How Much Does New Roof Installation & Replacement Cost In 2024

When planning a roofing project, be it new roof installation or roof repair, it is important to know how much you will be spending.

As you ask for roof installation cost estimates from different roofing contractors, you will see that they are not the same from all the contractors, with some being priced higher than the others.

It also helps you to know that the cost to install a new roof is not fixed, it depends on various factors.

In this blog, we will talk about major factors to consider while installing a new roof, its cost, insurance coverage, warranties, and more. Read further to know more.

What is Roofing?

Roofing means constructing and designing a new roof of a building. Roofing plays an important role in protecting the building from external elements, providing structural support, and enhancing its aesthetic appearance. Roofing professionals use different materials and technologies in roofing systems to meet the requirements of the homeowners.

With different roofing materials the cost of roof replacement or repair varies. Let us now look at the major factors that affect the cost of a new roof.

Major Cost Factors of a New Roof:

Installing a new roof is a big decision with several factors to consider while calculating the total cost of a roof installation. Below are a few common factors to be considered while calculating full roof replacement costs.

1.Roof Material

You can choose from several types of roof materials. Asphalt shingles cost $4.25 per square foot which is the lowest. While copper roofing can cost up to $20 per square foot.

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2.Roof Size

The cost of both roofing material and labor depends on the size of your roof. Just a few hundred square feets can raise the price by a thousand dollars.

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3.Roof Slope and Pitch

The higher the pitch of the roof of your house, the more dangerous and challenging it becomes to work on, which leads to higher labor costs.

Usually, the roof pitch ranges from 3:12 to 6:12. This shows that the roof slopes down for 3 to 6 inches for every foot of horizontal distance.

Any roof that is more than 6:12 is considered complex enough to incur additional labor charges.

4.Your Location

The price you pay for both labor and materials in home improvement projects highly depends on your location.

In areas with extreme climates, or where the cost of living is higher or where the roofing contractors have to work in challenging weather conditions, you can expect to pay more.
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5.Labor

Labor cost is a significant factor in overall new roofing installation cost. Roofing work requires expertise, risk-taking, and physical exertion.

Generally, professional roofing contractors charge approximately $11 per square foot or $60 per hour.

If you are planning for a roof installation project during summer when the demand is high, the price will increase.

Moreover, more complex designs that include additional multiple skylights and chimneys will also lead to higher costs.

6.Permitting and Inspections

Many countries mandate obtaining a building permit before roof replacement followed by an inspection. After researching the county planning websites for Chicago, Austin, and Los Angeles; we discovered that these permits generally cost an average of around $500.

While your roofing contractor will handle all the paperwork, you can start the process by contacting the Planning and Development office of your city or country to inquire about the required applications.

Some homeowners associations may require approval before starting a roofing project. It is mandatory to obtain this approval before making any financial investments.

Moreover, your local government may mandate building inspections at regular stages of roof installation to ensure adherence to the building codes.

Review your municipality’s regulations to see if there is any additional cost required. The Planning and Development office of your municipality can help you in scheduling inspections with fees that range from $150 to $500.

Additional Roof Replacement Cost Factors:

1.Removing the old Roof

There are several roofing materials that can be installed over the existing roof, but you need to pay $0.40 to $2 per square foot, if you have to tear off the old roofing materials. The cost may vary depending on the specific requirements.

2.Disposing of old materials

After tearing off your old roof, you will also have to pay for properly disposing of your old roofing material. Many roofing contractors add this amount to labor costs.

3.Correcting roof repairs

Before you install a new roof, it is important to correct any roof repairs, such as, rotting woods, water damage, leaks, holes, pest infestations, or other structural problems. The cost to address these issues varies depending on the severity of the problem.

4.Getting a roof warranty

Roofing warranties can benefit you in many ways including regular repairs, minor checkups, and it also increases the value of your home if the warranties can be transferred to the new owner. A contractor warranty is between $500 and $2,000, and manufacturer warranties range from $500 to 5,000.

New Roof Material Cost:

1.Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt Shingles are the most adorable and cost-effective choice of roofing material. It is a lightweight material that allows customization and easy installation.

It offers durability and comes in various styles and colors. However, it is important to know that asphalt roofs require regular maintenance and comparatively provide less insulation.

These roofs are sensitive to extreme temperatures and best suited for moderate climates. In areas where there are extreme weather fluctuations, asphalt roofing may expand and crack.

