What Determines the Cost of a New Roof?

The price of a new roof depends on several key factors:

Roof Size

The size of your roof is one of the biggest factors affecting the total cost of a new roof. A larger roof requires more materials—like shingles, underlayment, and flashing—which drives up the price. Roofing materials are typically sold by the “square” (100 square feet), so a 2,000-square-foot roof needs roughly twice as many materials as a 1,000-square-foot roof, doubling material costs.

More roof area also means more labor, as crews will spend additional time installing and finishing the project. If your roof has a steep pitch or complex design, both labor and material costs will be even higher. Additionally, larger roofs generate more old material to remove and dispose of, increasing disposal fees.

The bigger your roof, the more you’ll spend on materials, labor, and disposal. Accurate measurements and an understanding of your roof’s features are key to getting a realistic estimate for your new roof.

Material Choice

The material you choose for your new roof plays a major role in determining the overall cost of your project. Asphalt shingles are the most common and budget-friendly option, offering solid performance at a lower price, while architectural shingles offer improved durability and appearance for a moderate increase in cost. On the other hand, premium materials like metal, tile, or slate are much more expensive due to their longevity, distinctive looks, and the specialized skills required for installation.

Beyond just the price of the materials themselves, your choice can also affect installation costs. For example, heavier materials such as slate or clay tile may require additional structural support, and metal roofs might need special underlayment or fasteners. These extra requirements can further drive up the total price of your roof replacement.

Ultimately, your roofing material impacts not only your upfront investment but also long-term maintenance, energy efficiency, and even your home’s insurance premiums. Selecting a higher-quality material can provide greater durability and peace of mind, but it’s important to balance your budget with your long-term goals for your home.

Roof Pitch and Complexity

Steeper or more complex roofs are harder to install and may cost more due to extra labor and safety requirements.

Labor Rates

Labor rates are a critical factor in determining the total cost of your new roof, often accounting for more than half of your overall project expenses. Roofing contractors charge for labor based on factors such as the complexity and steepness of your roof, the type of materials being installed, and the general difficulty of the job. Rates can vary widely depending on your geographic location and the level of expertise required—skilled roofers, especially those experienced with premium materials or complex designs, command higher wages.

In many regions, labor rates for roofing projects typically range from $40 to $90 per hour, or between $150 and $350 per roofing square (100 square feet). Steeper roofs, homes with multiple stories, or those with difficult access require additional safety measures and specialized equipment, which further increase labor costs. For example, a simple, low-pitched roof may be completed quickly and affordably, while a steep, multi-level home with numerous angles and features will require more time, more workers, and potentially higher insurance costs for the contractor.

Ultimately, understanding labor rates and how they are calculated helps you set realistic expectations for your roofing budget. It’s important to obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors and to clarify exactly what is included in their labor charges—such as setup, cleanup, and disposal of old materials. Investing in experienced, high-quality labor ensures your roof is installed safely and to code, providing lasting protection for your home.

Removal and Disposal

Removal and disposal of your old roof is a significant component of your total roofing costs and is typically included as a separate line item in most estimates. This process involves safely stripping away the existing roofing materials, which requires additional labor, specialized equipment, and careful handling to avoid damage to your home. The more layers of old roofing that need to be removed, the higher the labor and disposal fees will be, as each extra layer adds to the time and effort required for the job.

Disposal fees themselves are influenced by both the type and the amount of material being hauled away. For example, heavier materials like clay tiles or slate require more effort to remove and more space in the disposal bin, which increases costs. Local regulations and dump fees can also impact the total, especially in areas with strict environmental guidelines or higher disposal rates. Some roofing materials, such as those containing hazardous substances like asbestos, require special handling and disposal procedures, further driving up the price.

Ultimately, while removal and disposal may seem like a behind-the-scenes aspect of your roof replacement, they are crucial for ensuring your new roof is installed on a clean, stable surface and that all waste is managed safely and responsibly. Investing in proper removal and disposal not only protects your home and the environment but also supports the long-term performance and warranty of your new roofing system.

Permits and Additional Work

Permits and additional work can both have a noticeable impact on the total cost of your new roof. In most areas, including Atlanta, roof replacement projects—especially those involving structural changes or switching to a heavier or fire-resistant material—require a permit from the local building department. Permit fees typically range from $150 to $500 for a roof replacement, depending on the project’s size and complexity. Larger or more complicated jobs may incur higher fees or require multiple inspections, which can add to the total expense.

Additional work, such as replacing rotted decking, upgrading underlayment, improving attic ventilation, or making structural repairs, can also increase your roofing costs. Small repairs—like replacing a few sheets of plywood or adding vents—might add $150 to $500 to your bill, while more extensive structural repairs or ventilation upgrades could cost several thousand dollars. These additional tasks are often identified during the initial inspection or as work progresses, and they are typically handled through a change order that outlines the extra work and associated costs.

Ultimately, both permits and additional work are important factors to consider when budgeting for a new roof. While permits ensure your project meets local safety and building standards, additional work may be necessary to address hidden damage or to improve the longevity and performance of your new roof. Being aware of these potential expenses allows you to plan more accurately and avoid surprises during your roofing project.