The roof of a house, after providing years of protection, may need replacement. A roof that stood the test of time and extreme weather conditions or has unaddressed cracks can deteriorate over time. Replacing a roof is cost-intensive, and before you reach out to contractors, it’s essential to get a fair idea about the damage and the costs involved to fix them. Here are some factors that can affect the average roof replacement cost.

Size of the roof
The average roof replacement cost will largely depend on the size of the roof. If your house has a large roof, your cost will increase. A large surface demands more materials and labor, resulting in an increase in cost. Most of the roofing materials are sold by roofing square (the square footage of your roof divided by 100). A multi-story home will have extensive square footage, and it will take longer to work on than a single-story home. As a result, the cost will be more.

Roofing material
The type of material you choose will also have a big impact on the average roof replacement cost. Shingled roofs are widely used because they are affordable and easy to install. Asphalt shingles are ideal roofing material for those on a tight budget. For premium roofing, however, you can opt for metal, concrete tile, or wood shake roofing. The cost of the project depends on the size of the roof and the materials used. For example, if you have a high-density asphalt roof, the replacement cost will increase as more materials will be needed for replacement.

The condition of the existing roof
If the existing roof is in bad shape and requires a complete replacement, it will add to the complexity of the project. This is because removing the existing shingles will add to the labor. For partial replacement, you may have to pay less. It is best to opt for a full replacement if your roof has weathered over the years or the damage is structural and prone to leaks.

Waste and disposal costs
To replace the roof, the waste and disposal costs from the old roof will also be factored in. Whether the replacement is full or partial, you need to get rid of the debris coming off your roof. The debris will be loaded in a dump truck, which charges fees and labor costs to dispose of the old roof. This, too, will impact your replacement cost.

Roof pitch
The roof pitch or slope is one of the factors that will affect the average roof replacement cost. If your roof is steep, it can add to the cost of the roof. Steep roofs are risky, and additional staging and labor equipment may be needed to complete the roof project in a safe and efficient manner. Also, the time taken to complete a steep roof will differ and possibly increase the labor costs.

Roof accessibility
Another factor to keep in mind is the accessibility of the roof. If it is difficult to access the roof, it will take more time to remove the old materials and install new ones. The contractor will also require more equipment, adding to the overall cost. Standard homes with easy access to the roof will usually have lower average roof replacement costs.

Number of roof penetrations
Roof penetrations include plumbing vents, gas vents, skylights, and chimneys. Having penetrations will drive up the cost of replacing the roof, as contractors will have to spend time working around these areas. The more penetrations there are, the more it will cost. Also, if these elements need to be repaired or replaced, the price of the roofing job will further increase.

Labor costs
Roof repair or replacement costs will largely vary on the labor cost. The rates of labor depend on the location of your home and the difficulty of the job. If the roof only needs repair instead of a replacement, the expenditure will be less expensive. If the project takes time and labor, it will increase the average roof replacement cost.

Contractor’s expertise
The expertise of the contractor will also influence the average roof replacement cost. An experienced contractor might charge more, but they will also give you a roof that lasts for decades. On the other hand, a job done poorly will cost you more in the long run.

Every home has a specific type and roofing design. Therefore, the costs can vary substantially. Moreover, the location and materials also influence the pricing. It is best to get professional estimates on roof replacement costs from more than one contractor. This way, you can choose one that suits your budget and gives you a long-lasting roof. It is also advised to contact family or friends who have had roof repairs or replacements done to understand how the process works.