How To Calculate Roof Cost

How Much Is This Going To Cost Me

Theres no one size fits all when it comes to a new roof thats because there are plenty of factors to consider when calculating the cost. Our roof replacement cost calculator takes the guesswork out of estimating a price for your new roof. Here are some of the main factors to consider:

• The size of your home
• Your homes location
• Accessibility
• The pitch of your roof
• The type of roof you have
• Cost of materials
• The quality of materials
• The cost of labour in your area

Needless to say, thats a lot of different factors to consider-but all are worthy of attention!

With up to 25% of your homes heat lost through the roof, installing new insulation once your roof has been fitted could help you to stay cosy through the cold Winter months

Slate And Stone Roofs

Often the nails on a slate or a stone roof can come loose, leading to the need for moderate roof repair.

Its likely youll be looking at a quote of between $550 to $1500 to repair these nails.

Often they are too tightly attached to the roof, which can lead to propping up causing leaks to occur through the roof.

For a 1000 square foot roof, it will cost between $6000 and $12,300.

For a 2000 square foot roof, youre looking at a low end of $13,000 and a high end of $21,000.

For a 3000 square foot roof, it will cost between $16, 000 and $27,000.

How To Price A Roofing Job

Now that you know approximately how much the job will cost you, you have to decide what to charge your customer. According to Roofing Contractor, more than nine out of 10 roofing professionals wont achieve their goal revenue because they simply do the math wrong. If you want to make a 10 percent margin on a $1,000 job, you charge $1,111, not $1,100. How do you get to that number?

The total cost to you for this job is $1,000. If you want a 10 percent margin, those costs represent 90 percent of the final selling price, while the margin is the other 10. So, the final selling price is equal to the costs to you divided by the percentage: 1,000 / 0.90 = 1,111. Therefore, you charge the customer $1,111.

Lets say you wanted to calculate a 5 percent margin on this same job instead. If so, your costs would be 95 percent of the total selling cost, while the margin is the other five. Again, you write out the percentage as a decimal place and use the same formula. 1,000 / 0.95 = 1,052. So, to achieve a 5 percent margin, youd charge the customer $1,052.

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Good Better Best Bid For Roofing

Knowing how to achieve a particular margin is important, but it doesnt help you decide which margin will work best for your business. Instead of picking a single margin, offer your clients three , and see what they choose. This strategy is called good, better, best pricing.

There are a few different ways to accomplish this pricing scheme. You can offer homeowners different shingle and underlayment combinations, making three discrete packages. For example, a customer who wants a premium shingle, like IKOs Crowne Slate, will pay the best prices. On the other hand, an elderly couple who have traditional tastes and are on a tight budget might prefer a good package with IKOs 3-tab shingles. So, you might present your bid with three packages that look like this:

• Good Package: 3-tab shingles. Cost: $1,052.
• Better Package: Architectural shingles, and superior cleanup services. Cost: $1,311.
• Best Package: Premium Designer shingles, higher-end vents and accessories, superior cleanup services and second roof inspection. Cost: $1,876.

Youre not only adding on the price of the higher cost shingles, but youre also adding a higher margin for each package. Perhaps you can see the rationale already: Though these numbers are made up just to serve as an example, you can see that its a much lower jump to the better package than to the best. You can see the value of the higher-end packages and so can your client.

Tips For Getting Started

Tip 1: Measuring to the nearest inch along eaves and across gables can be done from the ground just dont forget the overhang.

Tip 2: If you know the dimensions of your previous asphalt roofing job, you can use this info to cheat a little. Typical 3 Tab asphalt shingles have tabs that are 1 foot wide with a vertical exposure of 5 inches. Make sure to physically verify these dimensions by measuring 4 or 5 courses. Counting the shingles can give you eave to ridge dimensions from the ground.

Tip 3: 100 Square Feet = 1 Square in Roofing Terms

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Roofing Design And Shape

The architectural style or design of a roof will also impact the cost of reroofing. For instance, your roof might have a steep A-frame, multiple dormers, or have a combination of gables and valleys.

A roofing contractor will likely consider the architectural design when providing a roof replacement cost estimate, and you might hear them refer to your roof as cut-up meaning the roof has a more complex construction.

Key Factors That Impact The Cost Of A New Roof

Every roof is unique and requires a trusted, professional roofing contractor to thoroughly inspect and provide an estimate that is specific to your roofs needs.

While you might want to multiply the size of your roof by an estimated number for the cost of roofing materials and labor, this is an oversimplified calculation that leaves out many critical factors that can impact the total cost of your roofing project.

