Wondering how much a new roof will set you back? Look no further! Our user-friendly New Roof Cost Calculator gives you a quick and easy estimate tailored to your Salt Lake City or Provo area home. This provides a starting point to understand the general cost of roof replacement. Keep reading for an in-depth look at the factors that influence new roof costs, common signs your roof needs an upgrade, and additional considerations to ensure a smooth and successful project.
Signs You Need a New Roof:
Age: Asphalt shingles, the most common roof material, are rated by the manufacturer as a 30 or 50 year shingle. In our experience, residential asphalt shingle roofs can be more susceptible to the Northern Utah climate wear and tear after ~20 years. If your roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, consider a replacement before leaks or structural problems arise.
Visible Damage: Missing or cracked shingles, curling or blistering asphalt, rusted metal panels, or cracked tiles are all signs of significant wear and tear. Extensive moss or algae growth can also indicate underlying issues.
Leaks: Leaks are a clear indicator that your roof is failing to perform its primary function. Ignoring leaks can lead to extensive water damage within your home.
Sagging Roofline: A sagging roofline indicates structural problems that require immediate attention. This is a serious issue and necessitates a full roof replacement.
Increased Energy Bills: An aging or damaged roof can affect your home's insulation properties, leading to higher heating or cooling costs.
Factors Affecting New Roof Cost:
As with pretty much everything in the construction industry, the cost of a new roof will be driven by materials and labor.
- Roof Size: As you might expect, the size of your roof is a major factor affecting the overall cost. Larger roofs require more materials for removal (if applicable) and installation of the new roof, impacting the total project price.
- Roof Pitch: The angle of your roof's slope significantly impacts cost. Steeper roofs require more material to cover the same square footage compared to lower-pitched roofs. This translates to a higher cost for roofing materials. Additionally, working on steeper pitches is more labor-intensive for roofers. They can't move around as quickly and may require additional safety measures like harnesses and scaffolding. This translates to more labor hours needed to complete the project, increasing the overall labor cost.
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- Roof Material: There is roof underlayment and shingles. The roof underlayment layer acts as an additional barrier against water infiltration and can impact cost depending on the type of underlayment used. Asphalt shingles come in three main categories 3-Tab, Architectural and Luxury, each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages related to cost and quality.
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- Tear-Off vs. Overlay: In northern Utah's climate with cold winters and snow, a complete tear-off and replacement with new materials is generally the recommended approach for new roof installations. This ensures proper ventilation, avoids moisture issues, and adheres to local building codes.
In addition to being a potential building code violation, overlaying new roofing materials on top of the old roof can trap moisture, hide hidden problems, and lead to uneven surfaces and cause roof replacement to be significantly more expensive in the future. - Permits and Inspections: The cost of building permits are easy to overlook for homeowners. Building permits and inspections vary by city in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. Permits are typically required to ensure safety, building code compliance and to inspect a quality of workmanship and code compliance. Rest assured we’re familiar with building permit and inspection requirements in both counties and can make sure we’re fully compliant.
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| Feature | 3-tab Shingles | Architectural Shingles | Luxury Shingles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Most Affordable | Most Moderate | Most Expensive |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 20-30 years | 30+ years |
| Appearance | Flat, basic | Layered, dimensional | Thick, textured (slate/shake look) |
| Durability | Low | Moderate | High |
| Wind Resistance | Lower | Moderate | Superior |
| Suitability | Budget-conscious homeowners | Balance of affordability & aesthetics | Priority on aesthetics & long-lasting performance |
| Category | Pitch (Ratio) | Angle (Degrees) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-pitch roof | Up to 3/12 | Up to 14° | Nearly flat, often used on modern or commercial buildings. May require specific roofing materials like metal or specialized low-slope shingles. |
| Medium-pitch roof | 4/12 to 6/12 | 18° to 27° | The most common pitch for residential homes, offering a balance between drainage and aesthetics. Suitable for various roofing materials like asphalt shingles or metal. |
| Steep-pitch roof | 7/12 to 12/12 | 32° to 42° | Offers good drainage in areas with heavy rain or snow. May require additional structural reinforcement and can be more expensive due to increased material needs and labor intensity. |
| Very steep roof | Over 12/12 | Over 42° | Often seen on chalets or specific architectural styles. May require specialized roofing materials and expertise for installation due to the steep slope safety concerns. |