How much does a new roof cost?

In need of a new roof but unsure of what to expect as far as cost? Well, not to worry because you’re not alone! Once doing some research, you’ll quickly learn that a new roof is not as simple as replacing a few new shingles and calling it a day. Roofs are a complex system of decking, membranes, shingles, and vents, and their job is to protect your home from extreme weather, provide insulation and complete the overall look of your home. When determining the cost of a roof replacement, you must consider several factors. We have provided a basic rundown of what goes into the pricing of a new roof.

PARTS OF THE WHOLE:

On average, reroofing a house could cost between $5,000 and $12,000, but prices depend on many factors. The list provided below will give you an idea of the different factors that contractors take into account when estimating the cost of your new roof:

  • Size – the overall area of your roof
  • Pitch – the slope of your roof from eaves to peak
  • Height – how high is your roof (how big is the safety risk)?
  • Levels – number of stories of your home
  • Roofing Materials – shingles, metal, cedar, ceramic, slate, copper, etc.
  • Underlayment and accessories
  • Flashing
  • Code Requirements – will your new roof meet code requirements or will you need to pay to get it up to code?
  • Accessibility – how easy is it to get supplies up on the roof? Can a dumpster be placed right next to the house or will workers have to haul waste across the yard?
  • The complexity of the Roof – are there a number of peaks and valleys to work around?
  • Structural Issues – water or debris damage, wood rot, etc., that will cost extra to have fixed before the new roof can be installed
  • Permits/Licenses – typically inexpensive, but should be factored in when calculating the cost of a new roof
  • Extra Features – skylights, chimneys, vents, etc., which will need to be worked around

*Keep in mind, that roofing estimates are based on a “per square” basis. 100 square feet (a 10ft x 10ft area) is considered a roofing square.

    Finished Cedar Shingles in Sherwood Park

    Add-ons & Extras

    While most roofing companies will account for the following factors when determining the per-square price, reviewing what the cost estimate covers are a good idea. The last thing you want is to accept an estimate only to find out that the contractor did not include the labour cost. Ensure that the following items get included in the estimated price for a new roof:

    • Price of shingles – the actual shingles that will be visible on the roof
    • Supplies – cost of materials used to get the shingles installed (asphalt paper, roofing caulk, etc.)
    • Necessary protective elements – does the location of the property require ice guard or other waterproofing protection?
    • Waste disposal – cost of disposing all material of the old roof and any debris
    • Labour – most projects break their quote out to 40% product, 60% labour
    • Insurance – make sure your roofer has liability insurance

    KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS:

    You can use many roofing materials when getting a new roof, from shingles to cedar to slate. The different roofing materials can cost anywhere from $100-$1,000 per square. Assuming an average roof size of 17 yards (1700 sq. ft.), when calculating the cost of a roof replacement, you might find pricing like:

    $5,100 – 10,000 for asphalt shingles

    $20,000 for cedar shingles

    On average, replacing your roof with asphalt shingles costs from $3.00 – $5.50 per square foot, so for a 1,700-2,100 square foot bungalow style property, you would be looking to spend about $5,000-$12,000. That said, roof replacement costs increase when you use higher-end roofing materials. A metal roof could cost twice as much as an asphalt shingle roof, whereas a slate roof might cost five times more. Each type of roofing material has its own set of benefits, and typically, the more expensive roofing materials also have longer lifespans. It’s essential to determine the roofing material that works best for your house, the weather and your budget when making choices.

    A WORD ON RE-ROOFING OR OVERLAY:

    In many areas, you can lay new shingles on top of the old ones. This roof installation method is called “Overlay” or “Re-Roofing.” It saves you the cost of tearing off the old shingles and disposing of them. Your labour and overhead costs will also be lower, but this roof installation adds weight to your house’s structure and shortens the lifespan of the shingles. In the long term, your cost will be higher with this roof installation method than with a complete replacement.

    STAYING FLEXIBLE:

    Unfortunately, contractors cannot consider everything when calculating the cost of a new roof. Roofers may reveal some damages or repairs when they inspect the deck. You will need to have any issues taken care of sooner than later. Long-term water damage costs increase significantly over time, and many roofers won’t proceed without repairing existing damages.

    The cost of a new roof is affected by many factors, but it’s not impossible to get a good idea of your budget. Educate yourself on what is involved to ensure that you get the best price and choose the best materials for your home needs. A new roof is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your property, so do your homework and ask your professionals at Dwight’s Roofing.

    If you are a senior, the Alberta government has a grant program to assist you. Find out more!

    For any advice on new roofing costs in Edmonton, contact Demi or Trevor at Dwight’s Roofing!