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Home | Our Blog | How much does it cost to replace a roof in 2021? Average New Roof Cost Per Square
Reviewed by Tomas Kalkys. President.
Qualifications: More than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial exterior remodeling.
Founding farther of Legacy Service.
Written by LegacyUSA Team
posted on June 4, 2021
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How old is your roof? Depending on your roofing material and its age, it may be time for a replacement. Replacing it when needed is good for your entire home. It’s essential to maintaining the integrity of your house’s function, curb appeal, and value.
Asphalt shingles, currently the most common roofing material in the United States, tend to last about 15-25 years depending on their installation, maintenance, and the elements they face over the years.
Not a real zip code.
If you think it’s time to replace your roof, it’s good to get an idea of the average cost to replace it. In this article, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know, from the signs you need a replacement to the different costs to the replacement process itself.
At Legacy Service, we’re here to help you build the home of your dreams. Whether you need siding installation or roofing replacement, you can count on our team. Read more to learn about the cost to reroof a house or contact us to schedule a free estimate: https://legacyusa.com/contact/
The average price to replace a roof of a house will differ from homeowner to homeowner depending on where they live, the size of their roof, and the material they choose. Since asphalt shingles are the most common type on suburban homes in the United States, we’ll focus on this type in the sections below. Continue reading to learn more about the average cost of materials, the average cost of labor, and the cost of accessories and tools.
Most roofing contractors use a breakdown formula as a guideline for the cost of the project. For many of them, the cost formula roughly equates to about 40% for materials and 60% for the labor.
For asphalt shingles, which are considered the most affordable option, you typically have three options: 3-tab, architectural shingles, and premium shingles. Let’s discuss the average cost of materials for each type:
Here are the average prices per square for the most common materials:
In many cases, the roofing labor cost will account for about 60% of the overall cost of roofing installation. Many people consider replacing it themselves because of this. However, it’s usually best to hire a team of professionals to ensure the installation is done right, which helps maximize its lifespan.
Let’s discuss the average cost of installation for asphalt shingles:
If you’re replacing it yourself, the cost of accessories and tools will differ based on what you need and what you already have. If you’re hiring roofing professionals to do the job for you, know that some contractors will include their overhead in the cost of labor while others will calculate it separately.
Replacing your roof is one of the costliest upgrades you can make to your home. Fortunately, the investment is worth every penny. Not only does it make your house look nicer, but it also helps prevent expensive damage from occurring over time.
Here are price ranges from low to high:
Low – $3,500 to $4,500 – This can be asphalt shingles on a low-pitch one-story roof.
Average – $5,200 to $10,500 – This can be asphalt shingles on a two-story 1,500 square foot roof with a chimney.
High – $12,000 to $40,000 – This can be slate shingles with roof deck reinforcement.
So, how do you know if you just need common roof repairs or an entire roof replacement? There are a number of ways to help you determine if a full replacement is the best choice for your home. In this section, we’ll review seven of the most common signs that you need to replace, which will help you decide what would be best for your home. Check them out, and see if that’s what you need. If you do, feel free to contact our team at Legacy Service to schedule a free estimate.
How old is your roof? Depending on the age of the material, it may be time for a replacement. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material among homeowners in the United States, and they tend to last about 15 to 25 years. Knowing when yours was installed provides insight into how much life it has left. The installation and maintenance also play a role in how long it will last. If you believe that you may need to replace it due to age, contact your local roofing professionals.
When was the last time you checked your attic? If you can’t even remember, it’s time you headed on up there to make sure there are no leaks. If you notice any leaks in your house, whether it’s the attic or another room, then it may be time to replace your roof. You can even check your attic for potential leaks when it’s not raining. Grab a flashlight and climb up under the eaves. Look for stain streaks or beams of light coming through the top of the house. Either of these could mean that you have a leaky roof.
Go outside and look up at your roof. How are your shingles looking? If you can see signs of damage to your roof, whether it’s curling, buckling, or missing shingles, then it may be time to install an entirely new roof. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking it regularly and after heavy storms to make sure everything looks okay. While you’re at it, look for shingle granules in the gutters and downspouts. If it has been losing a lot of them, it may be nearing the end of its useful life.
If it’s droopy or sagging, then it’s time to call a fully licensed roofer right away. A sagging roof needs to be replaced as soon as possible so that it doesn’t cause further damage to the structure of your home. Even if you can’t easily see any drooping, it could still be there. It’s recommended to inspect your roof at least once a year to look for signs of damage. This includes checking for signs of rotting boards, trapped moisture, and spots that are sagging. In most cases, these will occur at the lowest points.
It may often be overlooked by many homeowners, but flashing is an essential component of a healthy roof. It’s placed around chimneys, skylights, and vents to seal the roof’s seams and protect it from rain and other types of weather. When inspecting your roof, examine the flashing to make sure there are no breaks or cracks. If there is damage, it can cause leaks and more significant damage to the structure of your house. If it’s time to replace your flashing, then it may be time for shingle replacement. Check with a local reputable roofer if you’re interested.
