What Is the Average Cost of a New Roof?

Any home improvement can put a strain on your finances. It’s natural to worry about the cost of a new roof.

You may have had some form of damage. Maybe it looks tired and dated. Perhaps you’d like to change your roof to lower energy cost.

The Factors That Go Into The Cost Of A New Roof

A new roof could cost between $8,000 and $20,000. The total figure depends on a range of variables. The size, materials, and pitch of your roof are obvious factors. Contractors may charge more if your roof is difficult to reach. Accessibility may become an issue, as can your city or state.

Read on to find out what variables affect the average pricing.

The size is the first factor in the cost of a new roof

Roofing companies use a specific measurement for roofs – the square. A square is 100 square feet. Average-sized houses will have a roof of 3000 sq. ft., or 30 squares.

Get a tape measure and find the width and length of your house. This will give you the square footage. If your house has a different shape, find the area of each space within the walls. Add them together to get the square footage.

This will give you a rough guide to the cost of a new roof.

Know the pitch of your roof

Many roofs are 6:12 pitch. That means it rises 6 inches across every 12-inch horizontal span. Combined with the size, the pitch helps you to estimate the cost, based on your chosen material.

But if your house has a ratio of 7:12 or higher, then you may need to pay more.

The contractors won’t be able to walk around the roof during installation. The higher price of extra safety equipment will push up the cost of a new roof. Steep roofs slow work down since contractors can’t stack materials on the roof. Those frequent trips down to the yard for more materials take time.

The contractor may also need to pay more for insurance. They’ll pass those higher costs to you.

Think about the materials

Asphalt shingles are the most affordable option. If they’re installed properly and maintained well, they can last 30 years. Check out our guide to the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing.

Metal, tile, and slate roofs all cost more. But they can also last more than 50 years. They could prove to be a good investment if you plan to stay in your home.

And if you’re concerned about the environment, consider a green roof. A green roof can reduce the demand for air conditioning.

Check if these other factors apply to your roof

Water damage often doesn’t show up until the original shingles are removed. Repairing this kind of damage can add to the cost of a new roof. Chimneys and skylights increase the cost since contractors need to work around them. They turn a straightforward roof into more of a challenge.

A roofer may need specific permits in your area. You also need to take local building codes into account when choosing materials.

All of these factors can increase the costs so get several quotes before you start. Different contractors will also charge more depending on labor needs.