How Much Is Roofing Labor Cost Per Square Foot?
If you’re a homeowner, it’s important that you keep your roof in good shape. This is what you need to know how much roofing labor cost per square foot.
Roofs can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years before needing replacement. This largely depends on the type of roofing materials you want. Roofs that last closer to 50 years use materials such as slate, copper, and tile.
The roofing labor cost is typically not included in the cost of a new roof. With winter quickly approaching, many areas of the country are hit hard by strong weather systems. Your roof can take a beating during this time which can lead to further issues in your house.
If you need to get your roof checked out before winter comes, then keep reading on for more information on roofing labor costs.
Roofing Materials Costs
One of the biggest costs that go into a roof repair or replacement is what materials you opt for. Some of the more common roofing materials include:
- Rolled roofing
- Membrane roofing
- Asphalt composite shingles
- Metal roofing
- Wood
- Clay
- Concrete
- Slate
If you have a low-pitched or flatter roof, then you might want roofing materials such as rolled roofing or membrane roofing. Rolled roofing is a bit cheaper at around $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot. Membrane roofing costs between $3 to $4 per square foot.
While rolled roofing is cheaper, it won’t last as long – you will likely need it replaced after ten years. On the contrary, membrane roofing can last up to 35 years.
You have likely heard of asphalt composite shingles. This is the most popular roofing material in the United States and can last up to 30 years. It usually costs between $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot and works well with most homes and weather conditions.
Metal roofs have gained popularity in areas where there is excessive snow or high fire danger. These roofs are fireproof and can sometimes even last up to 75 years. However, on average, these roofs typically last around 30 to 50 years.
You will likely pay a bit more than other metal roofing materials at around $6 to $12.
Wood shakes or shingles have remained another popular choice for homes. They aren’t very realistic in areas that receive a lot of moisture, but they give a better aesthetic appeal than most materials. You can expect this pricey material to range anywhere from $4.50 to $11 per square foot.
Roof Replacement vs. Roof Repair
Many homeowners are not sure whether their roof is better off repaired or replaced. It is important that any roofing maintenance be done by professional roofers. They have better equipment and safety approaches than the average homeowner and can advise on how close your roof is for a replacement.
Some common signs that your roof needs replaced versus repaired are:
- Leaking
- Bucked or damaged shingles
- Cracks in flashing
- Sagging
- Moss
After major storm systems, you can do a quick check around the perimeter of your house for any obvious signs of damage. Addressing roof damage early on can help save you time and money from further damage to other areas of your house.
Sometimes, simple solutions such as replacing damaged shingles can save you a significant amount of money. If you have spare shingles on board, that fares even better from an aesthetic approach, especially if you are looking at selling your home soon.
You can also opt for partially replacing your roof. This is more commonly seen after heavy weather systems or fallen trees that have only impacted one side of your roof. Again – if you are looking at selling your home soon, you might consider replacing the whole roof so that it matches.
Roof Replacement Cost
Professional roofers are called on when your roof needs replaced. An average roof replacement labor costs between $5,000 to $10,000. This depends on the type of materials you choose, the slope of your roof, and how long it takes for installation and construction.
For instance, asphalt roofs can be as cheap as $4,000 for smaller homes whereas metal roofs can cost upwards of $44,000 at most. There are other factors that go into the total cost of a roof replacement.
One of the biggest costs that many homeowners do not factor in is the cost of disposing of old roofing materials. The standardized rate for waste removal is around 15 percent.
It is also typical to see a material disposal fee in conjunction with the 15% rate. There are other areas of your roof that will likely need fixing and add to the overall cost. This includes flashing, gutters, chimneys, ventilation, and skylights, to name a few.
Roofing Labor Cost
The final factor included in a roof repair or replacement cost is labor. Determining labor costs is a tricky thing as you might find different rates depending on the area of the country you are living in. Additionally, if there are higher demands for roofers from storm damage or other reasons, then it might drive up the price.
Roof labor costs typically average out per square foot. National averages are between $1.50 and $3.00. Some professional roofers look at the cost of labor for a 10×10 foot area and charge between $150 to $300. This is a base cost for labor and does not include the cost of materials.
Licensed and certified roofers also cost more than unlicensed roofers. Ultimately, you should choose a licensed roofing company that has insurance coverage and manufacturer certifications.
This ensures that your professional roofer is giving you a fair price and better understands the roofing industry.
Labor can account for more than 50% of the total price of a roof replacement. If you have any questions regarding the costs of labor, then you should look into receiving a free quote from a roofing company beforehand.
Plan Ahead
Ultimately, a roof replacement or repair is dependent on materials, labor costs, and waste removal. If you need other things fixed on your roof such as the flashing or gutters, then you can expect to add to your total tally.
If you are interested in finding out about a company’s roofing labor cost, then check out our free roofing quotes today. You can rest easy knowing that you are given upfront pricing for your roofing needs.
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