Replacing your roof can be one of the costliest house renovation projects, yet its returns far outweigh its expenses. A sturdy roof will protect and enhance both your home and its value.
Cost estimates of new roof installations depend on four key considerations. This article details these expenses: Materials, Labor, Warranty, and Other costs.
Materials
Materials are the most significant expense when replacing a roof, from tiles or shingles you plan to use to underlayment and other roofing components. Prices typically are quoted per square foot or bundle. Labor accounts for 40-50% of overall project expenses.
After selecting your material type, it’s also essential to understand how much home size and roof pitch impact costs. A steeper pitch means more surface area must be covered, which could increase labor rates significantly.
Roof replacement often necessitates structural repairs, incurring additional expenses. These repairs can include fixing issues such as rot, water damage, leaks, and pest infestation that compromise the integrity of your house’s structure; in extreme cases, this could mean replacing rafters or trusses to resolve these issues.
Warranty coverage is integral to any roofing project, although these typically don’t come as part of your initial estimate. Before moving forward with any work, research contractor and manufacturer warranties. Having one will protect your investment while adding value to your home when selling time comes around – typical contractor warranties range between $500 to $2,000. In contrast, manufacturer warranties can go as high as $5,000!
Labor
Roof replacement costs can be daunting when the time comes. A solid and sturdy roof is integral to any house; however, the replacement cost may seem excessive when the time comes for replacement.
Labor accounts for approximately 60% of the cost of installing a new roof. However, the exact figure can differ depending on materials and home size. Additional charges such as skylights, dormer windows, or chimneys require custom flashing materials as they need special flashing to install correctly.
Your choice of roofing shingles also affects cost. Asphalt 3-tab shingles are generally the cheapest but have a shorter lifespan than composite, metal, and natural slate options. Owens Corning laminated shingles may offer more durability with the ability to withstand 130mph wind gusts.
Insulation will extend the longevity of your new roof while decreasing energy costs, potentially making an initial investment worth making over time. A quality underlayment will protect shingles from leakage while offering protection from leakage – typically costing between $65 and $300 per square foot.
As well as these high costs, other expenses that will add up will affect the price of your roof installation:
Warranty
A new roof protects your home from weather damage and can increase its value during real estate transactions. Furthermore, it can prevent structural problems like mold growth, mildew growth, and wood rot from happening in the first place, considering all factors contributing to its costs, such as material, size, labor, and warranty coverage.
Materials make up 40% of the total roof replacement price, so opting for a metal roof will cost more. On the upside, though, metal roofs last longer and offer greater energy efficiency than shingle roofs. However, their cost depends on your location and market prices in your area.
When comparing contractors, ensure you receive an honest quote for the job. Request that your roofing company provides a written contract outlining all work to be performed; be sure to include a breakdown of cost associated with materials and installation and its completion timeline. You should also confirm whether or not they carry insurance to cover accidents on-site.
Roof installations can be disruptive to daily life. Roofers may take several days to finish the work, so you should prepare accordingly by moving any needed vehicles, like supplies trucks, if required.
Other expenses
Roof renovation projects can be one of the most labor-intensive home improvement projects. Labor costs typically account for 60 percent of total expenses. Due to this task’s intricate nature and risk, skilled labor is necessary.
Size plays an integral role in determining the cost of roofing materials and labor, with larger roofs taking longer to complete and requiring more materials and labor costs than smaller ones.
Removal costs should also be factored in, with removal estimated to cost an average of approximately $1,250, including dumpster rental, disposal fees, and labor to tear down the old roof.
Many homeowners must obtain a permit when replacing their roofs to ensure the work is carried out according to local codes and safely.
To function effectively, some roof systems require additional features like skylights, vents, and chimneys. Although their costs can vary considerably, they’re an integral component of making sure you maximize the effectiveness of your new roof investment.
If replacing or repairing your roof is prohibitive, grants from government agencies and local banks may provide relief. They typically target low-income homeowners who need repairs before the damage worsens.