Therefore, it is suggested to avoid asphalt roofing material if you reside anywhere near hot climates with intense sun exposure.

2.Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and resistant to fire. Though some metals are expensive, these are prone to rusting. If you live in a cold, snowy climate; metal roofing is the best you can opt for. Snow easily slides off the metal roofs and these align well with the high winds.

Here are the most common metal roofing options:

1. Aluminum Shingles

2. Copper Tiles

3. Corrugated Metal

4. Standing Seam Metal Panels

5. Steel Shingles

1.Tile Roofing

Tile roofs are extremely resistant to rot and require minimal maintenance, which makes them highly energy efficient.

However, you must know that all tile roofs may not be suitable for all types of roof slopes. Their installation can be challenging, leading to an increase in the average cost of roof installation.

These roofs are well suited for hot climates and areas with salty air and can be commonly seen in hot and coastal regions.

The most popular tile roofing options are: clay/ceramic tiles, slate tiles.

2.Other Roofing Materials

Concrete, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer), and wood are other options for roofing materials. Wooden shingles are best suitable for colder climates and are insulative while being resistant to damage caused by wind.

Concrete roofing material reflects heat and is best for warm climate conditions. EPDM tends to shrink or crack if it is exposed to heat for a longer time.

• Wood shingles enhance the curb appeal of a building. These are easy to install and repair but require regular maintenance and are prone to pests, molds, and mildew.
• Concrete tiles require a significant initial investment but are long-lasting.
• EPDM or flat roofing material is affordable initially but laborers often charge high to replace or repair.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof:

How much does roof replacement cost? Roof Replacement or roof repair – Which works best?

Cost for roof replacement is a bit higher than roof repair. You may not need to fully replace your roof. If you observe the following in your roof, a less costly repair may provide you a solution:

1. Minor Wind or Hail Damage

2. Missing or Poorly Installed Flashing

3. Small Leaks

4. Ventilation Issues

Signs You Need a Roof Replacement:

Roofs are constantly exposed to harsh elements. Burning sun, high winds, extremely cold temperature, and pounding rain; all these elements take their toll on this protective layer of your house.

Though some of the roof types have the ability to endure for 25 years, shingles will someday bend, break, tear, or simply fall apart. Evaluating the seriousness of the situation from the ground level can be difficult, but the following indications will help you determine if you require a roof replacement.

1. Lots of missing shingles

2. Extensive moss or algae growth

3. Leaks or water stains

4. Roof materials are at the end of their life and aren’t performing well

5. Soft, spongy spots that indicate rot

6. Shingle degeneration, such as curling, cracking, shrinking, or blistering

7. Structural roof issues, such as sagging

Professional vs. DIY Roof Replacement

If you have appropriate skills in home improvement, understand safety measures, and get the required permits. After this, you would be able to complete small roofing projects on your own.

However, we recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor for extensive roof repair work.

Risks of DIY Roof Replacement:

Roofing work comes with a lot of risk. Roofers account for almost half of the fatal falls related to construction. This job is not only dangerous, but an improperly installed roof can cause various roofing issues like water damage, structural issues, and lesser home resale value.

You risk voiding your roof or home warranty by using an unlicensed contractor.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Roofing Contractor:

One of the most obvious benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor is that they are all skilled with the safety measures. The professional roofers are trained with all the safety protocols for working with heights and sloped surfaces.

Additionally, they are equipped with safety materials to minimize risk. Other benefits of hiring professional roofers include:

1. Skilled craftsmanship

2. Time saved

3. Training to spot other roof or home issues

4. Warranty protection

Choosing a Roofing Contractor:

Roof replacement is too expensive to trust an ordinary roofing contractor. Do your due diligence to make necessary investigations and choose your contractor wisely. Below are some considerations:

1.Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance

For a major home improvement project, never hire a roofing contractor that is not properly licensed and offers insurance coverage for a specific project. Almost all the states require a C-39 license for roofers.

You can check your state’s Contractors State License Board to check what credentials do the roofers in your area require and also to verify whether the professional contractors’ license is up to date.

2.Look for Experienced Contractors

Before hiring a roofing professional, always inquire about their roofing experience.

Though the freshers in the industry may deliver satisfactory work, many homeowners prefer hiring a seasoned professional. You can also request the professional to view images of their previous project.

3.Get Multiple Quotes

When finding the roofing companies for your project, you do not have to trust the very first roofer you talk to.

