Knowing the average cost of a new roof for your commercial or residential property can help you make informed decisions. Here is a guide to determining the average cost of a new roof.
Factors Determining the Cost of a New Roof
The typical roof replacement cost can range between $5,000 and $12,000. The final cost depends on multiple elements. Below are the factors that determine the average price of a new roof.
Removing the Old Roof
If you need a roof replacement, you will likely need to remove the old roof before anything else. Removing the old roof will add time and labor costs to the project, which adds up, unlike installing a roof for new construction. The price depends on various factors, such as the size of the roof, the type of materials used, layers in the underlayment, and roof complexity.
Underlying Structural Repairs
Before repairing the roof, the contractor may inspect it to determine any underlying issues that may compromise the integrity of the new roof. If there are leaks, pest problems, and holes, the roof may need repairs before a new roof replacement. This process could add more costs to your roofing bill.
Labor Cost Factor
Labor cost is a percentage of the total roof replacement budget. It could be up to 60 percent of the total budget, about $2.00 to $6 per square foot. Due to the high labor costs, some property owners decide to roof their buildings without involving a professional roofer. It is worth noting that this isn’t the right path to take.
Roofing your property yourself will likely cost you more in the long run. The roof may not last long because you lack the roofing skills. Due to poor structural integrity, you will have to spend more on replacing the roof.
Type of Roofing Materials
Roofing materials also play a crucial role in determining the average cost of a new roof. Costs typically range between $150 and $1,500 per square foot. This could make up to 40% of the total roofing cost. Below is a breakdown of how much each roofing material type could cost.
- Asphalt shingles – Asphalt shingles can range anywhere between $2,500 and $5,000. Some contractors may install the shingles over the old layer, while others may recommend the removal of the old material.
- Metal roof – Metal roofs are costly, but they last longer than other roofs. Metal roofs often range from $5,000 to $16,200.
- Wood shake shingle – A wood shake roof can cost between $4.10 and $7.50 square feet. This material requires high maintenance and may also wear off quickly. The material is also not fire-resistant.
- Tile roofs – Tile roofs are costly, ranging from $8 to $25 per square foot. This roofing material comes in different types, such as clay tile and concrete. The cost of each material varies.
- Slate roof – A slate roof costs an average of $20 to $30 per square foot. This natural stone is among the most durable materials lasting over 100 years.
If you replace the existing materials with a new kind that is heavier such as slate or clay, you’d have to ensure that the structure and frame of your building support the new materials.
Size of the House
The surface area is usually measured by square feet; in effect, a larger roof size will cost more than a smaller size.
Square feet, in this case, refer to the surface area, and the labor cost will increase as the roof requires extra materials. You will need to consider the roof shape, facets, complexity, roof height, and pitch.
All these factors count when determining the cost of roof replacement.
The Bottom Line
Now you have an idea of the average cost of a new roof. Putting together all the factors can give you a good idea of how much your new roof replacement will cost.
If you are planning to replace your roof, it’d be best to work with an experienced roofing contractor to conduct a roof estimate and help you determine the average cost of the new roof.
At Premier South Roofing, we are your fully licensed, trusted, and experienced residential and commercial roofing contractors in Louisiana, covering the North Shore, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge.
Our contractors are experts in quality service worth your money. Contact us to request a free roofing estimate.