We know that replacing a roof can be a big undertaking, but if your roof is damaged, an upgrade is necessary to ensure safety and increase efficiency, so the project is always worth it in the long run.  

The biggest question you probably have is, “How much does it cost to replace a roof?” Don’t worry – we’re here to help! 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Roof?

Roof repairs can be, without a doubt, some of the largest expenses you’ll face as a homeowner. But it’s a necessary investment in your property that will benefit you for years to come (the average lifespan of a new roof ranges from 30 to 100 years).

Besides protection and safety, one benefit of updating your roof is the return on investment. According to Zillow, “a roof replacement will return somewhere around 60% of its value in a real estate transaction.” A new roof is a highly marketable asset and will attract potential buyers when it’s time to sell. 

However, the average out-of-pocket cost to replace a roof is around $10,000, with the range being between $8,500 to $14,300. The two variables that affect the price are the square footage of your home and the type of roofing material you choose to use. 

Factors That Affect the Cost To Replace a Roof

No roof replacement is created equal. When you get an estimate from a roofing company, it will cover the roof size and the roofing material. 

Roofing Cost Per Square Foot

As of 2022, the average labor cost to replace a roof costs between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot. Be sure to contact a few different roofing contractors and compare estimates. 

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the term “square.” A roofing square covers 100 square feet. So the estimate would be $150 to $300 per square. 

Roofing Costs by Type

When replacing your roof, you can choose from an array of roofing materials. Choose the material that best suits your needs. We’ll break down what each option entails. 

Asphalt

Average cost for a 2200-square-foot home: $2,500

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular choices among homeowners. They can last up to 50 years and are one of the most affordable options. 

Asphalt shingles are made of a mix of fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral composite. They’re well known for being durable, affordable, and easy to install. 

Galvanized Steel

Average cost for a 2200-square-foot home: $3,000

Galvanized steel is one of the earliest materials in the United States to be used to construct roofs. They consist of a steel core with a zinc coating to provide years of durability. 

Stainless Steel 

Average cost for a 2200-square-foot home: $14,000

Stainless steel is a premium metal that typically lasts for 50 to 100 years. They’re popular for their durability and rust resistance. 

Slate/Stone 

Average cost for a 2200-square-foot home: $20,000

Slate and stone roofing tiles are more expensive than metal or wood, but they have many benefits. They’re highly durable, fire resistant, and can stand up against high winds and hail. 

Copper 

Average cost for a 2200-square-foot home: $25,000 +

Copper roofs are stunning and are one of the most expensive roofing options. However, they do last much longer than the other materials listed. Plus, they add a great amount of curb appeal to any property. 

Clay/Concrete 

Average cost for a 2200-square-foot home: $12,000

Clay and concrete tiles only perform their best in specific geographical locations (warm, dry climates). They are extremely heavy and might require extra support for their weight, but they can be beneficial in protecting from tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, and fire. 

Types of Asphalt Roof Shingles

Since they’re the most commonly used material for roofs in the United States, we think it would be beneficial to go into further detail about asphalt shingles. Did you know that there are three major categories of asphalt roofing shingle products available?

Strip Shingles

Strip shingles are also known as 3-tab shingles. They’re made from a single layer of asphalt and have a flat appearance resembling slate. Since they only consist of a single layer, they usually weigh and cost less than other styles of asphalt shingles. 

Dimensional Shingles

Dimensional shingles are also known as architectural shingles or laminate shingles. They’re made up of two or more layers of asphalt fused together, offering a thicker and more multi-dimensional appearance. Dimensional shingles are heavier than strip shingles and have an increased lifespan. 

Luxury Shingles

Luxury shingles are incredibly high-quality and provide premium protection against weather and other elements. They present a realistic representation of the old-world wood shake and quarried slate roofing, so they’re popular among high-end properties. 

You Can Depend on Werner Roofing and Exteriors

Are you ready to replace your roof but not sure where to start? Give the Werner Roofing team a call! We’d be happy to discuss your home’s roof and provide a free, accurate estimate for the cost of your roof replacement. Contact us today!

