Cost of New Roof

Average Cost of New Roof

A long lasting and affordable roof replacement will be key for everyone at some point. A roof replacement costs an average of $10,000, with typical prices ranging from $6,000 to $20,000, depending on location, roof type, pitch, and size.

In this guide, we’ll explore factors that go into the roof replacement costs helping you budget for this essential investment. Plus we have our roof replacement cost calculator too!

Factors Impacting Average Roof Replacement Cost

Size

Roof replacement costs vary between $3.5 and $12 per square foot. Since most roofing companies estimate these projects based on square footage, larger roofs will naturally incur higher costs.

Roof Pitch Guide

Roof Pitch

The slope of your roof, also known as its pitch, plays a vital role. A steeper pitch means more labor, and specialized equipment, resulting in higher replacement costs. When determining your roof’s pitch, think about the vertical rise in inches for every horizontal foot.

For example, if your roof rises six inches vertically for every horizontal foot, you will express it as 6:12. Roof pitches typically range from 3:12 to 6:12, with a 12:12 pitch representing a 45-degree angle.

Here is an interesting fact: replacing a low-pitched or flat roof costs about half as much as replacing a steep-pitched one. A steeper roof needs more materials to cover the extra square footage, which means higher costs.

If your roof has a pitch over 6:12, it is considered complex, possibly requiring specialized equipment for safe work, which could add up to $3,000 in additional costs.

NUMBER OF STORIES

Stories of Roof

When it comes to replacing the roof of a multi-story home, things get a bit more challenging. Picture roofing professionals scaling ladders, donning safety gear, and taking extra time to move materials and equipment. If your home has three stories or more, be prepared for higher labor costs. It is all part of ensuring a sturdy and well-protected roof over your head!

Materials

The material you choose affects your roof replacement costs too. When it comes to replacing a roof, it is generally a good idea to stick with similar materials. If you have an asphalt shingled roof, it’s usually best to replace it with asphalt shingles. Switching from wood shake to asphalt roofing is possible, but it may come with extra costs to prepare your home.

Roof MD Roof Type

Asphalt Roof Shingles Cost | $3-6 Per Sq. Ft.

Asphalt shingles, the beloved choice for roofing, offer a world of versatility and practicality. With their lightweight design and cost-effectiveness, they effortlessly transform any roof. But that is not all! They come in a stunning variety of colors, thicknesses, and properties, making your roof an absolute masterpiece.

Metal Roof Cost | $6 – 12 Per Sq. Ft.

Metal roofs come in a wide range of options, from stainless or galvanized steel to tin, aluminum, copper, and zinc. These roofs are durable, long-lasting, and can handle diverse climates, offering great value. What’s more, their reflective properties make them incredibly energy efficient. However, keep in mind that certain metal materials may require reinforcement before a new roof installation.

Clay Tiles Cost  | $7 – 12 Per Sq. Ft.

Tile presents an incredible combination of durability, effortless repair and replacement, and the freedom to customize shapes and colors. When it comes to performance, concrete tiles reign supreme, boasting unwavering strength and remarkable resistance to brittleness and cracking.

Slate or Stone Roof Cost | $7 – 15 Per Sq. Ft.

Stone slate is an incredibly durable natural material, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing systems. With an average lifespan of over one hundred years, it’s a testament to its timeless appeal. That said, given its heavyweight nature, ensuring proper roof reinforcement becomes imperative to guarantee stability and structural integrity.

Wood Shake Cost | $7 – 10 Per Sq. Ft.

Wood shingles, with their charming aesthetic and user-friendly nature, beckon homeowners. But, before you fall under their spell, consider the drawbacks. These charismatic roof coverings demand substantial maintenance, succumb to rapid deterioration, and sadly lack fire resistance.

Be Careful Though

It is worth noting that certain homes may have restrictions on the materials used due to factors like pitch, weight, and local codes. That’s why it’s smart to consult a roofing contractor to ensure you make the right choice for your situation. After all, you want to make sure your roof not only looks great but also stands strong for years to come!

Location

When it comes to home improvement projects, roof replacement costs can be influenced by more than just numbers. It depends on local labor rates and material prices. Metropolitan areas with higher costs of living tend to be more expensive. 

