Because there are quite a few roof types available to homeowners, it’s important to understand not only the costs associated with installing a particular roofing system, but also the benefits and drawbacks of common roof types. Now, lets cover some basic roofing prices for several different types of roofing systems. The least expensive roof replacement options will be listed first.

Asphalt shingle roofs are among the least expensive roofs for residential homes.  Asphalt shingle is the most frequently installed roofing product in America.  Although asphalt shingle roofing costs less than other types of roofs, they have a low lifespan expectancy, contain petroleum products, and ultimately pollute the environment.

The 3-tab shingle is the basic type of an asphalt shingle roof.  It costs about $100 per roof square, and can usually be installed on roofs with a minimum roof pitch of 3 to 12.  The average size roof requires about 20 squares of roofing shingles to cover it.  Thus, your roofing materials will cost about $2000.  You’ll also need to add the cost of roofing nails, and roof underlayment rolls.  In addition to these, you may also need to purchase passive roof vents, ridge vent, an metal flashing for the chimney.  In the northern climates it is also recommended to install ice and water on the eaves and valleys of the roof.

You can approximate your total roofing material costs to be around $2500 to $2750.  It’ll cost you about $200 to $300 per roof square to install it.  You may have to pay more if your roof is really complex with multiple dormers and valleys, which takes longer time to roof over.  It may also be required to pay the cost of tear off, which may vary from $75.00 to $150.  Thus, your new roof may cost anywhere from $9000 to $15,000.

Rather than installing a simple three tab asphalt shingle roof, you may choose to install architectural shingles, which will add about $1000 to your final roof replacement cost.

Cedar shake roofing costs about double the cost of asphalt shingle roofs and can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years depending on the type of cedar shakes.  This may be a required alternative especially for the historic homes.

Metal roofing is the next type of roofing material that is rapidly gaining market share because of its durability, longevity, and energy efficiency.  Metal roofs are considered green and can last well over 35 years.  The high end metal roofs such as zinc roofing and copper roofs can last well over 100 years.  The basic type of metal roofing costs about $250 per square for steel metal shingles roofing, and about $500 per square for a standing-seam metal roof. A metal shingles roof is comprised out of small panels that interlock together and are easy to install.  A standing-seam roof is made out of vertical sheet metal roofing panels that connect with other panels in the side by side fashion, thereby creating a raised locking mechanism called the seam.

It costs about $500 to professionally install metal shingles and standing-seam roofs.  The reason for a higher installation price is that metal roofing usually takes three times longer to install than an asphalt shingle roof.  Modern metal roofs are coated with cool metal roofing colors that will help you keep your house cool and may reduce your energy costs by as much as 35%.  Because many metal roofs contain over 30% of post consumer content, they qualify for LEED credit issued by the green building council.  The energy star qualified metal roofs are also eligible for a $1500 homeowners’ green home improvement tax credit from the government.

Green Metal Roof

If your roof is flat, then it will cost you about $500 per square to install the EPDM rubber roof.  The disadvantage of the EPDM rubber roof is that it can develop flat roof leaks in between the seams.  Please be sure that you do not hire a regular roofer to install your flat roof.  The reason for that is that the process of installing a flat roof is significantly different from the regular flat roofing installation.  Be sure to only hire a company that actually specializes in the installation of flat roofing systems.

Also keep in mind that there is a better flat roofing alternative called PVC flat roof system, which is hot air welded using precision instruments.  The roof seams formed during the hot air welding process are so reliable that they will never leak even if there is pooling water on your roof.  Consider getting a white color PVC flat roofing membrane, and it will last longer than conventional EPDM rubber roof.  It’ll also provide some very significant energy savings for your building.

Residential Flat Roof - Cool PVC Flat Roofing Membrane by IB Roofs

Please consider the overall benefits, as well as pros and cons of a particular roofing system when analyzing its roofing prices, longevity, durability and energy efficiency. And above all, remember to hire only qualified contractors who have experience in installing the type of roof that you need.

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