Moss may look nice on trees, but it doesn’t look so good on roofs. In fact, it could mean trouble. Moss, as well as fungi, algae, and mold, may indicate that moisture is trapped inside, which can lead to worse damage and might even ruin your entire roof. It tends to grow in spots that don’t get much sunlight, especially in climates that are cool and moist. Since moss holds moisture against the roof’s surface, it can cause damage to the granules on top of the shingles over time. You can use a stiff brush to remove it, but that won’t prevent it from growing again.
Does a bunch of your neighbors seem to be replacing their roofs around the same time? In many cases, that could indicate that it’s about time to replace yours. Many houses that have been built around the same time period and experience the same types of weather conditions tend to need a replacement at a similar time. If you’re looking for a roofing contractor that will replace roof shingles, look no further than our team at Legacy Service. Schedule a free consultation with one of our technicians to find out the cost to replace your roof.
Not a real zip code.
Determining whether your roof needs repair or a replacement depends on your material, its age, and the extent of the damage. In the aforementioned section, we discussed the main signs you need a typical roof replacement. In many cases, if yours is 20 years or older, replacement is a better option than repair because it will help prevent other types of more expensive damage down the line. After all, who doesn’t want a beautiful new roof?
We’ve reviewed the pros and cons of roof replacement in the sections below. Check them out!
The advantages of installing a new roof rather than repairing an old one include:
The disadvantage of roof replacement includes:
Replacing a roof typically involves the removal of the old one before adding the new one. Reroofing, on the other hand, is the process of adding a new roof over the top of the old one. Each has its own pros and cons, which we’re going to review below. We’ll also discuss the average cost to tear off and replace a roof as opposed to installing a roof on top. If you’re looking to consult a roofing expert about installation prices that are specifically tailored to you, please feel free to contact our team at Legacy Service to schedule a free consultation.
The advantages of choosing to re-roof a house (placing new shingles on top of old ones) include:
The disadvantages of re-roofing include:
If you find yourself asking, “How much does a new roof cost?”, then it’s important to know that there’s a difference between a re-roofing and a roof replacement cost. Re-roofing tends to cost less than full replacement since the old shingles don’t need to be removed. This helps save on time, labor, and waste disposal expenses. Check with your local building codes, but in most cases, only two layers of asphalt shingles are allowed on roofs. If you’re seeking partial roof replacement, then that may also have a different price than either of the other two.
Whether you choose re-roofing or replacement is up to you. However, a full replacement may save you in the long run since it can help you find damage that you otherwise may not have caught.
When it comes to new roof installation costs (as well as replacements), different roofing shapes and types will have varying prices. Here are three of the most common shapes:
Known for their triangular shape, gable roofs are currently one of the most popular types in the United States.
Typical damage – Gable can be problematic in areas that face high winds or hurricanes. If the frames are not properly constructed or supported, the roof may collapse.
Difficulty of replacement – Since they have a relatively simple design, gable can be easily replaced.
Average cost per sq ft – The average cost to replace gable can range from $3.50 to $6.00 per sq ft.
Hip roofs have slopes on all four sides, which are all of equal length. They come together at the top to form a ridge.
Typical damage – Especially with the addition of dormers, the additional seams of hip can make it easier for water leaks to form in the valleys.
Difficulty of replacement – Although it requires more square footage than a gable roof on a home of the same size, hip is still easy to work on and can handle most roofing materials.
Average cost per sq ft – Hip usually tends to cost somewhere between $3.50 and $6.00 per sq ft.
Although they appear completely flat with no pitch, flat roofs have a slight pitch for water runoff and drainage.
Typical damage – The low pitch makes this type more susceptible to water leakage.
Difficulty of replacement – This type is generally easy to work on. However, it’s important to remember that the higher the number of stories, the more expensive this type will be.
Average cost per sq ft – Flat can cost anywhere between $3.00 and $10.00 per sq ft.
Not a real zip code.
A new roof cost on average will differ depending on the material chosen. Here are three of the most popular material options:
The installation rates of asphalt shingles are considered some of the most affordable in the industry today. They’re also visually appealing and durable, which is why they’re so popular. The average cost to reshingle a roof is usually between $2.50 and $4.50 per square foot.
Metal roofs are quite beautiful and are typically more durable than traditional asphalt shingles. However, they’re also more expensive in most cases. Metal roofing installation can cost between $7.00 and $14.00 per square foot.
Cedar roofs are another beautiful type of roof. However, they tend to be less common on residential homes in the United States because they require a great deal of roof maintenance. Installing new shingles for cedar can range from $8.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
The procedure for roof replacement can be a complicated process, so it’s usually best to hire a team of professionals to get the job done for you. If you’re still adamant to roof a house yourself, there are several steps you’ll need to take. The step-by-step roof installation process includes:
Before you begin, you’ll need to choose the new roofing material. Asphalt shingles, metal, cedar, and slate tend to be the most popular among homeowners throughout the United States.