Additionally, unique climates may require pricier roofing materials. Roofers in extreme conditions like severe cold or heavy snowfall may charge extra for their efforts. 

Different localities and homeowner’s associations have their own rules, permits, and fees. If you are near the coast or have a cool roof mandate, expect some variation in total cost during your roof replacement journey.

Labor

Labor costs are a large portion of the cost of a roofing project. Most roof replacements take just a day or two however the more complex jobs can take up to a week. The cost of labor also depends on whether you are hiring a single worker or an entire crew. 

Generally speaking, a multi-person crew is faster and more efficient. Always make sure to check the contractor’s credentials and read through any contracts or agreements before signing.

Cleanup

When replacing an old roof, it is important to budget for additional cleanup and disposal of the old materials. Your contractor may charge an extra fee to cover the labor and the cost of renting a dumpster, if needed. These charges may be itemized or included in a general material disposal fee. You could handle the cleanup yourself for a similar cost, though your contractor’s expertise with heavy materials may help.

If your roof is older, there is a chance it might contain asbestos fibers. These fibers were used in certain roofs until the 1980s. It is really important to remove them properly to avoid any health risks from airborne fibers. 

Just a heads up, the cost of removing a roof with asbestos is up to $150 per square foot. Make sure to discuss this with your contractor before starting the project.

Permits

Building permits can cost anywhere from $150 to $2,000, depending on your city. Some homeowners associations (HOAs) may require approval for shingle color or style, so be sure to check before starting. Permit approval can take weeks, so getting them early will speed up the process.

Roof Inspections

Roof contractors usually inspect the roof before starting a replacement to fully understand the project’s complexity. While the cost of a roof inspection may vary, many roofers, including us, offer it at no charge. If there is a fee, it is usually less than $200. These inspections are essential, giving the roofer a clear picture to prevent costly issues later.

See one of our FREE Roofing Inspections for yourself with our Roof Inspection Series on YouTube! 

Roof Issues

Underlying Repairs

Structural issues like rotting wood, leaks, holes, or pests beneath the old roof could increase your costs. When assessing the roof, your contractor should be able to identify these problems. In most cases, repairing or replacing affected components can significantly extend a new roof’s longevity and performance.

Common Underlying Repairs for Roof Replacement:

  • Pest Problems
  • Roof Truss Repair
  • Venting, Ridge Cap Repair
  • Water Damage Repair
  • Underlayment Replacement
  • Roof Insulation Replacement
  • Fascia Replacement
  • Skylight Replacement
  • Existing Roof Replacement
  • Flashing Replacement

Before starting repairs, discuss potential extra costs with your roofer. Roof replacements can be expensive, so understanding all associated expenses will help you better prepare for the project.

Roof Warranty

Most roofing contractors provide warranties, protecting both themselves and homeowners from issues that may arise after the replacement. Generally, the higher the quality of the manufacturer, the longer the warranty. Understanding the details of your warranty can help alleviate stress if any issues arise after the project is completed.

Thanks to our status as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, we’re proud to offer an exceptional warranty. This distinction lets us provide some of the longest warranties in the industry, giving our customers peace of mind.

When requesting quotes from roofers, ask about coverage options, costs, and warranty details. Be clear to make informed roofing decisions.

Roof MD Platinum Contractor

Roof Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance usually covers roof repairs, replacements, or additions up to a set limit. Additionally, many insurers offer specialized coverage for roof damage caused by natural disasters. This coverage is typically included in your policy but can often be extended with additional premiums. Consult your insurer before starting any project to ensure proper coverage and understand potential exclusions.

Keep in mind that coverage often includes a deductible, so you may need to pay a significant portion of the cost out of pocket. Lastly, it is crucial to keep all receipts as they can be incredibly helpful when filing insurance claims.

Need the Cost of new roof? Try our Roof Replacement Cost Calculator!

The cost of replacing a roof depends on factors like project size, labor, materials, permits, and repairs. If you’re in Tennessee or Georgia, use our roof replacement cost generator below. We specialize in roof replacements and are happy to help.