Garage Roof Replacement: A Guide to Estimating the Cost
There is no denying that the roof of your garage protects some of your priciest and choicest possessions. So, you need to keep it in good shape through periodic maintenance. However, lapses happen, and sometimes, you notice damages when it’s too late. For instance, if you catch your garage roof leaking, sagging, or there are too many tiles missing, you might have to replace it completely. Before going ahead with it though, you will surely want to have an idea about the garage roof replacement cost. Now, in the UK, it usually costs around £2,000-£6,000, depending on the style and size of the roof as well as other factors. However, the actual figure might exceed this range or fall short.
In this write-up, we will look at the factors that determine new garage roof replacement cost, so you can plan and decide in an informed manner.
Location
Your place of residence in the UK can push up or bring down the cost of garage roof replacement to a large extent. If the cost of living in your area is high, prepare to pay more. Also, if it’s difficult to source the necessary materials or it takes time for labourers to reach your property, the overall cost might shoot up.
Type of Roof
Compared to that of a pitched roof, the cost of flat roof replacement tends to be lower. This is because flat roof scan be installed quickly and maintained easily as labourers can walk around on and access them easily. The roof area can serve as a garden or patio as well. On the other hand, pitched roofs, though more expensive, last longer and allow easier drainage of rainwater. The roof design might have an impact on the cost of replacement as well. If there are any intricate elements, you will have to pay the roofer more.
Size of Roof
The bigger your garage roof, the greater will be the garage roof replacement cost. This is because the roofer will need more manpower and time to finish the job. So, if you have a big garage roof, try and spot problems at the earliest, as simple repairs might do the trick. For instance, if a few shingles are missing or cracked or you find mossy patches here and there, you can simply replace the damaged tiles or get the roof cleaned. In other words, it is natural for your garage roof repair cost to be significantly lower than the replacement cost.
Roof Material
Garage roof replacement materials play a key role in determining the total sum of money you have to shell out. Now, when it comes to pitched roofs, clay, slate, or concrete tiles are usually used. Premium-quality slate tiles can be the most expensive in this case. Another material used for pitched roofs is zinc, but it can be pricey too. Flat garage roof replacement cost, on the other hand, is often lower as the materials are more pocket-friendly. Materials widely used for flat roofs include felt, rubber, and fiberglass. Among these, felt is usually the most affordable while fiberglass is the costliest though better in terms of durability and structural protection. Simply put, the more long-lasting, aesthetic, and high-quality a material, the greater will be its price. Moreover, if a material is difficult to work with, it might cost you more than something simple and easy to handle.
Labour Charges
Pitched or flat garage roof replacement cost is dependent on the kind of roofer you hire and the expertise of the labourers too. If the roofing company is well-established or has many years of experience, their rates are likely to be on the higher side. In case of labourers too, the more skilled they are, the higher will be their charges. However, you can rest easy knowing that the quality of their work will be satisfactory. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of scaffolding too. Even though garages are single-storied and have low heights, workers will need some sort of security or harness system. This particularly holds true where pitched roofs are concerned.
Roof Inspection
Before getting started with the replacement of your garage roof, you need to bring in professionals for a thorough inspection. They will check every nook and cranny and assess the extent of the damage or if structural fixes are required. So, if your roof is large or has complicated details, it can take professionals more time and effort to complete the inspection. This can inflate the total garage roof replacement cost.
Permits and Regulations
Before going ahead with a garage roof replacement project, you must make sure you have all the necessary permits. Your roofer will also check the local building regulations and take necessary measures to stick to them. For instance, if a flat roof is being replaced and you want to upgrade the insulation, the roof’s height might go up. Or you might be interested in setting up solar panels on the new flat roof. In such cases, the roofer must make sure no rules are being broken. Essentially, if the appearance, height, or shape of your garage changes in any way, you need to contact the local planning department for approvals. Also, irrespective of the type of the roof, you will have to meet fire safety and energy efficiency standards.
Roof Cleaning
When calculating your garage roof replacement cost, consider how much you have to pay for site cleaning and waste disposal. Apart from accounting for the rental cost of a dumpster, you must consider the cost of transporting the garbage to a landfill and labour charges. Roofing companies generally include cleaning and waste management costs when sharing quotes, for your convenience.
Conclusion
Apart from keeping the above factors in mind, you can use a single or double garage roof replacement cost calculator available online to arrive at an estimate quickly. Also remember that while it might be tempting to save money and replace the roof yourself, there are many risks associated with it, especially if you lack the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience. Most importantly, research about different roofing companies and go through their offerings and packages, so you can make an informed comparison. Check their reviews as well and obtain multiple quotes before zeroing in on one. Or you can contact the experts at Fast Roofing, pay a reasonable price, look forward toa high-quality job, and enjoy peace of mind.