A roof replacement may be required due to any number of causes.
Perhaps you want to replace your existing roof damaged in the last storm, or maybe the roof is too old. However, getting an old roof removed and a new one installed is no easy task.
The first thing you need to determine is the cost of the project, as the entire process involves a significant amount of time, effort, and resources. There are several factors to consider when calculating the cost, such as the roofing material, cost of supplies, and additional items.
We know it can be quite challenging to determine the average cost to tear off and replace roof. That’s why we’ve written this guide, explaining in detail the various factors that need to be considered when planning a roof replacement.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Understanding The Difference Between Tear Off And Overlay
One of the most significant factors affecting the cost is determining whether your roof needs to be completely torn off or just overlaid. Overlaying the roof involves laying new roofing material over the old roof without removing the old one.
On the other hand, tearing off the roof completely will be more costly than overlaying it. This is because tearing off the roof is a much more extensive and time-consuming process, which makes it costly.
Tearing Off The Roof
Tearing off the roof involves completely getting rid of the old roof, which requires a lot of time and results in higher costs. But most roofing experts say that tearing off the roof completely is a better option.
It is because it allows the roofers to discover and identify issues that may be present underneath the old roof. Such issues will need to be fixed before commencing with the new roof installation.
Factors Affecting Roof Replacement Cost
Once you know that the roof needs to be replaced completely, you need to consider the various factors that affect the cost. These include the cost of the roofing materials per square foot, the size of the roof, and the slope of the roof, among other things.
There may be some other factors that will vary on a case by case basis, but here are some of the most common ones that need to be considered:
Roof Size And Complexity
The size of the roof is one of the prime considerations that determine the cost of roof replacement. It ascertains the amount of material that will be needed and therefore makes up a significant part of the total roof cost.
You should know that the unit used for measuring the roof size is called roofing square and one roofing square is equal to a hundred square feet. The larger the roof, the more laborious and time-intensive the process will be.
Besides the size, you need to consider the complexity of the roof, which refers to how many facts, valleys, or hips the roof has. Roofs with a greater number of such features are more complex and require more time and labor to replace.
A complex roof is also steeper and has a greater height; naturally, the roofing company or contractor has to take more precautions for safety. Since they will need to work more carefully and slowly, the time involved will be more, leading to a higher cost.
Roofing Material
Which type of material you use for roof replacement is a crucial factor in determining the average cost of the process. Different materials offer different advantages, and you need to select the material carefully depending on which is most suitable for your particular case.
All roofing materials may not be suitable for all situations, and the material you select will affect the final cost of the project. For instance, asphalt shingles are one of the most cost-effective options available, while metal roofs have superior durability.
Besides these, you can get a wooden roof, slate roof, or asphalt roof.
Roof Slope
The roof slope plays a significant role in determining roof replacement costs. It is because the labor involved in replacing a sloped roof is more intensive than that involved in a flat roof.
Installing a sloped roof also involves assembling an underlayment system, which makes the process more complex and requires more labor. That is why it generally results in higher costs.
Other Roofing Components And Materials
Besides the regular materials for the roof, you need other components for tearing off and replacing the roof. These can include the roof decking material, roof flashing, underlayment, ridge capping, drip edge, roof vents, ice and water shield, and pipe boots.
All types of roofs require these materials, and it is recommended to get premium-quality components for greater durability.
Labor And Time Involved
When undertaking a roof replacement project, any roofing contractor will consider time and labor as the main factors for calculating the cost. Processes that involve a larger amount of labor or time will have a greater bearing on the final cost of the entire project.
The labor cost of getting your roof torn off and replaced varies between different roofing contractors. Similarly, the experience and skill level of the laborers affect the labor cost. Furthermore, the greater the time involved in removing the existing roof and installing a new one, the higher the cost.
The Accessibility Of The Roof
If your roof is accessible easily, the roofing contractor can quickly start work and complete the roof replacement process, bringing down the overall cost. On the other hand, if the roof is hard to access, it will automatically increase labor and time.
