A decent roof might work for many decades, but nothing lasts forever. If you have an aging, drooping, leaking, or sagging roof, it might be time to consider a roof replacement project.

The average cost of installing a new roof is $10,000. However, projects often range from $8,500 to $14,300. Your pay depends on the home’s location, labor costs, roof material, etc. This guide will cover all the roof cost factors and break it down for you. Let’s dive in!

Maximum and Average Roof Replacement Cost

Generally, roof replacement costs depend on where you live, the roofing material you select, and your home’s square footage. Here are a few numbers to consider:

  • National Average – Roughly $10,000
  • National Maximum – Roughly $14,300
  • National Minimum – $8,500

Factors Affecting Roof Replacement Costs

The price you pay for a roof replacement depends on many factors, such as:

  • Type of Materials – Some materials, including slate, are much more expensive to buy and install than traditional asphalt shingles.
  • Labor – Labor costs vary widely depending on the season, danger risk, and project complexity.
  • Dump Fees – The materials coming off the old roof must go somewhere. Most roofing contractors charge extra to haul everything away.
  • Roof Size – You’ll pay a higher price when there’s more footage to cover.

Cost By Roofing Material

The selected roofing material you choose is one of the most critical cost factors when considering a roof replacement project.

Composite and asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials because they are easy to install, lightweight, and inexpensive. However, each shingle type has differences. For example, three-tab shingles are on the lower end, but architectural shingles are more expensive.

Tiles are yet another trendy roofing material. They can be made from concrete, slate, synthetic wood, wood, metal, clay, and ceramic.

Here is a look at the more common roofing materials and the average prices per square foot:

  • Aluminum Shingles – Aluminum is one step up from asphalt shingles, but they’re less expensive than a metal roof or tile.
  • Asphalt Shingles – Typically, three-tab shingles are cheaper and start at $4.25 per square foot. Roof professionals might recommend premium shingles, which are $8.25 per square foot.
  • Clay and Concrete Tiles – This material is more expensive than others ($11 to $24.75 per square foot).
  • Cedar Shingles and Shakes – Wood shakes must be hand-split, costing about $8 to $14.30 per square foot. Roof materials like this are considered mid-range.
  • Copper Roofing – Copper tiles are one of the most expensive options. It can cost anywhere from $21 to $39.70 per square foot.
  • Flat Roofing Materials (PVC and Rubber) – EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolyme) roofing is a synthetic rubber. Though it’s cheaper to buy the materials ($5.50 to $7.50 per square foot), the labor cost is often much higher.
  • Zinc Tiles – Zinc tiles are considered the second-most expensive choice because they aren’t readily available. You’d probably pay $18 to $28 per square foot.
  • Steel Shingles – Like aluminum, steel shingles are generally more expensive than their asphalt counterparts. However, it’s the mid-range choice for metal roofing. Expect to pay $8 to $12.65/square foot.
  • Standing Seam Metal Roofing – Standing seam panels are made of metal. They cost more than corrugated metal at about $5.50 to $11.50 per square foot.
  • Slate Tiles – Slate tiles are another popular mid-range option. However, they’re heavier than other materials, so you might have to use extra reinforcements, which cost more.

Labor Costs

Usually, the breakdown for roofing costs is 60 percent for labor and 40 percent for materials. However, the roof type you select might affect the labor costs. Asphalt shingles are a great choice because they’re the easiest to install.

Most roofing contractors have more experience putting on asphalt shingles because they’re more popular. However, you could see additional installation costs if you have a steep roof, it isn’t easy to access, or the house has three or more stories. Typically, prices go higher when the job is hazardous or time-consuming.

Location

The cost of living in that area and your geographic location can affect the roof replacement costs. For example, if you often see severe weather, you might need better materials; laborers might only be able to work at certain times.

Roof Cost Based on House Size

If you have a larger roof, the professionals will spend more time on your project, and you’ll need more materials. Therefore, the roof replacement might cost more. Roughly 80 percent of all roof replacement jobs using asphalt shingles will cost about $4.50 to $6 per square foot. Here are the prices for different home sizes:

  • 1,000 square feet – $4,500 to $6,000
  • 1,500 square feet – $6,750 to $9,000
  • 2,000 square feet – $9,000 to $12,000
  • 2,500 square feet – $11,250 to $15,000
  • 3,000 square feet – $13,500 to $18,000

Roof Cost Based on Roof Size

Overall, a more extensive roof will take more time to replace. The materials are measured by a roofing square, 100 square feet, or a 10×10-foot area. Therefore, roofing prices range by that amount, and professionals must purchase extra to get what they need.

