Tupac de la Cruz, Roofing Solutions
07 Aug 2023
Have you been searching for a “roof replacement near me” to learn more about what you might pay for your roof replacement? Unfortunately, there isn’t any single answer to that question. The average cost to tear off and replace roofing depends on several factors. In the end, your unique situation will determine the price you pay.
The Roofing Solutions team provides free roof replacement estimates that let you know exactly what to expect. However, read on to understand the details that go into determining the cost of commercial roof replacement and installations.
So what is the average cost to tear off and replace a roof? Though numerous factors play into this number, most homeowners can expect to pay between $9,000 to $13,000, given an average home size of about 2,480 square feet. This range covers the typical case, but remember that your home could fall outside the norm.
Keep in mind that location can also be a determining factor. The average Louisiana home (which is around 2,000 square feet) might pay $5,500–$11,800, depending on other variables.
To know exactly how much you can expect to pay for your next roof replacement, it’s imperative that you hear from the experts. Getting a free quote is much easier and more reliable than determining replacement costs on your own.
Many individual factors go into determining your roof replacement cost, including the following:
Having so many elements involved means that any average value is likely to be meaningless for your specific project. Price can vary widely from house to house, with different options often doubling or even tripling individual costs.
The prices of roofing materials differ widely. This variance makes them one of the most critical factors in roof replacement costs. Depending on the specific circumstances in your home, you may have several options for replacing your roofing other than the material you currently have.
Asphalt shingles are the least expensive roofing material. They also come in a variety of styles and options. There is a significant range in price among shingles, with higher-quality materials offering additional protection and an extended lifetime. Though they are the most affordable option, it’s essential to know that asphalt shingles are also very reliable.
Metal roofing systems cost more than shingles, but they last much longer. You might get double or triple the lifespan, depending on the type of shingles you choose. Metal roofing means you must pay more upfront, but it will take longer until you worry about your next replacement. Metal roofing also provides you with access to numerous styles and colors.
Tile roofing is an expensive material. It provides the widest range of styles, as well as increased longevity over asphalt shingles. With so many types available, there is a very wide price range associated with tile roofing. You can find truly stunning roofing for your building, but it will cost you more.
For flat roofing, multiple types of membrane roofing systems can provide you with years of protection. Replacing these systems carries high costs due to their specialized installation. Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) has easier installation, while styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) roofing involves a more complex application process and carries a higher price tag.
Of course, the size of your roof impacts the cost of your replacement. If you’re covering double the area, it takes twice as much material — it also requires almost double the labor. Certainly, the economy of scale means your prices may not quite double, but you will still pay substantially more money. While the material cost can vary, you’ll typically pay between $1.50 to $3 per square foot in labor alone.
When you factor in the cost of materials, this means that at 1,000 square feet, you’ll be around the bottom of the range — possibly between $4,000 and $5,000. Smaller homes won’t see their costs lower much at this point because there is a minimum level of labor and preparation required for any job, no matter how small.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, an owner of a 3,000-square-foot house can expect to pay between $11,200 and $16,000. With larger or more elaborate homes, you may face additional costs related to the geometry of your roof and other elements.
The term “roof replacement” can mean multiple things. At the most basic level, it involves removing old shingles and putting new ones back on. However, your roof may need more serious repairs to ensure its safety and integrity.
Along with the shingles, tiles, or metal roofing protecting your home, your roof is also made up of wood sheathing. These are the large wood panels that roofing materials rest on and provide support that allows roofers to walk and work on your roof.
If wood sheathing has become damaged by water, mold, pests, or other problems, you’ll also have to deal with a roof sheathing replacement cost. This can nearly double your payment, depending on the materials used. The project will require significantly more labor for the sheathing itself, as well as tear-off and construction.
And in the worst-case scenario, you could have structural roof frame issues. Severe water damage may have caused rot and sagging in structural elements. Replacing these is even more expensive, as the cost to reframe a roof alone can be more than a typical roof replacement.
The potential for these increasing costs is one key reason why you should never overlook roof maintenance and inspections. You’ll save a lot of money by addressing issues while they’re still minor instead of facing the increased replacement cost later.
