One of the biggest factors that allowed for the successful evolution of the human race was learning to keep a good roof overhead. However, as critical as it is, most homeowners don’t give their roof much thought until it starts to leak. Once it starts to leak you are on the clock to get it fixed before water infiltration does permanent damage to the structure.
Of course, the bigger concern for most homeowners is what it will cost to have the roof fixed or replaced. A roof’s average lifespan can range from 15 to 50 years, or more, depending on the material used, the type of weather it sees and how well the roof was installed. One problem with trying to fix a roof is it is very often difficult, and sometimes impossible, to determine exactly where the leak is coming from short of obvious damage such as a tree falling on the roof. Therefore, if the roof has reached or is approaching the end of its life expectancy, then it is best to have the entire roof replacement Springfield MO.
Before starting to get estimates, it is helpful to know what you should expect to pay. This will help to avoid confusion when speaking with contractors and can also aid you in avoiding unnecessary costs. Having some background and understanding of roofing will also help you to distinguish between reputable roofing contractors and those just looking to make a buck.
Types of Roofing Material
While asphalt shingles have perform yeoman’s service for decades, and are still a popular choice, there are number of other cost-effective options for homeowners to consider:
• Wooden tiles, or “shakes.”
• Slate.
• Ceramic tile.
• Metal roofing that includes tin, steel, copper and galvalume.
It is important to understand that while the higher quality materials cost more initially, the higher cost materials will typically have a longer life expectancy and therefore be more cost effective over the life of the roof.
Calculating Roofing Cost
One of the biggest factors in determining cost is the size of the roof. So, to make the math easier, here are some examples for a homeowner asking “How much does it cost to replace 1000 sq ft of roof?” Roofing pricing is based on what is referred to as a “square” that is a 10- by 10-foot, or 100 square-foot, section of roof. For example, a 1,000 square-foot roof will consist of 10 squares. Many roofers will include all of their expenses in their “per square” cost. Staying with the 1,000 square-foot example, if a roofer provides a quote at $200 per square for 10 squares the total cost should be $2,000. However, there are a number of caveats homeowners need to be aware of as the per-square cost can vary based on a number of factors with materials being the biggest component. Here are some very basic numbers homeowners can expect to pay as of 2022:
• Asphalt shingles will run $100 to $500 per square.
• A wood-shingle roof will cost between $700 and $900 per square.
• Standing-seam metal roofs will cost from $900 to $1200 per square.
Note that these figures all assume the roof is on a ranch-style home with a gentle pitch.
Cost Per Roofing Square
The price of a roofing square depends on many factors, such as the type of roofing materials, labor and removal costs. Asphalt shingles are still one of the most common roofing materials due to their longevity and cost and can range from $100 to $400 per square. This means a 1,000 square-foot asphalt roof can range from $1,000 to $4,000. On the other end, metal roofs will typically have higher labor costs as well as higher material costs, up to $1,500 per square for the highest quality materials. This would bring the cost of a 1,000 square-foot roof to $15,000.
Of course, the more expensive materials will typically have a longer lifespan than the less expensive ones so the roof will not have to be replaced as often. Due to this factor it is important to work out a per-year cost for each material so you will be comparing apples to apples. For example, if a 1,000 square foot asphalt-shingle roof with a life expectancy of 15 years costs $400 per square and a 1,000 square-foot metal roof with a cost of $1,000 per square has a life expectancy of 50 years, the more expense metal roof will be more cost effective, or cheaper, over the life of the roof. Using these examples, the asphalt shingle roof has a per year cost of $267 (10 squares x $400 = $4,000 / 15 = $267) vs $200 per year for the metal roof (10 squares x 1,000 = $10,000 / 50 = $200).
Additional Costs
Other factors that can affect the final cost of a roofing job that may not be immediately evident include:
• Roof complexity and the angle, or “pitch,” of the roof.
• Removal and disposal of old roofing material.
• Vents and skylights.
• Dormers.
• Plumbing.
• Decks.
• Chimneys.
• Local code and permit requirements.
Location can also affect the cost as it influences the cost price of both labor and materials. For example, an asphalt shingle roof in Dallas, Texas will cost significantly less than the same roof in Cleveland, Ohio due to local market prices and cost of labor variations. Additionally, if the supporting structures, such as the roof decking or trusses, have been damaged and need to be replaced, then these factors will all add to the cost of the roofing job.
Summary
The cost of a new roof is like the cost of any construction project and it will depend on the material you choose and the local cost of those materials and labor. Now that you are armed with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision, you should begin calling roofing contractors who offer free estimates. Get at least three and be sure to vet any contractor before you sign anything. Because a new roof is a fairly large and often unexpected expense, many roofing contractors offer financing options to their customers. Just be sure to read and understand all the fine print in any financing contract so you will know the exact final cost.
Check Our Other Articles: