How Much Does A Roof Replacement Cost?
It is easy to take our roofs for granted, even though they provide us with so much comfort. Roofs don’t last forever. What does a roof replacement cost? In the event that something goes wrong with your roof, it’s imperative that you deal with it as soon as possible.
Roof leaks or cracks can eventually cause the ceiling on your home to collapse if not addressed, causing water damage and rotting underneath the shingles. As a result, your home can suffer extensive damage, including the loss of valuable possessions and even create a dangerous situation for your family.
Have you been putting off roof repairs or replacements? We are happy to be of service to you. If you’re wondering how much it will cost to replace a roof, along with how to decide whether to repair or replace it, you’ll find everything you need here.
Average Roof Replacement Cost
Having to replace your roof is undoubtedly one of the major expenses you’ll face as a homeowner. A new deck or a renovated kitchen, for example, are both home improvements you can enjoy immediately after they are completed. Your home will remain in good condition for years to come if you make this investment in it.
According to the type of roofing material you choose, a newly replaced roof has an average lifespan of 30 to 100 years. When you sell your home, you’ll recoup some of the average cost to tear off and replace a roof.
During a real estate transaction, Zillow estimates that a roof replacement will return around 60% of its value. Pearson Smith realtor Keren Jayne says, “A new roof is a marketable investment that pays off in other ways.” Your home will attract more buyers and competitive offers if it has marketable features.”
Most people spend between $5,000 and $11,000 to replace a roof, with the national average around $8,000. You’ll need to determine the square footage of your home (and thus, the roof) and the type of roofing material you want.
Roof Replacement Estimate
| TYPE OF COST | COST |
| Average Cost | $8,314 |
| Highest Cost | $11,209 |
| Lowest Cost | $5,443 |
Factors Affecting Roofing Cost Per Square Foot
A roofing professional’s estimate for a roof replacement will cover about 60% of the roofing labor cost per square foot, and about 40% of the roofing materials. You will learn more about both costs, as well as what you can expect from your price quote in the sections below.
Labor
In general, roofing labor costs between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot. There’s a common roofing term called a “square” that you need to know. 100 square feet are covered by one roofing square. It is possible to receive a labor quote between $150 and $300 per square foot. This is similar to a quote like the one above, $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot. In order to avoid confusion when you receive your quote, it’s important to understand this distinction.
Here are some factors that can contribute to an increase or decrease in your roofing labor quote:
- Extent of the damage:
In addition to making the job more difficult, extensive rot in the timbers beneath the shingles makes it more dangerous. It may cost more to replace your roof if there is rotting wood under your roof, since your roofing professional will need more time and equipment to ensure their own safety.
- Environmental conditions:
A roofing professional may have to bring in protective equipment due to harsh conditions, such as extreme cold or heat.
- Removal of old material:
Roofs that needed to be replaced years ago may have been reshingled to “buy time” on the repairs. In these cases, you may have to remove more than one layer of shingles to repair or replace your roof. Roofing labor costs per square foot will reflect this, of course.
Materials
Roofing material costs account for about 40% of your roof replacement costs, and this could range from $100 to $1,000 per square (remember that a square is 100 square feet).
Depending on the type of roof you’re having installed, that can vary dramatically. You’ll pay more for roofing materials if you deviate from typical asphalt shingles.
Roof Pitch & Size
In addition to being known as the “roof slope,” the roof pitch is essentially the steepness or angle of your roof. Pitch is determined by how many inches your roof rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally.
The easiest pitch for homeowners who want to roof their own house is between 4/12 and 9/12 pitch. A licensed roofing company should handle pitches outside of that range. A roof’s pitch affects the time and labor required to replace it, as well as its cost.
Location
Roof replacement costs are also affected by the location of your home. There are several factors that influence the cost of getting a new roof, including the type of shingles/roofing that works best in your home’s climate, local building codes, and homeowner associations.
The following is a breakdown of the cost of replacing a roof based on some of today’s most popular roofing materials.
Roofing Costs by Type
Most homeowners today choose asphalt shingles as their roofing material. In some cases, they can last up to 50 years and are affordable.
As long as your budget is relatively large, you have plenty of options when it comes to replacing your roof. The following chart compares the cost of replacing a roof with different roofing materials:
| ROOFING MATERIAL | PRICE (ASSUMES A 2200-SQUARE-FOOT HOME) |
| Asphalt shingles | $2,500 |
| Galvanized steel | $3,000 |
| Stainless steel | $14,000 |
| Stone/slate | $20,000 |
| Copper | $25,000 or more |
Asphalt Shingles
A blend of fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral composites, asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material. Additionally, they are the most affordable, durable, and easy to install.
Galvanized Steel
A galvanized steel roof is crafted using a steel core coated with zinc to provide years of durability. Galvanized steel roofs were among the earliest materials used to craft roofs in the United States.
Stainless Steel
In addition to being rust-resistant and durable, stainless steel roofs will protect your home for 50 to 100 years.
Slate/Stone
There is a cost difference between slates and stone tiles and materials such as metal or wood, but slates and stone tiles are far more durable. Aside from being fireproof and resistant to high winds and extreme temperatures, it is also resistant to hail and small branches.
Copper
Even though copper roofs are the most extravagant roofing option, they last much longer than traditional roofs. Moreover, they enhance the curb appeal of your home and add an opulent touch.
Cost to Replace Roofing vs. Repair
It’s possible that the damage to your roof isn’t extensive. Is it better to repair it rather than replace it? It’s always a good idea to consult with a trusted roofing contractor before performing any sort of repair or replacement on your roof. It may be possible to repair your roof if the damage isn’t extensive or you don’t want to change the material. You’re in luck if that’s the case. Repairing a roof is certainly less expensive than replacing it.
If you have an asphalt roof, you can expect to pay between $325 and $1,377 for a minor roof repair. Labor rates will likely be around $45 to $65 per hour for premium materials, and premium materials will cost more. The following are some of the most common reasons for repairing a roof.
- Damage to the flashing. It is called flashing because it extends along the joints in your roof. Over time, these can become damaged or worn, leading to roof leaks.
- Worn or curling shingles. When asphalt shingles age, they can curl up, allowing water to seep into the space underneath. Asphalt shingles have a long life expectancy (about 20-50 years), but when they age, they can curl up. In order to replace curling shingles, you typically need to purchase one bundle of shingles, which ranges from $30 to $50.
- Pooling water. It can take as little as 48 hours for water to cause damage to your roof. Therefore, you should keep up with any roof repairs that need to be done.
