Several major elements affect the final price tag on a roof replacement. Evaluating each of the following factors can help you get a sense of your potential roof costs.
Many factors affect the cost of roof replacement. | @ fotolia.com / brizmaker
Roof Size
The size of a roofing project is measured in roofing squares (10 feet by 10 feet, or 100 square feet). Estimate the square footage of your roof and convert that measurement into squares so you can discuss roof costs per square with contractors.
Roofing Material
An important factor in calculating roof costs is the type of material used. Will you be installing asphalt, tile, wood, metal, or slate? Asphalt is the cheapest option, while metal and slate tend to be the most expensive.
Find out the cost per square foot of your chosen roofing material, and multiply that number by the total square footage of your roof. The sum will give you an idea of how much you’ll spend on roofing materials.
In many cases, vendors charge for delivery of roofing materials to your home, so be sure to add that charge to your roof costs estimate.
House Structure
Will the structure of your house need to be reinforced before a new roof can be installed? Heavier roofing materials, such as tile, sometimes require added roof support. Shoring up the house’s structure can add $1,000–10,000 to your final roof costs.
Roof Pitch
Roofers need to be able to move around the roof while they work, so the angle or gradient of the roof can affect labor costs. If the project requires roofers to use scaffolding or safety equipment, the extra effort and time will drive up your roof costs.
Roof Access
Some houses are situated in a way that makes it difficult for contractors to access the roof or bring materials close to the house. If your house is remote from the road or surrounded by trees that make roof access difficult, you can expect this to affect your roof costs.
Old Roof Removal
Before your new roof is installed, a contractor needs to remove and dispose of the old roof. The contractor may need to pull off layers of shingles or remove underlayment. Any debris must be moved to a proper landfill site. Most contractors charge between $3–5 per square foot to remove old roofing material.
Permits
For your safety and peace of mind, make sure that the contractor pulls a roofing permit when replacing your roof. A permit ensures that your roof complies with building codes and meets crucial safety standards. It’s also important, should you come to sell your house, for you to show that any renovations have been properly permitted.
A permit generally adds $150–400 to your roof costs.
As you can see, the variation of roof costs depends on many complex elements. Make sure to discuss the above aspects in your initial meetings with contractors to ensure you get an accurate estimate of your new roof costs. To find the best contractors in your area, check out our helpful database today.
