Roof Replacement Cost in 2019: New Roof Prices

We all want to get the best possible deal when it comes to spending our hard earned money. However, there are some items that fall in the never bargain shop category. A new roof ranks high on that list.

A new asphalt shingles roof for a typical 2,000 sq. ft. single-story ranch house can range in price from $8,500 to $16,500 fully installed.

Across the US, a typical architectural asphalt shingle roof will cost between $3.50 and $5.50 per sq. ft. to install. This price range normally includes the cost of materials, removal of the old roof (up to 1 layer), dumpster and disposal fees, permitting fees, professional installation, and workmanship warranty.

Note: The actual estimates youll receive will vary depending on the location of your home, roofs overall complexity, and the type of system you choose to install.

Did you know? The average house size in America is roughly 2,000 square feet, with older homes being smaller than that (1,500 Sq.Ft. to 1,700 Sq.Ft. on average) and newer homes being larger (2,400 Sq.Ft. to 2,600 Sq.Ft. on average). However, the size of the roof can vary depending on how many levels or stories a home has, the slope and type of the roof and complexity of its architectural design.

Varying factors that can affect your cost are: the brand and type of shingles; the type of underlayment; the slope of the roof; complexity of the job; the company installing the roof and the region.

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: $7,000 to $12,00030-year Shingles: $9,000 to $15,00050-year Shingles: $11,000 to $20,000EPDM Rubber: $8,000 to $14,000TPO or PVC Membrane: $10,000 to $15,000Wood Shingles: $14,000 to $25,000Steel Shingles: $14,000 to $25,000Aluminum Shingles: $15,000 to $28,000Standing Seam: $23,000 to $30,000Natural Slate: $25,000 to $50,000Concrete Tiles: $20,000 to $40,000Clay Tiles: $25,000 to $50,000

* These are approximate total job prices based on national average. Costs may vary depending on your region and homes location, the roofs slope and number of stories, overall complexity of the roof, the number of layers of the old shingles to be removed and disposed of, type of underlayment and accessories used, and any warranties or guarantees the contractor offers.

Needless to say, getting a roof replacement is expensive. Seeing the total price of getting it done properly can cause a justifiable sticker shock. However, when homeowners have a better understanding of where the money is going and how they will save money in the long run, its easier to see a quality roof as the investment it truly is.

Having a roof over your head is a basic, essential need. Yet, when the time comes to have a new roof installed, a typical homeowner will either pay too much by going through the local home improvement store like Lowes or Home Depot, which by the way does not necessarily guarantee quality, or inadvertently, opt for a low quality roof by hiring a contractor with the lowest bid.

Many homeowners make these often-poor choices, because they dont really understand the importance of a good roof in the first place, as they lack general roofing knowledge, as well as fear getting ripped off, often justifiably so.

This guide will give you the knowledge necessary to hire a reputable contractor and get the best roof for your money.

Before getting into the actual roof prices, its essential to establish the importance of a properly installed high-quality roof. A roof does more than keep the rain off your head. It protects your biggest investment your home.

Durability long lifespan; stands up to high winds, heavy rain, snow and hail; less maintenance; few replacements

Protection doesnt leak; protects the inside and outside of the structure; provides proper drainage; keeps family safe during extreme weather

Efficiency proper ventilation and insulation; saves energy; lowers heating and cooling bills; helps HVAC equipment last longer; helps prevent ice dams, possible energy efficiency tax credits

Increased Home Value If youre planning to resell your home, it will be worth more with a high-quality roof.

Unreliable vulnerable to premature leaks; cant stand up to pressure from snow; peels off in high winds

Quite Temporary short lifespan; deteriorates at a faster rate; high maintenance and unnecessary repair costs

High Energy Costs improper ventilation and insulation decrease energy efficiency; high energy bills; heating and cooling unit must work harder

Potentially Dangerous Low quality materials combined with improper ventilation can be a fire hazard and also cause mold issues

Consider the following examples: The most popular residential roofing material is the basic 3-tab asphalt shingles, because they have the lowest up front cost. However, 3-tab shingles are rather thin and can fail when exposed to strong winds or rapidly-changing temperatures. As result, 3-tab shingles will normally last less than dimensional or architectural shingles. Thus, although you may pay less up front, frequent roof replacements can make the least-costly option more expensive over time.

Metal roofs do have a higher initial price tag, but a durable and energy-efficient metal roof will help you save money in the long run. Many residential metal roofs are offered with a lifetime warranty, are surprisingly energy efficient, and require little to no maintenance. Plus, they come in a variety of styles and colors to match anyones taste and local flair.

When weighing the price of a roof against the value received, homeowners need to look beyond the upfront cost, and consider long term savings and added benefits a quality roof can provide.

