Factors Affecting Roof Replacement Cost

There are few things more important, in the realm of home maintenance, than “keeping a roof over your head”. Minor or merely sectional damage to a roof can be repaired without replacing all the roofing, but there comes a point where the risks of not replacing your roof outweigh the cost inherent in doing so.

The national average for a new roof is around $7,500, but the real number will vary greatly from homeowner to homeowner based on a variety of factors.

Key Factors Affecting The Cost Of A New Roof
Most roof replacement jobs cost somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 in all, but neither is it uncommon for a new roof to cost as little as $2,000 or as high as $20,000. It all depends on the nature of the project. Here are 7 key factors that affect the total cost:

1. Square footage. Obviously, the bigger the roof, the more it’s going to cost to cover it with new roofing.
2. Roof pitch. A steeper roofs require more time, material, skill, and special equipment to re-roof and thus cost a bit more.
3. Choice of materials. The brand and type of roofing material, as well as the application method, greatly impact the price. That said, a higher grade material may be worth paying more for.
4. Difficulty level. If there are numerous structures like skylights, vents, a chimney, or solar panels to work around – or if the roof is more complex in general, it could affect the bid you get from contractors.
5. Coding requirements. If the building code in your region is stricter than in other locales, that could affect the cost of compliance.
6. Local market. The price of labor and materials varies from state to state and even county to county across the US.
7. Tear off. If there are multiple layers of old roofing to tear off, it will add to the expense. This, plus the fact that layering over old shingles can weaken the new shingles, is a good reason to always do a tear-off before you put the new roofing on.

Costs & Risks Of Delaying Roof Replacement
Although roof replacement is usually not a minor expense, there are ways to reduce the cost. You may be able to have your homeowners insurance pay for all or part of it, for example, or go with a lower cost roofing material.

But another motivation to not delay in getting a new roof is that it might cost you more if you wait too long. If water damage occurs insider your home and/or the roof decking is rotted out or molded up, that’s adding to the costs.

Also, if your warranty has expired on an old roof, or if a roof becomes dangerous and poses a liability risk, there are potential dangers and costs to consider there as well. Roof replacement needs to be “well timed:” it doesn’t makes sense to replace a roof too soon, but you’re running unnecessary risks if you do it too late.

Finally, while tackling roof replacement DIY might seem like a way to save money, if you’re not highly skilled at roofing and used to walking on roofs, it’s better to stick with a professional contractor. You’ll avoid safety hazards, use less material, and get a superior, longer lasting result.

For a free quote on roof replacement or repair in Central Florida, contact Sheegog Contracting today!