Also Check: How Much Does It Cost To Do A Roof Yourself

How To Calculate The Cost To Replace Your Roof

Sep 8, 2016Blog, Roof Replacement

A new roof is one of the best investments you can make for your home. By definition, an investment requires an allocation of capital or other resources in order to reap the benefits of what is being received in return. In other words, a new roof does cost money, but its money well spent in that the roof performs better in protecting your home, doesnt leak, and often just looks better.

The cost to replace your roof can be significant, depending on a variety of factors. The best way to determine exactly how much a new roof will cost is to work with an experienced contractor that can walk you through every expenditure so that you understand exactly what you will be paying for and why. However, if you are trying to come up with a ballpark figure and understand what may be involved before taking the next step, what follows is a good start to get an idea of what it might cost to replace your roof. And remember, as your estimations add up, a new roof, whether for aesthetics, prevention, or maintenance, is an investmentthe money you put in will yield dividends for years to come.

Cost Of Roofing Materials

As the price of roofing materials can vary so much, its important to make the right choice for your new roof project. The initial cost isnt the only thing to consider, as some more expensive materials can actually be quite simple and quick to install. Whats more, cheaper materials may save you money today, but need to be replaced decades sooner than costlier alternatives.

Below are some of the most popular roofing materials for pitched roofs, along with the cost if they were applied to an average UK home:

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Factors That Affect Roofing Prices

The cost of your roof is determined by various factors.

Raw materials, processing costs, and designs of the roofing panels affect their pricing. Aluminum and Galvanized Steel are more common in residential roofing due to their top performance and affordability. Stainless steel, copper, and zinc, provide exceptional performance but are too expensive for most people.

Interlocking panels have a more comprehensive production process, have more structural features and require more room on a shipping truck, thus cost more than overlapping panels. Panels that interlock on four sides produce better quality finish and cost more.

Accessibility and physical location determine the required special licenses, permits and specialized equipment to fit in tight spaces. It will cost more to install a roof near power lines and tree branches.

Complex architectural roof designs are more time consuming than simple designs due to fitting and angles. Windows, valleys, skylights, dormers, and chimneys increase material and labor costs. A steep roof pitch may require additional equipment and more time to complete while taller houses are more expensive due to the danger associated with height.

A coating can radically transform the lifespan of your metal roof. Polyester based paints have a short lifespan and are the cheapest while Polyvinylidene Fluoride offers a remarkable lifespan, adhesion, and fade and chalk resistance.

Its For An Asphalt Roof

Our roofing calculator isnt for every roof type. The rough roof replacement cost number youll get on the results page will only be for an asphalt roof only.

However, you can still get an idea of how much other roof types cost. If you want to know how much a standing seam metal roof costs, multiply the job estimate number by 4. For a cedar shake roof, multiply the job estimate number by 5.

If youre unsure what kind of roof you want, take our free quiz to learn which roof type is right for you.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Fix A Leaking Roof From The Inside

Average Shingle Roof Cost Calculations

The average 2,000 square foot single story home will range from $9,000 to $11,000 or more depending on the type of shingle used. Additional factors that could lead to higher cost are how steep your roofs pitch is and the amount of dormers that have to be worked around.

Generally speaking, roof cost will be different between manufacturer type and grade of shingle. For example, architectural shingles are twice to three times as thick and will cost more than standard asphalt shingles, while GAF shingles will generally be more expensive than IKO shingles, with warranty coverage matching price. As a general rule of thumb, the more upfront investment in a roofing material, the longer the manufacturer warranty, with GAF offering up to a 50 year warranty for installations.

What To Expect In Terms Of Costs

Total cost to install the product is the first factor many homeowners consider, so lets see if stone coated steel roofing is in the budget for your home. Note that 1 square = 100 square feet.

• Material Costs: $400-$550 per square for shingles, shakes and tiles and the underlayment, fasteners, ridge cap, trim and other accessories required
• Installation Costs: $550-$1,000 per square depending on various factors affecting cost, which are listed below

Total Installed Cost: $950-$1,550 per square.That seems like a broad price range, but the range for asphalt shingles can be even broader. The best asphalt shingles can cost 3-4 times the cost of the cheapest option.

Did you know? Many online cost estimators fail to consider the cost of trim, underlayment, fasteners and other accessories, permitting, disposal and removal fees, etc., so their cost estimates can be inaccurately low.

Itemized Materials CostTheres a lot more to a roofing system than the stone coated steel panels. Heres a list of materials with their average costs.

Materials that are priced per square:

• Roof decking : $35-$45
• Sound-proofing underlayment designed for metal roofs: $75-$125
• Stone-coated steel roofing panels : $175-$375
• Battens : $45-$75
• Fasteners: $3.00-$4.50

Materials that are priced per linear foot:

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What Is The Cost Of A New Roof And Gutters

The total cost to get your roof and gutters replaced is $9,540 on a 1,500 square foot home. The average cost of new gutters is going to be close to $1,060 for 160 feet of gutters, or $3.60 to $28 per foot. Installing an asphalt roof on the same 1,500 square foot house with an average pitch of 6/12 will average $8,480, including the cost to remove the old roof.

