Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
No one ever wants to think about their roof until there is a problem. But by then, it can be too late, and the damage has been done.
A good rule of thumb is to inspect your roof at least once a year and more often if you live in a particularly stormy area. This is important for homeowners to ensure their safety and the safety of their families.
This guide will give you an idea of what the average cost of a new roof is. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the size and type of roof, as well as the contractor you choose. But this should give you a general idea of what you are looking at financially.
Keep reading to discover the cost of a new roof, as well as roofing materials and home renovation concepts.
Table of Contents
Type of Roofing Material
The type of roof you choose will significantly impact the final price tag. Asphalt shingles, metal roofs, slate tiles, and wood shakes are the most popular types. Asphalt is typically the cheapest option but does not offer much in style or longevity.
Metal roofs can be highly durable and attractive if done correctly. However, they are also costly to install due to labor costs associated with cutting through concrete slabs. It also applies to other structural elements that may exist underneath your home wall covering material.
Slate tile comes in many colors and textures. It can match any architectural design while still offering strength against wind uplift from storms.
Wood shakes offer beauty but require ongoing maintenance to prevent rot and mold growth. This is why they aren’t recommended for areas prone to heavy rainfall.
Asphalt Shingles
$100-$400/sqft (material cost) + installation labor at around $50-$75/PSF on average, depending on the complexity of work required. The cost is variable depending on many factors, but this is an average.
A typical 20 square foot roof will run between two and three thousand dollars for material costs alone. The installation comes in at about half that price range.
This is due to the ease of laying down asphalt compared to other options such as slate tile or wood shakes, which require more skill from workers installing them because these types are heavier than asphalt shingles.
As far as life expectancy goes, these can last anywhere from 15 years if properly maintained throughout their lifespan, but only up to 20 years if maintained perfectly.
Then they will need replacement due to wear and tear over time, so it’s essential to keep them maintained regularly!
Metal Roofs
$400-$600/sqft (material cost) + installation labor at around $75/PSF on average, depending on the complexity of work required.
In this case, a 20 square foot roof will run between two and three thousand dollars for the materials. The installation will run about half of the total material cost because metal is typically easier to install than other types of roofing.
In terms of how long metal roofs last, they usually go up to 30-40 years when maintained with great respect and care. They will eventually need to be replaced due to the wear on them. This number is also variable due to environmental conditions.
Slate Tiles
$450-600/sqft (material cost) + installation labor at around $100/PSF on average, depending on the complexity of work required.
For slate tiles, a typical 20 square foot area will cost about 10 thousand dollars for the materials. The installation can be quite expensive, even sometimes twice the total material cost. This is variable by country and expertise of roofers.
Slate tiles usually last over 100 years if maintained, but they can quickly denigrate when abandoned. In ideal settings, they easily go over 150 years, and only they need to be replaced or repaired. It’s essential to maintain a slate.
Wood Shakes
$500-700/sqft (material cost) + installation labor at around $125/PSF on average, depending on the complexity of work required.
For a wood shakes roof of about 20 square feet, the roof will cost about 15 thousand dollars in material costs. The installation will be about the same but can cost significantly more due to the labor that is involved.
Wood shake roofs last about 50 years when maintained without much consideration for longevity. The lifespan of wood shake roofs easily goes over 75 years when the conditions are right.
Wood shake roofs are not advisable for many areas, because they simply won’t last that long even if they are looked after. For instance, very humid or very dry areas can be problematic. This also applies to cold regions, as the wood shakes can simply crack due to ice buildup.
The Shape of Your Roof
The shape of your roof will impact its price tag because it affects how much material you need. It also affects how many hours a crew must work to complete installation or repair tasks, such as caulking around flashing points where water tends to pool.
If there are any shaded spots on either side, those sections can be done first before moving onto lighter colored and entire sun-exposed teams.
So if you do have a complex roof shape with many dormers, valleys, and hips – then expect to pay more for the installation crew’s time on the job.
Gable Roof
This roof has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, creating triangular-shaped ends. It is the most popular type of residential home in America.
It can be found anywhere from small towns to larger metropolitan areas such as New York City or Los Angeles, where gabled roofs dominate many neighborhoods. The cost for this particular shape starts around $500 but will vary depending on size (smaller = cheaper).
