How Much Does It Cost To Change Your Roof
Experts can all agree: replacing a roof is one of the costliest upgrades a homeowner can make. This repair comes with a hefty price tag because of its tricky nature, cost of materials and the work contractors need to put in to finish the job perfectly.
How can you prepare your pockets for this big home project? Knowing the different factors that affect the cost should be your number one priority. On the average, contractors say that replacing your house’s roof can cost from $5,000 to $25,000 and up for higher-end roof types.
When determining how much it will cost to change your roofing, you should consider and think about the following factors:
Roof size
The size of your roof is one of the most important factors of the whole roofing project. Contractors say that the cost to replace a roof corresponds to the dimensions of the roof, which the roofer measures in 100-square-foot subsection called roofing squares.
Logically, a 1,500-square-foot roof (15 roofing squares) costs less to replace than a 2,000-square-foot roof (20 roofing squares) with the same materials due to the fact that the larger roof needs more materials and a more labor for its completion.
Pitch
Your roof’s pitch is the steepness of the angle of your roof or its slope. Some roofs have a high pitch, while others have a low pitch or no pitch at all, following a more modernist architectural type. This factor ultimately tells a lot about the difficulty for it to be changed. The more difficult it is for your roofer, the higher you shall pay.
A roof that is more steep can be harder to walk on, requiring more safety measures such as harnesses and other equipment. Since the contractors put in more effort in changing it, the price can be higher compared to those with lower slopes. Another factor is accessibility to the roof. Can a truck get that close to the house? Tearing off a heavier roof can also increase labor costs.
Materials used
The roofing material is a major factor in the cost of a roof replacement. Most homeowners choose between shingles made from asphalt or wood, tiles, or metal sheets. Each type of roofing material has its own set of price points.
Asphalt Shingles
This kind of roofing material is actually the most common among residential households across the United States. Asphalt shingles are popular because they are low in cost, readily available and come in a variety of colors and styles.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles are very durable, given their hefty weight. Because of this, a professional should be the one to install it. When it comes to price, concrete tiles are versatile and are less expensive than genuine clay, but also have a heavy weight.
Metal Tiles
For more modern houses, metal roofing is more suited, especially for bungalows, cabins, contemporary and cottage-style homes. More than the sleek and strong vibe it gives to the structure, it is also very resistant to extreme weather conditions. You also have the option to choose between panels and shingles. Homeowners can also choose from different metals as material for this roofing. Some metal options are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are perhaps the type of roofing material that has been around for centuries across the globe. Because of its neutral shades and appearance, it has been the go-to roofing choice for many homeowners. Wood shakes are handmade and rougher-looking than wood shingles, which are usually cut by machine.
Synthetic Roofing Products
Roofing made of rubber, plastic, and polymer are now available on the market, giving homeowners the color, look and texture of natural materials like slate and wood. These products are designed and fabricated to be durable and a breeze to maintain. Some are even made fire-resistant.
Experts say that your choice of roofing materials often depends on your locality, as much as on your own personal taste. Roof pitch or the angle affects the kind of roofing shingles you can use. Of course, the number of layers of the tiles or shingles to be removed and installed can be a determinant of price too. You will be also paying for your roofers’ time. The more layers of tiles there is, the longer it will take to finish the job.
Your location
The prices of the materials and the charge of contractors may vary by state or region.
Other roofing cost factors:
Water damage and molds can also add to the final costs of a roofing project. Significant water damage can also change the project from a roofing repair to a replacement.
Another factor that can affect the price is whether your home has chimneys or skylights. Having these features can increase the difficulty of the project, adding to the labor of the roofer. The charges may vary but it may range from $200 to $500, while repairing it around the skylight can average between $300 and $500.