However, the average homeowner will also consider a roof replacement to be a bit of a hassle. Not only is it a large financial investment, but it can also be loud and inconvenient — possibly even causing you to stay out of your home throughout the process. 

So exactly how long should you expect the roof replacement process to take? Read on. 

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

It can take anywhere from a single day to a few weeks to replace a roof. Yes, we know that’s a pretty broad timeline; but the truth is that every roof is different, which means that every roof replacement is different. So while we can’t tell you exactly how long your roof replacement will take, we can inform you of a few things that will affect the project’s timeline. 

Roof Replacement Timeline vs. New Roof Installation Timeline

We’ve already written an article about how long it takes to install a new roof, so you might be wondering how that’s any different from what we’re talking about here. 

In most cases, it takes longer to replace a roof than it does to install one on a newly constructed home. This is because the replacement process involves one extra step: tearing off the existing roof. 

It’s important to note that, in some circumstances, you can install a new roof on top of an old one without tearing anything off. But this isn’t the most common or even the recommended solution. 

5 Factors That Affect Your Roof Replacement Timeline

Aside from the additional time needed to remove your existing roof, there are a few other factors that can affect how long your roof replacement takes. Let’s take a look at the main five below.  

1. Size

The smaller your roof, the less time it will take to replace — for obvious reasons. In fact, if you live in a small residential home, your roof replacement could be done in just one day. But again, size is just one factor. 

2. Slope

Arguably the most overlooked factor, your roof’s slope can drastically affect how long the roof replacement process takes. While steeply sloped roofs are great for directing snow and rainfall away from your home, they don’t make the replacement process easy. 

Most reputable roofing contractors put the safety of their employees first. This means they’ll be trained to move around steep roofs more slowly and carefully, and they may even need special equipment to maintain their safety. 

3. Age

When your roofer removes the existing roof, they’ll check the sub-roofing underneath it for any damage. If there is underlying damage, they’ll need extra time and materials to fix it before installing the new layer. This is why older roofs generally take more time to replace than newer roofs. 

However, this can be avoided by catching minor roof issues quickly, before they turn into major problems. Especially if you live in an older home, doing a yearly roofing inspection can save you a lot of trouble, time, and money in the long run. 

4. Material

Some roofing materials are quicker to remove and install than others. For example, it often takes less time to install standing seam metal roofing than it does to install asphalt shingles strictly because there are fewer metal panels than shingles to be nailed down. 

5. Weather

If it rains, it rains. If it snows, it snows. If it storms, it storms. The weather doesn’t wait for your roof replacement to be completed, and there’s no predicting when it will hit. 

The roof replacement process is most efficiently done in warm and dry conditions, but that’s not something we are always guaranteed here in the Midwest. While roofing crews can do their job in some weather, they are often required to stop if conditions become too inclement or dangerous. Your project’s timeline will be paused until it’s safe to resume. 

Contact Werner Roofing for Expert Roof Replacement

If it’s time to replace your roof, but you’re worried about how long you’ll have to be out of your home, contact Werner Roofing. Our crews are fast and professional, working hard to replace your roof quickly and properly, so you can get back to life as usual. For more information or to schedule your roof replacement, give us a call at (616) 844-5382 or contact us online.

So how much does a new roof cost, really? Well, it’s estimated that the average one will cost a homeowner between $5,000 to $20,000 — but that’s a pretty wide estimate, so we’ll clue you in on how to get a more specific estimate for your own below. 

How to Determine the Cost of a New Roof 

The cost of a new roof is generally determined by two factors: labor and materials. Labor costs involve the work needed to take the old roof off and to install the new one. Material costs are dependent on what type of roofing material you want and how much of it you need. And in order to figure out how much you need, you’ll need to understand one important concept: roofing squares. 

Understanding Roofing Squares

A roofing square is a unit of measurement for calculating the size of a roof. Equivalent to 100 square feet, it’s a much simpler way to calculate the amount of material needed to cover your roof. Here’s an example of how roofing squares work: 

Say you have a 2,200 square foot roof. You’ll take that total square footage, then divide it by 100 to determine how many roofing squares it is. So, 2,000 ÷ 100 = 20 roofing squares. 

