A strong, reliable, and well-built roof is essential to the health and well-being of both your family and your home. Residential roofing is designed to last for anywhere between 20 to 50 years, but sooner or later, the time will come when your roof needs either significant repairs or a complete replacement altogether. Whether you knew it was coming or a storm caused unexpected damage, one of the first concerns you’re likely to have when considering roof work of any kind is the cost. While the average roof replacement cost will vary according to a variety of factors, there are some things you can research to get a better estimate of what your budget will be able to accommodate. In this guide, we’ll look at what factors influence a roofing repair or replacement cost and break down the pricing on some of the most popular roofing styles.
Roofing Costs Can Be Stressful to Manage
Whether you’ve been planning for a new roof for some time now or an unforeseen disaster strikes, the cost of replacing your home’s roof can be difficult to deal with. While investing in a new roof isn’t an easy financial ask, it’s a necessary and often inevitable part of owning a home. When the time comes, homeowners can help reduce some of the financial stress by being aware of what factors will impact their total roof replacement cost. Learning the estimated range of a project can be helpful while you determine a budget, seek quotes from a contractor, and plan to get the work done.
Roof Replacement Costs Can Vary Widely
The average price of a new roof can range from as low as $8,500 to $15,000 or more, but there are a number of factors that affect your final cost. A new roof’s cost depends on your roof’s total square footage, the roof’s pitch, the type of material it’s made from, and more. Aside from getting a proper estimate from a roofing contractor, the best way to get an idea of how much your new roof will cost is to determine as many of those factors by yourself as you can.
Factors Affecting the Price of Roofing Projects
When you’re working out a budget and trying to determine the total cost of your roofing replacement project, it’s important to remember that many factors – many of which are within your control – will play a role in the final price. Everything from the roofing material you select to the size and pitch of your existing roof will affect the cost, and while you can’t control the size of your roof, you can manage some of these factors to help bring the project closer to your budget.
Roof Material Selected
Out of all the factors that affect your total price, the one you have the most control over is the roof materials you select. Roofing materials are priced by square footage and can range from as low as $4 per square foot of asphalt shingles all the way to $15 or more per square foot of copper or other types of metal roofing. While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest type of roofing material, remember that the cheaper materials may need to be replaced more often, which can mean you’ll spend more money over time than you would if you invested in a higher-quality option from the start!
Current Condition of the Existing Roof Decking
The condition of your existing roof decking can also affect the total project cost. If an old roof is damaged in seemingly superficial ways (missing shingles, broken tiles) it could still have suffered structural damage. Small leaks or ventilation problems can cause structural issues if left unattended, resulting in larger more costly repairs when it comes time to replace the whole roof. Sometimes trusses and plywood will need to be replaced as a result of water damage over a period of time, which will add to the total roof cost. This factor provides an excellent incentive to stay on top of your roofing maintenance; when the time eventually comes for a replacement, you’ll save money if you’ve been taking care of your roof regularly.
Labor Costs
Depending on the roofing material you select, labor costs can be one of the most expensive pieces of your new roofing project. For example, a metal standing seam roof requires more technical skills than a shingle roof. Skilled labor is costly, and the rates you get from a roofing contractor can range from $2 per square foot to $11 or more depending on the time of the project (summer is usually the most expensive time of year for roofing work), the complexity and design of the roof (steep roofs require additional planning and fall protection, which can drive up pricing), and other factors.
Chimneys, Skylights, and Other Features
“Specialty” roofing features like chimneys, skylights, complex gutter systems, and more can also affect your overall costs. If your current roof has a large chimney, for example, there are additional costs associated with the labor needed to safely remove and replace the roofing material around the chimney without affecting its structural integrity. Additionally, the labor and material needed to waterproof roofing sections around chimneys and skylights also necessitate additional charges.
Roof Size by Square Foot
Your existing roof size can impact pricing beyond the cost of the new material you plan to have installed. There are higher costs associated with site preparation, debris removal, and other aspects of the job when a larger roof is involved. Almost all new roofing work is charged by the square foot, and if you’re getting an entire roof replaced, a larger roof size will inevitably be more expensive!
Roof Costs per Square Foot by Material
The average cost of roofing materials can range by an incredible amount from simple asphalt shingles to ornate copper roofing, so when the time comes to pick your new roofing material, it’s important to know how much you can expect to spend. The trick is balancing how much you want to spend upfront versus how long a given material is expected to last before it needs to be repaired or replaced.
3-Tab Asphalt Shingles
Three tab asphalt shingles are among the cheapest roofing materials on the market; they range in cost from $3 to $5 per square foot and offer reasonable durability and lifespan for their price. Older 3-tab shingles are also easier to remove than other roofing materials, which can save expenses on labor when your next roof replacement is due. Overall, an asphalt shingle roof is an inexpensive investment and, while not as durable or long-lasting as other materials on this list, will get the job done and can last for up to 25 years.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are a premium version of typical asphalt shingles. They offer additional durability and are available in high-end designs and coatings for enhanced curb appeal. The trade-off for these premium features is a higher cost; architectural shingles represent the higher end of the average cost for asphalt shingles and often come in around $5 or $8 per square foot or more.
Clay or Concrete Tiles
Clay or concrete tiling is the second most common roofing material in the United States, and for a good reason. These tiles are incredibly durable and long-lasting; some roofs made with these materials have been known to last upwards of 50 years. Their long lifespan, energy efficiency, and outstanding curb appeal make them a great value and typically costing $8 to $16 per square foot.
Wood Shake Roofing
Wood shake roofing is less expensive overall than clay or concrete tiles, but in exchange, they’re not as durable! They do offer a unique appearance that can enhance a home’s curb appeal, but they’re more vulnerable to pests and the elements than other roofing materials on this list. As far as price, they range from $8 to $14 per square foot depending on the type of wood and design.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing isn’t just for warehouses and industrial buildings; when installed on homes, metal roofs can provide exceptional durability, resistance to severe weather and debris, and an outstanding lifespan of 50 years or more! Typically done as a flat roof but also available in pitches, metal roofing costs range from $7 to $12 per square foot to $20 or more for top-quality metals like copper.
Stone or Slate Roofs
Stone and slate roofs are less commonly found throughout North America, but they offer a distinct and unique appearance. Aside from their aesthetics, stone, slate, or concrete tiles are incredibly durable but might require additional roof reinforcement to handle the weight of the material. These roofs range from $8 to $15 per square foot.
RoofPRO is a Trusted Roofing Contractor for Marylanders
When the time comes for your next roofing project, it’s more than a good idea to trust the future of your home with the top-rated roofing contractors throughout Maryland. As the leading roofing company in the area for nearly 20 years, RoofPRO has been providing our comprehensive brand of roofing services to homeowners throughout the state! If you’re looking for a contractor you can rely on, look no further than the experienced professionals at RoofPRO for your next project!
Top-Rated Roof Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Solutions
Our comprehensive range of roofing services includes roof repair, roof replacement, and roof installation services that cover a wide range of roofing materials, designs, and styles. From minor repairs to complete rebuilds, our talented team can help with every aspect of a roofing project, including project design, storm damage, and more.
Nearly 20 Years of Local Experience
As Maryland’s top-rated local roofing contractor, our top team of professional roofers have been living and working throughout the state for nearly 20 years. We’ve been proud to provide our leading brand of services to homeowners and businesses throughout the community we’re a part of.
Contact Us for a Free Inspection and Estimate
To learn more about the potential roofing cost for your next project, contact us today! With a free roof inspection and complimentary no-pressure quote, you can eliminate guesswork and stress while planning for the future of your home.
