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HomeExclusiveHow Much Is A Square Foot Of Roofing

How Much Is A Square Foot Of Roofing

Headlap And Amount Of Roof Tiles

How to measure a roof and calculate square feet. | 01/2020

When calculating the amount of materials for a project, roofing contractors need to consider headlap. Headlap occurs when a row of shingles overlaps with the next row, a technique that makes roofs more resistant to water penetration.

Headlap means that a square of roofing will likely need a little more than a square of shingles to cover it. Experienced contractors know how to estimate headlap and translate it to the correct amount of shingles. Shingles typically come packaged in bundles, and three bundles are usually enough to cover one roofing square. A 2,000 square foot roof that translates to 20 squares would thus require 60 standard bundles.

The Price Of A Roofing Square Depends On Many Factors Such As Materials Being Used And Possible Added Labor And Removal Costs Asphalt Shingles Are Very Common And Can Cost Between $100 And $400 Per Square There Is Wide Variety Even Within A Single Material

Material costs are going to be the biggest decider in the price of a roofing square. For example, the cost to replace asphalt shingle roof will typically be between $80-$100 while a square of standing seam copper squares can reach up to $1,200. The standard cost of a square of cedar shingles is around $140-$180.

When evaluating the material you wish to use, you remember that the expensive materials often have a much longer lifespan. An asphalt shingle may last three decades, but their are shingles now that can last for practically a lifetime or more. Roof repair costs over time will add up, so going for a better product up front will save you in the long run.

Materials are only the beginning though. The final cost of a roofing square cost is going to depend on many factors. Some factors that will affect roofing price may not be evident at the outset. The pitch, or angle, of the roof, features such as skylights, and the removal and disposal of old sections of the roof may have small to dramatic effects on the price.

Many roofers will package all of their costs and expenses on a per square basis. For example, labor and supplies are often included in the per square quote. Some materials, like metal roofs, often have higher labor costs as well as higher material costs due to the difficulty and specialization needed for installation.

All in all, there is a multitude of factors that may affect the price of a roofing square. Major concerns typically include:

Labor Costs For Roof Sealant Application

Roof sealing professionals charge $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot for labor, depending on the roof size, height, and application method. Fees increase for areas outside the standard service area or in difficult working conditions.

  • A roofers minimum service fees are $150 to $300.
  • Handyman prices are $50 to $80 per hour for small sealing jobs that dont require permits.

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Metal Roof Installation Prices

Professional metal roof installers charge about $350-400 per square for labor. Standing seam installation can start out as high as $500 per square, because its more difficult and time consuming to install this roofing system.

Typically, roofers charge 2/3 of the total roof installation cost for labor and overhead. Cost of roofing materials is 1/3 of the total price. When estimating the total materials cost, roofers will include a waste factor of about 5-20% depending on the architectural design of your roof and the metal roof style you choose. For example, on a complex roof, there will be more waste if you want to install standing seam panels, than if you install metal shingles or tiles.

Keep in mind that price quotes that you get online are for a basic install on a one storie ranch of cape style home. If your roof has a lot of penetrations , valleys, curves, your installation cost can significantly go up.

Roof pitch is another factor that can increase your labor costs. Installing a metal roof over a low pitch is much easier and quicker compared to a high pitch roof architecture. If your roof is curved, expect to pay at least 50% more for labor compared to a standard roof install.

Some roofing contractors can initially quote you a very low installation price, around $260-280 per square. However, they will then charge you extra money for every item of labor that they perform, such as:

ridge hip ventilation

Do I Need To Understand Squares And Bundles

How Many Square Feet in a Bundle of Shingles

If you are completing a DIY roofing job, then all the talk of roofing squares can seem overwhelming and unnecessarily complex. The good news is that your roofing supplier will understand the measurement of squares and will be able to calculate for you how many bundles you need.

Therefore as long as you are able to calculate the number of squares on your roof, you can use this information when ordering shingles. For example, you would just need to ask your supplier to order you 20 squares worth of shingles, and they would be able to calculate this into the equivalent of 60 bundles of shingles.

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Shingle Roof Installation Cost

The total cost of installing a shingle roof consists of both material and labor costs. Labor is a significant factor and can comprise as much as 60% or more of the total project cost. So, for a job that ends up costing $12,000, at least $7,600 of that goes toward labor costs.

With labor, you may need to pay to tear off and dispose of the old shingles and underlayment. In some cases, it may be possible to leave the existing shingles in place and to install the new shingles on top.

Silicone Roof Coating Prices

Silicone roof coating prices are $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot installed. Silicone roof coating is highly durable and waterproof but attracts dirt and becomes slippery when wet. Contractors charge 20%+ more for complex applications on sloped roofs.