Once you’ve determined your required amount of roofing squares, it’s common to order an additional 15% of materials onto that for backup. So, 2,000 x .15 = 300, and 300 ÷ 100 = 3 roofing squares — which brings your grand total to 23 roofing squares worth of material. 

Additional Considerations for the Cost of a New Roof

Within the broad categories of labor and materials, there are a few other factors that go into determining the cost of a new roof. So, while determining how much material you need is generally the first step, there are a couple more things to consider after that.

Material Type

There are various types of roofing materials to choose from, and the one you choose will affect the total cost of your new roof. For example, traditional asphalt shingles or metal roofing will usually be a little less expensive than slate tiles or wood shakes. 

Style

There is also a variety of shingle styles within each category of roofing material. Generally speaking, the more stylized, the more expensive (think specialty colors, textures, etc.). For example, basic 3-tab shingles will usually be more budget-friendly than architectural shingles that provide a more dimensional appearance. 

Roof Slope

Something that many homeowners aren’t aware of is that roof slope affects the cost of installation labor. If your roof is steep, it can make installation more difficult because it requires more staging and care for the safety of workers. 

Add-Ons

Additional features like skylights, chimneys, or flashing also require a little extra effort in terms of installation labor. So, if your roof already has them or you’d like to add some, you’ll likely be charged for the additional time and effort. 

Get a Free Estimate for Your New Roof at Werner Roofing

The best way to determine the cost of a new roof? Ask a roofing contractor! At Werner Roofing, we offer free roofing estimates and we’re happy to help you find a solution that works best for your home and for your budget. We can also walk you through various financing options, including our own program with our partners at Hearth. To get a free roofing estimate, contact our team today.

However, once you’ve installed your roof and appreciated its beauty, the question is bound to leak into your mind: how long will it last?

Short answer: it depends. A roof’s lifetime can vary based on materials, installation practices, and maintenance habits. Here’s a deeper dive into estimates for how long roofs last, and how to spot when they may be getting old. 

How Long Does an Asphalt Roof Last?

Asphalt roofs usually last between 12-20 years. If you live in a mild climate and are good about maintenance, you could stretch that time span to be longer. Also, due to their simple installation, asphalt roofs are usually the most affordable roofing option. 

Signs Your Asphalt Roof Is Getting Old

Although roof replacements can be expensive, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace an entire roof than it is to do multiple repairs year after year. So how do you know when you might need a replacement? Here are a few things to look out for:

• Your roof is more than 20 years old – This is the high end of their lifespan.
• Your roof has curled or missing shingles – This happens due to sun and wind exposure and should be attended to before further damage is caused.
• Your shingles look patchy or you can see granules in your gutters – When granules begin to wear off, your home is susceptible to water damage. 
• You see leaks in your ceiling – Brown spots on your attic or ceiling mean water damage has already occurred.
• You see holes in your ceiling – A bit obvious, but holes can lead to water damage that can be very costly.
• Your roof is sagging – This is a sign of serious structural damage, possibly from lots of water damage. 
• Your neighbors are getting new roofs – It’s likely yours was built at the same time as theirs, so you’re probably both within that 12-20 year time frame. 

How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?

When they’re maintained properly, metal roofs can last much longer than other types of roofs. In fact, they can last an impressive 40-70 years. That durability comes at a steeper initial price, but it could actually save you money in the long run. 

Signs Your Metal Roof Is Getting Old

Again, replacing a roof is usually more cost-friendly than continuously repairing it. Although metal roofs are very durable, they do eventually need some upkeep. Here’s how to tell if it’s time to get a new metal roof:

• • You see big leaks – Some small leaks can be easily repaired, but big ones call for a complete replacement.
  • There is structural damage – If a storm or harsh weather has altered the structure of your metal roof, you should get it fixed right away to prevent it from caving in or suffering more damage. 
  • You see rust – With time, the initial roof coating will wear out, and if you don’t maintain it, rust will start to form. An excess of rust can lead to leaks and water damage. 
  • You see big dents – Metal roofs do a great job of standing up to weather damage like hail, but as they near the end of their lives, you might start to see more and more dents appearing. These can alter the structure of your metal roof, leading to leaks and exposing your home to the elements. 

