The Horizons Blog

How Roofing Projects Are Priced

What factors influence the cost of a new roof?

Roof Protection

People don’t really think about their roofs until there’s an obvious problem, like shingles in the garden or water dripping from the ceiling. And once that happens, the roof is ALL they can think about — particularly how much it’s going to cost to fix or replace it!

If a quick inspection indicates you need a new roof, one of the most important considerations is, of course, the cost. But the price of a new roof can vary greatly depending on a range of factors. In this post, we'll discuss some of the key factors that influence the cost of a new roof.

Roofing materials 

It comes as no surprise to anyone that materials are the biggest cost when replacing a roof, particularly the type of shingles you choose. Asphalt shingles are the most popular and affordable option, while metal, tile, slate and Euroshield roofs tend to be more expensive. The quality of the materials also plays a role in the price, with higher-quality materials costing more.

Additional roofing accessories such as flashing, ventilation systems, and gutters can also impact the price of the project. These accessories are necessary for a properly functioning roof, but they do come at an additional cost.

It’s crucial you take the time to consider your needs and preferences before deciding which roofing materials are right for your home or business. Think of your roof as an investment, and decide accordingly.

Roof size and complexity

The size of your roof is another important factor to consider. Larger roofs obviously require more materials and take longer to install, which increases the cost of the project. 

But other factors that affect the price of your roof aren’t as obvious:

  • The pitch of your roof — Roofs with a steep pitch are generally more expensive because of safety concerns. More safety equipment is required, and the work has to be done more slowly and carefully to avoid injury.
  • The complexity of your roof — Roofs with multiple levels, unusual shapes and architectural features such as chimneys, skylights and gables will naturally cost more, as would a roof with multiple angles and valleys. Often, these features require special materials which add to the cost.

Labour Costs

The cost of labour will depend on the complexity of the job, the size of the crew, the level of experience of the workers, and the time it takes to complete the project. Your roofer could charge an hourly rate per employee, or quote you a flat fee for the job. 

Because we’re experienced professionals, at Horizons, the labour costs are included when we prepare your free estimate. That way we ensure you don’t get any nasty surprises when it comes time to pay your bill. 

Removal of your old roof

If you’re considering re-roofing instead of replacement, your roof will need to be inspected by a professional to determine whether or not re-roofing is possible.

If your existing shingles are in good shape — without any damaged or curled shingles or leaks — they can provide an extra layer of weather protection and insulation underneath your new roof. 

But re-roofing is not without risk. By installing a new roof directly over the old one there is the potential to miss underlying damage. And in some cases, it could affect the warranty on your new roof.

Needless to say, there is a cost associated with removing your old roof, which would be included in the estimate.

Other costs 

A reputable and experienced roofing company may charge more for their services, but they may also provide higher-quality workmanship and better customer service. The contractor’s operational costs are generally part of each estimate and cover things such as:

  • Permit fees
  • Insurance and license fees
  • Tools and equipment maintenance
  • Vehicle expenses and fuel charges
  • Dump fees
  • Structural repairs
  • Roof upgrades to improve energy efficiency

Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

When getting a new roof, it's important to consider all these factors to get an accurate estimate of the cost. And if there’s something you don’t understand or need clarification about, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We wrote a post about common roofing terms so you can speak to your roofer with confidence. 

A reputable roofing company will provide a detailed estimate that includes all the factors mentioned above. Keep in mind that choosing the cheapest option may not always be the best choice in the long run. Investing in high-quality materials and workmanship can save you money in the long term by reducing the need for repairs and replacements.

Finding out you need a new roof is not good news… but it is good news finding someone to trust with this significant investment. Give us a call to talk about your options or get started today by scheduling a free estimate.