Some roofing materials are built to withstand 15 years of heat, rain, and snow, while others can last up to 50 years. It’s an essential part of your home’s structure and protects your interior from any outside elements. But how much does it cost to replace your old roof? Will it burn a hole in your wallet to replace existing shingles?
At Alpha Living, we pride ourselves on our expert knowledge, as well as our ability to connect you to the best roofing contractors and home improvement professionals. Check out the cost breakdown of a new roof below and get a quote today!
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Factors That Affect Roof Replacement Costs
The overall cost for this type of roofing job will vary depending on the materials used and the labor, as well as the size and height of the area that needs replacement. Learn more about these factors below.
Roof Pitch
The roof pitch refers to the slope and height of your roof. The orientation and size will affect how difficult it will be to repair old shingles or fix your leaky roof. The higher the pitch, the larger the project. Steep roofs also require special equipment and may take more time to install. This generally affects the cost of labor.
Cost of Labor
Labor refers to the actual task of performing roof repairs. Choosing the right roofing contractor is key in making sure you get quality workmanship for a good value. On average, the cost of labor can be anywhere from $2 to $7 per square foot. Areas that are difficult to access or jobs with steep roofs will affect the price.
Typically, a contractor can charge anywhere between $40 and $60 per hour. But most of the time, roofing contractors will provide you with a flat-rate estimate of how much the project will cost.
Materials Used
From shingles and tiles to underlayment and vents, around 40 to 50% of the total cost of a roofing job goes toward materials. Materials can also include building supplies like nails, ladders, and other equipment necessary to complete the job.
Full vs. Partial Roof Replacement
In some situations, your home will not need a complete replacement and will only need partial replacement. If your roof was damaged due to extreme weather like snow or hail, for example, then perhaps only one area of your roof needs replacing. A partial replacement is a great way to save money.
But if your roof is aging and buckling, it’s best to opt for a complete replacement. This is to ensure that your roof is stable and durable no matter what. It would be a good idea to contact your contractor and see what’s best for your home.
Roofing Cost Per Square Foot
On average, the cost of roofing installation will be $7 per square foot. The lowest price would be $4 per square foot with the higher end being $40. Keep in mind that contractors will also calculate costs by roofing square, which differs from a square foot.
The average cost in roofing squares would be $400 to $4,000 or around $700 for the most popular roofing materials.
Roofing Cost by Type
The type of roofing you choose also greatly affects the price point. Asphalt shingles are the least expensive option, while copper roofing is one of the most expensive. Keep in mind that maintenance costs for each type should also be considered.
For example, while asphalt may be an inexpensive option, metal is more durable against extreme weather. So, if your region of the United States experiences these conditions, it may be best for long-term savings to choose metal roofing instead.
Here are the average starting costs for different types of roofing for a 2,000-square-foot home:
- Asphalt: $8,000
- Galvanized steel: $14,000
- Cedar shakes: $14,000
- Concrete tile: $15,000
- Aluminum: $16,000
- Slate tile: $19,000
- Clay: $22,000
- Copper: $42,000
While these prices might seem high at first glance, keep in mind that roofing is meant to last for decades, with some built to last a lifetime.
How Location Affects Replacement Cost
Roof replacement costs tend to vary depending on geographic location. This is because the cost of living in different areas also varies. Some places will often experience extreme weather conditions, and swapping for a new roofing system requires better materials or more precise work. For example, asphalt shingles are lightweight and flexible, which means they don’t stand up to high winds. A better option would be to choose metal panels, which are the best materials for these conditions.
Other areas also need heavy-duty waterproofing due to heavy rains and snowfall. You’ll find that the average property owner will spend more money in areas where the home’s roof requires extra labor. Here are a few examples of states with higher average costs:
- New Jersey: $6,675 to $8,691
- California: $6,558 to $8,476
- Michigan: $6,442 to $8,286
- Maryland: $6,330 $8,107
- Arizona: $6,305 to $8,047
Cost of Roof Replacement vs. Repair
You may be wondering, “What’s the difference in cost when it comes to replacement vs. a repair?” As a general rule of thumb, the average cost of roof repairs will range from $150 to $7,000. This can include leaks, peeling shingles, or damage to the underlayment, flashing, deck, or even ridge caps. But if there is serious damage, you’ll have to think about the cost of replacement.
Structural damage can usually be identified by rot, mold, pest infestation, and other issues with the roof’s actual structure. A licensed roof contractor can help you identify these issues and determine whether the roof damage will require a partial or full replacement. Keep in mind that full replacement will help you ensure the safety of your home as well as your family.
The cost of roof replacement can be anywhere from $6,700 all the way up to $80,000 depending on size, specialized labor, material costs, and more. The average cost of roof replacement is around $11,500. You can refer to the factors we discussed in previous sections to get a better idea of roof replacement costs.
Roofing Removal
Apart from installation, it also costs money to remove old material. If part of the project requires removal due to the extent of the damage, then it’s best to add this to your list of factors that affect upfront costs. Heavier materials and the complexity of the removal will vary, and roofing removal typically costs between $1 and $5 per square foot.
Professional contractors will likely tack on hauling fees. A complex job will often involve the removal of larger materials, and junk removal will be necessary throughout the process whether it’s a necessary repair or a replacement. If you plan to get rid of the materials yourself, just keep in mind that you can easily spend up to $600 for junk removal.
Warranty and Insurance
Most of the time, home warranties don’t cover roofing. So, you may want to ensure that you have a roof warranty separately. This can either involve a warranty for the materials or a warranty on the labor and installation from the best roofing company.
You also want to check your homeowner’s insurance to see if it can cover the roof replacement. It’s a great way to avoid the larger upfront investment. Homeowner’s insurance typically covers damage caused by natural disasters, but a warranty will cover roof replacement costs for improper installation or installation errors.
A full replacement is typically difficult to get covered, and most companies will need to learn about the reason for the new roof in order to consider it.
Why Hire a Professional
While it may be tempting to save your money and opt for a DIY installation, roofing is an advanced project. It requires experience and knowledge, and your project must adhere to local building codes. We only recommend tackling this yourself if you have had years of experience working in the roofing industry.
If not, then it’s best to opt for professional labor. Errors can easily lead to costly repairs, including mold, water damage, and even structural issues. Your roof is essentially connected to so many other aspects of your property, and doing a repair or replacing the material incorrectly can cost you more in the long run.
Plus, we’ve made it easy for you the best contractor for the project. Check out the rest of our website to find a reputable roofer in your area.
Additional Roofing Projects
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There are also other roofing projects you may need to consider as a property owner. This can include installing gutters, trim, skylights, and chimneys. Roofing removal and disposal may be necessary to execute some of these additional projects. Some of these services will also increase your total cost of replacement, but they will save you time and money in the long run.
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Now that you’re aware of how much roof replacement costs, you can check out our website and enter your information to find the best roofing professionals in your area! You can browse through a list of our partners—all of whom are experts in their respective fields of home improvement. Get a free estimate for your roofing project today!
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