The roof is essential in keeping the house together by protecting it from the elements and providing cover and warmth to the inhabitants. It is therefore critical to install a good roof when building or re-roofing a house.
The cost of installing a new roof depends on many factors, but the final quality and strength of the roof matter most. There are two situations that will require a new roof, which will be addressed in this article.
A new roof offers guaranteed protection for the owners and the house and long-lasting service. The two situations that call for a new roof are;
This is a more involving process that entails constructing and assembling all the components that make up a roof.
2. Re-roofing a house
This is a less roofing job involving replacing the roof covering with a new one and maybe repairing the roof frame.
Both situations don't have a fixed price tag as various factors come into play.
To begin with, there are different types of roofs, each with varying types of materials. These largely come into play under broader categories.
The two common types of roofs are;
The method of construction and materials used to differ in these two classifications. Some other factors include;
It is cheaper to install a new roof in remote areas compared to the houses next to or in cities. This is due to labor costs and demand, among many other reasons.
For example, the neighboring state of California has quite a bit higher installation and roof repair costs than the Phoenix metro area. However, Phoenix is catching up with the influx of new people moving here. According to a roofing company in Los Angeles, a new roof would set you back around $12,500 for an asphalt shingle roof, while metal roofing can cost up to $25,500 or more.
Smaller roofs require less labor input as well as materials. It is easier to install a new roof or a smaller house than a more intricate top.
The cost of installing materials is commonly measured in squares or square feet, making the final price of a new roof dependent on its size.
A pitched roof also requires more safety measures than a flat roof as the task is more complicated.
The price of roofing materials and labor vary from place to place. Although the price of materials has a close range, the labor costs differ from one contractor to another depending on the factors discussed below.
Labor accounts for about 50-60% of the total cost of a new roof. The labor costs may vary in different places due to;
A new roof installed on the house being built will be more costly. This is partially due to the number of different projects involved.
The roof frame is built on the house, including the trusses, rafters, purlins, eaves, and other parts that don't include the material covering. These materials, including labor, amount to more than installing a new roof on a house that had one before.
The price for a new roof on a constructed house depends on:
Other factors that may increase the cost of a new roof will be discussed later.
Sometimes fixing your roof is more expensive than replacing it with a new one. Regular maintenance to fix minor damages allows them to accumulate, which may weaken the roof's integrity.
It becomes costly to fix the damages, which allows the roof's interior to get damaged from exposure to the elements. It is vital to act early to avoid incurring expensive damages.
Signs you need a new roof:
Some straightforward signs since you may not be able to inspect the roof from above
These are some signs of some common roofing materials;
| Material | What to look out for |
| Shingled Roof | Missing shingles Shingles with curled edges Loose shingles |
| Metal Roof | Torn roof parts Curled edges Holes in the sheets Rusted areas Loose sheets- that rattle in the wind |
| Tile Roof | Missing tiles Broken tiles |
Other factors
The manufacturer's recommended replacement age or the roof expiry date plays a considerable role. If your roof is about 80% close to this period, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to install a new roof.
Damage by fire and weather such as storms and hurricanes may lift off huge parts of the roof and therefore force the re-roofing of a house. This may occur even when a roof is healthy, but natural disasters are one the uncontrollable events.
When replacing your old roof with a new one, there are fewer inputs than a new one, but most of this is taken up by labor. The rest of the costs comprise materials and other things such as building permits.
Materials and their availability account for a significant portion of the cost, and their stock availability in the market creates a slight variation in their price. This article gives a relatively common price in most parts provided in price per square feet.
Metal roofs are one of the expensive roofing options. On average, they may cost about $4–$30 per square foot, depending on the type of metal roof and how much labor input is required when installing them.
Metal roofs require relevant expertise in most cases. Below are some of the estimated costs for different metal roofs:
| Roofing Material | Cost |
| Aluminum Shingles | $3.15-$6 |
| Steel Shingles | $3.35-$4.25 |
| Galvalume Corrugated Roofs | $1.50-$2.50 |
| Steel Panel Roof | $0.75-$16 |
| Tin Panels | $3.50-$14 |
| Zinc | $6-$10 |
| Copper Tiles | $14-$15 |
| Standing Seam Panels | $4.50-$6.50 |
Metal roofs are a great investment in areas requiring protection from harsh weather elements and incredibly windy areas.
Asphalt, wood, and metal are all forms of shingles that can be used on roofs. Asphalt shingles are the most popular In terms of shingle and roofing material.
They are not only light in weight but also give a high level of security while being reasonably inexpensive to purchase and install. There are two varieties of asphalt shingles, and they are as follows:
Adhesive and asphalt are combined to create the thin, flat sheets that make up these shingles. They are all the same form and size, with a maximum wind speed of 60 mph or less.
Some construction codes mandate the use of high wind shingles, which makes this type of shingle less prevalent. They have a lifespan of between 7 and 12 years due to their vulnerability to the elements.
Each square foot costs between $1.5 and $3.
Their constitution is identical to 3-tab shingles, but their material quality and quantity differ. These tiles offer a dimensional appearance because of their finer asphalt and many layers.
They can withstand winds up to 120 mph better, with an 80-120 mph rating. If they are correctly cared for, they could last up to 50 years.
The price ranges from $3.50 to $5.00 per square foot, with 50-year shingles costing as much as $15.00 per square foot.
The cost of installing a tile roof can range from $4 to $25, depending on the type of tile used and the average market price in the area.
Wide varieties of tiles are available, each at a varying cost per square foot.
Tiles are heavy roofing materials, and they should be installed on a roof that is sturdy enough.
Labor expenditures make up about 60% of the total cost when replacing a roof. An experienced roofer may be necessary to provide a stable and solid structure.
There are numerous reasons why hiring a professional is always a good idea, such as the dangers of roof installation and the technical expertise they possess. This saves both time and money in the long run by avoiding the need to rectify mistakes made by amateurs.
Metal roofs are more challenging to install than other types of roofing. As a result, the installation price is tied to the kind and size of the roof.
| Material | Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
| Aluminum Shingles | $5.85-$10 |
| Steel Tiles | $6.65-$10.45 |
| Corrugated Tiles | $4.25-$9 |
| Galvalume, Galvanized, and Stainless Steel | $5.50-$15.50 |
| Zinc Panels | $7-$14 |
| Copper Tiles | $6.50-$12 |
Metal roofs require more labor for installation, but they offer long-term protection.
You may need to communicate with the contractor to find out if labor costs are included in the quote or if they are separate.
Listed below are the projected costs per square foot for installing various tiles.
Other unforeseen costs may be included in the final quote. Some of them include:
Your home will be protected from the elements for the long term if you invest in a new roof.
In addition to shielding you from the effects of the weather, it protects the interior of the house, where damage is more difficult to repair and hence more expensive. Your home's worth might also be increased by installing a brand-new roof.
During house staging for sale, the roof is one factor contributing to its quick sale because it does not pass the eyes of house inspections
