25 Jun How Much Should Roofing Cost

How Much Should Roofing Cost

As you read this article, you’ll learn about the critical decisions that go into roof replacement and how they affect cost:

• Which materials you use
• How many layers of roofing you need
• Whether to DIY or hire a professional

 

Your roof is the house’s first defense against the elements, wildlife, and other dangers that can seriously damage the inner structure. So if the roof is near the end of its life or you’re constantly repairing it, it’s time to think about replacement.

Of course, replacing your roof is a big investment. So before you start the process, you need to know the cost. Since many factors go into determining the cost of a new roof, you’ll need to do a little research to calculate a number. Fortunately, A & E Brothers Roofing is here to help with a breakdown of the expenses.

What Factors Go Into the Cost of a New Roof?

So how do you calculate an accurate roofing estimate? First, you have to break down what goes into the final price. For example, there’s the cost of materials, which are all the components that make up your new roof. There are also labor costs, which cover the work it takes to install the new roofing.

Those are just the direct expenses — during the process, you may run into unexpected issues. However, with the right budgeting beforehand, you can be prepared to cover these without breaking the bank.

Materials

When answering the question, “How much does a new roof cost?” you have to think about the materials necessary for the job:

• Shingles
• Nails
• Underlayment
• Roof vents

 

The quality of each of these materials can also affect the overall price. However, when you hire a professional roofing company, it may get discounts on some of these items by buying in bulk or from wholesalers.

Labor

When you hire professionals, labor is part of the new roof cost. You’re paying the construction company for its workers’ time, but also their experience. In addition, labor is usually charged by the hour, which means if an issue is discovered, you’ll be charged for the time it took to fix it.

Protective Layers

Shingles are rarely affixed directly to the roof; instead, there’s an underlayment between the two layers to provide extra protection. In some cases, you may want additional layers, such as a water-resistant layer, which will add to the cost.

Roof Size

The bigger your roof is, the more material you’ll need to cover it and the more labor it will take to get the job done. The good news is that roof size is one factor you can easily observe, so it’s a good way to estimate the total cost to replace the roof.

How Much Will a New Roof Cost?

Some roofs cost as little as $2,500, while others cost as much as $10,000. Why is there such a large gap between the two? While all of the factors mentioned above play a part, the most significant is materials.

Today’s rooftops can be made from a variety of materials, each with its pros and cons — and price, of course. Even within each category, there are subcategories of higher quality (and higher price).

Metal

Metal is a popular roofing material in dry, hot places prone to wildfires since this material is fireproof. It’s also quite diverse from an aesthetic standpoint, allowing it to pair well with a wide variety of home styles.

However, it’s one of the more expensive materials, which means a higher roof replacement cost. In fact, a completely new metal roof can cost as much as $11,000.

Slate

Slate is another expensive roofing option, but the high price tag comes with a lot of benefits:

• Lifespan between 50 and 100 years
• Fire-resistant
• Sustainable
• Aesthetically compatible with many house styles

 

Part of the cost comes from the careful installation slate requires, as it’s heavier than other options. If slate shingles aren’t installed with the proper support, they can put too much weight on your roof.

Synthetic Shingles

Synthetic shingles are a great option if you want something cheaper but aren’t willing to compromise on aesthetics. Made of polymer, plastic, or rubber, these shingles can mimic the appearance of slate, concrete, wood, and other materials.

The one thing to keep in mind is that not all synthetic shingles are made equal. Therefore, you should research the manufacturer before purchasing.

Clay Tiles

Clay or concrete tiles are heavy, which means a higher installation cost, but the material isn’t as expensive as slate. In addition, they can last up to 50 years and are fire-resistant.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular choices since they’re relatively inexpensive. They’re also quite versatile and complement most architecture. However, asphalt shingles have one of the shortest lifespans and typically have to be replaced every 20 years.

Why Hire Professionals?

Some people prefer to DIY home projects to save labor costs. While that may be a good idea for small jobs such as painting a room or installing curtains, it’s not appropriate for roofing. There is a slight possibility you could save a little money, but if you don’t have experience in the industry, it could actually end up costing you a lot more.

Save Time

Professional roofers have years of experience and training that allow them to work quickly and confidently. DIYers, on the other hand, are often figuring things out as they go. If you’re not familiar with roofing, you may have to make several attempts before getting it right, which means a prolonged period where your home is exposed. You’re also committed to doing this work in your spare time when you could be spending it with family or friends.

Stay Safe

Working on a roof is no picnic, especially if the pitch is extreme. Professional roofers have lots of experience working safely from a great height and angle, yet even with practice, accidents happen. If you’ve never worked on a roof before, the risk of harm is even higher, especially if you don’t have the proper footwear.

Get It Done Right

Have you ever heard the adage, “Measure twice, cut once?” It’s a common saying in the construction industry that means taking the time to do something right means less work overall. If you try to DIY something as complicated as roof installation, you may end up creating a bigger problem that requires professional assistance anyway. As a result, you may spend even more time and money than if you’d hired a construction company in the first place.

Do you need a new roof? If so, A & E Brothers Roofing should be at the top of your list of construction companies. We’re dedicated to delivering the highest quality work and are proud to serve communities in southern Florida.

Not sure if you can afford a replacement? No worries; we work with financing partners and are happy to find solutions within your budget. To find out more or get an estimate, give us a call at 305-563-2760 or contact us online.

Featured Image: Eclipse Aerial/Shutterstock

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