How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost: Average Cost By Material

Dealing with a roof replacement is no small feat in terms of time and finances, so it’s not a big surprise that so many homeowners come to us asking: how much does a roof replacement cost? However, the answer to this ever-present question isn’t quite so simple to provide.

Several different factors come into play to determine your overall roof replacement cost, including:

• Roof size, height, and slope
• Geographic location
• Condition of your existing roof
• Roof features & design
• Accessibility of your roof
• Removal expenses
• Material costs & labor costs

With so many puzzle pieces to keep straight, we can see why many customers still remain confused about their new roof cost. But reading through this helpful guide can give you all the information you’ll need to feel confident knowing just how much your new roof will cost in the end.

Average Roof Replacement Costs

When a typical roof repair won’t do, you might need to consider that it’s time to replace your roof. Replacement costs can vary depending on your chosen material. A new roof cost for premier materials like slate and clay will be far higher than the costs associated with asphalt shingles or metal roofs.

The cost to replace a 1,500-square-foot roofing system can be expected to be around:

• Typical Range: $5,000 to $22,500
• National Average Cost: $11,000

Many factors can affect roof replacement costs, so it’s crucial to do background research about each roofing material before you ever replace a roof. This will help you better understand how much you’ll pay for a complete replacement (because a partial roof replacement is never recommended).

Replacement Costs by Roofing Material

No two roofing materials are exactly alike, and, as such, your total cost for a new roof will hinge on the type of roofing material you choose and the square footage needed to cover your entire roof surface. Between wood shakes, slate roofing, and asphalt shingle material, the price tags are going to look a whole lot different.

Dive into average new roof costs by each material below:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roofs are some of the most prevalent materials found across the country. You can install an asphalt shingle roof for around $5,000 to $10,000 using three primary types of asphalt shingle:

1. Basic three-tab shingles (cheapest)
2. Dimensional or architectural shingles (mid-range)
3. Luxury asphalt shingles (most expensive)

Asphalt shingle roofing is easy and quick to install, helping to keep the price point low for this ever-popular roofing type.

Metal Roofs

We’re also seeing more and more homeowners install metal roofing, which can come at a cost of anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000. Metal roofing can be found in styles such as:

• Metal tiles or shingles
• Split seam or standing seam
• Corrugated metal panels

Flat Roofing

The average price of a flat roof replacement is $9,000 to $15,500. Flat roofs are offered in a variety of durable materials, like:

• EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene monomer)
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• BUR (built-up roofing)
• TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin)
• Modified Bitumen

Tile Roof Systems

Another stylish and visually appealing roofing style is systems built with tile. Explore typical roof cost for different tile roof options:

• Clay tiles – $13,000 to $30,000
• Concrete tiles – $8,000 to $22,000
• Slate – $30,000 to $50,000

Wood Shingles or Cedar Shakes

You can expect to install a wooden roof for anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000. Wood shingles and cedar shakes are some of the most expensive materials and the most challenging to maintain, so make sure you’re ready to commit to the maintenance requirements before investing in this specialty roofing style.

Rubber Roofing Materials

Homeowners who choose rubber or composite roofing systems should expect to pay between $6,000 and $18,000 for a new roof, with the average roof replacement costs falling around $12,000. Rubber shingles are exploding in popularity due to their improved durability and longevity compared to basic asphalt shingle roofs.

7 Factors That Can Affect Roof Cost

Most homeowners only think about the materials and labor costs associated with a roof replacement. Still, there are actually several other things to keep in mind when planning a roofing project, especially when it comes to the price.

Your roof replacement budget should account for a broad range of other factors and considerations, including:

1.) Roof Pitch, Height, & Size

Of course, the total cost will depend on your home’s square footage, roof’s pitch, and its height off the ground. Steep roofs are notoriously much harder to work on using the proper safety precautions, plus they need repairs more often, so you’ll likely pay more in terms of labor costs. Plus, the more surface area you have to cover, the more you’ll wind up paying per square foot to finish the job.

2.) Roof Accessibility

As we mentioned, the height and relative accessibility of your roof also matter. If your roofing contractors can easily climb up and down from the roof without having to navigate around too many landscaping features or other obstacles, you’ll likely see lower charges than if the roofers had a harder time getting to your roof.

3.) Condition of Old Roof + Removal Costs

You’ll also need to consider the current condition of your roof. Is there extensive roof damage due to general age and wear or a lack of maintenance? In these cases, you should expect to pay out-of-pocket for the roofing costs of a full replacement. If you have storm damage on your roof, your insurance company pays for a roof replacement thanks to your homeowners insurance coverage.

Other times, maybe only a few shingles or a bit of roof flashing is really damaged. You could consider a few roof repairs instead of paying the full roof replacement cost.

4.) Roof Materials

Your overall roof estimate will also hinge on the roof materials you choose. Asphalt shingles cost far less per square foot compared to other materials like clay tiles or a slate roof.

5.) Different Roof Designs & Features

The complexity of your roof design and structure also plays a part in the total cost. A simple asphalt shingle roof with just one or two primary peaks will have a cheaper price tag than an elaborate roof design that includes multiple skylights, chimneys, and other roof features.

6.) Geographic Location

Your roof replacement cost will ultimately be impacted by where you live as well. Places like New York and California generally have higher living costs, meaning you’ll pay more for pretty much everything. Other locales like the Midwest and Florida are far less expensive and offer cheaper labor costs.

7.) Labor Costs

As we already mentioned, your final roof replacement costs also need to factor in labor. Basic asphalt shingles are much easier and faster to install than heavy, challenging roofing materials like slate and clay tiles. On top of your roof installation, you’ll also have to pay for an annual roof inspection, so keep this in mind.

When to Call A Professional

Replacing a roof is no easy task. After considering a possible DIY repair, doing research, and getting roofing quotes, it’s important to go with the right choice to ensure a proper installation that will last. With high-quality craftsmanship, industry-best materials, and a transparent roofing team built up of professionals, consider getting in touch with us at Northface Construction. From asphalt shingles and metal roof systems to flat and rubber roof installation, our seasoned roofing company has you covered with premier services at a reasonable price.

Contact us today to receive your roof cost estimate and start installing your new roof with a roofing contractor you can truly trust.