Why is roofing so expensive?
As one of the leading roof replacement companies in the Boise, Idaho, area, we often get asked by homeowners why shingles and roofing are so pricey.
Any project that involves your home is expensive, period, and your roof is no exception. Roof prices often seem expensive but have more to do with the materials, the labor intensity, and the roof size. But don’t worry, if you ever wondered why a roof replacement is so expensive, you’re not alone. Today, we’ll discuss the top four reasons why they are seemingly pricey!
4 Reasons Why Roofing is So Expensive & What to Do:
Below is a list of the top factors that will increase or decrease the price of a new roof!
1. Labor costs
Roofing work is dangerous and, depending on the project at hand, will require expertise, accreditations, and insurance coverage to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. All costs associated with these factors are passed onto the customer to be fulfilled, driving up the price. Higher complexity will increase labor costs.
When hiring a roofing contractor, make sure you inquire about the labor and materials associated with the job. While it can vary, on average, labor costs are $1.50 to $3 per square foot.
2. Scarcity of raw materials
Roofing manufacturers are passing off the increased cost of raw materials for the roofing materials they manufacture to consumers at higher rates in order to save money. This is due in part to supply chain shocks that are causing scarcity of raw materials needed due to pandemic shutdowns still felt today. With a rise in demand, roofing manufacturers are forced to raise prices or go under.
In fact, just recently, a supplier in Boise, Idaho, sent out notices to all roofing companies to expect a 6-10% price increase on shingles in August. That means the contractor will have to increase their install prices for a new roof 6-10%!
Most roofers use asphalt shingles which are becoming more expensive to manufacture. Luckily, the asphalt shingles of today are more durable and still cost significantly less than metal, copper, or slate.
3. Other roofing materials
The value of roofing materials you choose carries so much weight on your overall cost because it is what makes up the bulk of your roof for the most part. Premium roofing materials like shakes and tiles can more often than not triple your overall price, let alone the rising cost of raw materials and supply and demand disturbances felt from the pandemic. If you need something affordable, asphalt shingles will do the trick (most common in the marketplace).
Other roofing materials like the ridge vent, pipe collars, underlayment, and components of your roofing system will add up. Roofs are priced using what is called a roofing square, which refers to 100 square feet of roofing shingles. However, ridge vents, flashing, and pipe collars are calculated by either linear feet or per unit.
4. Roofing System
We just alluded to it in the other roofing materials above, but your roofing system must be complete in order to prevent roof damage.
A roof is made up of so many parts, and all of those parts have a price. Roofing components include but are not limited to metal flashing, drip edge, rod decking, underlayment, and more! Your roofing contractor should have a detailed proposal that outlines various costs. That way, you know all the associated costs to your new roof.
➡️ Learn about how roofing squares are priced here!
FAQ:
How much should you spend on a roof?
The average cost of a new roof is somewhere in between $10K-$15K, with on average a $7 cost per square foot, including labor costs and roofing materials. However, please note the factors above that have a heavy influence on the final cost pay! No room is the same and will ultimately require a different about of roofing material, level of expertise for installation, etc. When in doubt, contact a roofing professional for help.
What time of the year is the cheapest to replace a roof?
Winter is the cheapest time to get a roof replacement, period! Roof replacement costs during the winter tend to dip as it is classified as an off-season. Therefore, your local roofing company is incentivized to lower roofing prices, especially for roofing installation to attract new customers. Most roofers tend to have their hands tied in late summer and fall as homeowners brace for the elements in the winter, often driving up prices.
In need of professional installation? Finding the right roofing contractor is key!
Finding roofing contractors in your area is as simple as a quick online search. Staying local is key because local roofing companies will better understand the context of your situation. Never shy away from price-matching a handful of companies in your area to see if roofing costs align with your budget. Some roofing contractors offer a price match guarantee to help customers save money, as well as off-season discounts from time to time. It pays to do your homework!
What’s the Verdict?
Roofing costs are expensive, but they are not as much if you look at it as a long-term investment. We understand that most homeowners are searching for lower prices from roofing companies in their area, making the roofing industry develop unique ways to help them save more money.
Timing certainty plays a role in price, and there is no one size fits all approach. If you need help, we’ll give you a breakdown of the investment required for your roofing project by simply reaching out below!
We have numerous shingles options to help you with your cost and we also work with homeowners insurance companies when roof damage occurs!
We Answer: How Long Can You Expect Your Roof to Last?