How To Understand What Your Roof Replacement Will Cost

​​​​​​​Homeowners try their level best to increase the lifespan of their roofs because a replacement can be expensive. However, if your roof needs replacing, there is no way around it. The choices you make will affect your new roof’s quality, longevity, and affordability.

“So what goes into my roof replacement costs?” You may ask.

There is no flat fee for roof replacements, and many factors contribute to the final cost. Hence, it can vary among roofers. However, always opt for a trusted residential roofing contractor who will guarantee you a high-quality roof and workmanship to last for a long time.

Still, it is helpful to know the estimated cost of your roof replacement and what factors affect it.

Cost depends on various factors , including the roof type, overall complexity (pitch, number of levels, and roof features), materials used, and scale of the work required.

Many professional roofing contractors employ the 40:60 rule as their costs-breakdown formula, where they charge 40% materials and 60% labor. Still, this pricing structure is merely a guideline. Some contractors opt to include their overhead as labor costs, while others will calculate it separately.

Below is a breakdown of these factors and their effect on your roof replacement cost.

The height of your Illinois home and roof means additional coordination for roofers to do. For example, it will take longer to bring materials to and fro the roof. It also makes the work more dangerous, meaning roofers will have to work using extra safety equipment.

Professional roofing contractors measure and estimate roof sizes using “squares,” where one square equals 100 sq. ft. of a three-dimensional roof surface. Roofers base the roofing estimate on your roof’s total area in squares. A ranch-style home and a two-story house will have different roof footprint even if their relative square footage is the same.

It takes longer for roofers to replace larger roofs (with more square footage), increasing labor costs. Larger roofs also require more materials.

Some roofs have a greater pitch or steepness than others, which contributes to the roof measurements. Additionally, a steep-pitched roof takes more time to replace and more equipment to complete the job. It also requires roofers to take additional safety precautions to prevent accidents and falls.

Sometimes, a home may have two layers of shingles, which the contractor needs to tear off before replacing them. The roofer must account for the extra work and debris to dispose of.

The type of materials you select will significantly affect the cost of your new roof. Shingles are typically inexpensive and are the commonly used roofing materials in homes across the U.S. Other roofing material choices further affect your roofing estimate. For instance, some color choices for shingles are more costly than others because the materials are expensive. 

Additionally, the cost of the underlayment, ventilation structures, and flashing also come into consideration. These materials work together to form a functional and durable roof. Although these materials can push up your complete roof replacement cost, you should never cut corners on these aspects because they protect your home.

Roofing contractors always consider the scope of work they must do when replacing a roof in their costing. Replacing an entire roof requires more work than merely removing and replacing shingles when done properly and professionally.

The roofer must replace all the underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge, and flashing. A roof replacement estimate must also include replacing rotten decking and the proper disposal of old materials.

Many factors affect the cost of a roof replacement. These include the roof type and overall complexity (number of levels, skylights, chimneys, dormers, overall roof difficulty, and ease of access), your home’s geographic location, choice of roofing shingles, and the contractor you opt to hire.

Despite the steep upfront cost of replacing a roof, it’s always an excellent investment in your home. New and properly installed roofs typically last at least 20 years and increase your home’s value.

Good roofers are always transparent about their estimates and costing methods and are happy to answer any questions you have, including “what goes into my roof replacement costs?” KM Construction Inc. is a trusted residential roofing contractor in McHenry County, IL, with years of service to the community. We are also a proud GAF Master Elite Contractor roofing contractor. Contact us today with any questions!

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