Roof replacement– depending on the extent of damage – can cost an arm and leg. You can assume that, on average, your roof replacement will cost you around the ballpark of $10,000, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Whether or not this cost is entirely the homeowner’s responsibility is dependent on the cause of the roof damage since your homeowners insurance policy will likely cover damage from natural disasters or usual and unpreventable accidents.
What impacts the cost of a roof replacement?
Materials
- Underlayment – The barrier between the roof deck and shingles which helps prevent leaks, mold, and water damage from deteriorating the deck.
- Shingles – The individual rectangular panels which cover the roof that you can see.
- Flashing – Linings of non-corrosive metal which redirect water away from leak-prone areas. Chimneys, pipes, skylights, and vents typically need to be re-flashed during roof installation.
- Vent caps – Protects vents from debris, water, dust, and bacteria buildup.
Roof Type
Here at Constellation, we offer a variety of roofing shingles to suit any home, style, and budget from low-maintenance asphalt shingles to premium designer shingles. If you’d like to learn more about pricing for the most common shingle types, below is a chart with the cost range and average cost by square foot:
| Roof Type | Average cost per sq ft* numbers from American Society of Home Inspectors |
| Asphalt shingles | $4.25 – $8.25 |
| Aluminum shingles | $8.50 to $13.75 |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | $4.50 – $12.25 |
| Clay or ceramic shingles | $12 – $24.75 |
| Composite shingles | $7.50 – $13 |
| Slate shingles | $12 – $22 |
| Steel shingles | $8 – $12.65 |
| Wood shingles | $8 – $14.30 |
Roof Slope and Pitch
The cost to replace a roof increases as roof slope or pitch increases, due to the increased risk of danger for contractors. Additionally, hard-to-access roofs can make roofing more expensive. If a roof pitch is over 6:12, meaning that the roof slopes downward more than six inches for a foot of horizontal distance, you will likely be charged a premium in labor fees.
Roof Size
The size of your roof will dictate how many bundles of shingles you will need, and thus the cost for both materials and labor. The slope and design of your roof will also play into factor for your final cost estimate. Below is a table of estimates of replacement roof costs based on roof size with figures from the American Society of Home Inspectors.
| Roof size in sq ft | Average cost range |
| 1,000 | $4,430 – $8,500 |
| 1,500 | $6,645 – $12,750 |
| 2,000 | $8,860 – $17,000 |
| 2,500 | $11,070 – $21,250 |
| 3,000 | $13,290 – $25,500 |
Labor
Unsurprisingly, labor makes up a bulk of the cost of roof replacement due to the nature of the work being dangerous and taxing. If your roof has a more complex design with skylights and chimneys, you can also expect higher labor costs.
Additional Roof Replacement Costs
- Old roof removal – The removal of the old shingles can accrue a substantial fee. On average, this can range from $1-$5 per square foot.
- Dumpster and disposal fees – Includes dumpster rental, waste hauling, etc. This can cost up to a few hundred dollars.
- Gutter repairs or replacement – If there is leaking, clogging, or mold growth detected within your roof’s gutter system, an additional fee will be accrued.
Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement
- Leak and/or mold growth. Leaks can spread to wood and drywall, and can run the risk of weakening the integrity of the roof. Mold and moss can also grow which is toxic for you and your family’s health, and can lift and weaken shingles which exposes underlayment to water entering and leaking. A replacement would probably be best if the extent of water/mold damage extends to a majority of the roof.
- Shingles are starting to age. If your roof is older than 18-20 years, it is probably appropriate to replace it since it may incrementally begin causing issues which will accumulate costs to fix.
- Investing in more energy-efficient options. If you are looking to make an investment to reduce your home energy consumption through a roof which reflects sunlight, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning, you may want to replace your current roof and install an energy-efficient roof such as ENERGY STAR® shingles and metal roofing.
- Damage Severity. If only a couple of shingles are starting to curl or a few granules are missing, you may be able to repair them if you act quickly before the damage spreads. But if the damage spreads to a majority of the square footage of a roof, a replacement is a more practical (and safer) option.
Signs You May Be Able to Repair Your Roof
If the issues your roof is experiencing are minor and cover only a fragment of the roof’s total area, a repair may suffice. Here are a couple examples of issues that can be fixed with repair:
- Few curling shingles
- Few granules missing, or in gutters
- Minor water leakage after rainfall
- High energy costs resulting from weakened ventilation
- Small holes/cracks alone or around chimneys, vents, pipes, etc.
Signs You’ll Need to Replace Your Roof
Simply put, if the cost to repair is greater or roughly the same as the cost to replace, then replacing your roof is the way to go. Below are examples of issues that may require a roof replacement:
- You notice leaking through the ceiling or in the attic. Leaks can quickly spread and cause major damage to wood and drywall. This could lead to your roof deck sagging. Contact us for a professional inspection to mitigate any chance of severe future damage.
- Your shingles are starting to curl. Curling is a sign that the shingle is weakening its hold and nearing the end of life. Once the sun has broken down the asphalt in the shingle, it starts to shrink and become susceptible to being blown off the roof, which opens up your room to weather impacts to the underlayment.
- Granules are missing. Granules protect the asphalt in the shingles from the sun, so once they are gone, your shingles will wear out much quicker.
- Moss is growing. Moss can grow under your roof’s shingles forcing them to lift them up. Lifted shingles are vulnerable to being blown off your roof, creating the opportunity for leaks and damage.
- Shingles start to age. If your roof is older than 18-20 years, you should consider replacing it.
Need more help deciding if your roof needs a repair or replacement? Reach out to one of our Energy & Comfort Consultants today.
Tips for Saving on Roof Replacement Costs
After you have gotten your roof inspected and decided that you will repair or replace it, you may be asking when the best time is to get the work done? The answer is fall due to its moderate temperatures and fewer severe storms. It also prepares your home for upcoming snow and ice storms, and is more predictable than heat waves, high winds, and natural disasters which may occur during the Spring or Summer.
Here are two additional ways to save on your next roof replacement project:
- Make an insurance claim – Depending on the cause of your roof’s damage, you may be eligible for insurance coverage through your homeowners policy. Roof insurance will either reimburse you for a percentage of the roof repair cost or pay for the entire roof’s replacement. You’ll want to submit a claim, and have important documents such as a copy of your home’s insurance policy ready for the adjuster who will come to your property to make a claim assessment. Finally, you’ll want to perform a roofing inspection by a licensed company who will conduct a damage report for your insurance provider.
- Receive multiple quotes – Shop around for roof installation providers in your area, and consider companies who require payment in advance. Get referrals from friends and local community members who have recently had a roof replacement through neighborhood platforms like NextDoor. Look for companies who provide free, no obligation in-home estimates, with a customized solution based on your home and roof style.
Looking to repair or replace your roof this season? Contact our team for a hassle-free, no-obligation in-home estimate today!
