Issues with a roof can lead to big headaches. Whether a roof is leaking or aging, replacing a roof can be a costly endeavor. Many wonder what the estimated cost of their roofing needs will be. Typically a complete roof replacement can range anywhere from $1,200 to upwards of $30,000.

However, the general average is between $5000 and $10,000. While repairing or replacing a roof is one of the more costly repairs a homeowner can incur, the return on selling a home with a quality roof is thought to be as much as 60%.

Materials Matter When Replacing a Roof

If you are looking to do a complete replacement or even just a repair, the materials utilized for the job are essential in considering the cost you wish to pay. When asking for a roofing estimate, ask what materials will be used.

Spending less may seem ideal. However, you could risk having cheaper materials used in your home, which will cost you more in the long run because it will wear out faster than a more optimal material.

Professional Quality Work is Better

When you receive an estimate for your roof replacement or repair, it is crucial to consider how well the work will be done. Even if the end goal is to sell your home and a replacement or repair is necessary, homebuyers will notice quality work versus a poorly done job. Hiring someone with a solid performance record is worth the investment.

Roof Estimate for Reshingling Roof

The national average cost for a complete re-shingling of a roof is $7,200. The price will vary depending on the cost of materials and labor. The project price will also vary depending on the size of the roof, and geographic location will also be a determining factor in the price of your repair. Typically roofers will estimate the cost of your roof replacement based on square measurement, which they calculate using the length and width of the roof and adding those two numbers together.

Cost Estimate of Replacing Three Tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles are the most cost-effective shingle option on the market. A square measurement of three-tab shingles typically costs around $150 to $200. However, be wary, as cost-effective is not the equivalent to quality. Building codes since 2012 generally warrant builders to utilize shingles that can withstand 90 mph winds. However, some builders will forgo this requirement and quote you a lower price using subpar materials. Taking the initial blow of a higher upfront cost for quality materials will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Cost Estimate of Replacing Asphalt Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles or laminate shingles are thicker and more durable than their three-tab competitor. Architectural shingles come in 30 or 50-year variants. Thirty-year architectural shingles can range in price but are nearly twice as high as the three-tab version running from $350 to $500 per square measurement. Fifty-year architectural shingles are considered to be the premium shingles on the market. They are thicker and offer excellent durability. The estimated cost to replace your old shingles with 50-year architectural shingles will run about $450 to above $750 per square measurement.

Cost Estimate of Replacing Roof with Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofs have become popularized over the last decade. They are thought to be the pinnacle in cost-effective roof replacements as the need to reshingle is no longer applicable. However, the initial cost of a metal roof can be extensive depending on the type of metal used. Galvanized steel can cost upwards of $3000, while stainless steel can cost an eye-watering $14,000. Cooper takes the cake, costing upwards of $25,000 or more.

Factors that Will Impact Your Roofing Estimate

The extent of damage to your roof will have a determining factor in how much it costs to repair or replace your roof. Rotting wood underneath your shingles, for instance, can cause roofing companies to increase the original cost of the project. This is due to safety issues, but also, the timber would need to be repaired before new roofing could be applied. Extreme heat or cold can have an impact on your roofing estimate. If a roofing company has to provide excess materials or necessary breaks for workers, they may pass that expense on to you.

Removal of excess materials is yet another factor that could drive up the cost of your estimated roof repair. At times contractors will attempt to save a homeowner money by simply reshingling a home rather than doing a complete replacement. This is done to buy the homeowner time. However, when a total replacement is needed, an extra layer of shingles will cost more to remove than an original set would have.

Miscellaneous Items that Could Increase the Estimated Cost of Your Roof Repair

Inflation has left its mark on every aspect of the consumer market. This includes the cost of materials needed to repair roofing. For example, nails used to cost $16 a box but have since increased to $54 a box. Underlayment may also play a factor in your total roof replacement.

Quality underlayment acts as a waterproof barrier between the shingles and the timber. The majority of contractors will recommend adding this to your roof. Alongside a quality, underlayment is a water and ice overlay. While housing codes require roofs to have this added, some contractors will abuse this code and cut corners, neglecting this vital step. Starter shingles are another necessary expense as they will prevent water from soaking into the seams by allowing it to filter down off the roof.

Last but not least, be sure to ask your contractor about roof flashing. Roof flashing is a way to seal off joints in vulnerable areas, such as around chimneys. This step can be costly as it sometimes requires siding or cement board removal. Contractors will attempt to avoid this to lower the cost. However, skipping this step could allow your home to incur more damage.