How much will my new roof cost?

If the time has finally come to replace the roof on your home, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost you. There’s no easy answer. Many factors determine how much your roof is going to cost. Ultimately, you’re going to need to get some estimates from roofers to get an idea for how much it’s going to cost. But here are a few factors that will determine the cost:

·         Dimensions. This one is pretty obvious. The larger your roof, the more roofing materials you will need to cover it. Roofers charge by the “square” which is a ten by ten foot section. The more “squares” the more it will cost.

·         Slope. Roofs with a steeper pitch will require more materials. Also, it’s a little trickier for roofers to work on so that will drive up the cost a little.

·         Material. This is a factor that you have a lot of say in. There are many different roofing materials to choose from and they vary drastically in price. If you want to go with an asphalt shingle roof, it’s going to be a lot cheaper than if you decide to go with slate or tile.

·         Access. One story homes make the roof more accessible for roofers. If you have a two or three story home, it will add to the cost.

·         Style and difficultly. Some roofs are simpler to roof than others. If your roof has a lot of hips, valleys, dormer windows, and other features, it will make the project more complex.

·         Adding a layer vs. stripping the roof. If your existing roof is in decent shape and isn’t too heavy, you can save a little money by having your new roof installed on top of the existing one. Most likely however, your existing roof will need to be stripped which will cost a little more.

·         Setbacks. Finally, there are unforeseen problems such as rot and damaged flashing that roofers will need to take care of when installing your new roof that will add to the cost.

Experts recommend getting at least three written estimates so you can get an idea for how much your roof will cost.