Overview of roll roofing installation costs
Go Back To Previous PageRoll roofing refers to a host of flexible panels, adhered to sheathing to protect the home, and it is seen as a great alternative to the shingles that are often used. That’s because, in a few ways summed up in the relatively low roll roofing installation cost, they are certainly more attractive to people according to MyHomeQuote. To fully understand why this is the case, a broad look at this roofing type and its installation process is an order.
This will include how they’re fitted and the general costs. In addition, let’s consider whether this roofing style is worth it based on its benefits and drawbacks.
Installation and its costs
The billion-dollar roofing industry hosts roll roofing, which performs the same primary function as asphalt shingles — to protect you from weather-related damages or elements.
What separates them from shingles, outside their general cost, is that they’re especially suited to low slopes of up to 8 percent (2:12). As such, it’s typically meant for non-residential buildings, including:
- Garages
- Storage rooms
- Outhouses
- Gazebos
Main factors influencing the price tag
One of the reasons for low roll roofing installation price is the relative ease with which they’re installed and the lower amount of tools and labor needed. This allows for more DIY people to work on it, thus cutting costs that stem from professional installations. If this is your roof of choice, be aware that pricing of it depends on several factors, which are as follows:
The roof-type
The term roll roofing is an umbrella term that has the sheets built out of multiple materials. Below is a list of some of these, where they land on the price spectrum, and why they’re occupying that space:
Mineral Surface Roll (MSR) Roofing
These are felts saturated with asphalt or fiberglass mats with rock granules on the other side to protect against wind and fire. On this list, they have the lowest price for roll roofing installation. This is because, at a lifespan of 5 to 8 years, it has the lowest durability.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
This variety is much more durable than the previous entry. It blends asphalt with plastic or rubber, which is more durable than felt. This allows it to last up to 25 years, thus giving it a higher price tag.
Rubber Roofing
Also known as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), this variety is made of recycled rubber materials. EPDM gives it a durability similar to bitumen, making both more expensive. If you buy these, note that the cost is usually per foot or roll. So, asking the company you’re dealing with for the actual prices is worth asking.
The nature of the build
To understand how the nature of installation affects price, let’s look at tlet’socess itself. The general roll roofing installation process involves ensuring the smoothness of the surface you’re rolling, getting the adhesive ready, and adding the roll layers carefully per section. Suffice it to say that it is quite a lot of work that will take an afternoon if you’re motivated. Is this important? Through installation, you get a feel for a few things that affect price quite a bit. For example, a more extensive roof means more material, which requires extra money for a well-done job.
DIY vs. professional help
In addition to this is the DIY above vs. pro help. It goes like this: it’s much cheaper to do the job yourself than hire a professional. However, if you’re going to your route, you’ll have to use rolls, adhesive, a ladder, and everything else needed for installation.
Also, in some cases, it’s not the best idea to go the DIY route, as it’s not as safe, especially in cases where the rolls have to be torched on or applied using hot bitumen. So, if your safety is at risk, is it worth spending more for professional help?
Is it worth it?
Having taken a general look at roll roofing and its price, the question of whether or not you should consider it remains. This naturally demands that we weigh out the good and the bad to get a fair understanding of things. We begin with the benefits, which are as follows:
- The relatively low price for roll roofing installation encourages DIY installation
- A relatively quick and easy installation process that can last an afternoon
- The various ways in which it can be adhered include torching, hot bitumen, cement, or even self-adhesion
Lifespan
As good as roll roofing can be, certain elements limit its practicality and may ward you off. Two in particular are noteworthy, with the first being its limited lifespan. While roll roofing on the high end can last over 25 years, alternatives such as shingles are more durable, with some lasting longer than 30 years, depending on the material used.
The other disadvantage is entirely related to aesthetics. If you look at the low slopes, especially the flat roofs often found on buildings that prioritize functionality over looks, you can see how they serve a practical purpose rather than an aesthetic one. This is where the type lacks, as while it is functional, it isn’t made to disn’tour attention.
Final thoughts
If you’re in your space and trying to maximize costs, roll roofing is the way to go. Its cost-effectiveness stems from how easy it is to install compared to other alternatives. If you choose this path, however, understand that the roll roofing installation costs are a minor factor when making the best decision for your situation.
Their lack of curb appeal, as well as their relatively lacking durability, does limit their use. The moral of the story here is that if you’re using royou’refing, careful consideration and research should always be present.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
