How Much Does It Cost for a Roof Replacement?

Replacing a roof is a major expense for many homeowners. One of the most frequently asked questions to any roofer is “How much is it going to cost to replace my roof?” The answer to that question will depend on a number of things. Let’s look at what factors make a difference when it comes to new roof cost.

Your choice of roofing material will make a big difference when it comes to new roof pricing. Three-tab asphalt shingles are usually the cheapest option. Metal and slate are the most expensive choices.

No matter what material is used, pricing is done per 100 square foot section of roofing. Roofers refer to this measurement as a roofing square. So, a 1000 square foot roof gets priced as 10 squares. Asphalt shingle roofs run in the low hundreds per square while slate can top out at well over $1500 a square.

The material you choose also influences how much you pay for labor. Asphalt shingle roofs are relatively easy to install and don’t require special skills. Installing a slate roof is a specialized skill that many roofers don’t have. Plus, installing a slate roof doesn’t go as fast as an asphalt shingle installation. So, it requires more time on top of a specialized set of skills.

The pitch of your roof can influence the price you pay for replacement. Steep pitch roofs are dangerous to work on. Roofers have to use special safety equipment and staging to do the job. This equipment, plus the labor to set it up, can add a significant amount to the cost.

Flat roofs often require using special equipment, which some roofers don’t have on hand. That can involve extra costs you will have to pay.

Your county building office charges a permit fee that covers the cost of inspections and reviews. It will vary from one county to the other. The roofer should include the cost in the new roof cost estimate provided to you.

Your old roof may be hiding damage to the roof deck, flashing, and rafters. It’s important to make repairs before installing the new roof. It prolongs the new roof’s life and also keeps the warranty valid. The extent of the damage will impact the final cost of the replacement work.

Anything that protrudes through the roof adds extra cost when doing a replacement. This includes chimneys, skylights, dormers, and vents. In most cases, flashing and sealant is required to keep water from getting through the roof around the protrusion. It requires extra materials and labor, which adds to the roof replacement cost.

If you are changing your home’s roofing material, your roofer may recommend strengthening your roof structure. Heavy materials like slate and tile require a strong roof structure to handle the weight. Homes not built to take the weight will need structural enhancements to strengthen them. This can significantly add cost to new roof pricing.

Simply put, the larger your roof, the more it will cost. That due to the extra roofing materials and labor that goes into a large roof versus a small one.

A complex roof, with many angles and valleys, will also add to the cost of the roof. Valleys require flashing installed. Ridges require ridge venting. A complex roof requires more cutting and more fitting, which adds up in higher labor costs.

The roofer needs clear access to do the job efficiently. Any difficulties will add to the roof replacement cost.

A two-story house requires the roofer to use extra equipment. A home surrounded by trees makes it difficult to get to every side of the roof. If the home is far off the road, it may be difficult to stage materials close to the house. If your neighboring houses are close, it may require extra care to remove the old roofing or to stage the new material. When the roofer cannot position a dumpster close, you will be paying for extra labor.

Part of replacing your roof is removing the old one. While some jurisdictions allow homeowners to put roofing materials on over old ones, most roofers refuse. It can void the warranty on the roofing materials. Old roofing materials can hide damage which shortens the life of the roof.

The cost of removing the old roof depends on how many layers of material need to come off, how big the roof is, and what type of material is involved. It will also involve hiring a dumpster to haul off the old materials.

If you’re ready to replace your old roof, you need to get an estimate from an experienced roofing contractor. Call Crossover Roofing today to get a free estimate.