Do you ever wonder why there is such a big price range when looking at the cost of a new or replacement roof? The ranges can be twice as much on the high side versus the low side. That’s because all roofing installations are different. You may have a simple walkable roof with just an eave, gable, and a ridge, but someone else may have a roof that is steep and has lots of elevation changes. Roofing terms aside, the simple explanation is that difficult installations require more time and labor and cost more.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we manufacture and sell metal roofing, but we don’t install it. However, we understand that a roof is a significant long term investment and we want to keep you informed about every aspect of your buying decision. The first step in understanding your metal roofing bid is knowing why some roofs cost more than others.
In our perfect world, everyone would purchase a metal roof. But we understand that a metal roof isn’t the right fit for everyone. As it turns out though, asphalt shingles and metal roofing have similar factors that affect the overall cost of your roof.
In this article we will cover:
- How Much Does Roofing Cost?
- Types Of Roofing Systems
- Slope Of Roof
- Shape Of Roof
- Removal Of Old Roof
- Job Size
- Roof Accessibility
How Much Does Roofing Cost?
Before we discuss the factors that will affect the installation cost of your roof, it’s important that you know what your roof.
Here are the total prices for different types of roofs, including installation and labor:
- Asphalt Shingles Cost: $4 to $7 per square foot
- Corrugated Metal Roofing Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot
- Standing Seam Metal Roofing Cost: $8 to $14 per square foot
If you would like a more in-depth article that really digs into the cost of corrugated and standing seam metal roofs we recommend:
How Much Does Corrugated Metal Roofing Cost? Includes Pricing & Factors.
It’s important to get more than one bid due to the variance in pricing. Cheaper isn’t always best. Check the contractor’s referrals to verify workmanship. If you have a metal roof it’s a more difficult install. You should make certain your roofing installer has lots of experience with metal roofing and that he will not subcontract the job to a different contractor.
When you look at your roof and your neighbor’s roof they may look the same to you. However, your roofing contractor is looking at it from a completely different perspective. He sees the minor differences that will require extra time and materials. Your installer understands that all roofs are different. That’s why there is such a large price range when you google “how much does a roof cost?”
What Determines A Roof's Installation Cost?
- Type Of Roofing System
- Pitch Or Slope Of The Roof
- Shape Of The Roof Including Peaks and Valley
- Removing Existing Roof
- Roof Size
- Accessibility Of The Roof
The Type Of Roofing System
The type of roofing system that you choose will normally have the largest impact on your budget. Not all roofs are created equal. An asphalt shingle roof will be come with a cheaper installation cost but will have to be replaced more quickly. Metal roofing will have higher installation cost, but will last you much longer.
Understanding the overall cost, longevity, pros, and cons of both systems is an important part of your buying decision. There are also other systems to consider such as tile, slate, and wood.
Pitch Or Slope Of The Roof
When a roof is “walkable”, when it’s safe to walk on, it’s much cheaper to install. Typically a roof that has a roof pitch of less than 8” in 12” is considered walkable. As the slope of the roof increases the price increases also. It will take more time to install and will require a more experienced crew.
Shape Of The Roof Including Peaks And Valleys
The shape of your house will have a big impact on the overall cost of the roof. Difficult roofing installations that have multiple angles, dormers, or skylights that have to be cut around require more time and money. Whereas, an easy roof that just has an eave, gable, and ridge will be a quick installation.
For example, peaks and valleys are where two planes come together. It’s also one of the most likely places to leak if it’s not installed correctly. Your installer will have to spend more time on these roofing conditions so they don’t leak in the future.
Removing Existing Roof
If you are replacing an existing roof, you need to decide what to do with the old roof. In many instances, it will be fine to re-roof over the old roof. This saves you time and money. The cost to tear off and dispose of an asphalt shingle roof will add about 10% to the overall cost of your roof replacement.
Are you doing a re-roof? Avoid making a costly mistake with your old asphalt shingle roof. We recommend that you check out:
Should I Install A Metal Roof Over Asphalt Shingles?
Roof Size
Most roofs are 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. If your job is significantly smaller, it will cost more. If it’s much larger, it can actually cost less.
A roofer that’s skilled and busy just doesn’t want to deal with small jobs. If you can find someone to bid it they will add a much higher profit margin to it. On the other hand, roofers like big projects as it keeps their crews busy. They tend to bid these jobs at a discounted price.
Accessibility Of The Roof
This will not apply in most instances as most roofs are accessible. Roofs that are located in the middle of nowhere or are surrounded by obstacles or trees will require more time and equipment.
Comparing The Cost Of Shingle And Metal Roofs
Two of the most common types of roofing in the United States are shingle roofs and metal roofs. No matter which type of roof you choose, it's a major decision and investment that requires a lot of research. In addition to the type of roof, you also have to find the right roof color and the right installer. We understand this process can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
What if I told you you only had to do this once in your lifetime, it would increase your curb appeal, and you will save money?
Believe it or not, a metal roof is actually cheaper than an asphalt shingle roof.
Check out this in-depth video that shows real-world examples that break down the numbers.
To discover more about shingle roofs vs. metal roofs, we recommend checking out our guide on Metal vs. Shingle Roofing:
