2 minute read
Budgeting for a New Roof
Written by Expert Contributor Kevin O’Donnell, Owner of O’Donnell Roofing Co.
Delaware County’s homes range from the early 1900’s (and earlier), all the way up to the new construction homes built this year. With over 100 years of changes in the construction industry, roofing hasn’t changed all that much. It’s still an extremely difficult and dangerous job, and the general principles of installation remain the same.
Though it may appear simply as shingles atop of your home, an existing roof assembly in this area may comprise generations of different roofing systems; meaning multiple layers of different products including shingles, plywood, cedar shake, asbestos tiles, and even natural slate.
The national average life of asphalt shingle roof is only about 12 years, though manufacturers test and rate their products for 20, 30, or even 50 years! Aside from weather events, the main reason is faulty workmanship. The best materials are worthless if they’re installed over subsequent layers of roofing or an unacceptable roof deck. It is not uncommon for us to see roofs less than five years old that failed entirely because they were installed over questionable plywood or pine decking. So, while you may cringe at the thought of paying increased costs, you should want everything done correctly to protect your investment in a new roof.
Purchasing a new roof can be a daunting task for a homeowner. In budgeting for a roof project, there are a few factors that will affect cost:
• Pitch/Height/Difficulty of the roof
• Number of layers
• Condition of the plywood/decking
• Existing attic ventilation (or lack thereof)
A homeowner can easily identify the type of decking they have (or don’t have) in their attic, though the number of layers might be more difficult to assess. If the home has cedar shake, then all-new plywood will be needed for an asphalt roof installation. If there is mold on the plywood or decking, then not only will new plywood be needed, but an overhaul of the attic’s ventilation system would be highly recommended. If the plywood on the home is very dark, this likely means it is very old, and more than likely won’t last as long as the new shingles. Keep an eye out for splits, cracks, and old knots if you have some variation of actual wood decking under your shingles.
It’s good to familiarize yourself with your attic (though it may not be cozy!), as you’ll be able to better gauge if there is an issue with moisture of any kind, and it will prepare you for upcoming projects such as a new roof. If there is any doubt as to what you’re looking at, it might be time to call a professional for an estimate and evaluation.
Kevin O'Donnell, Owner of O'Donnell Roofing Co.
O'Donnell Roofing Co.
4th Generation Owned & Operated • Residential & Commercial Roofing • Windows / Skylights / Siding / Gutters • Historic Restoration & Metal Roof Specialist • Solar Installation • Senior Citizen Discount
610-449-8188
www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com
