Out of all the major house repairs you go through, replacing your roof is probably one of the most CRITICAL REPAIRS you’ll have to go through.

Sometimes getting a roof repair isn’t enough, so you might need to get a new roof to keep your house in good condition.

This guide will help you understand new roofing costs, material prices, installation methods, and other helpful info about re-roofing your property.

Basic Roofing Materials

There is a multitude of other roofing materials found all over the world, but we’ll be going through the most common kinds of roofing materials, so the list doesn’t get too long.

Here are the most popular choices for residential buildings.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are cheap and can be obtained almost anywhere. This makes asphalt shingles the most popular option for residential home roofs (see our article on the best roofing shingle).

Architectural asphalt shingles offer better durability, but they COST MORE.

However, asphalt shingles are the least aesthetically-pleasing option from the list due to their flat look.

An asphalt shingle roof can last 12 to 25 years, depending on how well you maintain it.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

Wood shakes are durable but cost more than asphalt shingles.

We don’t recommend using wood shingles if you live in a DRY AREA where you run the risk of them catching on fire.

It depends on how long your wood shake house will last, but if you use cedar as your roofing material, then you could get it to last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

Metal Roofing

While asphalt shingle roofs are still trendy, getting a metal roof isn’t uncommon nowadays.

That’s because they’re incredibly durable and fireproof at the same time.

Aside from that, compared to the lifespan of an asphalt roof, metal roofs can withstand the march of time for 40 to 70 years.

Ceramic or Clay Tiles

These roofing materials enjoy popularity since they don’t rot over time and don’t require too much maintenance compared to other materials.

The ever-iconic red Spanish-style tiles are still predominantly used in California and Florida but are losing to metal and composite materials due to prices.

A ceramic or clay tile roof can last 50 years with good maintenance, but roofs with this sort of material can last even a CENTURY.

Slate Roofing

This eye-pleasing roofing material is an excellent option if your house can handle the WEIGHT of these tiles.

Since this roofing material is both nice to look at and long-lasting, this makes it EXPENSIVE.

Roofs with slate tiles can last from 50 years to 200 years, depending on the kind of slate you use and how well you care for it over the years.

Composition Slate

Shingles made from composition material aren’t just made from one type of material.

They can be made from a mixture of wood, laminate, fiberglass, and slate.

They’re impressive since they’re less susceptible to damage, unlike other materials, but are still inexpensive.

Depending on how well you maintain them, they can last 20 years to 50 years.

Roof Replacement Cost

A new shingle roof, including removal fees, can have an average cost of around 5,700 USD to 12,000 USD.

But before you get a roof replacement estimate, let’s get a breakdown of how each variable determines your roof replacement cost.

Roof Size

The SQUARE FOOTAGE OF YOUR ROOF will determine the cost of your roofing replacement (Here is how to measure it).

If your house is on the smaller side, you won’t have to pay as much money for your roof replacement.

On the other hand, if your house is huge, you need to shell out more money to compensate for the time the workers will work on your roof and the materials required to get everything down.

Location

Your location will play into the cost of your roof replacement as well.

If you live in a cold place, you might have to get additional underlayment or ice and water shield to protect your roof.

If the opposite is true, you might not be able to install a metal roof since it can easily retain heat.

Materials

The materials for your roof replacement will usually take up 40% of your roof replacement costs and could cost 100 USD to 1,000 USD per square.

NOTE: In the roofing business, one roofing square is equal to 100 square feet.

Of course, this depends on the type of material you want for your new roof. If you get premium architectural shingles, you’ll end up paying more.

Here’s a list of estimated prices for the different roofing materials, depending on the quality of products:

• Asphalt shingles: 100 USD to 200 USD per square/1 USD to 2 USD per square foot
• Wood tiles: 350 USD to 500 USD per square/3.50 USD to 5.00 USD per square foot
• Metal shingles: 275 USD to 400 USD per square/2.75 USD to 4.00 USD per square foot
• Ceramic tiles: 1,000 USD to 1,800 USD per square/10 USD to 18 USD per square foot
• Slate tiles: 900 USD to 1,600 USD per square/9 USD to 16 USD per square foot
• Composition tiles: 110 USD to 1,600 USD per square/1.10 to 16 USD per square foot

Indeed, there are many options to choose from, even if you’re trying to save up.

Labor

That roof won’t just get a full roof replacement by itself.

You’re going to have to hire roofing contractors to get the job done.

Roofing contractors can give you an estimate between 150 USD to 300 USD per square (1.50 USD to 3 USD per square foot).

However, the roofing labor cost may go up depending on other factors.

Extent of Damage

If the damage on your old roof is a lot, then the cost of labor for your roof replacement will go up as well.

That’s because the roofing contractor will need more gear and time to take SAFETY PRECAUTIONS when going up there to make roof repairs and lay down your new roof.

Environmental Conditions

If the environmental conditions during the roofing job aren’t great, then the roofing contractors will also charge extra for that.

They’ll have to bring protective elements for their team to ensure no one gets hurt on the job.

Removal

If you added new shingles on your old roof in hopes of saving money and time when it needed a roof replacement in the past, that would cost you more money now.

The workers will have to tear the existing layer (or layers) before setting the new roof.

Due to the ADDITIONAL LABOR for the roofing business team, the roof replacement cost may increase.

Other Roof Replacement Materials & Features

When you’re replacing your roof, you may come to realize that damaged shingles aren’t your only problem.

Here are some other things that you may need to replace or repair during the roofing job, which will also affect the total roof cost.

Decking

The decking of a roof is the foundation of where you set the roofing material down.

The roof deck consists of plywood or oriented strand boards placed over your house’s rafters.