Is your roof looking a little tired? Let Werner Roofing know by calling us or contacting us online! We’re happy to come out and inspect your roof’s condition and help you decide whether a few repairs can add more life to your roof or if it’s time to consider replacing it. Our estimate is completely free and we’ll only recommend what’s absolutely necessary for your roof and home’s health — that’s the Werner Guarantee!

Home insurance claims can be complicated and confusing, and sometimes it’s hard to know what exactly your policy covers when it comes to the roof over your head.

If you’re contemplating whether to replace a damaged roof, but not sure how your home insurance fits into the scheme of things, take a look at this list we’ve compiled of frequently asked questions concerning home insurance and roof replacement. 

Dealing with roof damage is no fun, but at least you’ll have some answers so that dealing with an  insurance claim is a little less painful! 

Will My Home Insurance Cover Roof Replacement? 

Don’t you hate when you ask a question and the answer is, “It depends.”? Well, we are sorry to break this to you, but if you’re wondering if home insurance will cover a new roof…it depends.

Most homeowner insurance policies do cover the cost of replacing your roof, BUT only if you need to replace it due to an accident, vandalism, fire, or some sort of natural occurrence like a storm. 

Roofs that are simply old, worn and torn and in need of replacement are typically considered part of the homeowner’s general maintenance responsibility. Yet another good reason to make sure you keep your roof well-maintained, perform regular inspections, and repair any problems fast!

Having said all that, it never hurts to ask. Talk to your insurance provider to see what your specific policy covers. Sometimes, older roofs may at least have some limited coverage, and every little bit helps, right? 

Of course, you will need to pay your deductible no matter what, so be sure to keep that in mind.

Will My Home Insurance Go Up If I Replace My Roof? 

Other than “Will my insurance cover it?”, this is probably the most common question out there, and in most cases, the answer is most commonly followed by a sigh of relief! Unlike car insurance, home insurance rates typically do not increase when you file a claim. Whew!

When Should I Repair vs Replace My Roof to Maximize Home Insurance Benefits? 

Insurance companies will take into consideration your roof’s age along with the cause and extent of damage to determine if roof repairs are all that’s in order, or if the entire roof needs to be replaced. Your roof’s warranty can also impact what’s covered, and sometimes policies will only pay for the depreciated value of your roof.

That’s why it’s important to understand the details of your roof and your policy, so you can make an educated decision on whether it’s most cost-effective to repair vs. replace. 

Remember, making timely repairs regularly will help you get the most out of your insurance benefits if the time comes when you need to make a claim. 

Can My Home’s Roof Help Me Get Lower Home Insurance Rates? 

Yes! Different types of roofing materials can actually save you money on insurance rates. Some shingles are more durable and longer-lasting than others, for instance, and can therefore reduce your rates. The cost of replacement for those materials, however, can come into play and impact your premium, so it’s important to consider both aspects. 

It’s also important to make sure your roof is made of proper materials for your location and typical weather for your area. Keeping your roof in good condition helps keep your premium down as well. 

Tips to Increase Odds of Roof Replacement Coverage

• Choose roofing materials wisely (as well as the roofing company that installs them!).
• Perform regular inspections and maintenance on your roof.
• Fix problems right away.
• File your claim immediately upon discovering damage, and be sure to document it with pictures as well as provide assessment and cost estimates from a reputable roofing company. 
• Do your research. Learn about warranties and roofing materials that may offer insurance discounts, and talk to your agent about the details of your policy.  

Home insurance and roof replacement claims can be complicated, but getting your roof replaced doesn’t have to be. For top-quality workmanship and materials, trust Werner Roofing. Our combined 30 years of experience in the West Michigan region means we’re perfectly qualified to deliver the best value for your investment and insurance coverage. Stay one step ahead of the storm and reach out to our team to get started today!