The Ultimate Guide to Roof Replacement in Oshkosh: Costs, Materials & Timelines
A roof replacement is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. It’s time consuming, expensive, and completely worth it. Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw weather cycles, heavy snowfall, and summer rains make your roof a bulwark against the world.
Choosing the right experienced roofer for the job can make a roof replacement a learning experience and a confidence-builder. Ask each potential roofer for proof of liability insurance and their Wisconsin-issued professional license. When you get quotes, pay attention to how the roofer answers questions and how thoroughly they discuss the job. It’s critical to hire someone you can work with because they will be nearby for more than a week.
What to Ask a Roofer When Seeking a Replacement
A comprehensive roof replacement is a big job that involves stripping away the old shingles, evaluating the supporting structure, planning for vents, and potentially replacing insulation too.
Scope of the job. Experienced roofers can break down the costs for you, including:
- Removing the old roof and disposing of the material.
- Getting building permits when necessary.
- Determining the square footage.
- Selecting the new roof material.
- Labor costs.
- Weather contingencies (will your roof be covered to keep rain out).
When you’ve selected a roofer, you next have to choose a roofing material. Asphalt shingles are the most common choice as they last about 20 years and many are backed up by multi-year warranties. Architectural shingles are similar looking but thicker, more durable, and more expensive, lasting closer to 30 years. Metal roofing is significantly more expensive but lasts for decades, is low maintenance, and sheds snow and water well. Other options can include slate, tile, and wooden shakes but these are specialty items and may require additional work to your roof structure for their size and weight.
Material costs. The price of the job depends on the size and condition of your existing roof as well as any special features, the pitch, skylights, and number of chimneys and ice shields. Typical roofing jobs in Oshkosh are $8,000 to $20,000.
- Shingle roofing averages about $5 to $7 per square foot in Wisconsin.
- Architectural shingles average $7 per square foot.
- Metal roofs are $8 to $11 per square foot.
- Other materials such as wood shakes or clay tiles are more expensive.
Related work. A roof is a system of your home that allows air circulation in the attic. Confirming that your eaves have soffit vents and the roof has a ridge vent to allow this airflow is a common aspect of the roof replacement. However examining your attic insulation and blocking warm air leaks from the house below is also important and fairly easy to do at the same time. Your roofer may agree to replace or augment the insulation so it adds up to the appropriate R value for the region, and to seal leaks that add to your heating bill.
Financing. Some homeowners may be eligible for federal financing to cover their roof replacement job. Others may use a home equity loan for the purpose. If you have cash saved, ask the roofer if there are any discounts available for that form of payment. Also, check with your homeowner’s insurance for a break on rates after your roof replacement.
Timeline. Discuss timing with your chosen contractor: will they be able to fit your job in before the end of the season? How long will the entire job take, from set-up to clean up? Plan for two weeks, which provides a buffer for inclement weather and permitting. The actual work of replacing the roof shouldn’t take more than a couple days.
Warranties. Get any material and/or labor warranties in writing, along with a contract for the work, before the job begins.
New Roofs Inspire Peace of Mind
When your new roof is completely installed you can rest easier. A professional installation by Ripon Area Roofing provides confidence that your home is secure during the winter and all year long. Contact Ripon for a free consultation.