Roof Replacement Vs Repair

Doing a complete re-roof is a complex and expensive project. Sometimes, full replacement is not necessary, and a repair is the more appropriate course of action.

Hiring a pro to repair your roof typically costs around $500-700 for asphalt shingles, and $1,200-1,500 for metal, wood, and clay roofs. Slate repair is a lot more pricey, and can start from $2,000-3,000.

However, doing an expensive roof repair is still thousands of dollars cheaper than replacing the entire roof.

In general, replacement is warranted when your roof is nearing the end of its service life. Its actually best not to wait until the very end of the warranty period and consider replacement as a preemptive measure, before you are hit with sudden leaks and other problems.

The average lifespan of different materials varies broadly from as little as 12-17 years for asphalt shingles, to as much as 100+ years for natural slate.

Another reason why a roof may need to replaced is due to poor installation, which causes continuous leaks and other problems. Sometimes the install can be so bad that its not worth it to keep investing money in repairs.

Moreover, if your roof has sustained major damage due to ice damming, fire, hail, hurricane, or an earthquake, etc, its best to get a new roof.

PRO TIP: do a professional roof inspection every few years to determine what shape your roof is in, and fix any minor issues that are discovered. Paying for proper roof maintenance can add many years of service to your roof.

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How Much Roofing Do I Need

The amount of roofing materials it takes to cover an incline is more than if the area was completely flat. If you have a flat roof, then the square footage of the uppermost floor of your house is the total for materials needed plus 10% more for waste. Traditional roofs that have an angle on most surfaces need to have the angled area factored into the total square footage.

Local Building Permits And Inspections

Many communities require building permits for roofing installation, which must be obtained from the proper municipal authorities. These fees should be factored into an estimate.

In some areas, many inspections take place as the installation progresses, which may add both time and cost to the roofing project.

Also Check: What Is Considered A Square In Roofing

What Does A Roofing Calculator Do

Roofing calculators help you determine how much roofing material you need to cover your roof for the roof replacement. Because materials are a large part of how much a new roof costs, you can get a good idea of material costs this way. If you intend to do the work yourself, using a roofing calculator can help you accurately get a handle on what your new roof costs. If you intend to hire a professional, the calculator can still give you a sense of what youll be paying, because while it cant factor in labor, you can still figure out what the barest minimum costs will be.

Additional Roof Cost Estimators

• Roof Shingles Calculator estimates roof area, materials and installation costs of Asphalt Shingles, for Gable and Hip roofs.
• Flat Roof Calculator estimates replacement costs of low-slope roofs, single ply membranes and built-up roofs , as well as insulation, parapets, penetrations and drains.
• Roof Rafters Calculator provides material list & prices of lumber for roof rafters / trusses.
• Roof Pitch Calculator gives you accurate roof slope, based on roof run and rise. Also converts roof pitch to degrees.
• Seamless Gutters Calculator helps you quickly price out aluminum seamless gutters includes materials and installation. Note, that rain gutters are an essential part of house waterproofing. They prevent water from getting behind the siding, damaging house walls, insulation and foundation, as well as protect your landscaping.
• Metric Roof Calculator should be used if you live in Europe, UK, AU, NZ or other country that does not use the Imperial measurements system.

Final Word of Advice for homeowners who want to get the lowest possible price: Its too expensive to buy cheap roofs, as it will cost you double to redo it after it starts leaking within a year. This is from my vast experience.

Average Roof Replacement Cost in US:

Also Check: How To Repair A Mobile Home Roof

Make The Calculations For Your Roof Pitch

A roofs pitch is its slope. Lower pitch generally means an easier install, which means a lower price. Low pitches rise three inches every foot of roof length, while medium pitches rise 6 inches every foot and high pitches rise a foot for every foot of roofing.

In order to properly calculate the total pitch of your roof, youre going to need a ladder, a tape measure and a level. What youre going to want to do is measure up the roofline by one foot. Make sure to set the edge of your level at that spot . With the level in place, tip it so that its completely level from the spot you measured to out over the edge of the roof. From the end of the level, measure downwards to the bottom edge (so that your measurement goes to the bottom of the roof.

Whatever the total vertical distance is, is the overall pitch of your roof.

So to recap: the level should be one foot in total length or more. Use your measure to measure up your roof from the base up 12 inches.

Place the level at the 12 inch mark, outwards at a ninety degree angle. Measure downwards from the level to the roof baseline and youll have the pitch. 3 Inches is considered a low pitch, about 6 inches a medium pitch and 12 inches a high pitch.