According to Modernize.com, most homeowners replacing their roof this year will pay between $7,500 to $30,000. Obviously, that’s a pretty wide range—so how is a homeowner to know what to anticipate on their final bill? In this article, our Iowa roofing experts will help you understand the costs that factor into a new roof installation, so you can decide whether this investment is the right choice for you. 

How is the cost of a roof calculated? 

Many factors impact the cost of a new roof, including the materials used, the size of your roof, and the complexity of the installation.  

Materials

According to Nerdwallet, materials usually comprise about 40% of the bill for a new roof. As one might expect, the costlier the materials, the more durable and long-lasting they will be—so weigh your options carefully when making your selections. For example, if you opt for the cheapest shingles possible, they won’t be as resistant to the sun, wind, and rain that wear on them every day, and you may end up having to replace your roof in just a few years. 

Shingles are just part of the materials that make up a new roof. Other materials that factor into the cost are shakes, tiles, underlayment, new flashing, roof ridges and vents. Sometimes, the roof installer will also offer to bundle gutter installation, as well. Finally, ordinary building supplies like nails, tools, ladders will also factor into your new roofing cost. 

Roof size & pitch 

Roof size also plays a big factor in cost. Here, “size” doesn’t just refer to the square footage, but the number of stories, too. A single-story 3,000-square-foot home needs more shingles than a multi-story home, but is easier to install, and thus often less expensive. In addition to the size of the roof, the height of the house itself plays a role in total costs as well. Taller homes require more labor, and will likely be more costly. 

The steepness of your roof—called the “pitch”—can also affect the price of your roof replacement. A typical roof is angled three (3:12) to six (6:12) inches per foot. A roof that is sloped at a 45-degree angle would have a pitch of 12:12. Steeper angles make the project more difficult and dangerous, and a pitch over 6:12 will often come with a higher price tag. 

Cost of removal 

If your old roof needs to be removed before the new one can be installed, this can significantly impact your final bill. The average cost to remove an existing roof, often referred to as roof tear-off or demolition, depends on several factors, including:

• The type of roofing materials that are being removed
• The size and complexity of the roof
• How many layers of roofing need to be removed 
• Whether there is a need for additional disposal or handling 
• Whether the old materials contain asbestos or other harmful substances  

On average, roof removal typically costs between $75 and $150 per square. For a standard-sized home with a roof area of around 2,000 square feet, the total cost for roof removal could range from $1,500 to $3,000. 

Permits, Inspections, and Warranties: Corners to Never Cut 

Disreputable roofing contractors often find other ways to pare down their prices that can have a harmful impact on the consumer. If a quote for a roofing job seems too good to be true, be very careful and do your due diligence. A high-quality roof installer should offer: 

• Licenses and insurance. Reputable contractors must invest in their businesses by acquiring a license, paying annual fees to a licensing board throughout the year, and paying for insurance. Since unlicensed contractors do not have to pay these fees, they are usually able to offer lower bids. However, using an unlicensed contractor is very dangerous. If the contractor is injured on the job, they could sue you for damages. And if their workmanship is poor, you may have to pay twice as much for repairs as you would have paid for a licensed contractor in the first place. 
• A warranty. Even the best roof installers can make a mistake, and even the best-quality materials can occasionally fail. If either of these things happen, a

warranty ensures that the problem will be corrected at no extra cost to you. A warranty is a sign that the contractor stands by their work, guaranteeing the roof’s performance for years to come. If a roof installer does not offer any kind of warranty, you could end up paying thousands of dollars for a roof that fails within a few years. 

• Permits and inspections. Most municipalities have permit and inspection requirements for a roof installation, and they often cost hundreds of dollars. You should expect to see these costs added to your bill, and your contractor should be able to easily answer questions about them. If they appear to be unfamiliar with local permit and inspection laws, they may not be a legitimate, trustworthy business. 

Is replacing your roof a good investment?

Although the upfront cost of replacing a roof can be rather steep, doing so is usually a good long-term investment in your home. A new roof will typically last at least 20 years, and can increase your home’s value by $10,000 to $20,000, depending on materials used and market conditions. Real estate agents also value a new roof as an effective selling tool. That’s because the roof is a key factor in the curb appeal of your home, and can help “wow” prospective buyers right from the driveway. Some buyers may not even walk into a home that has an unappealing exterior.

When deciding whether or not to replace your roof, to value high quality over a cheap price. A high quality roof will protect you and your family for decades to come, and help you grow your home’s value over time. 

Need a new roof in Iowa City? Call Tomlinson-Cannon! 

If you live in or around Iowa City and need a roof installation, repair, or replacement, give the pros at Tomlinson-Cannon a call. We’ve been providing local residents with quality gutter, roof, and foundation solutions for over 75 years. From top to bottom, we are the trusted professionals in Eastern Iowa when it comes to keeping your home safe and dry. We also offer diverse warranty options so you can rest assured that your investment is protected. To learn more about our Iowa roof contracting services, please click here.