Roof Installation

The Ultimate Guide to Getting a New Roof – Homeowner’s Guide

A new roof is a costly investment with practical and aesthetic implications – the roof is your home’s most important protection against rain, snow, and nature’s elements. The roof can also significantly impact the appeal of your home in the eyes of potential buyers.

GAF Timberline HD Shingles Roof

This guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to re-roofing, whether it’s adding a new layer of roofing to the existing roof or tearing off and replacing the old roof.

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Roofing Materials & Installation Costs: Shingles, Metal, Flat Roofs

Are you exploring the most suitable roofing options for your home? If so, roofing material types and their costs must be top of mind.

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This guide will help you explore the most popular residential roofing materials, including pricing and installation costs.

Roofing Materials Costs

Asphalt Shingles:

Dimensional shingles roof on a house

Asphalt shingles are generally less expensive than other roofing materials like metal and are relatively easy to install (unlike metal roofing), resulting in a lower overall cost for a new asphalt roof. However, premium (designer) asphalt shingles, such as those from GAF, CertainTeed, and Malarkey, can be as expensive as high-end roofing materials like metal. Here’s a breakdown of different types of asphalt shingles:

3-tab shingles (strip shingles):

  • Materials Cost: $90 to $120 per square (100 sq. ft.), excluding trim.
  • Characteristics: Least costly, thin, not designed for longevity, flat appearance without much dimensionality.
  • Top Products: GAF Royal Sovereign, CertainTeed XT 25, Owens Corning Supreme.
  • Wind Rating: Up to 60 MPH.
  • Installation Note: Care needed for alignment to avoid vertical lines running off.
  • Disadvantage: No manufacturer’s warranty for hail damage.
  • Expected Lifespan: 10 years to 20 years, depending on local climate and roof maintenance.

Architectural (dimensional) shingles:

  • Materials Cost: $100 to $150 per square (100 sq. ft.), excluding trim.
  • Characteristics: Midrange, multiple layers, dimensional appearance, thicker, and sturdier.
  • Wind Rating: At least 110 MPH, up to 130 MPH with the 6-nails per shingle installation.
  • Top Products: Owens Corning Duration, GAF Timberline HDZ, CertainTeed Landmark
  • Specialty: CoolRoof rated shingles eligible for rebates in California.
  • Disadvantage: No manufacturer’s warranty for hail damage.
  • Expected Lifespan: 15 years to 25 years, depending on local climate and roof maintenance.

Premium (designer) shingles:

  • Materials Cost: $200 to $400 per square (100 sq. ft.).
  • Characteristics: Custom-looking, multiple layers, distinctive appearance, performance on par with high-end architectural shingles.
  • Top Products: CertainTeed Grand Manor, Owens Corning Berkshire, GAF Camelot, Malarkey Windsor.
  • Disadvantage: No manufacturer’s warranty for hail damage.
  • Expected Lifespan: 20 years to 35 years, depending on local climate and roof maintenance.

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Roof Cost Factors: Material Costs, Installation, Detailed Examples

Is your roof due for a replacement soon? If so, you may be wondering about how different cost variables like materials and labor may impact the overall cost of the project.

An asphalt shingles roof with three skylights

Here is a detailed list of key roof cost factors to consider when planning and budgeting for a new roof:

  1. Material type (asphalt shingles, metal, tile, slate)
  2. Roof size and complexity (simple gable roofs vs. complex designs with multiple dormers or valleys)
  3. Professional installation costs (varies by location and contractor)
  4. Removal of old roofing (if applicable)
  5. Roof pitch (steep roofs may cost more due to difficulty)
  6. Geographic location (costs can vary significantly by region)
  7. Seasonality (some seasons may have higher costs due to demand)
  8. Underlayment and accessories (such as gutters, flashing, and ridge caps)
  9. Quality of materials (higher quality materials generally cost more)
  10. Permits and inspections (as required by local building codes)
  11. Accessibility of the roof (ease of access for workers and equipment)
  12. Warranty options (offered by the contractor or manufacturer)
  13. Energy-efficient features (like cool roof technologies or solar panels)
  14. Unexpected repairs (discovered during the roofing process)
  15. Environmental factors (like the need for weather-resistant or fire-resistant materials)
  16. Gutters (if the old gutters are damaged or sufficiently old to require replacement)
  17. The number of roof penetrations (beyond one chimney and exhaust pipes or passive vents) such as skylights (and whether those require a complete reflashing or replacement) can impact overall project costs.
  18. Choice of a contractor doing the work – full-service home remodeling companies can charge up to 20% to 30% more than specialist contractors. Companies with stellar reputation and high-end product lines/clientele will command higher prices.

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