New Roof Replacement: Costs and Time Considerations

When planning a new roof replacement project, the two crucial things you need to know are, “how long will it take” and “how much will it cost.” To answer these questions, you need to consider a long list of factors unique to your house and roof. Read this page, and by the end of it, you’ll know how to determine the price and timeline for your new roof replacement.

What Impacts the Length of the New Roof Replacement Project?

Before we dig deeper into the financial details and factors that shape the price of your roof, we should first determine how long the roof replacement will take in your specific situation. As a rule of thumb, an average-sized roof that’s 3,000 sq. ft. or less can be replaced in a day. 

That said, the installation of a new roof of this size can sometimes last up to three or even five days. So, what factors determine how long a new house roof replacement project will take? Here are some of the most significant causes that can play a role in determining the length of your project:

• Your Roof’s Complexity — A roof with only two or four roof facets will be much quicker and easier to replace than one with multiple hips, valleys, or a steep pitch. The complexity of your roof doesn’t only affect the installation timeframe but also the project’s overall cost. 
• Your Roof’s Accessibility — If your roof doesn’t have a good access point, it will take contractors more time to complete the installation than if you have a roof with easy access. In case you have a lot of bushes around your house, a fence, or no paved surface near the access point, your contractor will lose quite a bit of time preparing everything for the installation.
• The Weather — The time of year and weather affect both how long it will take the contractors to replace your roof and when they can replace it. For Florida conditions, this means that the roof can’t be replaced in the rain or when it’s too hot.

These are the three most significant factors that impact the length of your new roof installation project. If you want to learn more details about other factors that can play a role in shaping the timeframe, we’ve covered this topic in one of our previous blog posts.

How Much Does a Home Roof Replacement Cost?

Your new roof installation project’s overall cost will mainly depend on its size, material used, the architectural design of the roof, and geographic location. Using the previous example of an average-sized roof of around 3,000 sq. ft., you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 or more for the entire project.

Although such a wide range isn’t really helpful, you can narrow it down significantly if you already know which material you want to use. With that in mind, let’s take a close look at the different roofing material prices:

• 3-tab asphalt shingles: $3,500 
• Galvanized steel: $4,500 
• Stainless steel: $18,000 
• High-end stone/Slate: $26,000 
• Copper: $30,000+ 

Remember that these listed numbers only cover the roofing material and not the contractor’s price for installation, removing the old roof, permit fees depending on your location, and disposal fees.

Additional Factors to Consider When Calculating New Roof Cost

Besides the most apparent costs of the roofing material itself, you need to consider many other factors that can play a role in shaping the total cost of your new roofing project. These are:

• Underlayment — Underlayment keeps your home safe from water-related issues, leaks, and mold. It adds an extra layer of protection underneath the roof and is a code requirement in most US regions.
• Flashing — Like underlayment, roof flashing is an essential component of your roof, as it helps seal joints and other vulnerable areas of your roof. Roof flashing is often not included in contractor’s estimates, so make sure to ask your roofing company about this factor in more detail. 
• Ventilation — Without proper ventilation, the hot air can’t escape your attic. This will lead to a rotting roofing structure and mold. Although installing necessary ventilation will increase your new roof’s cost, you should insist that your contractor not cut any corners when it comes to this. 
• Ice and Water Barrier — Although heavy snowstorms and freeze/thaw cycles aren’t something Florida homeowners have to worry about, installing an ice and water barrier is equally as essential as having underlayment. 
• Starter Shingles — The primary purpose of starter shingles is to direct water off the roof instead of letting it sit on top of it. They are instrumental in protecting your home from water damage, so be sure that your contractor includes this product in the installation.
• Drip Edge – A roof without a drip edge will not correctly direct the water into the gutters. This will lead to rotting and quicker decay of the entire roofing structure. Installing a drip edge is a minimal additional cost but can make a significant difference.

Is a House Roof Replacement the Best Decision for You?

With so many factors and variables to consider, you might be asking yourself whether entirely replacing your roof is the best decision for your situation. Although there’s no arguing that a new roof comes with a steep upfront price, it’s always an excellent long-term investment. 

If you’re working with a tight budget, there are different options for easing the project’s financial stress. It would be best to explore all of the alternatives before proceeding with your project, from homeowners insurance to roof financing.

With all of the information we’ve shared with you, you’ve hopefully managed to learn what and how long it takes to get a new roof. Lastly, we want to highlight that your project’s quality and overall price will also heavily depend on the roofing contractor you decide to work with.

If you’re planning to install a new roof, our licensed and experienced roofers are here to help. We don’t cut any corners and provide all of our clients with the quality and value for money. Plus, our roof estimates are always free! Call now at 813-373-9088 or contact us through our online form.