How Much Does A New Roof Cost?
Posted by Peter Martino on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 @ 08:38 AM
How Much Does A New Roof Cost?
One of the questions we are asked frequently from homeowners is “how much does a new roof cost?” As with most home improvement cost questions, this one can be difficult to answer, but this article should offer some insight into how much it will cost to replace your roof in 2012.
Tip #1 – Most online roof calculators are completely inaccurate. Use the table below for a general idea of residential roofing costs. But keep in mind the only true way to know is by getting a roofing quote.
Cost of Different Roofing Materials
This pricing spectrum gives a general idea of the cost difference between the various types of roofing materials including the cost of installation. These cost differences can vary based on location, present cost of asphalt, aluminum, and other prducts, and more factors highlighted in the section below.
By far the most commonly installed roofing material is asphalt shingles which are available in 3-tab, Architectural, and Designer Architectural (or sometimes called Lifetime Architectural Shingles). There are however, other roofing materials available in most parts of the United States including: Slate, Inter-Locking Metal, Wood Shingle, Standing Seam Metal, and more.
Cost of Installing Asphalt Roofing
This table should give you a general idea of the cost to install new asphalt roofing. The factors listed below this table may also affect the price. Note: These costs do not necessarily include the cost or permitting or garbage removal which can vary based on the project.
| Pitch & Height of Roof / Complexity of Installation |
| |
Low-Pitch / Basic Install
|
Medium-Pitch / Average Install
|
High-Pitch / Complex Install
|
Extra-Small
Roof
|
$3,500 - $5,500 |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
$5,500 - $7,500+* |
Small
Roof
|
$5,500 - $7,500 |
$6,500 - $8,500 |
$7,500 - $9,500+* |
Medium
Roof
|
$7,500 - $9,500 |
$8,500 - $10,500 |
$9,500 - $11,500+* |
Large
Roof
|
$9,500 - $12,500 |
$10,500 - $13,500 |
$11,500 -$14,500+* |
Extra Large
Roof
|
$12,500 - $17,000 |
$16,000 - $19,000 |
$17,000 - $25,000+* |
*The cost of a roof can always be more with the additions of specialty items like copper flashing, special ventilation, skylights, etc.
Tip #2 – Most people aren't aware that some asphalt shingles actually come with a limited lifetime warranty which is far more than you'll receive on a slate, metal, or wood shingle roof and usually for less than half the cost.
Factors in Determining the Cost of a New Roof
There are many factors that go into determining the cost of a new roof. Here is a list of some of the most important ones:
- Type of roofing material being installed
- Square footage
- Pitch of roof
- Complexity (How many cuts, angles, and planes)
- Need for sheathing or rot replacement
- Need for adding specialty ventilation
|
- Height of roof from the ground
- Ease of access to all areas
- Type of roofing material being removed
- Layers of material being removed
- Type of underlayment, flashing, fasteners, starter strip, etc.
- Type of flashing
|
There are many more factors that are necessary on a case by case basis, but these are the most common items a professional roofing contractor will discuss with you before quoting your project.
Tip#3—If you have to request details in writing from your roofing contractor, then chances are they are NOT going to actually do those details without your strict supervision. Find a contractor that insists on providing painstaking details and has a track record of delivering.
