Replacing an old roof has several benefits. For instance, it offers better protection against extreme weather, prevents water damage, and strengthens the home’s structure. That said, getting a new roof can be quite expensive. The costs vary depending on several factors, such as the material used and the house’s location. Homeowners looking to replace their old roofs must consider these factors and plan their budget accordingly to make the most of their savings.

Cost of replacing a roof
People planning to replace their roofs can expect to pay around $11,000 on average. The price can range between $6,000 and $50,000 depending on the materials used, such as copper or clay. The actual cost may also change based on the home’s location, the size of the structure, and the company hired for the job. Remember, materials make up only around 40% of the total roof cost. The rest goes towards labor expenses, evidently for carrying out high-quality work.

Primary factors influencing the cost
Material, labor, roof angle, and location are a few factors that can increase or decrease the price of changing a roof.

Material
Metal panels, wood shingles, asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and concrete tiles are a few common materials used in roofs. Each material has its own benefits and downsides and is priced differently. Homeowners can expect to pay between $3 to $35 per square foot on materials.

Labor
Labor is a major component of roof replacement costs. The cost of labor is around $11 per square foot or $60 per hour. It may differ depending on when the work is done. For instance, peak season and urgent replacements may cost the most. So, one may consider hiring an expert off-season to save on excess charges. Moreover, hiring a local roofing contractor is usually less expensive than hiring a big company.

Roof angle
Even the roof’s steepness or pitch may influence the replacement price. Roofs with a steeper angle are more challenging to work on, which can drive up the cost per square foot. A flat roof replacement may cost about $6,600, while a low slope roof may cost about $7,000. The estimate will vary from one contractor to another.

Location
Roof replacement may be more expensive in regions with a higher cost of living. For instance, the cost may range between $5,000 and $10,000 in smaller towns and between $7,000 and $12,000 in big cities.

Other factors affecting the cost
The cost may also differ based on the additional services the roofing company offers.

Removing and disposing of the old roof
In most cases, replacing a roof will mean removing the old one first and disposing of it through proper channels. If the roofing company handles this, they may increase overall labor costs. The removal and disposal process can cost between $1 and $5 per square foot, depending on the debris generated.

Underlayment and flashing
When changing the roof, homeowners must install a new underlayment to protect the house from moisture. The underlayment can cost between $0.50 to $2 per square foot. New flashing installation may range between $500 to $2,000, depending on the amount required.

Roof warranty
Roof replacement experts usually do a good job when replacing a roof. For assurance, the contractor may offer a warranty for the new installation, ranging between $500 and $2,000. Things covered in this warranty may include yearly checkups and minor repairs. One should check what the warranty covers and what it does not before signing up for the plan.

Permits
Building permits for a new roof can range between $100 to $1,400, depending on the city. Most issuing authorities will require permits for full roof replacements, including any structural changes made to the roof. Some HOAs may also ask for pre-approval of the shingle color or style. Remember that patience is key when securing a permit, as the process can take weeks to get approved.

Tips to select a roof replacement contractor
Since replacing a roof is a significant investment, one must pick a reliable contractor. A few tips can help homeowners choose the right roofing company that offers quality services without charging too much.

• Narrow down the search for a roof replacement contractor by using the internet. Use search terms like “best roofing companies near me” and “reliable roofing companies nearby” to find relevant results.
• Always check whether the contractor is licensed, certified, insured, and bonded to work in a particular state.
• Most roofing experts have online reviews, which one can read to determine the quality of their previous projects and the time taken to complete them. Reading reviews will also help assess if there were any issues in past projects and if they were resolved promptly.
• Always check the contractor’s physical address, not just the PO box. An established office can help assert the legitimacy of the roofing expert.
• Remember to hire contractors who have experience in handling the type of roof replacement and materials required for the project.

Sometimes, a room may only require repairs and not complete replacement. In such cases, too, it is important to hire reputable contractors while keeping these tips in mind.