When it comes time to replace your roof, the biggest question on your mind is probably, “how much will it cost?” The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors, such as:

Your house’s size
The roofing material you install
The pitch (or slope) of your roof

The national average roof replacement cost in America going into 2023 sits around $8,000. However, that range, depending on the roof material, can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000+. Basically, a new roof can be expensive, and the cost is one of the biggest reasons homeowners put it off so long.

The thing to know is that while your roof replacement cost is high, it’s also one of the best investments you can make in your home. Plus, imagine all the money you’ll save not having to make consistent repairs and maintenance that only buy time until the inevitable.

If you’re looking to get your roof replaced, here’s our cost assessment.

Our helpful roof replacement cost guide will give you all the information you need to make a well-informed decision on your big roof investment.

Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Roof

Sometimes repairs will suffice just fine when your roof is damaged, especially if it’s just a few years old. But sometimes the damage is so severe, or your roof is just too old for more repairs, and a replacement is necessary. In the end, a professional roofing inspection will determine this for sure, but there are some tell-tale signs it’s time to replace a roof that you can watch out for.

You have storm damage on a large portion of your roof.
You notice multiple or recurrent water leaks.
Your roof is over 15 years old.
You notice higher-than-normal energy bills.
Parts of the roof are sagging or holding water.
You have recurrent ice dams or algae growth every year.
Shingles are curled or cracked.
You notice rotting or mold on the roof decking or shingles.

If you notice these signs and are frequently making repairs to “fix” them, we’re going to recommend a full roof replacement.

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost (By Material)?

There are a few factors that can raise or lower the cost of your roof replacement, which we’ll get into, but the roof material is probably the biggest determining factor.

Many homeowners choose asphalt shingles for their roofs because they are more affordable than other options. However, premium materials that will last longer may be worth the extra expense in the long run.

To give you a better idea of roof replacement cost, we’ve listed the average costs for each roofing material below, based on an average 1,800 sq. ft. home.

Asphalt shingles: $5,000-$18,000
Concrete tile: $7,000-$15,000
Cedar shake: $7,000-$20,000
Metal roof: $12,000-$30,000
Clay/Concrete tiles: $15,000-$30,000
Slate tiles: $15,000-$50,000+

Other Factors That Affect Roof Replacement Cost

When you’re about to spend a lot of money, you want to be sure about what you’re paying for. With roofing and home renovations, the project size is usually the main deciding factor, but there are other things to consider as well:

How accessible your roof is
The current condition of your roof
Installation and labor costs
Where you live
The pitch or slope of the roof
The number of roof penetrations (chimney, vents, boots, skylights)

Now, let’s get into each of these factors in more detail so that you’re armed with all the info you need to make an informed decision.

Roof Accessibility

Your roofer can get the job done much faster if your roof is easy to access. If it’s raised two stories or more, a scaffolding system will be required, and that can add thousands of dollars to the project cost.

Existing Roof’s Condition

If your roof isn’t in great condition, additional work may be necessary to make sure it’s safe and secure such as reinforcing the roof decking or rebuilding parts of the structure.

Installation and Labor Costs

The cost of installation and labor can vary depending on the size of your roof and the complexity involved. A professional roofer will always be comprehensive in their quote to make sure that nothing has been left out, so you don’t get surprised with extra costs later.

Your Home’s Location

The cost of living in your area and the local labor market should always be taken into account. For example, living in an area where materials are more readily available, you can save on labor and time. But also, different climates can prove difficult for roofing installations and scheduling— all things that play a factor in total cost.

Roof Pitch

If your roof has a steep pitch or slope to it, that can be more costly due to the installation and equipment needed for those types of jobs.

Number of Roof Penetrations

Finally, any additional features on your roof, such as chimneys, vents, boots, skylights, or anything else that breaks through the roof’s surface can add to both labor and material costs as there is a much different process for installing around those objects.

Roof Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Investment

Maintaining your roof is an essential part of homeownership if you want to keep your home in good condition and protect it for years to come. By ignoring warning signs of damage, not making timely repairs, or never maintaining your roof, you will end up spending more money in the long run. Be sure to follow these regular maintenance tips to protect your big investment.

Get regular roof inspections at least every 1-3 years.
Keep the roof clean of debris using a soft washer or roof rejuvenator.
Ensure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated.
Don’t put off repairs! If you suspect damage, get it repaired right away.
Trim overhanging branches at risk of falling on your roof.
Regularly clean out your gutters or get them cleaned by a professional. This prevents backups and roof leaks.

Sometimes local roofers will offer roof maintenance plans as well that can help with the ongoing maintenance of a roof. It’s also important to note that some roofing materials require more maintenance than others, and that can be a big determining factor for many homeowners.

How to Pay for Your Roof Replacement

There are a few ways to pay for your roof replacement. The most common and practical way is to use savings or home equity. Other options include;

File insurance claims after storm damage.
Financing options through your roofing company.
Pay upfront with cash.
Take out a personal loan.
Consider a home equity loan, especially if you are looking to sell and can recoup the costs.
Take out a low-interest credit card to use for home emergencies like a new roof.

No matter how you choose to pay for your roof replacement, it’s important to do your research so that you know what to expect. Arm yourself with the right information and get quotes from at least three reliable roofers in order to make an informed decision about the best option for you.

Protect Your Investment With Monarch Roofing

A roof replacement can be daunting with many variables affecting the timeline, warranty, or cost. That’s why it’s important to do your research and get roofing insight and estimates from valuable roofing professionals. Replacing a roof is a huge investment, so it’s imperative that you get the best quality workmanship and materials for your money. With reliable roofing contractors, you’ll have a beautiful, durable new roof that will last for years to come.

For any questions or a free roofing quote, contact Monarch Roofing.

Our team has the expertise and diligence to provide you with a long-lasting solution at a fair price. As roofing specialists, we operate with transparency, professionalism, and expert craftsmanship. It is our goal to give every client a reliable roof with industry-best materials so that the job gets done right — the first time.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?