How to Estimate How Much a Roof Replacement Costs

Few people are excited to get their roof replaced. It’s a huge project when you think about everything that has to be done. Even missing shingles and a few holes can take a lot of time and money. Some homeowners forget this and are shocked when they receive the quote for a roof replacement. Be smart and know what to expect. Learning what goes into a roof replacement and how to estimate the overall cost will help you make more informed choices when the time comes. 

 

What to Know About Roof Replacement

First and foremost: roofing can be unique. This means that any prices we discuss in this article are merely estimates sourced from the national average. Certain materials may cost more where you live. Similarly, your roof might be far more intricate than other houses, increasing the price. 

 

That also means that, even if you have a roof the same shape as the house next door, the situation or condition of the roof could be totally different. But that is something to discuss with a trusted roofing contractor when the time comes. 

 

With that out of the way, the second important step is figuring out the size of your roof and how many squares or sheets of shingles (or other roofing material) you’ll need. A single square of shingles usually covers around 100 square feet, so for 2,000 square feet of roofing, you’ll need about 20 squares of shingles. 

 

Costs of Roofing Materials

The price you pay for shingles or something else is what determines most of the cost. So, if you already know what you want on your roof, this will probably be easy. If you’re still on the fence about a material, knowing how much that material costs on average and what your budget is could sway you one way or the other. Let’s take a look at some popular roofing materials in Canada and their usual cost per square foot: 

 

• Standard Asphalt Shingles: about $2.76 per square foot
• Premium Asphalt Shingles: about $5.00 per square foot
• Metal (Steel or Aluminum): anywhere between $9-$36 per square foot
• Clay: $10-12 per square foot 
• Cedar: $3-$15 per square foot (depends on if shingles or shakes)
• Slate: anywhere between $15-$25 per square foot 

 

Do keep in mind that postal codes do change how much materials cost. You may also end up paying more for materials of greater quality or for upgrades or things like structural reinforcement. Also, you might have to install new gutters, woof fascia, and soffits, increasing the estimate. 

 

Installation & Labor Costs

Installing a roof is intensive, no matter how you look at it. Replacing an old roof is a challenge for the contractors, so you have to factor those hours of labor into the total price of installation. Presently, a roofing contractor will charge around $300 per square. Again, this is going to change depending on your location. On average, the cost of labor makes up about 50% of the price, but contractors could increase the cost based on how much the material weighs or the pitch of the roof. 

 

Other Factors To Consider

Here are some additional elements that influence the cost of your roof replacement. You won’t necessarily have to think about each of these factors; those that do match your situation have a high chance of increasing the labor required. 

 

• Rafter reinforcements: Should you opt for heavier materials, like clay or slate, you will need to add the cost of reinforcement. This can be a very expensive addition to your roof replacement, one greater than $10,000. It’s not something you can overlook either, since the amount of weight placed on the roof could compromise the structural integrity of your home. 
• Moisture-proofing: If you reside in a more humid area or along water, you may ask to add a moisture barrier. Otherwise, you will be dealing with fungal growth and mold. 
• Removing old roofing materials: Sometimes, a roofing contractor will install a new roof right over the existing one, and this can save you some money. That said, it’s only viable if the roof underneath is still in decent condition. If you have to get the entire roof removed and replaced, that will add upwards of $1,000 to the total cost. You also have to account for the dumpster and other supplies needed for the removal. 
• Roof deck repair: If the roofer finds that your existing roof has rotted through in some places or if you have water damage, that is going to need repairs first. 
• Steep roof pitch: Steeper roofing not only limits what kinds of roofing materials you can use, it also means that the roofer is going to need specialized equipment. That could drive up the cost of labor. 
• Roof architecture: Flat roofs are less intricate than roofs with multiple slopes. For example, in Toronto, a simple pitched roof costs about $10,000 to install asphalt shingles. If you install those same shingles to a luxury home with a larger, more complex roof, that price rises to $12,000 or higher. 
• Skylights and chimneys: Any additional features on the roof means that roofers have to use flashing to secure those areas. Naturally, this means more time spent ensuring your roof is properly installed. It also increases the cost of materials used. 
• Upgrades and warranties: Many manufacturers offer optional warranty packages that can be added onto your purchase. Be sure to consider the cost, as it could give you additional protection a normal warranty wouldn’t provide. 

 

Conclusion

Now that you know what goes into estimating the cost of roof replacement, it is time to start making your budget. If you plan on hiring a roofing contractor for the project, keep in mind the cost of labor alongside the materials. Both are equally important factors in the estimate. If you’re having problems figuring out which kind of material to get or which is best for your home, why not contact a roofer to learn more?