Updated on:
February 12, 2023
Though replacing a roof may sound straightforward, many factors contribute to a new roof's total cost. Most homeowners planning to replace their roof only focus on the shingles' cost and neglect other factors. However, items like flashing, ventilation, and nails can contribute to the total cost of getting a new roof. Though the overall cost of a new roof can be rather high, most of the time your homeowner’s insurance covers a majority of the cost, so please keep this in mind.
Our guide shows the breakdown of how much a new roof costs. At the end of this, you will have a better understanding of how much a new roof can cost.
Due to different roof sizes, the cost of a new roof varies from project to project. While some roofs can cost as low as $2,000, others may cost as much as $30,000. However, studies show that a new roof's average cost is between $5,000 and $10,000. Roof sizes will also vary from region to region, but here in Amarillo and even in Texas at large, the average roof size is about 1,600 to 1,700 square feet for old homes and 2,400 to 2,600 square feet for new homes.
The cost of new roofs of the same size can also vary based on the quality of the materials and work quality. When planning to get a new roof, you'll come across materials of different qualities, and which one you choose will go a long way in determining how long it will take to replace your roof.
If you choose a roofing material and low-quality work, prepare to have the roof replaced a lot sooner. Also, opting for lower quality work will influence your warranty and possibly your insurance rates.
As such, it is always ideal to ask your roofing company about their liability and insurance before working on the roof. This ensures you're covered should an accident occur.
How much to budget on re-shingle a roof depends on many factors such as the region, shingle material, and roof size. However, the average cost of re-shingling a roof is $7,200, according to Home Guide.
If your roof only needs a few shingles to be replaced and not the entire roof being re-shingled, expect to spend less than this. What to budget for replacing a few shingles depends on certain factors, such as the number of shingles to be replaced and the material used. However, Roofing Calculator recommends that homeowners budget around $650 for a minor shingle repair.
Again, one major factor that determines the cost of a new roof is the material selected. While cheap materials are pocket friendly, they usually don't last as long and might not meet the International Building Code (IBC) requirements.
Basically, three-tab asphalt shingles are some of the least expensive roofing materials on the market. Most of them do not meet the 2015 International Building Code that necessitates a minimum of 90 MPH for roofing materials. This is a wind requirement that ensures roofs are not unduly susceptible to wind.
As such, if a roofer recommends that you use these materials, ask them to recommend another material with higher wind requirements, or find a more reputable company to work with.
Another common type of asphalt shingles is the 30-year architectural or laminated shingles. These materials have more durability and are of higher quality than three-tab shingles. The average cost of installing 30-year architectural shingles is roughly $400 per square foot.
Another variety under architectural asphalt shingles is 50-year architectural shingles, which generally are more robust and durable than 30-year shingles.
If you hire a quality roofing company, they'll offer you an extended warranty for quality products like the 50-year architectural shingles. Ensure your hired roofing company mentions the warranty for your chosen material.
Unlike the basic three-tab shingles, laminated shingles can withstand more wind as they have a 110–130 MPH rating.
Other than the shingles, additional factors can contribute to a new roof's overall cost, including the cost of labor and other materials. Here are some of these elements that make up the total cost of a new roof.
Though they seem insignificant during estimation, the cost of nails contributes to the cost of a roof. Statistics show that the price of nails increased from $16 to $27 in 2018. Studies also show that a typical roof requires about two bags of nails. Though $54 might sound insignificant, it adds up to the overall cost of a roof replacement.
An underlayment functions as extra protection against water damage, and it's ideal to go for a durable underlayment. A quality roofing contractor will recommend using an underlayment, as it ensures the roof is prevented from leaks, mold, and other issues water might cause when the shingles get damaged.
Quality ice and water barrier is another form of protection to protect your roof against the impact of snow and storm, which are common ways water craw into the home. You can enhance this protection by choosing two layers of ice and water barrier. Though this is one of the most abused code requirements, ensure you ask your roofing contractor about it to know the level of protection you're providing your home.
The cost of ventilation is another factor that adds up to the overall cost of a new roof. Your roof needs ventilation, just like other areas of the home. Adequate ventilation ensures that hot air in your attic has the means to flow out. This will prevent your roof from developing mold and thereby prolong your roof's life. Ensure your contractor provides this, as unprofessional roofing companies ignore it to cut back their estimates.
To reduce their estimates, some roofing contractors remove these items from their calculations. Roof flashings are usually used to seal the joints where shingles and chimneys meet to prevent water from creeping through the joints. Ensure your roofing contractor lists this on their estimates, as it can greatly improve your homes longevity.
It might be shocking to learn that labor costs can contribute even more to the total than the price of materials for the roof. Studies show that labor cost accounts for 60% of the overall cost of a new roof. Though you may come across roofing companies offering low prices, be wary of trusting your roof to them, as such contractors are not professional with their job.
If you’re in Amarillo, Texas and are looking for the best roofing company for your roof repair or replacement, contact us today. Pristine Roofing and Construction has years of experience, and we’ll make sure you get the best roof for the best price. If you want a more exact idea of how much a new roof will cost you, we will come for free to inspect your home.