So you’ve reached the point where a roof replacement is in your near future. You may be aware then that roof replacements are generally one of the larger expenses faced by a homeowner.

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However, while expensive up front, the long-term benefits on a roof replacement are tangible. Not only does a new roof keep you and your belongings dry and safe, but a roof replacement is also an investment in the value of your property.

Zillow estimates that a roof replacement will see about a 60% return if you should decide to sell the property. This is because a recently replaced roof can be a selling point for a real estate agent; the next homeowner doesn’t have to replace the roof themselves. 

The average roof replacement in the United States runs from about $6,000 to $13,000. The price depends on multiple factors including, most importantly, the labor required, the materials you choose, and the size of your roof. As we progress, we will break down how these listed factors play into the cost of your roof replacement.

Labor:

The broad price breakdown has 40% of your roof replacement costs going towards materials while about 60% of the cost goes to labor. Your average roofing labor costs runs from around $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot of roof.

Naturally, a larger roof will require more time to be able to replace. This cost per square foot of labor can vary depending on a few factors: extent of damage, environmental conditions, and removal of old materials. All of these factors create more extensive and potentially dangerous work, which will be reflected in the final cost for your replacement.

Materials:

As for the other 40% of a roof replacement cost, the materials can be a highly variable cost depending on what you select. In general, materials will cost between $1 and $10 per square foot.

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The more expensive options will generally look more aesthetically pleasing and withstand the elements better. Asphalt shingles are generally the cheapest available option. They work and are generally considered to be the standard. Prices slowly rise as you consider materials such as galvanized steel before majorly jumping in price for materials like stone/slate or copper.

Consider what climate you experience at home before making this decision; if you experience a lot of heavy snow, a metal roof will help clear snow off faster, relieving the weight on your house.

Roof Size:

Naturally, a larger roof will require more labor and more materials to be able to replace. Thus, the overall price of replacement will rise with your square footage. Other factors beyond size matter as well including the steepness and shape of your roof.

For example, if you have a very steep incline on your roof, you will generally be charged more for the replacement due to the increased difficulty and danger that comes with a steep roof. Also, if your roof has a lot of gables and other features, these weird shapes will present their own challenges to the laborer and will be reflected in the final cost of replacement.

Conclusions:

At the end of the day, roof replacement isn’t a cheap endeavor. Between roof installer labor and materials, one should expect to pay a few thousand dollars. But this cost is a worthy investment. A roof replacement not only instantly raises the value of your house, but aids in protecting the longevity of the structure as well.

It is highly recommended to not cut corners regarding your roof. Get the experienced roofer with materials that are optimal for your location and weather. The extra dollars will go a long way towards your piece of mind and the value of your property.