An average roof replacement costs $8000 to $9000. The low and high-end costs of a roof replacement vary between $5,800 and $37,000. The costs change based on the extent of the replacement, materials, add-ons, and roofing effort.
People often get confused about the price range because roofs come in various shapes and sizes. Our roof replacement calculator and guide will help you understand these costs. If even that doesn't work, contact us for a free estimate.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?
An average roof replacement costs $8000 to $9000 for a 1000 to 2000 sq ft roof. While this is the average range, a roof replacement can cost over $40000 in subjective cases. The average does not represent every single roofing replacement scenario.
Furthermore, the cost of a roof replacement changes between states. The prices can change even within states, for example, a roof replacement is 10% to 20% more expensive in Chicago compared to Decatur.
Cost Breakdown of Roof Replacement
A roof replacement isn't only about roofing materials, nails, hammers, and some people. There's a lot more that goes into it, for example, underlayment, edges, and more. We've broken down all the costs of roof replacement to make it more understandable:
- Roofing Material ($2,000 to $9,000): The type of roofing material you use impacts the cost of a roof replacement.
- Underlayment ($300 to $700): Provides moisture protection under the main roofing material
- Ice & Water Shield ($150 to $500): Required in Illinois for added protection in eaves, valleys, and low-slope areas
- Drip Edge ($100 to $300): Prevents water from seeping into fascia and roof deck edges
- Ridge Vents or Roof Vents ($200 to $750): Maintains attic ventilation and prevents moisture buildup.
- Flashing ($200 to $800): Seals vulnerable points where water may penetrate. Without proper flashing, your roof is vulnerable to roof leaks.
- Nails, Sealants, Fasteners ($50 to $150): General materials used across the entire roofing job.
- Plywood Decking ($500 to $1,500 for 1000 sq. ft.): Replaces rotted or damaged roof sheathing before installing shingles.
You might not have all of these on your bill, but it's still better to be prepared. The roofing company will give you an itemized bill with all of the work listed. If they don't, please ask for it.
Factors that Affect Roof Replacement Costs
Major factors that can affect roof replacement costs include materials, roof size, steepness, and scope of work. I've simplified the details to help you understand what you might be paying for:
Roofing Materials
Roofing materials affect the cost of roof replacement. The more experience a roofing material the more expensive a roof replacement will be. For example, metal roofs are more expensive to install than asphalt shingle roofs.
You should understand the costs to find the best roofing materials for your needs. Here's an overview of the different roofing materials and costs:
Roofing shingles generally have the lowest cost per square footage. Architectural shingles and metal roofs are the most expensive roofing materials.
Labor Effort & Costs
Labor costs account for the time it would take to finish your roof replacement and the hourly wage. The difficulty of the job directly affects labor costs. For example, roofs of multi-story buildings are harder to access and replace, which increases costs.
Slate tiles are harder to manage and heavier. Roofers take more time carrying these around and installing them, making the replacement more arduous and expensive. Labor costs can also include overheads like fuel, permits, or other miscellaneous items.
Roof Size
The size of the roof reflects how much you'll have to fork over for a roof replacement. Replacing a 1000 sq. ft. roof can cost anywhere between $4000 and $11000. The larger your roof is, the more its actual cost will be.
Average small to mid-sized houses in the US have 1000 to 2500 sq ft roofs. Large houses have roofs exceeding 2500 sq ft. Your roofing contractor will generate an estimate according to your roof size, its elevation, and pitch.
Roof Angle & Pitch
The roof angle or pitch of your roof determines its working difficulty. Steep roofs are riskier and more strenuous to work with, which increases labor costs and time. A moderate roof in the US has a pitch of 4:12, which means for every 12 horizontal inches, the pitch rises by 4 inches.
You can calculate a roof angle using the following formula: θ = tan⁻¹(Vertical/Horizontal). In this case, the Angle = tan⁻¹(4/12), which is 18.43 degrees.
A roof might not have a uniform angle or pitch. For example, mansard roofs have varying angles because of their complex structure. Less traversable roofs have higher replacement costs.
Work Scope
There are multiple levels to every roofing job. For example, you might also have to fix the decking when replacing your roof. Sometimes old roof materials are harder to remove because of their weight, indentations, or other problems.
These small differences can have a major impact on the cost to replace a roof. Sometimes, installing a new roof is more affordable than replacing a roof because of these minor differences.
How Are Roof Replacement Costs Calculated?
Here's how roofing contractors determine the cost of a replacement:
- Roofer measures the size of your roof.
- Roofers use squares (1 square = 100 square feet) to measure roofs.
- Select a roofing material (i.e, Asphalt Shingles or others).
- Use a formula for the material cost (MC = Roof Sq. * Cost Per Sq.).
- Roofer adds Labor Costs (LC = Roof Sq. * Labor Rate Per Sq.).
- Factor in the Cost of Add-Ons.
- Account for the overhead costs (Fuel, Permits).
All of these items are presented in an itemized quote. If you want an easier and more transparent estimation, try our roof replacement calculator.
FAQs on Roof Replacement Costs
How much does a new roof cost in the US?
The average cost of a new roof ranges between $5,000 & $15,000 based on the material, size, and location. Asphalt shingles are the most common and cost around $4.50 per square foot, while metal or tile roofs can reach $10 to $20 per square foot.
How can I pay for a roof replacement?
You can refinance your house, take out a Home Equity Loan, or a personal loan to pay. If your house roof was damaged by a storm or other natural disaster, you can get insurance to pay for a roof replacement.
What is the cheapest cost to replace a roof?
The cheapest roof replacement costs around $5000 to $7000. These are applicable for shingle or wooden shake roofs on small-sized houses. Small to mid-sized roof replacement projects usually cost between $5000 and $12000 on average.
How often should you replace a roof in Illinois?
You should replace a roof in Illinois after 20 to 40 years. The average lifespan of a roof in Illinois depends on the roofing material and weather patterns. Roofs of houses in areas near the Great Lakes require more frequent replacement.
Bottom Line on Costs of Roof Replacement
The average cost of roof replacement stays between $8000 and $9000. The overall cost of a replacement can soar as high as $45000 based on roof type, material, labor costs, angle, and traversal. Extra add-ons like gutter installation and deck repairs can add between $1000 and $4000 to the bill.
Installing a roof is a costly endeavor, and you have to be careful with your investment. Hiring inexperienced roofers will only burden your wallet and house. If you need a roof replacement, contact the best roofing service in Illinois.
We give you clear quotes, guaranteed work, and the most affordable rates. Get a free roof replacement estimate today. You can also use our free roof replacement calculator to get an estimate right now.
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