Whether your roof is on its very last legs or you’ve got a couple of years to go before you need a new one, you’ve probably wondered at some point, “How much does a new roof cost?” The answer isn’t a simple one, as there are many variables that could reduce or raise the cost, such as which NJ roofer you hire to install your new roof, the types of materials you use, the location of your home, and more. Though it’s impossible to tell you today how much a new roof would cost for your particular home, we can give you an idea of what to expect. So, today we’ll go through what you can expect to pay for you when you purchase a new roof, which will help you better understand how much a new roof will cost.

Materials

As we have explored in earlier posts, there are many types of roofing materials available, including asphalt shingles, clay tile, slate, wood shake, and metal. For the purposes of today’s post, we’re going to help you how much a new roof costs that’s topped with asphalt shingles. Why? Because asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. In fact, nearly 70 percent of domestic roofing installations are done with asphalt shingles. Labor costs for installing asphalt shingles is typically lower than for other materials. This is because your New Jersey roofing contractor can install an asphalt-shingle roof more quickly, versus, say, a slate roof, which is much more difficult and time-consuming to install. Asphalt-shingle roofs also last up to 30 years or more, which makes them a great value over the long term.

Here are the materials involved in an asphalt-shingle roofing installation:

Asphalt shingles: the cost of an asphalt shingle varies based on its type as well as whether it has any additional features. Traditional three-tab shingles are the basic asphalt shingles you’re probably already familiar with, and these shingles are the least expensive option. Architectural or laminated shingles, which are made to appear three-dimensional, will cost more, approximately 60% more than the simple traditional shingles. Some manufacturers, such as GAF, also make premium architectural shingles, which can mimic the look of slate, tile, or wood shake. These shingles are the most expensive asphalt shingles, but they are also the most durable and will last the longest.

In addition to the base cost of the shingles, you can also get an upgrade in the form of algae-resistant shingles, which have ceramic granules coated with algae-resistant copper. If you live in a damp or shady area, these shingles can be very helpful in preventing the growth of unsightly algae and moss. Algae-resistant shingles will cost up to 15% more than their non-algae-resistant counterparts.

Other materials: Though the cost of asphalt shingles is the biggest materials cost you’ll contend with, it’s not the only cost factor you need to consider when tallying your materials outlay. There are many other materials that help to create your roofing system and ensure it works as it should. These materials include:

  • Replacement roof decking (in the event the existing plywood is in poor condition)
  • Replacement of damaged fascia, gutters, and soffits
  • Ice barrier waterproof underlayment
  • Felt underlayment
  • Hip/ridge caps
  • Flashing
  • Drip edge
  • Ridge vents
  • Pipe boots
  • Miscellaneous materials, such as nails and caulk

When you add these additional materials to the cost of your shingles, all of your roofing materials will cost approximately 40% of the total cost of your roofing project.

Labor Costs

So, what constitutes the other 60%? Labor, mostly. While a small percentage will be devoted to other costs, the bulk of the cost of reroofing project by a New Jersey roofing contractor will go towards paying the men and women who will plan, design, and install your roof. Out of this cost, your NJ roofer will extract the funds it needs to cover insurance liability fees, transportation, on-site portable restroom rental fees, and other necessary overhead costs.

While you may balk at labor making up such a large percentage of your roofing project total, rest assured this is truly money well spent. Many NJ roofers, including George J Keller and Sons, not only train their teams in installing roofs safely and properly, but they also ensure their staffs obtain additional, ongoing training from shingle manufacturers. Here at George J Keller and Sons, we’re GAF MasterElite-certified, which means we are trained on the best practices for roofing your home and installing the entire roofing system properly, safely, and efficiently, ensuring your roof lasts as long as possible and performs well throughout its lifetime.

Still considering doing it yourself? You should know that DIY roofs are often not protected by manufacturer warranties. You can check with your manufacturer to learn more.

Miscellaneous Costs

Permitting and disposal will make up a very small percentage of your overall costs, but it will be included in your roofing project total. Recent changes in New Jersey have dropped the need for permits on some roofing jobs but it’s always best to check with your local municipality. Your overall roofing project cost will also include the cost of bringing a dumpster onsite and then haul away and dispose of your old roofing materials and other waste.

Hiring a New Jersey Roofer

Do you still have questions about roofing your home or finding an affordable, yet highly skilled NJ roofer? Give us a call at George J Keller and Sons today at 973-927-0963! We’ll be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with a free estimate on roofing your home.