Important tips on how to estimate roof cost

Considering getting your roof replaced? You need to know everything about how to estimate roof cost, and factors that can impact the total roof replacement cost.

Replacing a roof is a significant financial investment — something you’ll have to eventually face if your roof has already lived its prime or you have a damaged roof. 

For most homeowners in the United States, the average price of a new roof is between $5,200 and $10,190. This amount can be intimidating, especially if your roof replacement is unplanned or unexpected. 

In this article, we’ll help you with important tips on how to calculate the cost of your new roof in terms of its size, materials, etc. So, let’s get you started on the project!

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How much does it cost to roof a house?

The cost to replace a home roof in the US ranges from $5,100 to $28,000. It depends on the square footage, roofing material cost, and local labor cost. When you see it in terms of square footage, the price runs to about $260 to $700 per roofing square. For instance, it will cost you about $1,800 to $6,000 for a 1500 square feet house. Generally, an average size roof will be re-shingled in two to three days. A roof with double the area will usually require more than a week.

What factors influence the estimation cost of a roof?

If you want to know how a roofing company prices your new roof, you need to consider the variables. Here are some of the most important factors that will impact your roof estimate:

Roof size

Roofers will take the roof measurement based on square footage and then divide it by 100. This gives them a roofing square. Basically, one roofing square is equal to 100 square feet. Most roofing materials sell by the roofing square, not by square foot.

Roof pitch or slope

The complexity of your roof design may require extra materials as well as roofing work. That’s why roofing contractors generally charge more for installing shingles to complicated roof designs.

Your roof’s pitch can affect your roof’s average cost to a large extent. A very steep roof (more than 6:12 pitch) requires greater staging, safety, and labor to complete the roof project.

Moreover, a roof pitch determines the type of underlayment system. For example, a shingle roof with 2:12 to 4:12 pitch will require two layers of underlayment. A flat roof with 1/2:12 to 2:12 pitch, on the other hand, may require a certain number of underlayment to get a Class A fire rating.

Getting rid of the existing roof

A roof tear-off requires a good amount of time and labor. Additionally, you will have to consider the charges to dispose of the roofing material according to its weight. The heavier and expansive the roofing material, the longer it will take to remove the old roof and dispose of it properly.

Type of new roofing material

Different roofing materials cost differently. Moreover, they directly impact your new roofing system — in terms of the roof’s aesthetic design, weight, durability, and longevity.

When it comes to the entry-level type of roof, you have asphalt composition shingles. Concrete and clay tile roofing materials are mid-range options while synthetic, wood shake, metal roofing, slate roof, and architectural shingles come in the higher range.

Read more: Metal roof cost

Installing roofing system components

A new roof is much more than just tiles or shingles. You also need to consider waterproofing your roof, the type of underlayment, ventilation, and insulation. All these affect your roof’s performance, longevity, and therefore your roof installation cost.

Roofing contractor’s ease of access

Needless to say, a difficult roof access means that you can expect to pay a little extra for the additional equipment and labor to tear off the roof, load the roofing materials, and install the new roof system. 

For instance, a tile roof weighs more than an asphalt shingles roof and therefore requires more labor, time, and initial cost.  

Type of roof warranty

There’s a lot of difference between a standard roofing warranty (with the roofing contractor backing the labor and workmanship) and an extended or no-dollar-limit (NDL) warranty or a manufacturer’s warranty. The latter usually requires a fee, additional steps, and inspections. However, it features a higher quality workmanship due to the inspections involved. 

What’s the best roofing material?

Here is a quick summary of some of the most popular roofing materials and their features.

• A metal roof offers longevity, ROI, and curb appeal. It’s great for both traditional as well as modern architecture homes.
• Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and are available in many grades as well as styles. They suit both residential homes and commercial buildings.
• PVC roofing offers good service life and durability from bad weather.

When selecting your roofing material, consider the climate you live in. If your area experiences severe weather fluctuations or heavy snowstorms, rains — invest in the most durable roof, even if it’s costlier. Or else, you will have to endure constant roof leaks and other problems. 

How to estimate roof cost 

It’s a wonderful idea to use a roof replacement cost estimator before seeking quotes from roofing companies near you. The roofing calculator will help you prepare financially and mentally for the cost of a new roof. 

You can get an estimate of your total roofing cost, including the cost of materials, labor, and roof disposal fees.

Last thoughts 

A sturdy and safe roof is an essential part of your home maintenance. It doesn’t just keep you dry and protected from the elements of nature, it also adds to the aesthetics and style of your home. A roof replacement can cost you a lot. But, if you’re prepared for it, you can manage the high roof installation price without letting it derail your finances. 

Read more: New roof & roof repair financing

Written by Ramona Sinha. March 14, 2021

Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depths of her soul.