What You'll Learn
Building Structure
Calculating the life expectancy of a roof, siding, exterior paint, flashing and the like is far from an exact science. Geography plays an important role. For example, a wood-shingle roof that wears like iron in a moderate climate might succumb much more quickly when exposed to constant dampness, harsh sunlight or other environmental extremes. Another key factor is the quality of the material. Vertical-grain wood siding cut from the heartwood of trees naturally resistant to decay, such as western red cedar, will last far longer than plain-sawn lumber of lesser quality. The trade-off is a higher initial cost, a factor if you don't plan on being in the house that long. Finally, there is the question of workmanship. Even the most expensive paint in the world won't last long when applied to an improperly prepped wall. Roofing-replacement costs are especially complicated to predict. Not only are there many grades of roofing material, but the job might also call for demolition, flashing, gutters and sheathing. Complicated roof shapes drive costs up, too. For a more detailed estimate, try the roofing-cost estimator at www.improvenet.com. It calculates the cost based on your location and the specific details of your house.
Calculating the life expectancy of a roof, siding, exterior paint, flashing and the like is far from an exact science. Geography plays an important role. For example, a wood-shingle roof that wears like iron in a moderate climate might succumb much more quickly when exposed to constant dampness, harsh sunlight or other environmental extremes. Another key factor is the quality of the material. Vertical-grain wood siding cut from the heartwood of trees naturally resistant to decay, such as western red cedar, will last far longer than plain-sawn lumber of lesser quality. The trade-off is a higher initial cost, a factor if you don't plan on being in the house that long. Finally, there is the question of workmanship. Even the most expensive paint in the world won't last long when applied to an improperly prepped wall. Roofing-replacement costs are especially complicated to predict. Not only are there many grades of roofing material, but the job might also call for demolition, flashing, gutters and sheathing. Complicated roof shapes drive costs up, too. For a more detailed estimate, try the roofing-cost estimator at www.improvenet.com. It calculates the cost based on your location and the specific details of your house.
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| Material |
Life span (years) |
Replacement cost (per 100 sq. ft.) |
| Asphalt shingles | 12-20+ | $65-$160 |
| Clay tile | 50+ | $480-$1,100 |
| Concrete tile | 50+ | $300-$375 |
| Metal panels | 25-40 | $150-$775 |
| Slate | 50+ | $470-$935 |
| Wood shingles and shakes | 10-40 | $210-$310 |
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Sources: R.S. Means, Residential Cost Data 2000; Roofing Industry Educational Institute |
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| Material |
Life span (years) |
Replacement cost |
| Aluminum siding | 20-50 | $2.50 per square foot |
| Carpeting | 11 | $1.60-$6.50 per square foot |
| Exterior deck | 15 | $8.50-$24 per square foot |
| Exterior paint | 7-10 | 20-75 cents per square foot |
| Garage door | 20-50 | $425-$1,270 |
| Garage door opener | 10 | $425-$1,270 |
| Veneer (brick, stone) | 100+ | $9-$13 per square foot |
| Vinyl floor | 20-30 | $1.25-$5+ per square foot |
| Vinyl siding | 50 | $1.55-$3 per square foot |
| Wood floor | 100+ | $3.50-$10+ per square foot |
| Wood siding | 10-100 | $1.50-$4.80 per square foot |
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Sources: R.S. Means, Residential Cost Data 2000; National Association of Home Builders 1998 Housing Facts, Figures and Trends |
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