How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Roof?

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How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Roof?brizmaker - Getty Images


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Your roof is important. It protects you from the elements, helps to keep your home warm in the winter (and cold in the summer), and is a key piece of your home. Roofs are expensive, sure, but when it comes time to replace your roof, you don't want to cut any corners. So how much does a roof replacement cost? Whether you opt for budget-friendly asphalt shingles or high-end copper tiles, there are a number of factors that affect a roof's cost.

To know how much to budget, mistakes to avoid, and whether or not you actually need a warranty (yes, you do), we tapped Michael Branover, founder of Branover Contractors Inc., Jordan Woolf, owner of Huntsville Roofing Solutions, and Kim Abrams, CEO of Abrams Roofing, to answer all of our roofing questions. Read on for a full cost breakdown of how much it will cost to replace your roof ahead of the intimidating task.

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?

On average, replacing your roof costs around $9,257 in 2024. However, the wider range is between $5,848 and $12,915 depending on where you live, size of your home, roofing material and many other factors, which we will break down below. Some homeowners may even spend upwards of $46,000 for large, high-end roofs.

Roofing Costs by Type

There is a wide range of materials, looks, and choices for your roof. Basic asphalt shingles cost between $2,000 and $4,000 for the material alone, while premium options such as copper can cost more than $40,000.

Roof Material

Average Cost

Full vs. Partial Roof Replacement

If only a portion of your roof needs replacement, you can do a partial roof replacement. Of course, you'll pay less to replace a section of your roof than you would if you replaced the entire thing. However, you'll still have to pay for permits, labor, and removal of the old roofing material. You also may have to pay more for less materials, as roofing is often sold inbuilt. Overall though, the total cost of a partial replacement will be less than a total.

The Best Roofing Materials for Your Area's Climate

According to Branover, it's important to consider whether when choosing your roofing materials. In addition to keeping your home safe and dry, your roof can also help with regulating your home's temperatures. "In warm climates, metal roofs reflect heat efficiently, keeping your home cooler. Concrete tiles are durable and resistant to heat and sun damage," he explains. "For cold weather, asphalt shingles are affordable and good insulators. Choose thicker shingles for better performance. Slate or metal roofs offer excellent insulation and snow-shedding capabilities."

Factors That Will Affect Roof Replacement Cost

Labor Costs

On average, labor will account for 60 percent of your roof replacement costs. Roofing is one of the most skilled and labor-intensive jobs on the market, so you can expect around $2 per square foot of your new roof cost to come from labor.

Size of Your Roof

The typical roof replacement will range between $4 to $11 per square foot. The higher the square footage, the more your roof replacement will cost. For a 1,500 square foot roof, homeowners can expect to spend between $6,525 and $16,500 in total.

Roof Pitch

The steeper the angle of your roof, referred to as the pitch, the more expensive your roof replacement will be. Steeper roofs require more safety equipment and higher labor costs. You might spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 extra in labor costs

Removal of Your Current Roof

If you have an existing roof to remove, expect to dedicate around $1,250 on average to tear it down prior to installation. This part of the project typically costs $1 to $5 per square foot or an average of $1,000 to $1,500.

Skylights, Chimneys, and Other Roof Features

If you have protruding features on your roof, you'll have to budget for additional costs to cover added labor and materials. A fixed skylight costs around $150 per unit and an additional $500 or more for labor. Replacing a chimney costs $5,000 or more, while a partial rebuild typically goes for $1,000 to $3,000

Clean Up Costs

If you’re removing an old roof before having a new one installed, expect additional expenses to cover the cleanup and disposal of the old materials. Your contractor may charge an additional fee to account for the extra labor and the cost of a dumpster rental where necessary. A dumpster rental is, on average, $380 per week.

Roof Warranties and Insurance

A contractor warranty will typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the scope of the job. As for manufacturer warranties, these can vary from $500 to upwards of $5,000. While roof insurance and warranties are optional, they are a good add-on because they often include annual checkups and any minor repairs, such as missing shingles or flashing. This varies depending on the company that does your roof repairs and replacement. There are three common types of roof warranties, according to Abrams.

  • Basic limited lifetime warranty that comes with the roof — which is the industry standard and covers basic damage and repairs.

  • Your contractor/ installer's warranty — which covers anything that has to do with roofing installation but excludes the roofing materials. It can be anything from 5 years to 50 years depending on the contractor you work with but on average, you should be getting 10 years.

  • Manufacturer's extended warranty — which is more comprehensive and covers everything from the cost of defective material replacements to the labor cost. It can extend up to 50 years, but it comes with an additional cost on your purchase. "The contractor would of course be an approved partner of the manufacturer," Abrams says.

Roof Replacing FAQs

Should I DIY or hire the professionals?

Even for the most experienced DIY'er, hiring the professionals is the way to go for replacing your roof. It's not only safer to have experienced roofers, but you're less likely to have mistakes or shoddy work that will cost more in the long run.

Do I actually need a roof warranty or insurance?

Yes. According to Woolf, a manufacturer's warranty (often provided by the roofing company you hire to install), covers both materials and the workmanship. Your homeowner's insurance should cover damage to your roof in the event of extreme weather, fallen trees, or other natural disasters.

How often should a roof be replaced?

How long your roof lasts depends on the material it’s made from. Asphalt and wood shingles generally last 20 to 30 years, though high-quality asphalt shingles may last up to 50 years. Metal roofs last longer than shingles, holding up for between 40 to 80 years.

What is the cheapest roofing option?

Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing option for a roof replacement. Basic asphalt shingles cost between $2,000 and $4,000 for the material alone, while premium options such as copper can cost more than $40,000.


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