Average Cost of Roof Replacement in the US

Replacing a roof is a significant investment in a property. It can add value, enhance protection, and increase the comfort of the home. The cost of a new roof depends on various factors, including the location of your home, the size of the roof, and the type of roofing materials you choose. In the following article, we’ll explore the different roofing options typically available in the United States and how much they might cost.

Homeowner or contractor, this guide will help you gauge the ballpark range for average installations.

Understanding What Affects Roof Replacement Costs

When it comes to home renovation replacing the roof of a home is one of the biggest tasks and often one of the most expensive. It takes time and money to get your roof replaced, and it’s a job that needs to be done properly, after all, it’s what protects the rest of the home from the elements.

There are a number of factors that affect the cost of individual roof replacements, the following five factors cover the most influential:

Type of Roofing Material

The actual materials used to make up the roof are a substantial cost, and different materials vary dramatically in price. There is a huge variety of options to choose from. For some roof replacements, you’ll be free to choose, but with certain projects, you’ll have your choices limited by local regulations and stipulations.

Typically roofs are built using one of four materials; asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and slate.

Asphalt shingles are by far the best option for those on a tight budget. It’s cheap but durable and effective.

Metal roofs are incredibly durable and one of the strongest options, especially against the elements. They take little maintenance and last for a long time.

Tiles and slate are the most expensive options, but they’re also more sustainable for the environment with a longer lifespan than shingles and metal.

Your Geographic Location

Costs certainly vary across the country, but not by dramatic amounts. If you’re living in a state where severe weather is an issue then you’ll pay more for more secure, durable material. For example, using asphalt shingles is an impossibility anywhere near a hurricane zone as they’ll easily be ripped from the roof by high winds.

Roof Size and Height

It makes sense that the larger the roof the higher the cost. When pricing for a new roof contractors will typically work in roofing squares. Roofing squares (10ft x 10ft) are uniform and easy to calculate for, so the contractor measures the whole roof, prices for one square, and then multiplies accordingly.

Contractors will also take into account the style and height of the roof. Certain homes have more complex roof setups than others. The more complicated the roof, the more likely the price will be higher.

Labor Costs

Most quotes that you receive will be weighted with a majority (60%) for labor costs and the remaining 40% going on materials. The labor costs depend on the type of roof you’re having added to the building, but also on the materials that you’re using. Asphalt shingles, for example, are not only cheap to purchase but are also quick to install (saving on labor costs). Labor costs are also affected by the steepness and complexity of the installation. Higher, more complex, and potentially dangerous installations will cost far more than straightforward home installations.

Removal Costs

Roof replacements create huge amounts of waste material, from the old roof and the excess material going into the new one. This waste needs to be removed and properly disposed of. That removal has an associated cost based on how much needs to be removed and how far it needs to be transported.

Average Roof Replacement Costs by Square Foot

You won’t be surprised to hear that the larger the roof the more expensive it’ll be to replace. Larger roofs require more materials, more labor, and a longer period of time to complete. We’re going to focus on the cost of using asphalt shingles as that covers almost 80% of all roof replacements in the USA. Typically you’ll pay $4.50-$6 per square foot of installed shingle.

Average Roof Replacement Costs by Material Type

Each different material that is available has a different associated cost. Some materials are comparatively far more affordable (take asphalt shingles for example) whereas others are considerably more expensive.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective option, with an average price of $2.75-$5.75 per square foot. For a 1000-square-foot roof, this equates to a total cost of $2,750-$5,750 in materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum roofs are a step up in price, with an average cost of $7-$15 per square foot. For a 1000-square-foot roof, this translates to a total cost of $7,000-$15,000.

Metal

Metal roofs are a more expensive option, with an average cost of $10-$24 per square foot. For a 1000-square-foot roof, this translates to a total cost of $10,000-$24,000.

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are a high-end option, with an average cost of $23-$38 per square foot. For a 1000-square-foot roof, this translates to a total cost of $23,000-$38,000.

National Average of Roof Replacement Cost Overall

Remember that several factors can influence the cost of a new roof, including the location of your home, the size of the roof, and the type of roofing material selected. That said, these are the national average costs you might expect to receive from a roofing contractor:

Key Takeaways:

These costs are averages taken from across the United States. Some areas will find higher prices, others lower, but they are certainly in the correct ballpark for various materials and installations. Replacing a roof is no small undertaking, using this guide will assist you in planning the financial side of the task.

• Costs vary dramatically depending on the material you use.
• Remember to factor in labor and removal costs when pricing for work.