Estimating wood roof installation cost |
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How much does it cost to install a wood roof? Cost of wood roof installation will depend on a number of factors and total expenses primary determined by wood shingles and shakes prices per square and labor cost to complete the work. While calculating gross expenditures for installing a new cedar, pine, cypress or redwood roof a number of additional factors should be taken into account. A roofing contractor will calculate the cost after roof inspection, getting detailed measurements and analyzing difficulty of work. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with wood roof installation. Materials cost will be estimated based on roof size plus the waste factor and added as a separate expense. Calculating wood roof installation cost
Wood is typically more expensive roofing material compare to traditional fiberglass asphalt shingles. Kiln dried 18” or 24” in length red cedar shingles is the most common option. Split into 1/2" – 1” thickness, less uniformed random width yellow pine wood shakes can be a cheaper alternative, but because of shorter lifespan it is very rare material for roof covering. Redwood shingles are less susceptible to rot, but preservation treatments will increase overall cost of such roof. Always count additional materials which have to be purchased for proper wood roof installation including roof flashing, underlayment, and nails. Most newly installed wood shakes and shingles have to be treated with water or oil based protective finish which has to be purchased as well.
Cost of labor will be defined by work complexity. A roofing contractor will price the work based on a roof design, pitch, and dimensions of wood shingles. Installation of wood shingles or shakes on a 4/12 pitch roof with a single ridge will be estimated at lower cost per square comparing to roofing a 10/12 cross hipped roof with multiple dormers and skylights. While installing wood shingles on a new construction additional charges and fees are not common. But if it is an existing roof replacement preparation work will be unavoidable. Replacing rotten wood, removing old roofing materials, or fixing the whole roof structure will lead to extra charges.
Wood shakes and shingles roof can be ordered or bought directly from roofing materials suppliers, distributors or lumber yards. But while shopping for a wood roof it is always a good idea to consult with a professional roofing contractor which product is better to install based on a roof type, building codes and climate zone. Before making a purchase always check a manufacturer warranty and resistance to wind and hail.
Time required for installing a new cedar, cypress or redwood roof will be defined by difficulty of work, labor availability project urgency. Normally it will take about 3 – 4 days for a roofing company to complete installation of 16” long wood shingles on a two story 1,800 – 2,300 sq ft house with a medium slope 35 – 40 squares roof. But before analyzing all details it is impossible to determine exact number of man-hours for completing the project.
Very low percent of homeowners with no or little construction experience are able to install wood shingle or shakes roofing by self. It is not only about following installation instructions, but working on a high pitch roof can be dangerous. Poor completed flashing work as well as improper installation of roofing material might cause significant reduction of its lifespan and developing multiple problems with a roof including leaking and damaging the roof structure underneath shingles. Hiring experienced roofers will ensure work quality and adequate wood roof performance. |
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