The accessibility of the roof is often impacted by the amount of landscaping surrounding the house, fencing, and the location of the materials.
Number Of Roof Penetrations
Any feature that juts out from the roof is known as roof penetration. Some common roof penetrations include gas vents, plumbing vents, kitchen or bathroom vents, chimneys, and skylights.
Workers need to work around these penetrations when installing a new roof, which increases the amount of time it takes to get the job done. That’s why a greater number of penetrations will lead to a rise in the cost.
Replacement Of Roof Decking
The amount of roof decking that needs to be replaced also affects the cost. But you won’t be able to find out how much of the decking needs replacing until the old roof has been torn off.
If a larger amount of decking needs to be replaced, it will push up the cost.
Cost Of Roofing Materials
As mentioned above, you can choose several types of roofing materials, and some of the most popular ones include shingle, metal, and slate roofing.
Asphalt shingles are the most common due to their low cost, while slate and metal roofing are more expensive. That said, they are environment-friendly and sustainable options, so let us take a look at these different roofing materials and how they affect the cost.
Shingle Roof
Shingle roofing is one of the most traditional roofing materials, with over 80 percent of American houses using it. It is a cost-effective option, as the price of reshingling is lower than that involved when using other materials.
Shingle roofing can also be done with different types of materials, such as wood shingles or asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingle roof is the most popular since it is more durable than wood but not as costly as metal or slate.
Metal Roof
It costs more than shingle roofing material, but not as much as a slate roof. However, it is much more durable than shingles and does not require much maintenance.
With this type of roofing material, the initial cost is high, and the installation process is also complex. Yet, in the long run, you will have greater durability and a low-maintenance roof that is environment-friendly due to heat-deflective coatings that reduce energy costs.
Slate Roof
Slate roofing is among the most expensive options due to its durability and sustainability. These types of roofs can last for up to 150 years, while slate is a naturally occurring material that does not release any harsh compounds or toxins.
Despite the high cost, a slate roof can be an excellent option, especially for installing a new roof.
Clay Tile Roof
Clay tile roofs are also durable and can last for up to 150 years easily. Being made of clay, they are good for the planet since no harmful toxins are emitted during their manufacturing process.
Another advantage they offer is that there is the option of using custom-made clay for roofing. But this roofing material can be quite a costly option when using custom-made or premium-grade clay.
Cedar Shake Roof
A cedar shake roof is another premium roofing material. Though not as long-lasting as clay or slate roofs, the wood shake roof is more durable than asphalt shingles or wood shingles.
It is made of natural wood (cedar) and, if properly installed, can easily last for several years. Understandably, being a premium material, cedar shake roofing is one of the more expensive options on the market.
Standard Charges For Homes And Businesses
While it is possible to replace your roof on your own to save costs, it is not advisable to do so. The procedure requires proper tools and experience, and you might end up reducing the lifespan of the roof and damaging the structural integrity of your house.
For instance, getting a roof replaced with asphalt shingles using DIY methods might cost less than what a professional roofing company will charge but may not offer desired results.
When hiring a roofing contractor or company, keep in mind that they will first charge for removing the roof. A single-story home will have to pay less than a multi-story one with double or triple layer roofs. Also, every company will have slightly varying costs for the various processes involved in the project.
Final Words
The final cost of tearing off your old roof and installing a new one will vary depending on several factors. Taking these factors into account, you can easily come up with an estimate before proceeding with the roof replacement project.
Knowing about the costs of different types of roofing materials and the contractor’s charges, you can easily select the type of roof you want to install. You can also ask the roofing company or the contractor to provide an estimate of how much the entire project will cost.
The important thing to keep in mind is to go for options that ensure long-lasting durability without being too expensive.
Need professional help when it comes to roofing services in Chino Hills CA? Contact us and get a quote now.