How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

One of the most common questions we get as roofers is, “How much does a roof cost?” Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to answer this question. Many factors go into the final cost of a new roof – but that also means there are plenty of ways to save money and get a quality roof that fits your budget.

Factors that Affect the Price of a Roof

If you’re trying to budget for a new roof or you want to make sure you get the best roof for your price range, you should know the factors that affect your roof’s price and the choices you can make to change it.

Material Factors

Nails

Nails might seem like one of the most standard parts of a roof, but in truth, there are many types that can affect the final cost. Different metals, such as stainless steel, galvanized steel, or copper, are each appropriate for different roof types and climates. Depending on the type of roof and underlayment you use, you might also need a larger or thicker nail to secure your roof. And since a standard roof needs thousands of nails, it’s easy to see how different choices can change your costs. 

Underlayments

Even though they’re rarely seen, an underlayment is one of the most important parts of your roof. Underlayments come in many varieties, from standard asphalt-saturated felt to many types of synthetic underlayments. Different underlayments are appropriate for different kinds of roofs, and a stronger or more advanced underlayment can also improve the durability and life span of your roof. However, they can also dramatically affect the cost of your roof, so choose wisely.

Shingles

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the type of shingle you use on your roof affects its cost. More durable and advanced shingles, such as Architectural shingles, have a longer life span but also a higher price tag. Simpler shingles still provide strong protection at a lower budget, but they won’t last quite as long. You’ll also need to choose between multiple styles and colors of shingles to best suit your home and your budget.

Flashing

Flashing is one of the most often overlooked parts of your roof. Flashing secures joints, seams, and roof edges from water intrusion and other problems. However, different types of flashing have different qualities and costs. Most flashing is made of galvanized metal such as steel, aluminum or copper, although there are also less common types, such as plastics and synthetic materials. Flashing can also be installed and secured in several ways – more labor-intensive installations will take longer and cost more.

Other Factors

Roof Size and Pitch

Along with the type of materials you use on your roof, the shape and size of your roof can also affect its cost. Larger roofs obviously cost more to repair or replace than smaller ones. Also, a steeper roof is more difficult to work on than a flat or shallow roof and thus costs more in time and labor. Different types of roofs also might require the use of higher-quality shingles, underlayment, or nails.

The Old Roof

Unless you’re starting from scratch on a new home, you’ll also need to factor your existing roof into the price of a new one. Your roofing contractor will need to remove your old roof, and the amount of time and labor required can change the costs of this job. For instance, if you have a roof lined with heavy asphalted felt, it will take longer to replace than a roof lined with synthetic underlayment. Other factors come into play here, too, such as the amount and type of access the contractor has to the roof and the condition of the roof deck under the other layers.

Warranty

Finally, the warranty you choose for your roof will affect its final cost. A more comprehensive warranty will require additional inspection by trained and certified installers than the standard warranty. This work ensures the roof meets the highest standards, but it also can lead to extra costs.

There are a lot of components that come into play when talking about roof warranties and what they cover. Terms such as lifetime or 50-year and 25-year roofs are thrown around a lot. For a detailed breakdown of warranties, I would recommend downloading our in-depth guide to roofing warranties.

In the end, there are so many factors in roof construction that it’s impossible to estimate the cost of an “average” roof. Instead, you should work with a trustworthy and experienced contractor to get an estimate for a roof that fits your needs and your budget.