How Much Does A New Roof Cost?

Whether you're trying to put a new roof on your brand-new home build or you're replacing a roof that is been damaged, trying to price out a roof installation can be tricky. The national average across all different types of materials and installations is around $8,000, but that number can change significantly based on a few factors. If you're unsure about what to expect to pay for your next residential roofing installation, below are a few questions that can help you get a good ballpark figure.

What Type of Material Are You Using?

Unless you're set on using a specific type of material over another, you should consider the wide array of roofing materials that are available to help make the best decision for your home and for your wallet. Asphalt roofs are the most popular type in the US, but recently, new advances in metal roofing that allow you to create a more customized aesthetic have allowed consumers to put them on their homes instead of just their businesses. Moreover, slate can last nearly 200 years with very little maintenance, and even though it's more expensive to install initially, you'll save that money over the life of the roof. Shop around for the best type of materials, and you should be able to come up with a good idea of what your roof will cost.

Are You Replacing a Roof?

The price difference between a roof on a brand-new home and one that has been damaged can also be significant. If a tree has fallen through your roof, not only will you need to pay for new roofing material, but you'll also need to reinforce the substructure and the support beams that are underneath it as well. Moreover, you have to consider the cost of removing the previous materials and disposing of them, which can add significantly to your labor costs. If you're simply adding a new roof on a new build, those expenses won't exist.

How Big Is Your Home?

One of the biggest factors in determining the overall cost of your roofing installation will be the size of your home. Covering 500 square feet for a large outdoor shed is a lot less expensive than trying to cover a two-story, 8,000 square-foot family home. When you know what type of material you want, use the square footage of your home to calculate the roof area. This will allow you to estimate the amount of materials that you need, but you should also ask a roof installation contractor for an estimate on the labor to get a final number.