How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost?
A strong, reliable roof is essential for weathering spring rains, sweltering summer heat, and frigid winters.
Seasons are only the beginning of your roof’s worries. You have to consider tree damage, debris, and pesky critters too.
Old roofs are unable to withstand harsh weather and other roofing accidents. They’re more vulnerable to leaks, molding, chipping, cracking, and granule loss.
WHAT TYPE OF ROOF ARE YOU REPLACING?
When roof troubles pile up, it’s time for a complete roof replacement.
Asphalt shingle roofs can last over two decades with proper care and installation. Tile and metal roofs can survive well past 80 years too.
What’s more, roof replacements are more cost-effective than years of repairs.
Learn more about cost factors and how they impact your total roofing replacement cost.
Roof Replacement Costs Vary by Location
Roof replacement costs depend on a number of factors, including your location.
A new asphalt shingle roof in California may have a different price than a shingle roof replacement in Montana. Furthermore, you’ll find varying prices among cities, as well.
Some states have higher roof contractor rates than others, contributing to higher job estimates. Certain cities have permit requirements that also add to cost.
Weather is another price factor.
Homeowners in the Midwest have to worry about severe hail storms, desert homeowners have concerns about heat damage, and east coast homeowners need snow removal services. Residents who live in wooded or rural areas may need additional gutter services to keep critters out.
However, most single-family homeowners aren’t subjected to building code permit fees like commercial properties and historic homes.
What’s the Average Cost of a New Roof?
Despite varying costs, you can get some idea of a ballpark price by studying cost averages.
Roofing cost averages also depend on materials and square footage. Additional work, like roofing construction, gutters, and siding, aren’t always reflected averages; that’s why it’s best to request quotes.
Homeowners pay, on average, $5,000 to $10,000 for new roofing. These averages are consistent with many new roof replacements, with costs reflecting everything from basic replacements to additional construction.
However, many homeowners pay much less than $5,000 for new roofs, especially homeowners who want a basic asphalt shingle roof with no additional construction needs. Plenty of roofing companies also offer financing, which is essential for emergency roof replacements.
You can assume that your total cost will include old roof removal, as well.
Costs may include additional work too, like pitched and sloped roof construction, new gutter installation, and vinyl siding.
Why do homeowners add gutter and siding services to their roof replacement costs?
Siding and roofing go hand in hand. They work together to insulate your house, protecting your home from moisture buildup, heat loss, and debris. They also keep hazardous critters from sneaking into your home!
If your siding is falling apart, it’s best to add it to your total roof replacement cost. Throw in new gutters and downspouts too, especially if they’re several years old and breaking down.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement Costs
Asphalt shingle roofing replacements are the most popular, namely because they’re the least expensive. While title, metal, cement, and solar roofing last longer, asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years.
The current ballpark total for new asphalt shingles is between $4,000 and $6,500 approximately; these averages are for 1,800 square foot homes and increase with every new square foot. Roofing Contractors can also break down the cost per shingle, which averages to about $1 to $6 per square foot.
There are three primary types of asphalt shingles, with organic mat shingles being the least expensive. You can pay a little more for fiberglass or architectural shingles.
Asphalt shingle tab construction can also affect cost since 3-tab shingles are generally less expensive than laminated architectural shingles.
Particular shingle colors may or may not impact cost, but a specialty or customized color could increase the estimate. Fortunately, asphalt shingles come in an impressive rainbow of colors, easily matching home exteriors.
Calculating Metal Roof Costs
Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs. While metal roofing is generally more popular with commercial property owners, more homeowners are discovering the benefits of residential metal roofing.
The longevity of metal roofing makes up for the higher cost. With excellent maintenance, your metal roof can last up to 70 years or more. You can also find metal roofing elements that mimic architectural asphalt shingles, such as metal tiles and aluminum shingles.
The average metal roofing cost falls between $9,500 and $44,000, averaging $5 to $15 per square foot.
Like asphalt shingles, your home’s square footage impacts cost.
If you own a typical 1,800 square foot home, you can expect a ballpark estimate of $35,500. However, you don’t have to worry as much about repairs or replacing your roof every 20 years.
Similar to asphalt shingles, different metal varieties impact cost.
Corrugated metal roofing material is the least expensive, starting at just $2.00 per square foot. Aluminum steel and tin roofs start at around $3.25 per square foot. Zinc roofs start at roughly $5.50 per square foot, while copper roofs are the most expensive, starting at $14 per square foot.
To anticipate your final cost, expect to pay between $15,000 to $30,000 for a complete aluminum roof installation.
Steel shingles range between $15,000 to $25,000, while complete copper roof projects typically costs $23,000 to $48,000.
Corrugated metal shingles can be as low as $5,000, maxing out at around $15,000 for a complete roof replacement.
Estimating Clay Tile Roofing Costs
Clay tiles are aesthetically pleasing, like architectural shingles. However, this roofing material is more expensive than asphalt shingle roofing.
Clay tiles are ideal for warm weather, making them a popular choice in southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. They’re also more eco-friendly, decreasing household energy use and trapping cool temperatures.
Clay roofing can last up to 100 years, and old clay tiles are easily recyclable, making clay roofs a truly renewable source.
