Depending on the materials and the environment you live in, your roof could last anywhere from 3 to 100 years. If you notice missing shingles, leaks, algae, or other damage, that’s a good sign that you should start thinking about replacing a roof.

The thought of having to replace your roof may make you nervous. How much is it going to cost? If you know what number to expect, you can start to make a plan and feel better removing some aspects of the unknown.

This post will walk you through the cost of residential roof replacement and the different factors that affect the cost. Take a deep breath and read on! 

Cost to Replace a Roof

Replacing a roof can cost anywhere from $3.50 to $11.00 per square foot. That’s a large range, and what you’ll end up paying will vary based on many factors. Depending on who you ask, the average national cost to replace a roof is between $8,000 and $14,000.

Keep in mind that the current inflation situation in the United States can quickly raise that number. By a slim margin, the majority of what you pay goes to labor costs; 60% goes to labor and 40% goes towards roofing materials.

Some people try to cut costs by DIY-ing their roof replacement. While it might save you money upfront (about half of what you’d pay a pro), it may not be cheaper in the long run. Firstly, you may have to pay for a work permit. 

You’d need to buy specialized tools. If something were to happen to your roof, you wouldn’t be able to take advantage of a contractor’s warranty. Plus, unless the work is performed by professional roofing contractors, insurance may not reimburse you for repairs or replacement.   

Factors at Play

The national average is just that, an average. What you will end up paying depends, in part, on the following factors:

Location

For example, places like the Pacific Northwest or Florida will have higher roofing costs. In Florida, the materials need to withstand hurricanes and heat. In the Pacific Northwest, homes have to hold tight against near-constant rainfall. 

Roof Accessibility

If your home is one story and easy to access, you can expect the cost to go down. Higher homes with limited ladder access make for a more difficult install. The higher the difficulty level, the higher the price. 

Size and Pitch

Because costs are determined by the square foot, the larger the footprint of your house, the higher the price. Additionally, if your home has a steep pitch, it makes it trickier for the workers to safely navigate the roof. They’ll need to spend more time setting up to safely navigate the roof. 

Types of Roofing

The types of roofing you choose will affect your overall price. The list below orders some common materials from least to most expensive:

• Asphalt
• Corrugated steel
• Aluminum shingles
• Steel shingles
• Wood shingles
• Cooper roofing
• Solar shingles

Residential Roof Replacement Without the Unknown

Now that you know what to expect for a residential roof replacement, you can breathe easier. Find a local roofing expert in your area to get a more detailed quote.

If you’re looking for more informative articles, scroll through our blog today! We have posts on business, finances, real estate, and more!

Jane