There is a lot of joy in homeownership until…
- The air conditioning goes out 🙄,
- The kitchen sink won’t drain 😫,
- And you need a new roof 😱.
Residential expenses always seem to creep up at the most inconvenient times, so it’s always good to be prepared for the inevitable. Every roof needs replacing at some point, so if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, you’re probably wondering what the average asphalt shingle roof replacement cost is. You’re in the right place because we’ll break it all down.
How Much Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement Cost?
Typically, you can expect an asphalt shingle roof replacement to cost between $12,000 – $18,000. This number can fluctuate up or down, depending on factors, such as:
- Location
- Roof size
- Materials
- Contracting team
For example, a roof replacement for a 900-square-foot house in a rural area will cost significantly less— you’re probably looking closer to $8,000 for a project like this. However, a higher-end home larger than 3,000 sq. ft. will fall in the upper price range.
Hiring the local handyman down the street may save you a few bucks, but anything less than a professional installation can leave you shelling out more money for repairs down the line. Hiring a professional roofing company may cost more upfront, but the expert installation will save you money and frustration in the future.
4 Details That Factor Into the Total Cost
If you’re having some sticker shock thinking about an upcoming roof replacement, it’s important to understand what all plays into the total cost. A good roofing contractor will provide a thorough and detailed estimate that clearly outlines how much each portion of the roof replacement service costs.
Some of the details you’ll likely see broken down on the receipt for your new asphalt roof are:
1) Professional Labor
Labor costs are often the largest portion of the final bill. Professional labor can often total between 50-70% of the overall price. Even though labor costs may be hard to swallow at first, there’s a reason we leave roofing to the pros! It’s an incredibly dangerous and complex job that someone without the proper training and experience just simply shouldn’t attempt.
Plus, your roof is one of the most important investments you can ever make for your home. You want it to be installed correctly the first time.
It’s always a wise idea to get a few quotes from different companies so that you can compare and budget accordingly. Meeting with multiple contractors will also help you gauge who you trust the most to perform the project.
2) Removing the Old Roof
In an asphalt shingle installation, tearing away the old roof has to come first. This portion of the project is labor-intensive and time-consuming, which justifies the cost.
Asphalt roofing needs to be completely stripped to make way for a proper roof replacement. No reputable roofing contractor would ever recommend a roof layover or partial roof replacement, as these options cause extensive issues down the line. If you ever meet a contractor who’s willing to lay shingles over your existing roof for a low price, be sure to look elsewhere for roofing services.
3) Material Selection
If you’ve never had your roof replaced before, you might be surprised to learn just how many different kinds of asphalt shingles are on the market. There are many different shingle manufacturers in the industry, and some of the most reputable brands are:
- GAF
- Owens Corning
- Certainteed
- IKO
- Malarkey
- TAMKO
- Atlas
Here at Andes Roofing, we prefer to use GAF and Owens Corning shingles because we believe in the high value and durability of their products.
Additionally, there are three main kinds of shingles:
- 3-tab
- Architectural (also called dimensional or laminated)
- Luxury
3-tab asphalt shingles are the most affordable option, but the durability isn’t up to par with the other types of shingles. Many homeowners opt for architectural shingles, not only for their striking dimensional colors but also for their added durability and weather resistance.
If you opt for a higher-end material like architectural or luxury shingles, your final price tag will be higher than if you choose 3-tab shingles. But professionals and homeowners alike find that opting for a more durable product is worth it down the line.
4) Complete Roofing System Components
Finally, your roof is so much more than just the shingles that everyone sees from the outside. In order to have a functioning roof, you need a complete roof system installed to the highest standard. This often includes components such as:
- Roof decking or sheathing (Wooden boards that make up the framing of your roof)
- Ice and water shield or roof underlayment (Felt material that protects your decking from water)
- Flashing (Thin metal material installed around areas prone to water leaks, such as valleys, chimneys, and skylights)
- Roof vents (Allow for the proper airflow in and out of your attic)
All of these pieces make up a complete roofing system, and the shingles are the first line of defense against inclement weather and debris. These roofing components are equally as important as your shingles, so it makes sense that they’re factored into the final price of a roof replacement.
Explore Financing Options for Your Durable New Roof
We hope this cost guide helped you feel a little more prepared for your upcoming roof replacement. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency fund set aside for home repairs, but if for any reason you don’t have the funds upfront, we never want you to neglect an important roof replacement in the name of saving money.
That’s why, at Andes Roofing, we’re proud to offer monthly payment financing options for qualified homeowners. We want the high-quality roof you deserve to be accessible.
Send us a message today for a free roof replacement price estimate and to learn more about our financing options!
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