Talk about your project with multiple contractors and compare quotes from each contractor to finalize one.

4.Check References and Reviews

Ask for feedback from recent clients when speaking with the contractors.

However, roofers will likely emphasize only the positive aspects, so it is suggested to look at the customer reviews available online.

Conduct good research for your preferred contractor on online platforms like Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Yelp, Reddit, and more.

Financing a New Roof:

Replacing your roof is the most expensive upgrade one can do in their homes. However, you are lucky if you know that you don’t have to pay for the entire roofing project initially. There are a lot of financing options available:

1.Payment Options

Cash-out refinancing: With cash-out refinancing, you can pay out your current mortgage by taking a new one with a higher loan balance. This cash difference can later be used to invest in your roof replacement or repair project.

Credit card charge: If you have sufficient credit limit or if you have multiple cards, you have the option to pay off the roof replacement loan with monthly installments. However, you should be cautious of exceeding the credit limit as it can affect your credit rating.

Home equity line of credit (HELOC): HELOC functions the same as a credit card. It provides you with a credit line. It allows you to convert your home’s equity into cash and make the payments on the outstanding balance.

Home equity loan: you can speak to your bank about this loan option only if you have at least 20% of your home’s equity on your name.

Roofing company financing: The roofing company you hire can help you with this option. Ask the roofing company about this loan option while getting a quote.

Personal loan: You can also go with a personal loan option if you are confident about paying the monthly installments on time. Make sure to read the loan terms and conditions beforehand.

Renovation loan: This type of loan option is based on the estimated value of your home after you have renovated the roof. This option provides you with more borrowing power as compared to home equity loan, HELOC, and cash-out refinancing.

2.Roofing Insurance Coverage

Homeowners insurance generally covers insurance for a new roof if the damage is caused due to a natural disaster (a tree falling on your roof during a windstorm). This coverage may also be availed in case of sudden catastrophic events like roof collapse.

Once you have reached the policy’s deductible, you can claim the insurance to address roof replacement or repair-related expenses.

To confirm your eligibility, we suggest you consult with your insurance agent before initiating a claim. Always remember that minor roofing issues or damages resulting from the homeowner’s negligence may not be covered.

3.Warranty Considerations

We advise you to verify if the problem you are experiencing is included in the coverage if you are still under the warranty provided by your roof manufacturer.

If not, you can use your home warranty to assist with the expenses. Choosing this option is preferable if the roof damage is the result of regular wear and tear.

It is common for roof repair to be an additional feature when choosing a home warranty plan, therefore it is recommended to review your policy coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1.What is the average price for a new roof?

The average cost of a roof replacement ranges approximately from $21,000 to $28,000. This price is based on various factors like roof size, pitch, location, roofing material type, and other considerations.

2.How long does a new roof last on average?

A new roof lasts as long as an average of 30 years. The longevity of the roof typically depends on the various factors like roofing material, slope, maintenance, and installation quality.

3.How long does it take to replace a roof?

Various roofing materials require different installation time. Say for example, asphalt shingles take 1-2 days for installation, metal roofing takes 4-6 days, and clay or concrete tiles takes an estimate of 8-9 days.

4.Can I replace my roof myself?

Theoretically, you can replace the roof of your home on your own. However, the tools and time required and the risks involved would not be worth the money you would save by hiring a professional roofing contractor.

5.How to choose the right roofing material?

Whether you are building a new home or you are redeveloping your existing home, choosing the right roofing material is extremely important. By considering various factors like the home design, climatic conditions, and more, you can choose the correct roofing material.

6.Are roofing energy-efficient?

Energy efficiency depends on the types of roofing material you choose. Just like metal roofing material has the ability to save up to 40% of the energy costs, thereby, being the top choice for the homeowners searching for the most energy-efficient roof.

Conclusion:

A new roof is a big decision – It is extremely important to invest in a new roof project while being very cautious. While minor repairs can be done through DIY methods, it is suggested to hire a licensed roofing company for major repairs and full replacement. This will ensure safety and quality work.

Do thorough research on various roofing materials and contractor recommendations based on your home and climate. Also, maintain a balance between the initial cost and the long-term savings.

Before hiring a roofing company, obtain multiple estimates of how much roof replacement costs.

Additionally, go through the customer reviews and verify the license to enhance the likelihood of a satisfactory outcome.