The price of a new roof can depend on various factors, from the size and slope to roofer labor and other materials. Roof materials can cost thousands of dollars, so your roof cost might be double or triple what you expect. Luckily, you can save money by using the right materials.
Whether this is your first roof replacement or not, you may wonder how much a new roof will cost you. If it’s been years since you replaced a roof, the costs have probably changed.
Keep reading to learn more about what goes into the price of a new roof.
Roof Replacement Cost Factors
No matter where you live or the type of roof you have, you should consider different factors so you can make sure to get the best roof replacement job for your home.
Roof Size
One of the most obvious factors that can affect the cost of a roof replacement is the size. The more square feet, the more materials you’ll need, the longer it will take, and the more you have to pay in labor costs.
Having a big roof can be a good thing, but you should prepare for the cost.
If you know the square footage of your roof, you can get a quote so that you can budget. But the exact cost can depend on other factors.
Roof Slope
The slope of your roof can also have an impact on the cost. Roofs with steeper slopes can be more expensive to replace because they can be more dangerous.
Higher slopes can cost thousands more than lower slopes, even for the same roof size. Not only is that because of the risk, but due to the elevation, it is much more work which would cause the labor cost to increase.
Labor
Labor costs can vary and affect the entire cost of a new roof. Within labor, there are a couple of factors that can determine the installation cost.
- Roofing experience
- Number of roofers
- Location/cost of living
A new roofer in a small town would probably charge much less than roofing companies in big cities with teams and years of experience. Consider where you live and the experience of the roofers.
Keep in mind that, while a new roofer may be cheaper, they may not have the expertise or experience that an established roofing professional should have.
Materials Needed
You may need to pay for essential roofing materials for your home. While these things aren’t part of the roofing, they are crucial for the process:
- Ladder
- Pry bar or crowbar
- Roofing hammer
- Roofing nails
- Protective gear
- Tarp
- Ice and water protector
- Sealant
Many people know to buy shingles, but you need more than that. Make sure you have these accessories to help complete your new roof if you decide to go the DIY route. If you don’t already have these materials, it may be best to contact your local roofing pros.
Unforeseen Costs
You can plan for the cost of a new roof as much as you want, but you may still have unforeseen costs. For example, you may lose or break shingles and need to buy more.
Or a roofer may discover rotting plywood. Condensation can get through the shingles and ruin the plywood, so you might need to pay to replace it. Not only can that raise the cost of materials, but it can also increase labor costs.
Types of Roofing Materials and Their Costs
While you should consider the cost of labor and other factors, the roofing material is crucial. If you don’t have a huge budget, you should find affordable but quality roofing material.
On the other hand, if you want a specific material, you may need to spend more. Either way, you should know the average cost of popular roofing materials. Then, you can get an idea of the overall cost of your new roof.
You may also want to consider the average lifespan of these materials before settling on the one that fits your needs. If you have homeowners insurance or a home warranty that covers roofs, you might want to see if that can help with the costs.
Asphalt Shingles
You can find a few types of asphalt shingles, and they all tend to be pretty affordable. Of course, other factors will come into play, but consider the average cost of different types of asphalt shingles.
Composite shingles: composite roofing combines asphalt, wood, plastic, and more. The average cost varies from $110 to $1,600 per square, depending on the quality. One square will cover 100 square feet of roof.
Asphalt 3 Tab shingles: these shingles have three tabs, and they can help move water down the roof. They cost about $100 per square on average.
Architectural or Dimensional shingles: they use a fiberglass mat base and embed mineral granules to help with water resistance. The average cost of a square is $150.
An asphalt shingle roof is perfect for homeowners on tight budgets. You can fill a lot of space without having to spend a ton on the shingles alone.
Wood Shingles
Cedar is the most common type of wood shingles that you’ll find, but you may find other options.
The average cost for a wood shingle is $350 for a square, which can cover about 100 square feet. A full roof can cost upwards of $10,000.
Cedar Shakes or Shingles
Along with wood shingles, you can find wood shakes, which also typically use cedar. A shingle is a smooth piece of wood, while a shake has a wave-like pattern.
Cedar shingles don’t cost any more or less than the average wood shingle. However, cedar shakes cost about $450 per square, so the overall cost can be much higher.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing comes in multiple varieties, from the specific materials to the design. Looking at the different designs, you have a few options.
Concealed fastener metal roofing: also called standing seam, they hide the screws and are weatherproof. A square costs $350 to $680 on average, also covering about 100 square feet.
