Roof Replacement: Which Costs to Expect?

What Determines the Expenses?

The key determinants influencing the cost are the materials and design. Your roof, typically spanning 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, offers a variety of choices, from tile to aluminum, or clay. Another aspect is labor, which can make up to 60% of your total cost.

The Price Per Area

The roof replacement cost is usually from $5 to $40 per foot, averaging around $7, covering both materials and work. This equates to roughly $400 to $4,000 per roofing square, with common materials costing about $700.

Determining your roof's size can be tricky without blueprints. Its slope and style, such as hipped, gabled, or flat, affect the quantity of shingles, shakes, or tiles needed. Consulting a professional for precise measurements is advisable.

Labor

Labor expenses typically range from $2 to $7 per foot, averaging 40-50% of the total cost. Complex projects or high-cost areas may push rates to $40-$60.

Equipment

The supply constitutes a remaining 40-50% of the expenses, encompassing roofing materials, and the working supplies like nails or tools.

Roof Pitch Price

Roof pitch enhances both the area and the work amount. Steeper pitches require special supply and extended installation time. Most roofs fall within a 3:12 to 6:12 ratio.

Price By Type

Asphalt shingles, wooden shakes, and slate tiles remain popular roofing choices. However, when comparing options like asphalt shingles and metal roofing, long-term maintenance costs set them apart. Metal roofing offers superior resistance to harsh weather conditions compared to asphalt.

Selecting the right roofing material should consider your local climate, the roof's weight-bearing capacity, budget, and desired aesthetic. Keep in mind that if you plan to sell your home, a well-designed new roof can positively impact your property's appraisal. Learn a list of roofing materials and their estimated prices for a 2,000-square-foot home:

• Asphalt shingles: $8,000 - $17,000
• Galvanized steel: $14,000 - $30,000
• Cedar shakes: $14,000 - $32,000
• Concrete tile: $15,000 - $40,000
• Aluminum: $16,000 - $34,000
• Slate tiles: $19,000 - $52,000
• Clay: $22,000 - $50,000
• Copper: $42,000 - $80,000

Full vs. Partial Roof Replacement Expenses

In some situations, a roof repair can be enough. For instance, if only one section of the roof sustains storm damage or if a multi-tiered roof has one deteriorating part. Such cases lead to savings in both labor and materials.

However, older roofs failing to meet local building codes usually demand complete replacement. Replacing the entire roof at once ensures uniformity in appearance and enhances long-term stability.

Additional Roof Replacement Cost Considerations

Undertaking a roof replacement involves various cost factors that extend beyond the core project. Here are key considerations:

1. Removal of Current Roof: Hiring the experts to remove your old roof typically costs between $1 and $5 per square foot.
2. Required Repairs: Costs vary, including underlayment replacement ($2 to $3 per square foot), roof water damage restoration ($400 to $1,700), roof truss repair or replacement ($300 to $5,000), insulation replacement ($1,000 to $2,500), vent repair ($75 to $250), fascia repair or replacement ($450 to $4,000), and ridge cap repair or replacement ($200 to $750).
3. Skylights, Chimneys, Etc.: Special features like skylights or chimneys mean extra flashing and tailored roofing materials.
4. Clean-Up Costs: You can manage the cleanup yourself, but buying all the necessary supplies will cost you the same as hiring experts – $50-$500.
5. Roof Warranty: Your roof replacement costs may be covered partially or fully by a roof warranty, home warranty, or homeowner's insurance.

These factors can significantly impact your overall roof replacement expenses.

Make It By Yourself or Hire?

DIY roofing is a complex endeavor, suitable for those with extensive power tool experience and ladder work skills. While DIY saves the costs on workers, roofing mistakes may result in expensive repairs, which may lead to double outgoings. In most cases, there is no sense economizing on professionals, since the roof made by all standards will serve you 15-20 years longer.