  • Lasts 10 to 15 years
  • Protects against extreme weather
  • Reflects up to 90% UV rays
  • Resists leaks from ponding water on flat roofs

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Your Prices May Be Higher When:

  • Your house has multiple stories.
  • The roof has a steep pitch.
  • The roof is complex, has multiple gable roofs, or has multiple roof areas.
  • If you use higher quality luxury roof shingles .
  • You choose a higher quality underlayment.
  • The roof underlayment is deteriorated and needs to be replaced.
  • Old roof shingles need to be removed prior to installing new roof.
  • You want copper valleys and flashing.
  • A major storm recently hit your area .

Signs You Need A Roof Replacement

How to Measure the Square Footage of a Roof

Getting a roof replacement is more than just a home improvement project – its about keeping a roof over your head. Its a good idea to inspect your roof at least once a year to make sure its in the best condition to protect your home.

Environmental damage

If you see widespread curling, cracking, rust, or other visible damage to your roofing material, it may be time to get a roof replacement. Another sign that you need a roof replacement is evidence of water damage, such as leaks or dripping in your attic.

Age

The age of your roof is another key indicator that you may need a roof replacement. For example, if your 3-tab asphalt shingle roof is 20 years old, its probably time to get your roof replaced. Read our guide onhow long roofs last for more information about your roof type and its lifespan.

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Cost To Seal A Flat Roof

Sealing a flat roof costs $500 to $2,000 on average or $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the material. Resealing makes the roof last longer to prevent an early replacement.

Cost to coat a flat roof

Roof size
1,000 $1,000 $4,000
  • Not all coating blends have the same water resistance. Most flat EPDM rubber roofs and bitumen roofs should use a silicone-based or acrylic-elastomeric coating.
  • A full flat roof replacement costs $2,500 to $9,000 on average.

Zinc And Copper Roofing

You can expect to pay about $700-900+ per square of copper or zinc roofing with accessories. Note that these are usually manufactured in the form of standing seam . Prices for these premium metals are a lot more volatile than for steel or aluminum. They can change up or down many times throughout the year.

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Talk To The Experts For Your Metal Roofing

If you want to install metal roofing on your home or business, call none other than Lifetime Metal & Tile Roofing. We are the roofer you can count on when you want a job well done on your next roofing project, from roof inspections to repairs and replacements. We are experienced, highly skilled, and dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction, every time. Your roof is a vital part of your home or business protective system, and it should be made of only the best, strongest materials we can offer. Contact us today to learn more about metal roofing costs and how it can be useful to your home or business.

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Funding The Cost Of A New 1200 Square Foot Roof

How Many Square Feet in a Bundle of Shingles

So, you have worked your quote to be the most economical you can reach but even so, a new roof is still a big cost. Here are some funding ideas:-

  • Approach your mortgage company, if you have equity in your home and can afford the repayments then you could consider adding to your borrowing the ROI Return on Investment is good and you will be rewarded with a more energy-efficient and weatherproof home plus added curb appeal if you are thinking of selling
  • Some of the larger roofing companies link up with finance organisations and can arrange third party loans but do shop around, you might find rates are higher than you would pay if went elsewhere
  • Take a look at roof grants, there are federal and local roof grants available and your roofing contractor should be able to advise you on what is current in your area and whether you will be eligible as it encourages homeowners to take up a quote if they think they can apply for a grant. Some grants are for repair only not renewal and they can have conditions attached like repaying the money if you move within a specified period but it is certainly worth looking into

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Should I Repair My Roof On My Own Or Hire A Professional

If youre comfortable with the thought of getting onto your roof using a ladder or via an upstairs window, theres a good chance youd be able to handle a minor roof repair, like replacing a few damaged shingles. The tools youll need, aside from the shingles, are roofing cement, a putty knife, a few roofing nails and a hammer.

For more extensive repairs, you may want to hire a roofing contractor or repair person to ensure the job is done correctly, especially if youre dealing with water damage. And if its a full roof replacement, a contractor is a must unless you yourself are a builder or contractor. Its a job that requires extensive knowledge to ensure your roof is done correctly, and that the substrate can handle the particular roofing material being installed.

Cost To Redo A Roof With A Different Type

If you are replacing your existing asphalt roof with a roof type that is heavier, like slate or stone tiles, the potential exists where you may need some structural reinforcement for the rafters and joists in the roof framing structure to support the additional weight. The reinforcement alone will average between $500 and $1,500 depending on the size of the home and the amount of reinforcement needed. Add the cost for your chosen roofing material plus labor on top of that.

