How much does a new roof cost? Roofs typically last several decades before showing signs of age or damage due to wear and tear. If your roof is showing any age-related changes such as sagging, leaks, or signs of age then now might be the time to hire professional roofing services.
When considering a roof replacement or repair project, it’s essential to keep in mind the associated costs. On average, new roofs cost anywhere between $8,500 and $10,000 on average; the exact price can differ based on material choices, labor expenses, geographical location, and other considerations. This comprehensive guide compares costs between repairs and replacements, DIY versus professional installations as well as their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Roof Replacement Cost
The cost to install a new roof is largely determined by where you live, the size of your home, and what roofing material you select.
| National Average | $10,000 |
| National Minimum | $8,500 |
| National Maximum | $14,300 |
Factors That Affect Roof Replacement Costs
The cost of a new roof depends on several factors:
- Shingle Type: Certain materials, such as slate, tend to be more costly to install.
- Labor: The cost of labor fluctuates depending on factors like project complexity, season, and any associated risks.
- Location: Local weather conditions play a significant role in determining the suitable type and size of the roof, which can impact the overall price.
- Roof Size: As the size of the roof increases, so does the cost involved.
- Dump Fee: When removing materials from your old roof, there is a need for proper disposal. Many roofers charge an additional fee for the hauling and disposal process.
Cost by Shingle or Material Type
The choice of roofing material has an immense effect on overall costs. Composite or asphalt shingles are popular due to their lightweight nature, affordability, and ease of installation; in this category, there are various varieties; starting with basic three-tab shingles at one end to premium architectural shingles that last 30-50 years at the other.
Tiles come in many varieties such as ceramic, clay, or metal; wood, synthetic wood slate, and concrete tiles may also be options. Below is a breakdown of average costs per square for some popular roofing materials:
- Asphalt Shingles: Basic three-tab shingles start at $4.25 per square foot. Asphalt shingles with a premium finish can cost as much as $8.25 per square foot.
- Aluminum Shingles: Aluminum shingles offer an upgrade from asphalt and are more affordable compared to tile or metal options.
- Cedar Shakes or Shingles: Cedar shakes or shingles fall into the mid-range category as they are hand-split wood rather than machine-cut.
- Tiles made of Clay and Concrete: Tile roofs made of clay and concrete tend to be more expensive than other materials.
- Copper Tiles: Copper tiles are the most expensive option on this list.
- Flat Roof Materials (Rubber and PVC): Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) roofing, which is a synthetic rubber, costs between $5.50 and $7.50 per square foot, but labor costs are usually higher.
- Slate Tiles: Slate tiles are a mid-range product but require additional roof reinforcement due to their weight.
- Standing Seam Metal Panels: Standing seam panels are a pricier option for metal roofing compared to corrugated steel.
- Steel Shingles: Similar to aluminum, steel shingles cost more than asphalt and fall into the mid-range category among metal options.
- Zinc Tiles: Zinc is the second most expensive option due to its limited availability.
| Roof Material | Cost per Square Foot (Including Installation) |
| Aluminum Shingles | $8.50-$13.75 |
| Architectural/premium asphalt shingles | $4.50-$8.25 |
| Basic Asphalt Shingles | $4.25-$4.95 |
| Cedar shingles and shakes | $8-$14.30 |
| Clay tiles | $12-$24.75 |
| Concrete tiles | $11-$19.80 |
| Copper tiles | $21-$39.70 |
| Corrugated Metal | $5.50-$11.50 |
| Rubber, PVC, and other flat roofing materials | $5.50-$7.50 |
| Slate tiles | $12-$22 |
| Standing seam metal panels | $10-$17.05 |
| Steel shingles | $8-$12.65 |
| Zinc tiles | $18-$28 |
Labor Costs
The choice of roofing material can have an impact on the labor costs involved. Asphalt shingles are known to be the easiest and most popular material to install, which can result in lower labor expenses.
Asphalt shingles are a prevalent roofing option. However, if your house has more than three stories or if the roof has a steep and challenging-to-access design, you might incur additional roof installation charges. The cost increases when the work becomes more complex or poses potential risks.
Location
The price of roofing is also influenced by the cost of living and your geographical location. If you reside in an area susceptible to harsh weather conditions, the cost of re-roofing is likely to be higher due to the need for more precise installation and superior materials. Homeowners in regions with high winds may require metal sheets when asphalt or composite shingles are not sturdy enough. Similarly, areas with heavy snowfall or rainfall may necessitate specific roofing considerations.
| State | Average Roof Cost |
| Arizona (Phoenix) | $6,305-$8,047 |
| California (Los Angeles) | $6,558-$8,476 |
| Colorado (Denver) | $6,106-$7,799 |
| Florida (Orlando) | $5,805-$7,384 |
| Maryland (Baltimore) | $6,330-$8,107 |
| Michigan (Detroit) | $6,442-$8,286 |
| New Jersey (Newark) | $6,675-$8,691 |
| Texas (Dallas) | $6,336-$8,057 |
| Washington (Seattle) | $6,089-$7,874 |
Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?
Roof replacement can incur significant expenses, leading to the question of whether repairing leaks and replacing a few shingles could be a cost-saving alternative. When should you consider opting for a repair rather than a complete replacement?