When replacing your roof, you must consider both materials and labor. Your roof replacement will require a team of experienced roofers to ensure a safe and complete job. Different jobs may also require additional design work, further increasing labor costs.
The average labor cost to tear off and replace roofing makes up 50% or more of the total price. Labor can be the primary concern when establishing your costs after accounting for materials used, any need for specialty equipment, and particular factors about your roof or home.
Labor costs vary widely by region, meaning your roof replacement cost is tied to where you live. You can expect to pay more in or around a major city with high demand and competition. In more rural areas, rates are generally lower. Rates also vary across states.
Labor is one area where you don’t want to go with the budget option. It’s best to work with a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor in your state. You also want their team to be made up of experienced roofers who can work safely, deliver results on time, and leave your home in pristine condition when they leave.
In many cases, homeowners will conduct a few other installations at the same time as their roof replacement. Having a contractor handle all these projects simultaneously can be convenient, helping you save money overall.
For instance, you could need new roof ventilation or repairs to existing ventilation. This is particularly true if you’ve previously dealt with moisture issues. Your soffits and fascia may also need replacing, and it’s easy to match them to your new roof style when it’s all done simultaneously.
Gutters are among the most common additional installations for any roof replacement. They often have similar life spans to roof materials, so the opportunity lines up nicely. Not only does simultaneously replacing your gutters maintain a persistent style for your home exterior, but it also helps protect your new roof against moisture.
These and other installations will increase the overall cost of your project. However, they can also boost curb appeal, protect your investment in your home, and save you money by going with the same contractor for all your needs.
The first question you should ask whenever you think you might need a roof replacement is whether you’re looking at a replacement or a repair. Individual roof repairs are less expensive than full replacements, but they aren’t always the right choice.
If you’ve noticed issues such as minor leaks or individual missing shingles, a roof repair might be all you need. You might also see structural problems such as sagging. These are bad signs but could be localized issues that only require repair.
When your roof has multiple problems, such as sagging, missing shingles, bald shingles, moss growth, and leaks, it is likely time for a replacement. The same applies if your roof is nearing the recommended replacement period for its specific roofing material.
Getting repairs when you need a replacement isn’t going to save you money. Instead, you’re just wasting money that will only shortly extend the life of your roof. In many cases, you’re allowing further issues to develop that could make your replacement more expensive in the long run.
The best way to determine whether you need a replacement or repairs is to ask the professionals. An inspection of your roof and any damage to it can reveal whether repairs are the right choice or if it is, in fact, time for your next roof replacement.
Do you still have more searching to do about “shingle replacement near me” and other aspects of roof replacement? Check out these frequently asked questions and our answers to learn a bit more about what you can expect.
The cost of building a roof from scratch is likely significantly higher than the average cost to tear off and replace a roof. You aren’t just replacing shingles or tiles but must deal with the sheathing and structure as well. Building an entirely new roof can cost as much as three times what it does to replace most roofs.
Extending your roof over a deck or patio can also be expensive. It requires changing your roof’s structure, along with purchasing sheathing and materials for the addition. Depending on the size of the deck in question, expect the project to run into the thousands.
Repairing your own roof can be a recipe for disaster. Amateur mistakes often make existing damage even worse — not to mention the risk of allowing moisture and pests into your home. Letting professionals handle the job right the first time is the best way to save on your roof repair or replacement.
Typical roof replacement periods vary based on the material used. Shingle roofs could require replacement in 20 or 30 years, depending on material quality. Tile roofing can last 50 years or more, and metal roofing can last up to 80 years or even more in some cases. Of course, this is all assuming effective maintenance and no major damage.
So many different factors help determine the average cost to tear off and replace roofing. However, there’s no need to rely on ballpark guesses when you can get an accurate and dependable quote for free.
The team at Roofing Solutions, a Baton Rouge roofing company and Mobile AL roofing company, offers free estimates for homes and housing units.
We also offer commercial roof replacement and commercial roof leak repair services across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Feel free to reach out about any type of roof replacement. Our professional team works with asphalt shingles, rubber roofing, tiles, metal roofing, and various other roofing systems. Contact us today to learn more about your roof replacement options.
