No one wants to have the one house on the block that sticks out like a sore thumb. Take a wander down your street and have a look at what you see. It can be hard for the untrained eye to know what to look for, so here is a quick guide to the different types of roofing in Kansas City.

When you see a roof made from asphalt that is totally flat, this probably signifies an older roof. This is the classic 3-tab shingle that was popular over the past several decades. These shingles are very affordable, but typically only last 20 years or so.

These shingles are also made from asphalt, but they are called “architectural shingles.” They have a 3-D effect that most homeowners find very aesthetically pleasing. They also come in a wide range of colors from white and green to blue and brown, so you’re bound to find a shade that appeals to you. These shingles can survive up to 40 years, depending on the weather and manufacturer. We like to go with GAF/ELK and CertainTeed, as these two brands stand by their warranties.

Cedar Shake is not too popular in Kansas City, but you may see an older home or two that has it. People buy this type of roof for the historic look, but they generally only last 15 years or so. Wood is susceptible to insects, hail and rot, which makes it not the best choice for KC homeowners.

Metal is strong, durable and lightweight — lasting 50 years or more. When you buy a metal roof, you are pretty much set for life! Yet, not everyone likes the look of metal for a residential home. You’ll see a lot of commercial buildings, garages, barns and sheds with metal roofs, but not as many homes.

Tile is another style of roof that you may see in Kansas City, but you won’t likely see very often. These tiles look breathtaking, but they are easily cracked and shattered by hail or cold weather. Sometimes you will see a roof that looks like it’s made from tile, but it’s actually made of metal. While it’s heavy and expensive, a goof tile rough lasts 50 years in warmer climates.

Some homeowners opt for slate due to its gorgeous look and durability. Unlike shingles, this material is fireproof. Slate is the most expensive type of roof you can buy and it may require additional roofing structures to hold up the hefty weight of the stone.

Looking for average roofing costs in Kansas City? We recommend calling three different contractors for free estimates to get the most accurate portrait of the local competition. However, before you pick up the phone, you may be wondering if you’ll have enough dough in the bank to cover it or if you need to take out a small home improvement loan — and that’s understandable.

Ballpark Estimate For A New Roof In KC

The cost of a new roof in Kansas City can range from $2,000 to $25,000, according to HomeAdvisor.com. They add that a good baseline figure is around $10,000. Unfortunately, Kansas City prices are slightly above the national average.

D.I.Y.?

People who are particularly handy around the house may opt to buy the materials and do it themselves for a much lower price than a professional installation. Truth be told, CostHelper says you can probably slap a fresh set of asphalt shingles onto a one-story ranch home for $680 – $3,700, depending on the square footage. However, you are also voiding the manufacturer’s warranty on the shingles you buy and risking the liability of injury. Besides, roofing is back-breaking work! So, for $1,700 – $8,400, many homeowners feel it’s worth having the professionals install a new KC roof.

Materials

The materials you choose can also affect the price of your roofing job. Asphalt is the least expensive option and will generally last 25 to 50 years, depending on the brand. Wood shingles or shakes are beautiful, but require a good amount of maintenance, are not fireproof, and don’t last as long — plus they cost an average of $6,800 – $20,000 to install. Tile roofs are more durable and distinctive-looking, but are also in the same price range as wood. Metal rooftops are very durable and even longer lasting than asphalt, but the cost can range anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000, depending on the type of metal used.  Though classic-looking and long-lasting, we’ve seen slate roofs cost as much as $84,000!

Give us a call at (913) 262-4700 for a free estimate on your Kansas City roof!

There are more ways to get affordable roofing in Johnson County than doing it yourself. After all, roofing is sweaty, back-breaking, dangerous work. Rather than risk life and limb up on your roof, you can have a licensed, bonded and insured roofing crew assume the liability for you. By trusting a contractor with the work, you have a quality guarantee and you are assured that the manufacturer’s warranty is valid.

Here are a few ways you can find affordable Johnson County roofing…

1. Get Multiple Quotes.

You’d be surprised by how much a simple roofing quote may vary. That’s why it’s always wise to get at least 3 free estimates. As professional Johnson County roofers, we understand that giving free quotes is par for the course. Not every estimate turns into business, but we hope you’ll call us at 913-262-4700, compare apples to apples, and give us a shot.

2. Choose Affordable Materials.

There are two ways you may look at this point. On one hand, asphalt shingles are the cheapest type of material you can buy. It’s aesthetically pleasing and fairly durable, although the warranty is only good for 30 years max. By contrast, a metal or slate roof will last 50 years or more, although it costs more per piece and more for installation. So it all depends where you are in life. If you’re 70 years old, we don’t recommend splurging on slate, for example. Yet, if you’re in your twenties, just bought your home and plan to raise your family there over the decades, then it makes sense. Also consider the special light-colored shingles, which reflect UV light and lower your utility bills.

3. Get The Job Done Right.

It can get rather costly when you have to call in roofers to fix what previous roofers have done. We often find that we’re called to clean up a job that resulted in leaks or wound up half-finished. This is especially true of fly-by-night roofers who swoop into town after a storm to swindle people out of their money. Before you sign on the dotted line, check the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, and the Attorney General’s office and make sure the company is truly legit.

 Need affordable roofing in Johnson County? Call 913-262-4700!