In most cases, it’s best if the old shingles are removed before installing the new material. Removal may sound simple, but in reality, it requires the proper equipment and tons of manpower. A team of licensed roof installation professionals can help with this type of roof change.
The next step is to get the surface ready for installation. This includes installing the drip edge, which prevents water from getting underneath the edges, and roof underlayment, which is a waterproof material that’s placed between the decking and roofing material.
Now it’s time for installation. The amount of time it takes to install will depend on the material chosen. For example, slate will take longer than asphalt shingles because it can break or crack if stepped on.
Once the installation is complete, the crew will clean up any leftover debris. The contractor will then perform a detailed roof inspection to ensure no mistakes were made and that there are no flaws in the material. Then, you can enjoy it for years to come!
Labor costs can vary depending on the type of material you choose as well as the size and shape of your roof. The price will also be higher for homeowners who need to remove the old material before the new roof installation steps take place. Labor typically accounts for about 60% of the total cost of your roof. If you’re looking for a personal roof replacement estimate, please feel free to get in touch with our team at any time.
Replacing the material itself isn’t the only way you can improve or enhance your roof. There are a variety of other improvement jobs you can do. Some of the most common include gutter cleaning, flashing replacement, framing repair, soffits, and more!
If you’re getting your roof replaced, the flashing around the chimneys, skylights, vents, and other protrusions will also need to be replaced. Additional flashing can also be easily added at this time. For many homeowners, adding flashing can cost about $300 to $600 on average.
This is usually pretty rare, but some homeowners will need to have the frame of their roof repaired before the material can be replaced. This can be due to structural damage or the fact that they’re replacing it with a heavier material. Frame repair costs tend to vary between $300 and $800.
If you’re buying a new home or you’re unsure whether your roof needs to be replaced, it’s time to contact an inspector. During an inspection, they’ll examine all areas to determine its condition. You can expect to pay around $350 for an inspection.
When replacing your roof, it’s a good idea to get your gutters either cleaned or also replaced. Gutters should be cleaned once or twice a year to help prevent the buildup of debris, which can force water beneath your shingles. Typical gutter cleaning tends to cost about $150.
Consult with your roofing expert about replacing or repairing the soffits or fascia. They’ll help you determine what needs to be done during your replacement and how much it will cost. If you’re seeking “roofing costs near me,” please look no further than our team at Legacy Service.
The next question you may have is, “Should I do it myself or hire a pro?” This all depends on the tools and equipment you own and the amount of experience you have with the chosen material. Doing it yourself can save money initially on the roofing installation cost, but it might not be worth it in the long run. A roof that’s installed properly will help maximize its lifespan.
Here’s a list of tools that are typically required for a shingle replacement project:
The materials that are usually required for replacement projects include:
Experience with roofing replacements are recommended before beginning this project.
The decision is ultimately up to you. However, unless you have enough experience and all of the right tools and equipment, it’s best to hire professionals. They’ll be able to detect any structural issues before installing the new roof and ensure that the project is done to maximize its lifespan.
Here are some of the most common questions our team is asked about roof replacement and its various costs:
The overall cost will depend on a variety of factors. The roofing cost per square will differ based on the material you choose, the professionals you hire, the area you live, and the size and shape of your roof. Asphalt shingles tend to be the most popular type among American homeowners because they’re affordable, durable, and visually appealing. Their price range can be anywhere between $350 to $600 per square.
It may initially cost more to remove your roof before installing a new one, but removal can help you save money in the long run. Whether you need to replace roof decking or not is something that should be left up to a professional. They can examine the structural integrity of your home and decide from there. For asphalt shingles, homeowners tend to pay about $3.50 to $6.00 per square foot for removal and replacement.
A full replacement will include roof decking, flashing, underlayment, drip edge, ice and water shield, shingles, ridge capping, and vents. However, most homeowners will not need everything to be replaced every time. Your roofing expert will recommend what you need to help you make your decision.
You can replace your roof any time of the year. The best time is when you can adequately plan and prepare for it. However, many homeowners prefer the spring since the summer can be too hot, winter can be too cold, and fall can be too busy.
There are a variety of ways to pay for your new roof. The best way is the one that’s easiest for you. The most common methods of payment include cash or check, credit card, personal loan, home equity loan, insurance coverage, and company financing. We offer various financing options at Legacy Service. Visit https://legacyusa.com/financing/ or contact us to learn more about them.
An insurance claim can help you pay for a new roof, but keep in mind that it can be tricky. If the cause of the damage is obvious, like if a tree falls through your roof, do whatever you can to have your insurance company pay for it. If the cause is less apparent, then getting help from your homeowner’s insurance company can be very challenging.
Now that you have the rundown, it’s time to get started on your own project! At Legacy Service, not only do we offer roof replacement but we also provide installation and replacement services for siding, windows, doors, and gutters. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Posted on June 4, 2021 in Roof
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