A hip roof design costs about double that amount due to being more complex than its counterpart with less labor needed during installation. This offsets material price differences between these styles; see also “how much dormers cost?” Gabled porches often come out ahead if they’re built above the cost of a roof replacement.
Hip Roof
This type is similar to the gable roof, but it has four slopes instead of two. It is often chosen for its more modern look and sheds water and snow better than other styles. The average cost for this style starts at $700.
Flat Roof
A flat roof does not have any sloping sides and is usually found on commercial buildings or homes with additions (such as a garage). This is not always true, because some owners prefer a flat-style roof on their homes. This is common in the state of California in modern-design homes.
Because there is no slope, these roofs require specialized materials such as tar paper and asphalt designed to withstand ponding water without rotting the wood underneath. Installation costs for a flat roof start at $800 on average.
A-Frame/Saltbox Roof
These roofs are similar to gable roofs, but the slope on the front is much greater than the one on the back.
This style was popularized in New England and other parts of the Northeast due to its ability to shed snow well. The average cost for this type is around $700, but this is not always true. The cost can also vary due to seasonality when roofs are harder to build.
Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof has two slopes on each side, with a very steep slope coming down from the peak at either end.
This design is often used on barns and gives extra storage space in the attic area. The cost for this style starts at $900 on average. Nevertheless, the price is highly variable as mentioned before.
Average Cost of a New Roof
The average cost of a new roof in the United States is around $6,000-$8,000. Keep in mind that this number can vary greatly depending on your location, type of roofing material, and roofing company.
Be sure to get multiple quotes before deciding on a contractor to be sure you are getting the best price possible. Roof replacement is a significant investment, but it will add value to your home and protect you from the elements for many years to come.
The cost to install a new roof can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment. The average price of installing an asphalt shingle roof is between $4,000 and $5,000, with professional installation services available in most areas for around $500 per square foot or less depending on size and complexity (for example: if there are dormers or valleys).
How to Find the Right People for the Job
If you’ve decided that it’s time to replace your old roof, then you’ll need some help getting it done. There are many contractors out there who can do this work for you, but how do you know which one is right? Here are some tips on finding good people:
Ask friends and family if they have a recommendation or two. Word of mouth is often the best way to find someone reliable because they’ll be able to tell when things go wrong. Make sure whoever comes by knows what kind of problems may arise during installation!
If possible, try interviewing several companies before making up your mind.
This will allow them to show off their skills while ensuring quality control throughout all stages, all the way from the beginning until the completion date has been set with payment upfront.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the process, either. If one contractor can’t meet your needs for some reason, see if another one can propose a different solution that might work better for you and your home. Always read reviews from previous customers before making any decisions!
Remember, it’s essential to weigh all of your options when deciding who will replace your roof. By taking the time to do some research, you’ll be sure to find someone who will do the job right and make sure your home is safe and sound for years to come!
Common Mistakes Made When Roofing
Replacing your roof is a big job, and it’s essential to make sure that everything goes as planned. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when they’re getting their roof replaced:
Not having a solid plan can lead to problems with the installation process and may cost you more money in the long run. Make sure you know what you want before hiring a contractor!
Not getting multiple quotes – It’s essential to get quotes from several different contractors so you can compare prices and find the best deal.
Hiring the first contractor who comes along – Just like anything else, there are good contractors and bad contractors out there. Do your research before hiring someone!
Choosing the wrong material – Not all materials are created equal, so make sure you choose one that will last for years to come.
Not getting permits – Always check with local authorities before starting any project on your home! It’s vital from a legal perspective and safety-wise. Think about what would happen if something goes wrong during installation and someone gets hurt or property damage occurs.
Your Roof Done Right
Replacing your roof is a significant investment, but it will pay off in the long run. By taking the time to research your options and find a qualified contractor, you can ensure that your new roof is installed correctly and will last for years to come.
Now that you know the average cost of a new roof, you can rest easy with the valuable knowledge that will make sure you get the best possible roof for your home.
If you’re interested in learning more about home renovation, check out some of our other informative articles on the sidebar.
Read more: Roof Maintenance Tips: How To Prepare Your Roof For Winter
