Having a roof over your head is the most comforting feeling there is, but most of us take it for granted.
On the other hand, a roof has a finite lifespan. So, how much does a new roof construction cost? If something goes wrong with your roof, it’s important to fix it as soon as you can.
Unaddressed roof cracks or leaks can cause water damage and rotting beneath the shingles, eventually causing your home’s ceiling to collapse. This could result in serious harm to your house, the loss of priceless items, and even put your family in danger.
- There are many factors to consider when budgeting for this important project, with the average roof construction cost ranging between $5,619 and $22,000 and the national average cost at $11,536.
- $5,619 to $22,000 is a typical range.
- The national average is $11,536.
Have you put off getting your roof repair done or replaced? You’re in the right place now. We’ll provide you with all the details you require regarding the price of replacing a roof, a comparison of various roofing materials, and guidance on whether to repair or replace your roof.
Roof Construction Cost Calculation Factors
The price to replace a roof will depend on some basic factors. Some of these are beyond the homeowner’s control, such as geographic location, weather, and roof size. Other factors, such as materials, can have a significant impact on the overall cost and are within the homeowner’s control.
When calculating the project budget and reviewing estimates, you may come across the term “roofing square.” This is a roofing-specific unit of measurement that helps roofers calculate ordering and material costs. A roofing square is a 100-square-foot section of roof that measures 10 feet by 10 feet. When discussing the price per square foot, the cost of the roofing material, supplies, protective elements, waste removal, and labor are typically included. Some roofers continue to use a per-square-foot measurement, so be clear about the units your contractor employs when discussing the cost.
When you get a roof replacement estimate from a roofing professional, you can expect about 60% of it to be for the roofing labor cost per square foot and 40% to be for the roofing materials. We’ll go over both costs in greater detail below, as well as what you can expect in terms of price quote variability.
- Roof Pitch and Dimensions:
Roof pitch, also known as “roof slope,” is the steepness or angle of your roof. The number of inches your roof rises vertically for every 12-inch it extends horizontally is used to calculate the roof pitch.
Standard roof pitches ranging from 4/12 to 9/12 are the most accessible to homeowners who want to do their roofing. Pitches outside of that range should be handled by a licensed roofing company. Because the size of your roof pitch affects the time and labor required to replace a roof, it also affects the cost.
The size of the roof will affect the price of materials, licenses, and labor. A 1,000-square-foot home’s roof typically costs between $4,500 and $5,500 to replace, whereas a 3,000-square-foot home’s roof typically costs between $11,200 and $16,000.
The cost may also rise due to the roof’s pitch, or steepness. Perfectly flat roofs require additional support. Navigation is more challenging and additional safety precautions are required when there are steeply pitched roofs. For contractors to work safely on some extremely steep roofs, scaffolding may be necessary. The type of structure that must be installed beneath the shingles is determined by the pitch, which raises the cost. The cost per square foot may also be impacted by the pitch’s shape.
A gable roof, which is relatively easy to work on due to its low pitch, may cost between $3.50 and $9 per square foot, whereas a hipped roof will cost the same per square foot but will require more footage because hipped roofs extend out past the edge of the home on all four sides. Mansard and A-frame roofs have a steeper pitch and cost between $4.75 and $25 per square foot.
- Roof types and their cost:
The choice of shingle type or alternate materials has the greatest overall impact on the cost of reroofing a house and, in most cases, is yours. Luxury materials can help your roof last longer and add value to your home, but there are also many affordable options.
- Shingles made of asphalt
Asphalt shingles, which are made from a combination of fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral composite, are the most popular roofing material. They are also the most affordable, long-lasting, and simple to install.
- Steel-Galvanised
Galvanised steel roofs, one of the first materials used to make roofs in the United States, are made of a steel core with a zinc coating to provide years of durability.
- Stainless Steel
Stainless steel roofs, considered the most premium metal, are rust-resistant and durable, promising to protect your home for the next 50 to 100 years.
- Slate/Stone
Slate and stone tiles are more expensive than metal or wood tiles, but they are much more durable. It is resistant to hail and small branches in addition to being fireproof and resistant to high winds and extreme temperatures.
- Copper
Copper roofs, despite being the most expensive roofing option, last much longer than traditional ones. They also add an opulent touch to your home and improve its curb appeal.
- Permits and labor:
Depending on the style, pitch, and accessibility of the roof, labor will cost between $150 and $300 per roofing square ($1.50 to $3 per square foot). Don’t be surprised if the labor cost accounts for approximately 60% of the total project cost. Most towns and cities require homeowners to obtain a permit for town inspectors to ensure that the new roof meets local code and is safely installed. The cost of a permit varies, but it is not negotiable or optional.
- Location:
The cost of replacing your roof may also be affected by the location of your home. The location has a significant impact on the cost of getting a new roof, from the types of shingles/roofing that works best in your home’s climate to local building codes to HOA rules. The cost varies by location, as it does with most construction projects. Roofs in Florida and the Pacific Northwest will be more expensive; Florida because of the materials required to withstand heat and hurricanes, and the Pacific Northwest because of the constant rainfall that necessitates truly watertight roofs. While the homeowner cannot change the location of the house, it is a good idea to obtain multiple estimates to determine the average in the area.
- Costs of Removal:
While a new roof can sometimes be installed on top of an existing layer, if the existing roof is badly damaged, structurally unsound, or already layered, you will have to pay to have the old roof removed and disposed of. The cost of this varies depending on the current roof’s material. The average cost per square foot is $1 to $5, or $1,000 to $1,500. If the contractor discovers old or rotted timbers, the cost of replacing them can range from $400 to $2,000.
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 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!