Aside from their green benefits, clay tiles come in four primary styles. Varieties include classic Spanish style, French, interlocking, and traditional mission style. Clay roofing is also a popular choice for Mediterranean-style homes.
Like metal roofing, clay tiles are also expensive compared to low-cost asphalt shingles. However, homeowners do enjoy the long-term return on investment.
On average, homeowners pay anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 for new clay tile roofs. Like asphalt and metal roofing, final costs depend on several factors.
Many houses require additional construction before installation first. The home may not have the proper underlayment to support clay roofs. You must check the underlayment’s condition every two decades and make repairs as needed.
The slope, pitch, and square footage of your roof matter, as well.
More complicated roofing systems typically require more labor and construction, resulting in higher roof replacement estimates. If the slope is under 18 degrees, clay roof installation becomes more complicated, requiring more possible costs.
There are a couple of approaches to clay tile installation, interlocking and overlapping. These terms refer to tile fastening. Poor fastening can cause tiles to loosen and shift.
All these logistics can impact your total clay roofing costs.
Rustic Wood Shingle Roof Replacement
Asphalt shingles have long replaced traditional wooden shingles, often mimicking the look of its predecessor. Don’t worry, though! Classic wooden shingles are alive and well.
Wood shingles are typically made from cedar; they also come in wooden shake form, which has a more rustic look.
A complete cedar roof replacement averages between $7,500 to $12,000, or $4.00 to $10.00 per square foot. Total estimates depend on square footage and other structural needs.
Your total cost is one thing, but classic wooden shingles may require more upkeep in certain environments. Fire-resistant cedar roofing shingles are also available for west coast homeowners.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that wood roofs are energy-efficient. Cedar shingles are biodegradable and great for attic insulation too.
While wooden roofing costs more than asphalt shingles, they both last 20 to 30 years. Cedar roofs require more routine maintenance.
How to Calculate Your Roof’s Square Footage
Square footage is a critical cost factor for all roofing types. The larger the roof, the more shingles are needed; thus, costs increase with roofing size.
Roofing contractors may ask for square footage or measure the roof themselves. However, having your roofing measurements ready may speed up the estimate process.
The average size of a typical single-family home runs between 1,400 and 2,500 square feet. Newer single-family homes run larger than those built before the 1970s. The average home size is about 1,800 square feet.
If you recently bought a home and need a new roof, the house listing may have square footage information. Otherwise, you can calculate it yourself.
Finding the square footage of your roof is relatively easy; you just multiply the length and width of the roof to reveal the area square footage.
Since pitched roofs have two planes, find each plane’s square footage first, then add both plane measurements together to find the total square footage.
Some roofing systems are more complicated, especially those with multiple slopes, turrets, and other unusually shaped elements. You may find it easier to calculate the square footage of each room and add those measurements to get a ballpark square footage number.
You can also calculate the roof slope of your home, but this calculation isn’t always necessary for estimating roof replacement costs.
Roofing Waste and Disposal Costs
The roofing estimation process varies among contractors; that’s why it’s essential to gather multiple quotes before settling on a company.
For example, some contractors may add an additional 15% of roofing material to account for waste. This practice is standard among contractors; the more expensive the roofing material, the higher the waste cost number.
Another significant cost factor is roof removal. This service generates a lot of waste.
Unless you use a separate company to remove your existing roof, expect your contractor to factor that into your total estimate. They also need to rent dumpsters to dispose of old roofing waste, another cost factor to consider; this is often called a material disposal fee.
Related Repairs that Impact Cost
Do you have any other repairs?
You learned how siding and gutters impact roofing costs; the same applies to your chimney, skylights, flashing, exterior walls, and attic construction.
For example, a new skylight will increase your final roofing estimate. You would also need a roofing contractor who specializes in skylights or windows too. Remember to factor in the window cost and any construction needed for skylight installation.
While you plan your roof replacement, consider upgrading that old chimney too. Crumbling chimneys damage roofing, scratching and chipping shingles over time. Consider this point when choosing roofing material too.
Ventilation is another one. A well-ventilated roof improves indoor air quality and humidity control. Your roof may require new vents, which is also a cost factor.
Roofers typically have a team. Since they have to pay their workers, labor costs are factored into your final job quote.
How to Pay for Your Roof Replacement
Roof replacements are significant jobs; thus, they naturally have higher upfront costs than routine roof repairs.
What if you have an emergency and can’t pay the full cost right away?
Fortunately, many roofing companies can finance large and small roofing jobs. However, you need to request a quote before securing financing. Your contractor will likely check your credit, though many offer financing for all credit ranges.
If you’re interested in roof financing, narrow your options to companies that provide this service. You can also apply for home improvement loans through other lenders.
Shop around to find the best APR and interest rates! Many roofers let you pay over an extended period of time. Plus, if you pay in full within 12 months, you may avoid interest fees altogether.
Get the New Roof You Deserve
Do you want a roof replacement that’s built to last?
Refer to this guide as you calculate your costs beforehand. Consider important cost factors like materials, roofing systems, location, applicable fees, labor costs, waste, and more.
Remember, financing is also available if you don’t want to wait.
Are you ready to compare and contrast the best roofers in the country? Request quotes right now to find the perfect roofer for the job.