Having a roof over your head is the most comforting feeling there is, but most of us take it for granted.
On the flip side, a roof doesn’t last forever. So, what’s the scoop on the cost of building a new roof? When something’s busted with your roof, you gotta fix it quick.
Ignoring cracks or leaks in your roof can lead to water sneaking in and rotting stuff under the shingles. Before you know it, ceiling might cave in Imagine that! It wreck your house, ruin valuable stuff, and even put your family at risk.
There are a bunch of things to think about when figuring out how much this project will set you back. On average, building a new roof can run you between $5,619 and $22,000. Yep, that’s quite a range! The national average lands at $11,536.
Still dragging your feet on getting that roof fixed or replaced? Well, good news! You’re in the right spot now. We’re here to break down everything you need to know about what it’ll cost to swap out your roof. We’ll compare different roofing materials too & help you decide if it’s time for repairs or an entire replacement.
Roof Construction Cost Calculation Factors
Replacing a roof costs different amounts, depending on some basic things. Some of these are out of the homeowner’s hands, like where you live, the weather, and how big the roof is. But other things, like what materials you pick, are up to the homeowner & can really affect the cost.
When figuring out your budget and looking at estimates, you might hear about a “roofing square.” This is something roofers use to measure stuff for your roof. A roofing square covers 100 square feet (that’s 10 feet by 10 feet). When talking about the price per square foot, it usually includes material costs, supplies, protective stuff, trash removal & labor. Sometimes roofers use this measurement too, so make sure you know what your contractor means when they talk about costs.
If you get an estimate for a new roof from a pro roofer, you’ll find that around 60% of it will be for labor per square foot and 40% will be for materials. We’ll dive into both these costs more below and explain what to expect when it comes to how much prices can change. Schedule a Free Consultation for a roof replacement with Herts Roofing & Construction
Roof Pitch and Dimensions:
Roof pitch, or “roof slope,” is how steep your roof is. You figure it out by seeing how many inches your roof rises up for every 12 inches it extends out.
Most people can handle standard roof pitches, which go from 4/12 to 9/12. Anything outside that range? Better call a pro. A roof’s pitch affects the work and time needed to replace it. That means it also changes the cost.
How big your roof is impacts the price too—materials, permits, and labor all add up. For example, a 1,000-square-foot home’s new roof usually costs around $4,500 to $5,500. But for a 3,000-square-foot house? You’re looking at $11,200 to $16,000.
Pitch matters here too. Steep roofs cost more. Flat roofs need extra support (and some other stuff) making them pricier. Working on steep roofs means needing extra safety gear like scaffolding & whatnot. All this adds up in cost.
Let’s say you have a gable roof—it’s easy and cheaper to build on at about $3.50 to $9 per square foot. A hipped roof costs the same per square foot but needs more material because it spreads out on all sides of your house. Mansard & A-frame roofs? They’re steeper and will set you back $4.75 to $25 per square foot.
Roof Types and Their Cost:
What shingles or materials you choose can really change the total cost of reroofing your home—mostly it’s up to you! Fancy materials last longer & make your house look better but can be pricey.
Asphalt Shingles
The most common are asphalt shingles—made from fiberglass, asphalt & minerals—they’re affordable, tough enough & easy to install.
Steel-Galvanised
Galvanized steel roofs have been around in the U.S.A for ages—steel core with zinc coating for lasting strength.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel roofs are top-tier metal choices—they resist rust & last long (like between 50-100 years!)
Slate/Stone
More expensive than metal or wood but super strong are slate/stone tiles—they resist fire, hail & wind while handling extreme temps.
Copper
Copper roofs cost the most but they outlast others by miles—they also add an elegant look!
Permits and Labor:
The style, pitch & accessibility of the roof impacts labor costs—which usually range from $150 to $300 per roofing square ($1.50–$3 per square foot). Labor might make up around 60% of the total price! Most places need permits before you put up a new roof—keeping everything safe and within local codes isn’t optional!
Location:
Where your house is affects roofing costs too—from what shingles suit your climate best to local building rules or HOA requirements! Different places mean different prices (just like other construction projects). For instance: Florida homes need materials that handle heat/hurricanes; in the Pacific Northwest? Constant rain needs truly watertight solutions! Can’t change where you live but getting multiple quotes might save some cash!
Costs of Removal:
Sometimes new roofs get placed over old layers—but if that old layer’s badly damaged or unstable—you’ll pay more for taking off & tossing out junk first! These costs depend on old materials—a range between $1–$5 per sq ft ($1k -$1.5k typically). Replacing rotten timbers can bump this by another $400-$2k in repairs if needed!
Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement
As roof replacement is expensive, it’s tempting to keep patching over roof damage, which is sometimes fine—a repair is all that is required. But how do you know when repairing something isn’t the best option? It is determined by the severity of the damage. A few torn or broken shakes or shingles from a storm or tree branch are simple and inexpensive repairs, and repairing the roof leak quickly will protect the rest of the roof and extend its life. The patch may not match perfectly, but it’s worth putting in a tidy patch and avoiding replacement costs for another 10 or 15 years, especially if your roof is relatively new.
Partial reroofing is a good middle-of-the-road option if only one section of the roof is badly damaged and needs to be replaced but the rest of the roof is still in good condition. If the entire roof is showing signs of wear or leaks in multiple places, it’s time to replace it. Assume you want to sell your house in the next few years and can’t find material that exactly matches your existing roof for a patch or repair. In that case, it’s best to replace the entire roof, as a patched roof may lower the selling price of your home if buyers notice evidence of a leak or damage in one area.
The cost of replacing a roof is high, and the return on investment is not the best: According to Re-modeling’s 2021 Cost vs Value Report, it recovers roughly 56% (for metal) to nearly 61% (for asphalt) of its cost.But there are numerous long-term advantages as well. A brand-new roof can last for decades when installed correctly. While replacing a roof does require a significant, four- to five-figure investment, ongoing maintenance, and patch-up costs can quickly rise over time, not to mention potential problems caused by holes and leaks. Most importantly, a new roof gives you confidence that your house can withstand the elements and retain its value. One of the most important facets of homeownership is replacing your roof when the time comes.
Herts Roofing & Construction is dedicated to enhancing residential and commercial structures and is a full-service roofing and home renovation business. To give you your dream home, our team is here to listen to your needs and wants.
We are experts at restoring both the inside and outside of your house. As we realize our customers’ vision for their ideal home, our goal is to create a remarkable experience for them. To give homeowners year-round peace of mind, we work hard to deliver excellent service. We have the skills and experience to do it right, from restoring homes to navigating insurance claims!
