Roof Replacement Cost

If you are tired of fixing roof leakages that occur frequently, it is time you thought about roof replacement. Putting a new roof entirely is a big home improvement project and it is but natural that you research roof replacement cost estimates before going ahead.

Researching and planning the roof replacement project in advance can ensure that the cost doesn't blow beyond proportions and stays within your budget limits. That is because home improvement projects have a nature of making you spend more than you initially planned if there is no planning.

A roof can last for 15 to 20 years but eventually the weather takes its toll and it needs to be replaced entirely. It is a job that cannot be put off for long as living under a damaged roof can be risky. Before I go into the details, let me say that the replacement cost can range anywhere between $2000 to $25000.

Factors Affecting Cost
There are many factors that will affect the roof replacement estimates. Let us see what are the most important ones.

Choice of Material
This the prime factor. There are many options when it comes to choosing materials. The main options are asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, rubber roofing, plastic roofing, wood shingles, concrete tiles, slate and metal roofing. Asphalt shingles are the most economical and inexpensive option and they can cost $50 to $100 to cover a 100 square feet roof. Slate and tile roofs can be more expensive and the cost of installing them can go up to $1000 for a 100 square feet roof.

Other than roofing shingles, one of the most durable options is metal roofing. You can choose between a steel, aluminum or copper roof. Metal roof cost varies according to the type of metal or metal alloy used. Steel roofing comes at $3 - $10 per square foot, copper at $11 - $18 per square foot, while aluminum can cost $7 to $15 per square foot. Research which material will be the best for your house and decide on one, taking your budgeting constraints into consideration and factors like longevity, level of maintenance and energy efficiency and durability of materials.

Roofing Area
After the choice of roofing material what will affect the replacement cost the most is the size of the roof. A sectional replacement of the roof will cost lesser than a full replacement. Calculate the square footage of your roof or square footage of part of the roof that you are getting replaced. To get a rough estimate, multiply the total square footage of the roof by the cost of roofing per square foot.

Roof Pitch
Roof pitch is a measure of the angle of slope that the roof has. The roof pitch can dictate the choice of roofing materials and indirectly affect cost.

Location Specific Permits and Requirements
Depending on where you live, you will have to get permits for roof replacement according to local laws. There are certain regulations for roof construction which include disaster safety measures that need to be included. This will add up to the cost of replacing your roof.

Labor and Contractor Fees
Other than these factors, the degree of reconstruction required to replace your roof can affect the cost, as it affects the labor and constructing difficulty. Contact your local contractors to get an idea about what they charge for such jobs. Get multiple quotes and settle for the one who is offering the most reasonable price.

Taking all these factors into consideration, you will be able to calculate and arrive at a reasonable cost estimate. Avoid opting for cheap roofing materials just because of the low cost, as the money spent on repair later will be higher. Opt for a roofing material that gives you the best tradeoff in terms of quality and cost.