There is really no simple answer to this question. When it comes to home improvement, a new roof is one of those things that have the widest range of prices all depending mostly on what you want. The prices for a new roof fluctuates according to varying factors as the size of the roof, the pitch of the roof, if you will be adding a chimney or a skylight and much more. Here are some factors that affect the price of a new roof and how they affect the price.
- The Slope of the roof – If your roof will be steep you will find that the cost will be higher regardless of the size of your roof or the materials you choose to use to roof it. Not only will the roof itself be more costly but the cost of labor to install the roof will also be more expensive than installing a roof with a gently slope.
- Location – the cost of new roof also depends on where in the country you are as prices in different states and even cities will differ and so will installation prices.
- Season – though you may not be able to choose which season you can re-roof your house in an emergency, if there is no emergency the most cost effective season to re-roof your home is in early spring. This time of year sees the lowest installation prices due to the good weather.
- Additions – adding chimneys or skylights to your roof will increase the cost of your new roof as well as increase the cost of labor for installation.
- Types of roof – tile roofs are going to be more expensive than roofs with wood shingles. Other types of shingles can cost as much as tile to if they are heavier made from low cost material but more durable.
Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Materials
Asphalt Composition Shingles
This is among the most popular type of roofing material in the country. It is one of the lowest costing roofs you can find on the market but it only has a moderate lifespan of 20 years on average and it can be easily installed. The downside to this roofing material is that it is prone to warping in extreme weather shifts. This type of roof is also not very attractive.
The cost of an asphalt composition shingle roof is on average between $1500 – $9000.
Metal Roofing
This type of roofing material has a number of sub types to include corrugated iron, copper, aluminum, galvanized and stainless steel and metal blends. These roofs are very durable, fire resistant, hail resistant, wind resistant and snow resistant. It has a lifespan of 20 to 50 years plus and installation is relatively easy. The downside to choosing this material is that it is generally more expensive and not too attractive.
- The cost of basic interlocking steel shingles is $500 – $17000.
- The cost of aluminum metal is $12000 – $20000.
- The cost of Corrosion resistant steel sheets is $12000 – $22000.
- The cost of copper and other high end roof styles is $25000 – $40000.
Wood Shingles and Shake
This type of roofing material is extremely attractive since they are cut from Western Red Cedar Logs. Shingles are pieces of wood that have been cut by a machine while shakes are pieces of wood blocks that have been split. These types of roofs are very durable, are aesthetically pleasing and last for more than 30 years. They are however, more expensive and more difficult to install.
- The cost of Shingles is roughly $7000 – $15000.
- The cost of Shake is roughly $10000 – $20000.
Tiles
There are a wide variety of different tiles to choose from to include concrete, sand and clay. These roofs will not suffer from rot, sun damage or damage from insects, they are also resistant to fire. The lifespan of these roofs are in excess of 50 years. The downsides to this roofing material are that it is expensive and difficult to install and requires professional maintenance every 10 to 20 years. It also necessitates additional structural support in some home due to its weight.
- The cost of basic clay tile is $12000 – $21000.
- The cost of high end tile can go beyond $65000.
In order to determine an estimate for what it would cost to replace your roof the best thing to do is talk to some experts such as the ones you can find at Mad City. Remember that the most affordable estimate is not always the best. You want to look for a contractor that has multiple client references that are all positive, check to ensure they are licensed and have the appropriate insurance.
