Where Do Roofing Replacement Costs Come From?

You may know that having work done to your roof can be expensive. However, do you know what goes into determining the cost of a given project? For the most part, the overall cost takes into account labor and material costs. The scope of the project, as well as the slope and condition of the roof, may also play a role in how roofing costs are calculated.

How Are Labor/Work Roofing  Costs Calculated?

Roofing labor/work costs are calculated based on a number of factors. First, a roofing contractor must determine how many people will be needed to complete a project. Obviously, the more people that are needed, the higher the labor cost will be and the more time it takes to complete a project, the higher the costs.

However, typically, the more people who are on a job site, the less time it will take, so the two variables may cancel each other out. The best roofing companies will know the sweet spot! Professional installation may also cost more depending on the type of shingles used, and a tear-off is generally more expensive than laying asphalt shingles over an existing layer.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay?

Overall, a homeowner can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for labor costs. This may include disposing of debris and cleaning up your yard after the project has been completed as well. The geographic location of the project will also influence labor or work costs.

 Materials Influence Roofing Costs

As a general rule, putting asphalt shingles on a home will cost less than putting on a metal roof or wooden shakes. Asphalt shingles commonly cost about $100 per square, which is the equivalent of 100 square feet. A roof may have anywhere from 10 to 30 squares depending on the size of the home. In addition to the shingles, it will usually cost another $100 per square for felt and underlayment. If there is rot in the roof deck or other issues, a homeowner may need to pay more to have them taken care of as well.

 'Rotten decking will need to be replaced with new plywood sheets.'

Metal roofing materials usually cost anywhere from $100 for corrugated steel to as high as $900 a square for zinc or copper. It is important to understand that while metal roofs may be more expensive compared to asphalt, they can last longer if installed properly. In some cases, metal roofs can last for 50 years or more. They may also be better against fire, water and pest damage. Finally, they might help to regulate heating and cooling costs as metal does a good job of reflecting sunlight.

How Extensive Is Your Roofing Project?

The cost of a roofing project could be higher or lower than average depending on how much work needs to be done. For instance, if you just needed one square of asphalt shingles repaired, this roof replacement project could be completed for a few hundred dollars. However, if you wanted to convert an asphalt roof to a metal roof, that may involve taking off the original roof, reinforcing support beams and then putting the new roof on.

 'A steep roof has it's own challenges. With increased pitch, comes increased difficulty in navigating and working on the roof.'

The slope of your roof will also dictate how much time it takes to complete a roof replacement project. Often, roofs with higher slopes are harder to walk on, and workers may need to spend more time hauling materials from the ground when the slope is higher. Workers' compensation and other insurance costs may increase as well because workers might have a higher risk of getting hurt.

If there is mold or a pest infestation in your roof, it may take time to remove those hazards before work can begin. Extermination costs could add anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more depending on the severity of the problem. However, eliminating such a problem when putting on a new roof could make the house safer and more comfortable to live in over the long run.

Labor costs, the choice of materials used and the scope of a project all factor into how much you will pay for roof work. In most cases, you can work with your contractor to find solutions that keep roofing costs to a reasonable level without sacrificing quality. This may make it possible to get a roof that looks good and will last for years to come.