How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost? 6 Ways To Make It Affordable
Your home’s roof is one of its most important features. A solid, well-designed roof can add curb appeal and value, as well as protect you, your family and your possessions from the elements.
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Fortunately, modern roofing materials allow roofs to last decades — anywhere from 30 to 75 years in some cases, according to Forbes Home. However, when it is time to repair or reroof, it can be an expensive and complicated project, so there are many things to consider. The only sure thing is that roofing projects are not places to cut corners or ignore.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Roof?
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: Roof replacement can be costly. According to the home services website Angi, most homeowners spend between $5,852 and $13,022 for a full roof replacement, with the average cost landing at $9,338. Forbes Home states the average is a bit higher at $11,500 for an average-sized home. For this reason, it’s a good idea to plan for this cost well in advance.
What Factors Affect the Price of a New Roof?
“The cost of replacing a roof can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size of the roof, the materials used, the complexity of the project, and geographic location,” said Craig Young, vice president and co-owner of Roof Doctors, a roofing company in Northern California.
In fact, with the cost of materials representing around 40% to 50% of the total cost of roof replacement, according to Forbes Home, your choice in this area could make or break your budget.
The complexity of the roof, like the slope and number of layers, and the local labor rates also affect the overall cost greatly, said Young.
According to Angi, roof pitches typically fall between 3:12 to 6:12, or about 14 degrees to 27 degrees. Anything beyond 6:12 is considered more hazardous and could increase the labor cost for your roof.
What Types of Materials Are Available and How Much Do They Cost?
You may be pleasantly surprised at the amount of choice you have when it comes to roofing materials. They vary as much in aesthetics as they do in price.
Below are various choices in roofing materials and their cost per square foot, according to Architectural Digest. The square footage refers to the roof’s square footage. This can vary greatly from your home’s square footage due to home design, amount of stories, roof pitch and other factors.
Asphalt shingles: $4.25-$8.25
Flat roofing materials: $5.50-$7.50
Corrugated metal: $5.50-$11.50
Aluminum shingles: $6-$16
Cedar shingles or shakes: $8-$14.30
Steel shingles: $10-$20
Concrete tiles: $11-$19.80
Copper tiles: $12-$20
Slate tiles: $12-$22
Clay/ceramic tiles: $12-$24.75
What Are the Signs That I Need a New Roof?
The good news here is that in most cases, the signs that roof repair or replacement is needed are fairly straightforward.
“Some clear signs that it’s time for a new roof would be when you have curling, cracked or brittle shingles,” said Kim Abrams, CEO of Abrams Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky. “Curling shingles can allow water to seep through and cause leaks/damage, while cracked shingles are already allowing water in to do the damage.”
One easy roof integrity test is to check in your attic, she said. “If you notice light streaming in on sunny days, then that certainly indicates holes or weaknesses in the roof that need repair.”
How Do I Know Whether To Repair or Replace My Roof?
There are many factors you should weigh while deciding whether to replace your entire roof or repair a section showing signs of damage or decay.
“Often, a roof that’s damaged can be repaired without replacing the entire roof,” said Austin Jewell, a principal at Capitol Improvements, a roofing contractor in Maryland. “However, if your roof is over 20 years old, missing large sections of shingles, growing mold, algae or foliage, or sagging and drooping, it’s smart to consider a roof replacement.”
What Are the Dangers of Neglecting Roof Repair?
Like most problems in life, if ignored, roof problems only get worse and more expensive with time.
Neglecting roof repair can lead to issues such as interior cosmetic damage, mold and mildew growth, structural integrity degradation, electrical hazards and more, said Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku & Sons Roofing in Phoenix.
“Addressing roof repairs, especially leaks, as soon as they’re detected is crucial. Not only does it protect the structural integrity of your home and the health of its occupants, but it also saves money in the long run by preventing more serious issues,” he said.
6 Ways To Make Roof Replacement or Repair Less Expensive
Your home’s roof is one of its most important components, so it is essential that any replacement or repairs are done properly. That said, there are ways to make it less costly.
1. Do It Yourself
Yes, you can reroof your home yourself, but this is not like painting a bathroom or replacing a fan. “If you’re skilled, you might be able to do some of the work, like removal of the old roof, yourself. However, be cautious as roofing can be dangerous,” said Young.
Also, according to Angi, your homeowners insurance might not cover any roof replacement or repair not completed by a licensed roofing contractor. The reward of DIY roof replacement is attractive, however, with a savings of roughly 50%, according to Angi. But again, weigh that savings very carefully before taking on this large and potentially hazardous DIY project.
2. Get Multiple Quotes
Not only does getting multiple quotes from reputable roofing contractors give you a better chance at finding the best deal, but it can also help you negotiate a better one with your preferred choice.
3. Check Your Homeowners Insurance
Always check with your homeowners insurance provider to see if your roof repair or replacement is covered.
4. Roof Over the Existing Roof
In some cases, it is acceptable to install a new roof over the existing one. Since roof removal typically costs $1 to $5 per square foot, according to Angi, this could result in significant savings. But consult a professional to determine whether this is a viable option for your roof before making this decision.
5. Remove the Existing Roof Yourself
Performing this part of the reroofing job yourself could save you money. There are a few considerations, however. First, make sure you can perform the job safely and that it is legal in your area. Second, check with your roofing contractor that this will reduce their quote. Third, remember that this phase will still likely cost you money, such as a junk removal fee, which could be as much as $600, according to Forbes Home.
6. Reroof During the Offseason
Roofing during the offseason, such as late fall or early winter, might get you better rates as contractors are less busy, said Young.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost? 6 Ways To Make It Affordable
