The Average Cost of a New Roof in 2021, Explained

As a homeowner, you know that a full roof replacement can be a nightmare scenario. It’s among the most expensive home repairs you can make and must be done quickly, as severe water damage is one of the only repairs to top it in terms of expense.

The first step in preparing for a roof replacement is to create a budget. In order to do this, you need to know the cost of a new roof – and we’re here to help!

Outlined below is a guide to everything you need to know about the price of a roof replacement, as well as an estimate of what to expect in your situation.

Variables in New Roof Cost

The average lifespan of a roof is 30 years, but there are many factors that can raise or lower this number. For example, a tile roof lasts more than twice as long as a roof constructed from asphalt shingles.

The same can be said for the cost of a new roof. Although the average cost to replace a roof is around $8,000, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Every roof is different, so the price is going to be unique to the individual. Factors such as pitch, square footage, material, layers, and roof features (skylights, chimneys, etc.), will all contribute to the price of your new roof.

Cost of Materials

When you’re collecting quotes from potential roofers, they’re going to give you a price based on the square footage of your roof. For roofers, 100 square feet equals one roofing square.

The size of your roof is a major contributing factor when it comes to a new roof price, but the next largest factor is the material you choose.

A copper roof (~$1,470 per square), for instance, is ten times more expensive than a standard asphalt shingle roof (~$147 per square). That said, a copper roof can last an entire century, meaning it lasts five times longer than asphalt. If you install it, you’ll never have to replace it.

The cost of steel and stone fall between the two extremes. Steel costs an average of $176-824 per square, depending on the type of steel you use. Stone is more expensive, falling in the $1100-1200 range per square.

Cost to Remove Your Current Roof

Another expense you need to factor into your budget is the cost to remove your current roof. This is one of the first questions to ask a roofing contractor, as it might be possible to save money by completing this step yourself.

Removing your old roof should cost between $1-5 per square foot, which can add another $1000-1500 to your total cost. Be smart with this decision if you’re considering the DIY route. If you have any rotting timbers or are in need of new supports, it’s best to leave this leg of the project to the pros.

Know the Cost of a New Roof Before Starting Your Project

With any home repair or improvement project, planning is key. However, this is especially true with a repair as large as a roof replacement. The cost of a new roof is greater than almost any other project.

But if you approach your roof replacement with a solid plan and budget, you can get through it without a problem.

Looking for more advice and information for making your home the best it can be? Be sure to check out our blog!