How Much Does a New Roof Cost: Factors that Influence the Final Cost

It is time to replace the leaky, old roof. But that is not like changing a light bulb. The cost to install a new roof is high. For instance, roofing installation is a labor-intensive task which demands higher labor costs. Also, the cost of materials takes a significant percentage of what influences the final cost. And when the underlayment needs to be replaced, you will have to sleep in another place. Without further ado, we will tell you how much does a new roof cost and the factors you should consider.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost: 2021 Labor & Material Costs & Other Factors

How much does a new roof cost? HomeAdvisor estimates that the average price of a roofing installation is $7,750. The cost is allocated as follows: 60% to labor costs and 40% to the cost of materials. But this total cost will vary depending on the material, size, and season.

If you’re unsure if you have to replace your house roof, you could hire a roof inspector to help you with this decision.

Now that you are sure of replacing your roof, we’ll provide many details to give you a more realistic sense of what a roof replacement takes.

For instance, a roof replacement process involves tearing off the shingles, fixing or sometimes replacing the roof underlayment, and installing the new roof shingles. But some of the factors that influence the roof replacement cost are:

• Roof size.
• Roof material or type.
• The roof’s pitch.
• Local building codes.
• Skylights, chimneys, or other features.
• Roofing peak season.

Roof Size

Most roofing contractors use “squares” as their measure of choice to estimate the total cost. One “square” is equivalent to 100 square feet. And the average residential roof size in the U.S. is 17 squares, which is 1,700 square feet. According to HomeAdvisor, the cost to replace a roof of 1,700 square feet is $6,500-$9,000.

The roof’s size is the largest cost factor. You should know the roofers charge per square.

The larger the roof, the higher its cost.

Here’s the deal:

Materials are priced on a per-square-foot basis. So, the larger the roof size, the more material you’ll have to buy to cover the area.

Also, the more square footage there is, the longer it will take roofing contractors to install it. This will increase the cost of labor for your roof installation.

To give you an idea, here we share some data compiled by HomeAdvisor:

Average Cost to Install a Roof by House Size

House Size in Square Feet	Cost Range
1,000	$4,000 – $5,500
1,100	$4,200 – $6,000
1,200	$4,500 – $6,500
1,500	$5,500 – $8,000
1,600	$6,000 – $8,500
1,700	$6,500 – $9,000
1,800	$6,700 – $9,500
1,900	$7,000 – $10,000
2,000	$7,400 – $10,500
2,500	$9,000 – $13,000
3,000	$11,200 – $16,000

Roof Material or Type

There are different roof materials, each having its own benefits and lifespan. Thus, these materials have different prices.

For instance, asphalt shingle roofs have a lower price tag than metal roofs.

Asphalt shingle roofs last from 20 years to 30 years. On the other hand, metal shingles tend to last between 50 and 75 years!

That’s why the roofing cost per square varies depending on the type of material.

For instance, when estimating the roofing costs per square, asphalt shingles cost from $350 and $500. The average residential roof size in the U.S. is 1,700 square feet, which is 17 squares.

So, installing shingles on an average roof size cost:

$350 times 17 = $5950

$500 times 17 = $8500

That’s the price range of installing the most popular type of roof in the U.S.

When installing a metal roof, the price per square ranges from $600 to $1,200. Keeping the same 17 square roof size gives us a total price range from $10,200 to 20,400.

Installing clay tiles is even more expensive. One square of clay roof costs between $1,200 and $1,800. And multiplying that by 17 squares, we get the price range from $20,400 to $30,600.

The Roof’s Pitch

Another big factor that influences pricing is the roof’s pitch.

Why does the pitch affect the roof price so much?

There’s one word that summarizes why it affects your roof’s cost. This word is safety.

Some steep roofs may require planning and set up to keep the installers safe.

But wait, there’s more.

The roof installation process goes slower in a steeper roof because roofers can’t stack stuff on the roof.

Also, roofs with a higher slope make it difficult for workers to walk over it even when using harnesses.

So, there is a clear increase in labor costs.

Local Building Codes

Well, you have to abide by the local building codes.

For instance, when determining a new roof’s cost, you need to take into account the roofing permit cost.

A roofing permit costs $150 to $500. Of course, that will depend on where you live and the scale of the project.

Skylights, Chimneys, or Other Features

The cost to install a roof will vary depending on the complexity.

Complex roof designs take longer to install and increase the price of a new roof too.

Some of the features that add to a roof’s complexity are skylights, chimneys, hatches, and dormers.

All of these features are difficult to work around. As a result, roofers will charge more to accommodate those features.

Keep in mind that each penetration/curb demands additional materials/flashing to seal and maneuver around it. Also, it slows down the installation process.

As a result, the roofing contractor needs to make up for the increase in materials costs and productivity loss.

For instance, roofers can charge $200 to $500 per extra skylight or chimney flashing replacement.

Roofing Peak Season

This is influenced greatly by the supply-demand force.

The higher the demand for roofing installation, the higher the cost.

So, during the roofing peak season, roofers charge a higher price.

If you plan to install a new roof, you need to avoid the roofers’ busy season.

Roofers are the busiest between the late summer and early fall months.

In other words, if your project is urgent and you want it to be a priority, roofers will charge a higher cost.

Thus, to reduce the cost of installing a new roof, you need to schedule your early spring or late fall project.

Since roofers can’t work during winter, some homeowners schedule their roofing projects ahead of time. In this way, contractors can work on their roofs as soon as spring kicks off.

Our advice is to sign a contract to avoid getting ripped off by the exorbitant prices of the peak roofing season.

Conclusion

Installing a new roof is by far one of the most expensive projects homeowners can commit to.

But when there is severe damage to your roof, you will need to install a new one. And having a good roof is something you can’t negotiate. So, you must be aware of its price.

In this way, you’ll consider allocating some savings to cover expenses like this. If you can’t save, you’ll be at the expense of high-interest loans.

How much does a new roof cost?

As we mentioned earlier, the factors that influence the cost to install a new roof are:

• Roof size.
• Roof material or type.
• The roof’s pitch.
• Local building codes.
• Skylights, chimneys, or other features.
• Roofing peak season.

Knowing when to install, what material to use, and choosing the right roofer can make the difference in the price you pay.

In case you need expert advice, don’t doubt to contact us.