Remember, lower price doesnt always mean less expensive

Unless you personally know a contractor, the thought of finding a reputable company can be overwhelming, to say the least. Between horror stories of people getting blatantly ripped off, the fly-by-night crews and storm chasing contractors, it can be hard to know who you can trust.

Use these steps to find a reputable roofer:

1. Ask friends and family for recommendations.

2. Once you have a list of prospects, call them and ask these questions:

This information will tell you how reliable they are, how much attention theyll give to your project and how smoothly the work will go.

3. From your phone conversations, choose three to four contractors to come to your home for estimates. Dont go on personality alone. Be sure to check their reputation with their past clients and/or BBB, rip off report, Angies List if you have it, etc.

4. Follow up on the information youve gathered. Call their clients to see if they are satisfied with the work and service theyve received.

5. When prospective contractors visit your home, they should inspect the roof, along with the attic insulation and ventilation system in place. If you have a rather complex roof, they may ask to see the blueprints if you have them, which can help with the measurements and ordering of materials.

When discussing your needs, make sure they fully understand your expectations in terms of the new roof including making sure that your new roof will be properly ventilated, debris removed, and that your house and landscaping will be properly protected if the old roof needs to be removed.

Make sure that you fully understand the product benefits, and warranty details for materials and labor. The contractor should be eager to answer any questions you may have, as well as have questions and suggestions for you.

You will also want to make sure that the company has all the necessary roofers liability and workers comp insurance, and that they will be getting a permit for the job. You may also want to check their contractors license if its required in your state.

6. To accurately compare bids, ask for a breakdown of the contractors estimates. The estimate should include cost of materials, labor, other expenses and profit margin. Remember if companies arent making profits, they wont be around to cover your warranty.

7. Throw out the low-ball bid. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

8. Go with your gut. You must be comfortable with not only their ability to do the work, but also how you feel around them. Trust is a major factor when hiring a contractor. Theyll be at your home for several hours; you need to feel comfortable talking to them; as well as get a sense that they are being fair, and honest.

Tip: You do not want to do business with a contractor who seems pushy and impatient with your questions.

More on the Importance of Hiring a Reputable Contractor

It can be very tempting to go with the crew offering to save you money on such a large investment. However, when you choose a company based purely on the lowest bid, it will likely cost you more in the long run.

What you can expect from a disreputable roofer:

Your roof will only likely look good for a short time. When you start having problems with your roof, and you will probably have problems, they wont be around to uphold your warranty.

Of course, hiring someone who is skilled in his trade and takes pride in his work will cost more than a fly-by-night organization. But, you get what you pay for.

What you can expect from a reputable roofer:

After inspecting the roof and speaking with homeowner, a contractor will draw up an estimate for the project. Estimating takes several important factors into consideration including materials, complexity of the job and the amount of time needed to complete the job.

Roof Size Roofs with more slant have a larger surface area than roofs with less slant.

Roof Slope Steeper sloped roofs are more dangerous and more difficult to work on than flat roofs.

Roof Complexity A roof with more level changes, hips and valleys, and add-ons, such as dormers, will be more expensive than a simple roof.

Existing Layers Its sometimes possible to install over existing shingles, but this lowers the lifespan and can cancel the warranty. Its better to do a complete replacement. The more layers that must be removed will increase the price.

Debris and Waste Removal Asphalt shingles, the most common material used, are considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly.

Materials The type of new material that will be installed, such as asphalt shingles, steel shingles, slate shingles, etc.

Building Materials This covers all other materials needed to replace a roof including boards and plywood for the roof deck, nails, drop cloths, tarps, staples, calk, etc.

Roof Underlayment and Accessories Underlayment and accessories are part of a system that makes the roof complete and watertight.

Underlayment can be a simple 30lb felt or tar paper. There are also more advanced roof deck protection options such as breathable synthetic underlayment and/or Ice-and-water shield that protects sensitive and leak-prone areas of the roof such eaves and valleys. Accessories include vent pipe boots, snowguards, and flashing materials.

Ventilation Ventilation is very important for expanding the lifespan of a roof, increasing its energy efficiency and meeting building code requirements in some areas.

Did you know? Ventilation is one of the main areas where corners are often being cut by less reputable contractors.

* Make sure anyone you hire obtains all the required building permits and your roof meets all required building codes.

Labor Costs Installation/labor costs will vary depending on the size and complexity of the job, the workers experience and how long the project will take.

Overhead Costs This covers the basic costs of doing business (insurance, advertising, taxes, permits, office space, equipment, trucks, office supplies, office staff, etc.).

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Roof Replacement Cost in 2019: New Roof Prices