Signs Your Roof Needs Repair
If you can, consider repairing your device instead of replacing it.
- You have an asphalt shingle roofing system that is less than 10 years old.
- Your roof is made from a durable material such as metal or slate.
- The damage is only confined to a small area or a shallow one.
- You plan to stay in your home for some time and do not feel the need to upgrade it.
Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement
Repairing a roof may initially seem more cost-effective than replacement; however, this may not always be the best decision. Roof repairs tend to be temporary solutions; even if leakage issues have been temporarily addressed through roof repair work, further expenses may occur down the line due to continued leaks. For best results it would be wise to replace your roof if any of these signs of damage appear:
- Your asphalt shingle roofing system is over 10 years old.
- The damage to your roof is severe, such as water damage under the moisture barrier or exposed decking.
- There is a risk of structural failure in your roof.
- You aim to enhance the value of a house that you intend to sell within the next few decades.
- You are seeking to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
If the damage to one side of your house is limited, partial replacement might be the right solution. When considering your budget over the long term, keep in mind that replacing roofing panels in phases will cost more than having it all replaced at once. You may encounter cosmetic issues like misalignment of shingles.
DIY vs. Professional Replacement
While you may be capable of fixing occasional leaks by yourself, it is not advisable to attempt a roof replacement on your own. Even if you have a single-story house, roofing work is inherently hazardous due to working on a sloped surface that is typically around 10 feet above the ground. Professional roofers undergo training to work on steep roofs and are equipped with safety gear.
Roof installation requires specialized tools like extension ladders and tear-off shovels, as well as air compressors. Professional roofing companies possess all the necessary equipment and are well-versed in complying with local building codes. If you choose the DIY route, you won’t receive a warranty, and your homeowner’s insurance is unlikely to reimburse any expenses.
Roof replacement demands a high level of skill and ranks among the most challenging home improvement projects. It is strongly advised against attempting a full or partial roof replacement by yourself. Instead, opt for a licensed and experienced roofing contractor to ensure the job is done correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Roof Costs
How Long Does a Roof Last?
Roofs with asphalt shingles typically have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Standing seam panels, on the other hand, can endure for up to 30 years. Premium or architectural shingles of high quality, with proper maintenance, can last up to 35 years. Premium metals such as copper and zinc have a lifespan of up to 50 years. Concrete tiles generally last between 40 and 75 years, while clay or slate tiles can exceed 50 years in longevity.
Will a Home Warranty Cover the Cost of a New Roof?
The majority of home warranties do not cover extensive or new roof repairs. However, certain home warranties may offer roof repair as an option or include it as part of the plan. Typically, this coverage is applicable only when the leak occurs in an occupied area of the house. Consequently, a water leak in the living room would be covered, while a similar leak on a patio or porch would not fall under the coverage.
How Do I Estimate the Cost of a New Roof?
Estimating the cost of a new roof requires taking both size and material costs into account to obtain an accurate estimation. We advise multiplying the material cost per square with size for an accurate result.
Note that additional factors, like repairs or the pitch of your roof, are not factored into this calculation. Many roofing contractors offer free estimates which provide accurate numbers tailored to meet the unique roofing needs of each customer.
What Are the Most Expensive Parts of a New Roof?
As a group, the top layer of roofing materials such as shingles, tiles, shakes, or other types is usually the most expensive. Labor costs usually make up the largest percentage of roof installation costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Shingle a 1,000-Square-Foot Roof?
A 1,000-square-foot roof can cost between $4,250 and $14,300. The price of the roof will vary depending on the type of material used. The following are price ranges for each type of shingle.
| Shingle type | Cost of 1,000 Square Feet |
| Basic Asphalt Shingles | $4,250-$4,950 |
| Premium asphalt shingles | $4,500-$8,250 |
| Steel shingles | $8,000-$12,650 |
| Aluminum Shingles | $8,500-$13,750 |
| Cedar shingles | $8,000-$14,300 |
How Do I Know When to Replace My Roof?
If your asphalt shingle roof is more than 10 years old, is significantly damaged, or shows signs of structural failure, it’s strongly advised that a replacement be implemented. Furthermore, replacing your roof may provide energy-efficiency improvements to your home as well as increase its value when selling soon afterward.
Conclusion – How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
The cost of a new roof may seem significant, but it is an investment that should not be taken lightly. While it may be tempting to cut costs by opting for cheaper materials or less experienced contractors, this approach can lead to even higher expenses in the long run.
Choosing quality materials and skilled roofing professionals for the installation ensures a longer-lasting roof, saving you from the need for premature replacement and potential additional repairs. Prioritizing the quality of your roof replacement will provide peace of mind and protect your home or business from the elements for years to come.
Remember, investing in a well-built roof is a prudent decision that ensures the long-term safety and value of your property.
Call All Star Roofing Today for a FREE Roofing Estimate!
When it comes to securing a durable and reliable roof replacement, trust the experts at All Star Roofing. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to delivering top-notch roofing solutions that stand the test of time. Don’t compromise on quality or settle for subpar installations that could cost you more in the long run.
With All Star Roofing, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best materials, craftsmanship, and customer service.
Contact us today to schedule a free roofing estimate and take the first step towards safeguarding your property with a roof that shines like a star.
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP