When your roof is damaged, worn out, or no longer providing adequate protection, it may be time for a roof replacement. This is a substantial project, but a very important one, and the costs can vary.
The cost to replace a roof depends on the size of the roof, the materials used, any existing damage, and labour costs required to complete the job. With this knowledge, homeowners can plan and budget for the project and make informed decisions.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Replace a Roof
Here’s what to consider when budgeting for a roof replacement.
Roof Size
Obviously, the bigger the roof, the more expensive it will be to re-roof. But if you’re eager, there’s a calculation you can do to estimate the cost of materials.
Roofing materials come priced by the square foot. If you know that your single-family home is 1,200 sq. ft., and your shingle of choice costs $4.50 per square foot, you can multiply 1,200 sq. ft. by $4.50 to get $5,400. If your home is 2,200 sq. ft., you could be looking at $9,900 in materials. Quality of materials comes into play here, as shingles can range from $3.10 to $4.50 per square foot.
Having said this, contractors should have specific products they recommend for your area and they often get special rates on them to help lower your costs. Your contractor will be able to give you a more accurate estimate, and importantly, they will include the cost for labour as well.
Existing Damage
If there is existing damage to your roof such as leaks, cracks, or rot, this can increase the cost of your roof replacement. For example, if you have rot from missing shingles, we may need to replace plywood in addition to shingles, which increases costs. The extent of damage will depend on the age of your roof and how well it has been maintained.
When we provide quotes, we assess for damage to give an accurate estimate but keep in mind that some damage can only be detected once the current roof has been removed. Either way, repairing the damage before installing a new roof is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of the new roof.
Labour Costs
The cost of labour is another factor that can affect the cost of a roof replacement. The more skilled and experienced the labourers are, the higher the cost will be.
You will find some companies that charge inexpensive labour, but be aware that some can do this because of a lack of insurance. While it’s tempting to go for lower quotes, make sure they have certifications and insurance coverage so you’re not held liable if anything goes wrong.
Materials Used
The materials used for your roof replacement will certainly affect the overall cost of the project. Premium materials such as slate or metal will cost more than standard materials, such as asphalt shingles. However, higher-quality materials will provide better durability and longevity, making them a better investment in the long run.
Asphalt Shingles
The cost of replacing an asphalt shingle roof in southern Alberta can range from $3.10 to $4.50 per square foot. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice due to their affordability, durability, and ease of installation.
Metal Roofs
The cost for metal roofing materials can range from $6.00 to $12.00 per square foot. This is higher than shingles, but they offer longer-lasting protection. They not only have a sleek appearance, they also perform well in the southern Alberta climate as well as that in the Kootenays of British Columbia (our two main service areas). At C&M Roofing, we specialize in metal roofs because we trust their durability for our clients. Because of this, we’ve become efficient at installing metal roofs and can charge less for labour than other companies.
Lifetime Materials
We also install roofs with rubber or composite shingles, shakes, and tile. These products are more expensive, from $5.00 to $12.00 per square foot, but they offer other benefits—they’re built to last a lifetime. The initial cost will be higher than your standard shingle, but over time you’ll save on repairs costs, replacement costs, and resale value.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofing is a popular choice for commercial buildings and some residential houses with low slopes. We install torch-on roofs, a type of flat roofing material that gets applied with a flame. The cost for materials can range from $5.50 to $8.00 per square foot.
Time of Year
The time of year can also affect the cost of roof replacement. The peak season for roofing contractors is summer, when demand is high. Because of this, prices may be higher as well. Having said this, summer conditions are more conducive to efficient work, so our crews can generally work quicker to balance labour costs. We do work in the winter but we need to be cautious of weather conditions to ensure our crews can work safely. Sometimes, this means postponing work for snow or wind storms.
The best type of roof for your home will depend on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and other factors such as climate and weather conditions. A reputable roofing contractor can help you weigh the pros and cons of different materials and make an informed decision.
It’s also important to ensure that the contractor you choose is licensed, insured, and certified. This will protect you from any liability in case of accidents or damage during the project. You can ask for references and read reviews from previous customers to get a better idea of the contractor’s reputation.
The cost of a roof replacement depends on a variety of factors including the roof size, existing damage, labour costs, seasonality, and materials used. These factors can vary widely, and it’s important to take them into consideration when budgeting for a roof replacement project. At the end of the day, a professional quote is always best. Contact us today for a free estimate.