Usually, a 1,000-square-foot home has a roof of roughly 1,054 square feet, which includes the overhang and roof pitch.

The shape of your roof could influence the price, too. If some areas require repairs or the roof isn’t accessible, the roofer will generally charge more. Likewise, projects can be more expensive if there are more than two stories or if you have a steep roof.

Additional Considerations for Roof Replacement Cost

While the labor and price of materials often drive the roof replacement cost up, other factors must be considered. These include:

Other Roofing Projects

If you need more roof-adjacent work done when you install the new roof, it’s wise to do them both together. This can include things like installing or updating chimneys, skylights, soffits, trim, and gutters. Those projects can increase the overall roofing cost, but they will save you money now and in the long run.

Removal of Old Roofing Materials

In most cases, roofers cannot install new shingles over the old ones. Therefore, they must remove everything all the way to the underlayment. This is the most costly and challenging part of the project, and it often costs about $1 to $5 per square foot.

Roof Features

The roof features you can make it less or more complex, which will change the price. For example, skylights and chimneys are the potential weak points and can lead to leaks. Therefore, they require specialty materials and time to seal correctly.

Overall, most professionals recommend replacing or repairing chimneys before putting on a new roof.

Underlayment Repair

Usually, roofing contractors will have to repair the damage under the old roof before they can install the new one. Though they will try to warn you, they may not see the problem until they’re already removing the old shingles. Therefore, it’s wise to have a little wiggle room in the budget for unexpected events.

Roof Cleaning

Many times, roofs take on moss or other debris. This will have to be cleaned off before making repairs or installing a new roof. Likewise, some professionals will power-wash the roof after they’ve done the job.

Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof?

A full roof replacement isn’t cheap, so you might wonder if you can save money by replacing some shingles or patching leaks. Here are some signs that you can get away with repairs and when you may require a new roof:

Signs of Roof Repair

You could avoid a total replacement and go with roof leak repair if you’re dealing with these circumstances:

  • The asphalt shingle roof is less than ten years old.
  • The damage is limited to shallow or small areas.
  • The roof is made of a durable material. Think tile, slate, and metal roofs.
  • You plan to live in your home for a while and don’t wish to upgrade the roofing system.

Signs of Roof Replacement

The cost to fix the roof is generally cheaper than a roof replacement. However, it’s not always the right choice. Roof repair is a temporary fix. You might not be getting leaks faster than you can patch, but you could spend more money on the repairs. Roofing companies will often recommend a replacement in these situations:

  • The asphalt shingle roof is over ten years old.
  • The roof is showing signs of structural failure.
  • You have severe damage (water damage beneath the moisture barrier or exposed decking).
  • You wish to improve the home’s energy efficiency.
  • You want to add more value to your home for when you sell it in a few years.

Partial replacement could be an option if only one side of the roof is damaged. However, replacing the roof in phases can cost more than doing a complex job simultaneously. There could also be cosmetic problems, such as different colored shingles or unaligned shingles.

residential houses with new roofing

Hiring Professional Roofers or DIY

Though you might patch leaks yourself, DIY roof replacement is never recommended. This is a dangerous job because you’re on a slanted surface and high off the ground. Roofing companies employ professionals who have the safety equipment and appropriate training.

Overall, roof installation requires special tools. Professionals have them and can do the job well enough to meet local building codes. Plus, you won’t get the warranty.

It’s unwise to attempt partial roof replacement yourself. Hire a professional instead!

Why Work with WDR

Do you need a roof replacement? It’s wise to work with a reputable team of professionals, and WDR has you covered. Please call (512) 820-6505 to request a free inspection. We’ll handle your roof replacement efficiently!

FAQs About Roof Replacement Costs

How Do I Estimate the Cost of a New Roof?

Typically, estimating the roof replacement cost is determined by the roofing material you choose and the size of the home. First, you’ll have to figure out the per-square estimate of your materials and multiply that by the square footage of the house.

However, those things won’t account for roof pitch, repairs, and other necessities. Overall, it’s wise to get quotes from at least three roofing companies and let them provide the estimates for you.

Is $30,000 Too Much for a Roof?

Typically, $30,000 might be too much, but it depends on the project’s complexity, the roofing materials you choose, and the size of your roof. This price might be reasonable if your roof is over 4,000 square feet.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace 1,000 Sq. Ft. of Roof?

The replacement cost for 1,000 square feet of roof will generally be anywhere from $4,250 to $14,300. Your final price depends on the materials used and many other factors.

How Much Is It to Replace a Roof in Austin, Texas?

Homeowners in Austin, TX, will usually spend anywhere from $5,466 to $11,669 for their complete roof replacement. However, it depends on the roof size and the roofing material used.