The roof’s decking will usually need replacement if your roof has cracks that cause leakage, causing mold and rot to form on it.

The average cost of replacing this is around 2.20 USD to 3 USD per square foot.

Underlayment

The underlayment of a roof separates the outer part of the roof from the decking. This prevents water damage if your roof sustains lots of damage that can let water in.

Most underlayment contains synthetic felt that’s covered with asphalt.

Replacing them would cost 1.50 USD to 2.10 USD per square footage.

Ice and Water Barrier

If you want more protection from water damage, you should get an ice and water barrier.

You SHOULD install these on the top of your roof decking areas that are more prone to water damage.

The average price to get to replace ice and water barriers goes from 1.87 USD to 2.53 USD per square foot, NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION FEES.

Fascia and Soffit Replacement

You can find fascia boards on the lower edge of the roof to offer support for your gutters and the lower portion of your roofing material.

The soffits are the part of your roof that hangs under the trusses or rafters of your roof. They’re often connected to the fascia.

Since these parts of your roof are often made of wood, they’re very susceptible to rot and water damage. You may have to replace them when you get your roof worked on.

It will cost you around 2.80 USD to 8.62 USD per linear foot to replace the fascia boards.

Meanwhile, the soffits will cost 2.80 USD to 5.28 USD per linear foot.

Roof Flashing and Pipe Boots

Roof flashing is usually installed around water damage vulnerable areas like around the base of a chimney or your skylights.

It’s usually sold in a thin plate of galvanized steel and costs about 9 USD to 11 USD per foot.

Pipe boots are usually made of rubber and are installed around the base of a pipe to protect your house from leaks.

Depending on their quality, they can cost between 63 USD to 85 USD for each boot.

It’s unnecessary to replace your flashing or boots every time you get a roof replacement. If they’re still in good condition and have been properly installed, you can keep using them.

The Roof Replacement Process

If you understand what happens in the roof replacement process, you can make better, more well-informed decisions about fixing your roof.

Here’s the usual procedure your roofing contractor may do when repairing your roof.

• 1.) Remove all the old shingles. When the crew removes the previously used shingles, they should use a tarp to protect plants from the debris. They’ll also use magnetic tools to pick up things like nails and other magnetic materials from your property.

• 2.) Make minor repairs on the roof. If your roof requires more serious work, the team should replace the rotting wood with new plywood sheathing or whatever material applies to your roof.

• 3.) Install an ice and water dam for more protection. The crew you hired should install or replace an ice and water dam if it’s required where you live.

• 4.) Put asphalt roofing paper. At this stage, the team should add the underlayment over the roof sheathing.

• 5.) Add metal drip edging around the roof. You should nail the metal drip edge over the underlayment or the ice and water dam with roofing nails.

• 6.) Apply new valley flashing if applicable. The crew needs to put flashing between roof valleys to protect them. They’re usually nailed down on the roofing deck before it’s sealed with roofing caulk.

• 7.) Apply the tab shingles. The roofing contractors will work from the eaves of the roof to the very top of your roof. If you have roof vents, you should install the shingles first before adding them.

• 8.) Apply flashing around vulnerable areas. You should add them around chimneys, skylights, and vents (if there are any).

• 9.) Install the ridge vent. The ridge vents will help air circulate in the attic, get rid of warm air, and stop ice dams from forming in the winter. Ridge vents may not be present in older houses, so you should install them if you get the chance to.

• 10.) Conduct the final cleanup. After cleaning the debris away from the roof, you should get an inspector to look at the quality of the build and get it approved.

Even basic knowledge will help you and your roofing contractor get the most desirable outcome for your new roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that you may need answers when it comes to getting a replacement roof.

What Are the Signs to Get a Roof Replacement

What if you like the existing shingles on your entire roof? Isn’t your existing roof just fine the way it is?

If you’re unsure about getting a roof replacement or if you just need to undertake a little home improvement project with minor roof repair plans, then this could help you out.

Environmental Damage

The most obvious sign to get your roof replaced is if it’s been affected by environmental damage.

If you see visible damage on your roof like rust, curling, cracking, then it may be time to get a roof replacement.

Age

If you’ve read the roofing materials section of this article, you’ll notice that there are estimated lifespans for each roof type.

If your asphalt roof is 30 years old already, you may want to consider getting a new one.

If you’re still unsure about getting a roof replacement, then you could always hire a certified ROOF INSPECTOR to take a look and give you their opinion.

What’s the Best Material For Hot Climates?

You need to pick the right roofing material that’s suitable for your climate.

If you choose something that isn’t suitable, you may feel like you’re being baked in an oven in your own house.

Different roofing materials have their own strengths and weaknesses, but terracotta’s strength can be attributed to keeping your house nice and cool even during the summer season.

Terracotta tiles will have a curved shape, which allows air to flow between the tiles when put together. The shape also allows the tiles to absorb any excess heat, so you feel cool in your house.

What’s the Best Material for Cold Climates?

You’re going to need a roofing material that can take a beating from the wind and snow if you live in a cold area.

Due to their high durability, SLATE ROOFS are the perfect roofing material to withstand harsh winters.

Aside from being tough, a roof with slate tiles can also last hundreds of years if you take good care of them.

However, getting METAL ROOFS could work well if you don’t think you can get a slate roof due to your budget.

If the metal roofing is installed correctly, the snow will slide off instead of staying up on the roof.

Metal roofing can also retain the extra heat from the sun, which may help with lowering bills during the cold season.

Conclusion

While replacing your roof may seem straightforward at first, there’s a lot of work that goes into it.

However, with the knowledge you gained from reading this article, you may be able to make better decisions regarding your roof’s state.

That way, the total roof replacement cost can go down while your roof stays NICE AND HEALTHY.