How Much Does a Residential Roof Replacement Cost?
A well-maintained residential roof can last for decades, but eventually, even roofs of the highest quality will need to be replaced.
When it’s time to replace the roof of your home, the cost will vary based on a variety of elements, from the materials you want to use to the amount of labor required to finish the job. Fortunately, many professional roofing contractors will conduct an inspection and give you an estimate of how much it will cost to replace your roof.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacing a Residential Roof
The cost of replacing the roof of your home depends on many different factors.
Labor
More than half of your roof replacement budget will go toward labor. Installation fees will vary depending on the complexity of your materials, your home’s structural integrity, the working conditions of the project, and the experience of your contractors.
Most professionals will include the cost of removing the old roof or any existing shingles alongside the total installment price in their estimate.
Materials
The cost of materials will make up most of your remaining budget. These materials may include shingles, underlayment, vents, plywood, and flashing, among others. The type and quality of the products you choose can make the price go up or down.
If you are replacing your home’s roof with the same shingles or products, the price will be lower. However, if you are switching from a lighter product like asphalt shingles to a heavier product like slate, costs will be higher.
Size and Slope
As the size of your home increases, so will the price of replacing your roof. You’ll need to consider both the square footage of your home and how far the roof’s edge extends past the side of the house.
The slope (also known as the pitch) is the angle of your roof. Steeper slopes add to the total roof area that needs to be replaced. Additionally, if your contractors need to use safety gear or scaffolding to work on a roof because the pitch is so steep, your bottom line will increase.
Penetrations
Roof penetrations are features that puncture your roof, like chimneys, skylights, vents, and pipes. While small vents and pipes may not add much to the total cost of replacing your roof, larger penetrations like skylights and chimneys will cost more to work around.
Old Roof Removal
Before installing a new roof, your roofing contractors need to remove the old one—as well as inspect the decking for water damage and rot. Tear-off and disposal fees fluctuate depending on the time and labor it takes to remove the old roof.
Location
Where your home is located can also affect the cost of replacing your residential roof. Areas with heavy snowfall or regions that suffer from extreme winds might need extra protection like ice barriers or additional underlayment.
State or local regulations may also require the purchase of certain materials or permits as well as have specific installation requirements that can also impact the total cost.
Accessibility
If your location is remote or surrounded by features like trees that make it difficult for your roofing contractors to access your roof and bring the necessary equipment, it makes their job harder. Inaccessible roofs have additional labor costs.
How Much It Costs to Replace a Residential Roof
The average residential roof replacement cost can range from $5,000 to $13,000, but these prices will vary quite a bit depending on the unique features of the home and the type of roof you want to have installed.
Roof surfaces are usually measured in “squares,” one of which is equivalent to 100 square feet. Most roofing contractors charge between $3.50 and $5.00 per square foot, which is $350 to $500 per roofing square. Again, these prices fluctuate significantly.
The only way to truly find out how much it will cost to get your roof replaced is to find a professional you can trust and ask for an estimate. Be sure to find out exactly what is included in the total price.
Contact the Chicago Residential Roofing Experts at Champion Roofing
At Champion Roofing, we have 30 years of experience serving residents in the Chicago area. Our professional roofing contractors offer a range of services, including roof inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement—and thanks to our high-quality work, we are a recognized leader in the Chicago roofing industry.
Whether you want to fix a leaky roof or decide to replace your roof entirely, our roofing team is ready to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to get a free quote. Your roof is worth the investment.
