How Much Should You Pay for a New Roof?

July 21st, 2022

How Much Should You Pay for a New Roof?

The roof on your home is not only important for providing protection and shelter, but it is also one of the most structurally significant parts of the building.  Therefore, it is especially important that you keep your roof in good condition which will require regular maintenance and repairs as well as the occasional replacement.  Unfortunately, roofing work is also among the most expensive to undertake, so how much should you pay for a new roof?

First, it’s important to understand that there are many factors that will affect the cost of a new roof.  Some of these factors include:

  • The size of your roof
  • The pitch of your roof
  • The type of roof and materials used
  • Your geographic location
  • The presence of roofing fixtures (i.e. skylights, chimneys, or pipes)
  • Hourly contractor rates
  • The nature of replacement (i.e. scheduled versus emergency)

As you can see, it can be very difficult to provide an estimate of roofing costs without more details about your particularly roof.  Nevertheless, the average roof replacement in North America runs between $5000-7000 which represents a sizeable investment for most homeowners.  Sometimes roofing repairs are an adequate and much more affordable solution to leaks or damage; and still, there are some circumstances under which you should consider getting a new roof.

When is it time to install a new roof?  Typically, the lifespan of residential roofs is around 25 years.  When an older roof (i.e. one near the end of its life cycle) is leaking or showing signs of visible damage, it is always advisable to invest in a replacement roof.  At the very least, have your roof inspected by an experienced professional and follow their advice.

In addition, regardless of the age of your roof, extensive leaking is another cause for concern.  If you have multiple leaks that are clearly affecting different parts of your roof, replacement is a better option than repair.  You should take care to review the warranty on your current roof as you may be able to have some of the replacement covered, especially if you have a relatively new roof. 

Finally, many homeowners choose to install a new roof purely for aesthetic appeal.  Investing in a roof that improves the look of your home while complementing its style can actually have a significant impact on the resale value of your home.

Now that you know a little bit more about the costs of roof replacement and the situations wherein replacement is recommended, you can start contacting local roofers for advice or quotes.  Also, remember to be proactive about your roof.  Emergency roofing repairs and replacement are always more expensive; not to mention, waiting for an emergency puts your home and belongings at risk.