Exposed fastener metal roofing: this type of roofing is easier to install, and it doesn’t hide the screws. The average cost per square can range from $525 to $1,250.
Stamped metal roofing: this roofing has a special stamp design, either a wave or a plain pattern. The average cost is the same as exposed fastener metal roofing.
You can combine these three types of metal roofing with different metals. Then, you can get a metal roof that looks great and works well. Some options include:
- Tin roofing
- Steel roofing
- Copper roofing
- Zinc roofing
- Aluminum roofing
Tin is an excellent type of roofing material. The cost per square can vary from $300 to $1,500. The cost may be more or less, depending on the metal style you select.
As with tin roofing, you can choose the style of steel roofing you want. But you can also use corrugated steel, which has an average price of $180 per square. That’s much less than the average cost of $335 per square for regular steel shingles. You can save over $5,000 if you go with corrugated steel, no matter the style.
Copper roofing can be another excellent material to consider. Not only does it look good, but it can be durable like other metals. A square of copper roofing costs anywhere from $1,400 to $2,200. The design you select can narrow the price range.
You should also consider using zinc roofing. Like other metals, the metal design you select can affect the cost. For example, a concealed fastener zinc roof may cost about $600 to $850 per square. However, a standard zinc shingle may only cost $450 to $650.
Aluminum roofing can cost less than other materials, so it can be a great alternative. Its average price is $335 per square. Of course, the metal design and other factors can affect the cost. For example, you may need to pay more if you live somewhere with a higher cost of living.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing is another fantastic option to consider when you get a new roof. It’s especially suitable for areas with warmer climates.
The average cost depends on the type of tile, and it ranges from $325 to $1,588 per square. Consider some examples of tile roofing for more specifics.
Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tile roofing has been around for many years, and it can last a long time. It’s a heavy and durable material, making it a great value over time.
When you get a new clay tile roof, you’ll need to pay an average of $725 to $1,000 per square. But you won’t have to pay anything for the next few decades, if ever again.
Slate Roofing
Slate is another type of tile roofing, and it’s also been in use for years. Like other tile roofing materials, it can last for decades without any issues.
While slate is one of the most expensive materials, you won’t have to replace it often. Once you pay an average of $750 to $1,588 per square, you can enjoy the roof for a lifetime.
Concrete Roofing
A newer type of tile roofing, concrete, can be a durable option. It can last through hail, wind, and fires, so you don’t have to worry as much about damage.
However, the tiles can be much heavier than other materials. Still, concrete tiles are very affordable, with an average cost of $235 to $550 per square.
Flat Roofing
Flat roofing is perfect for buildings where you don’t want much or any slope. You can choose from different materials in this category, including rubber, fiberglass, and built-up tar.
The specific cost depends on the material. However, one square of flat roofing costs anywhere from $400 to $1,300.
Re-Shingling vs. Replacing
Re-shingling a roof involves adding new shingles over existing ones or simply replacing shingles that have gone missing due to a storm or some other issue. A roofer will use shingles to patch gaps in the roof.
Or they can add a new layer of shingles over the existing layer. If you only need to re-shingle a roof, it will cost less than replacing the entire thing. You’ll save the most money if you only replace missing shingles.
Replacing a roof is more intense and uses more materials and time. However, it can be a good option if your roof has suffered a lot of damage or if you have many missing shingles.
When you replace a roof, it will take more time and materials. Because of that, you can expect to pay more than if you opt for re-shingling. The entire replacement cost can be as much as $12,000 or more. On the other hand, you may only need to pay $1,000 or so for re-shingling.
Re-Decking a Roof
Re-decking a roof involves a lot of steps and includes more than just adding new shingles. A roofer will need to remove any existing shingles.
Then, they can replace the plywood underneath, which is an important part of the roof structure. If the plywood is rotting or has other issues, re-decking a roof is crucial.
Now, you don’t always need to re-deck a roof. But you should consider it when you need to replace a roof anyway.
If you end up paying for re-decking, the cost can vary based on similar factors to getting a new roof. The average cost all over the United States is just over $7,200. However, the specific cost can range from $4,700 to $30,000, including re-decking and roof replacement.
Why You Should Hire a Roofer
While you can save money on a new roof by installing it yourself, consider hiring a roofer. Working on a roof is dangerous and takes skills and experience. Not only do you have to maintain your balance, but you have to remove and install materials.
When you hire a roofer, you should hire a professional, like the ones at Primal Roofing, who knows what they’re doing. They’ll also have the tools and supplies necessary for the job.
Are you ready to hire a roofer to install a new roof? Contact us for a quote today.