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How To Compute It

Step 1: Measure the length of your roof in feet.

Step 2: Multiply this number by itself.

L*L=Square feet of roofing

Example: Your house is 25 long and 10 wide, so 25×10=250 square feet of roofing. You will need to buy about 1000 square feet of roofing to cover your entire house.

Some roofs, like a hip roof, are not a perfect square and so may require more or less roofing material. Always consult with a professional to get the most accurate measurements for your specific roof.

The Weight Of Metal Roofing Per Square Foot

What is a Roofing Square? (How Big)

We frequently consider weight when we think about metal roofing. After all, certain metals can be heavy, which makes homeowners wonder how they could potentially affect their homes. Fortunately, this characteristic isnt as concerning as most people tend to think. In fact, it even presents you with additional advantages. This is the weight of metal roofing per square foot compared to asphalt shingles.

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What’s The Average Cost Of Metal Roofing Per Square Foot

While metal roofing is primarily measured by the square, which is one hundred square feet, we are routinely asked for metal roof prices by the square foot. Here’s what you need to know.

When shopping for a metal roof and establishing a budget, there are primarily three elements to include in your calculations – the metal material and profile accessories and underlayment and installation costs.

  • Material & Profile

There are literally hundreds of types of metal roofs you could purchase. From the thinnest steel in simple panels to the heavyweight “exotic” metals like copper, zinc, stainless steel and others in shingles, diamonds, tiles and additional patterns, the prices range from cheap to very expensive. In the cheap category are simple, thin, painted steels that range between about $1 and $2 a square foot. Upgrading from there are heavier, better metals and finishes with more sophisticated profiles. This “middle quality” category usually ranges between about $2 and $6 a square foot. At the high end of metal roofing are options like copper and zinc. These premium choices usually range between about $8 and $15 a square foot. There are exceptions and caveats to every one of these price categories, but for budgeting purposes you’ll find these quite useful. Consult a knowledgeable metal roof source for help in narrowing down the many, many options.

  • Accessories and Underlayment

Metal Roof Cost Vs Asphalt Shingles

For many homeowners looking to replace an old roof, the choice often boils down to metal vs. asphalt shingles. In the short run, traditional shingles are a very budget-friendly option, with prices starting as low as $3 per square foot installed. These are 3-tab shingles, that look flat and last only about 10-12 years, sometimes even less.

More expensive, designer architectural shingles, last up to 15 years, and look significantly better. They run $5-7 per square foot on average, but can cost as much as $7-8 per square foot installed. Thus you would be looking at spending anywhere from $4,500 to 10,500 for a new asphalt shingles roof on a 1,500 sq.ft. ranch style home.

To compare, the average cost for a metal roof is about 40-50% more than basic shingles. However, this roof will last at least twice as long, and will require minimal maintenance. Upon closer examination, the math is actually in favor of installing a metal roof. This is because you can get a low-end metal shingle, which is still superior in longevity and performance to the most expensive asphalt product, for about $6.5-7 per square foot installed.

Thus, you can install a new metal roof for about $9,750-10,500 on the same 1,500 sq.ft. ranch style home. This roof will protect your home in any weather, especially against ice dams, snow, rain, hail and fire. Many homeowners spend this much on an architectural asphalt roof, but dont get any of the benefits of metal.

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How Much Does A Square Of Roofing Cost

The most frequent application for the term square throughout the roofing industry is in regard to pricing and ordering bundles of shingles, so it makes sense to cover the how much a square of roofing costs on average.

In the interest of time, well use the state of Massachusetts as our example. Massachusetts roofers price their projects between $5 and $9 per square foot. We can convert cost per square foot to cost per square by multiplying the original number by 100. So in Boston, Massachusetts and the surrounding area, the cost of a square of roofing is between $500 and $900.

Shed Roof Replacement Cost

Roofing Calculator

The cost to replace the roof on a shed averages $800 to $1,350. Sheds come in many shapes and sizes. Most have a gable roof, but they can have flat ones. The size and materials used influence the final costs. If your shed is larger than average or uses a common material like tin, you may have different costs. If your shed is unusually tall, this can influence the costs.

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S To Calculate Your Roofs Square Footage

You just learned what a roofing square is. The number of roof squares has a huge impact on the cost factors, such as the amount of materials used, labor, and time.

Before investing in a new roof, wouldnt it be great to know how much itll cost per square?

If you answered yes, we have a great way to roughly calculate your roofs square footage to give you an idea of the cost of your new roof. Be aware, the only way to get a 100 percent accurate measurement is to have a local roofing contractor come out to professionally measure your roof.

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