UV damage, and insulate your home.
While a new metal roof can save St. Louis homeowners money in energy bills and maintenance, your roof needs to be installed correctly by a trustworthy St. Louis roofing contractor. Wildwood Roofing & Construction has been installing, maintaining, and repairing metal roofing in St. Louis for years. We hold ourselves to a higher standard—that’s why our clients have so many good things to say about us. Whether you need to maintain your metal roof or install an entirely new one, contact the PROS at Roofing & Exterior PROS and schedule a FREE, no obligation consultation.
When you’re building a new commercial project, there are a ton of moving parts. From the location you’re selecting to the size of your building, there is a ton to consider. All of the things you’ve got going on are unique to your situation, and we understand that at Roofing & Exterior PROS. At REP, we build commercial roofing systems that last. Our professionals work alongside any extension of your team necessary to ensure your new roof is up to your complete satisfaction. Our professionals can help you select the roofing materials, design, and structure that best suits your business’ goals. Whether that means installing a new flat roof complete with Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) materials, a low slope roof with thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), or a steep roof with asphalt shingles or single-ply membrane, we’re the right fit for the job.
We can do it all – let us be your one-stop-shop for a new roof installation.
Additionally, if you’re interested in receiving a free quote for a commercial roof repair or roof replacement on an existing roof, contact our office today. Our roofing experts will tell you exactly how your roofing system is holding up and what it means for your business’ future. If you’re starting to see water stains on the ceiling of your office, you’ve noticed areas of your roof without shingles, or your roof is 20 years or older, it might be time to call in a St. Louis area commercial roofer. Not acting at the first sign of trouble could lead to higher energy bills, pests, or even roof collapse.
Contact us today for a free, no-pressure roof inspection. We’ll guide you through exactly what’s needed to make your roof serviceable again, and work alongside any insurance claims you need assistance with.