What Is The Cost Of A New 1,000 Sq Ft Roof?
The average cost of a new roof in the US is between $8,000 and $15,000 but if you already know the size of your roof is 1,000 square feet then you are going to be interested in prices for this rather than generic costings. Find out the cost of a 1,000 square foot roof here.
If you're looking for a more accurate average cost to replace your 1,000 square feet roof? The best thing to do is speak to local roofers in your state or area and compare quotes. Fill out the form below and we'll put you in contact with shingle roof experts in your local area. Time to complete: 30 seconds.
What is the cost of a new 1,000 sq ft roof?
The cost of a new 1,000 sq ft roof will be split largely between labor and materials although there are some incidental charges. Let’s start with the obvious, roofing shingles.
Roofing materials so that’s shingles and underlayment are usually costed in roof squares. A roof square is 100 square feet so a roof area of 1,000 square feet equates to 10 roof squares. Roof squares are a handy unit of measurement used by professional roofing contractors and retailers to make it easier to compare costs. Here are some roof material costs per roof square and for a 1,000 sq ft roof.
| Roofing Materials | Cost per roof square | Cost for 1,000 sq ft |
| Asphalt Shingles | $100 - $480 | $1,000 -£4,800 |
| Metal roof covering | $100 - $1,500 | $1,000 - $15,000 |
| Tiles and Slates | $4,000-$8,000 | $40,000 - $80,000 |
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Labor costs
Labor costs in the roofing sector work out on average at $75 per hour across the USA. Another useful way to look at it is per roof square and on this basis, the rate is from about $150 to $300 per roof square.
Some roofers will give you an inclusive price per roof square on their estimate to include both roofing materials and labor; this is why their price per roof square may be higher than those you have seen for materials at the roofing depot.
What other things might be on your roofer’s estimate?
Don’t forget underlayment or roofing felt and rainwater goods so new guttering and soffits. If you are changing the design of your roof to include features, perhaps you are renewing your roof to convert the loft space into accommodation or, your existing roof already has chimneys or skylights and dormers, the materials for all of these features will form part of your roofer’s quotation.
What other costs are there on top of roofing material and labor?
Your roofing contractor’s estimate is only one bill you might receive for your roofing project, there can be other costs attached to the process of installing a new roof. Some of these include:-
- A roof inspection, typically in the region of $200-$300
- Building permits
- Professional fees for architects and surveyors if you are choosing a new roof design
- Third party costs like scaffolding hire which may not appear on your estimate and can billed to you directly by the contractor
- Dump fees for disposing of the old roofing material
What are the key factors which increase the cost of a new 1,000 square foot roof?
The main influencer is the choice of roofing materials but there are other elements which can send the cost of a new roof skyrocketing.
Sometimes, old roofs are not sufficiently in line with the latest roofing code in your area so there may be a requirement to make some upgrades to the roof deck in order that the new structure complies with these regulations. Your roofer should be able to advise you about this when he inspects the roof.
Hidden damage usually from insidious leaks is always a nasty find when the old roof is torn down; sometimes it is just not possible to see these even with a thorough roof inspection. Damaged or rotting timber will need to be renewed before the roofing project can carry on.
How can you shave dollars of the cost of a new 1,000 square foot roof?
Start by discussing your choice of roofing material with the contractor, there are always cheaper options not just with regard to the price point but materials that are easier and quicker to work with and therefore bring down the labor charge.
If you have opted for a heavier roofing shingle like a clay or concrete tile then your quotation may include structural upgrades to the roof frame to bear the extra weight. Choose a lighter product and avoid these costs in their entirety.
Make life easy for your roofing firm and ensure that there is good and straightforward access to the property, this is one thing the homeowner can do. Dump trucks need to be able to draw up alongside to cart away the old roofing material. Delivery trucks need to be able to drop off roofing material straight onto the roof. If there is no easy access for these vehicles then this will significantly impact on your labor charges. Spend some time preparing the site.
Ask your roofer if he will consider a roof overlay; if your existing roof is level, not sagging and otherwise in reasonable condition then this is a short-term and effective way to save money as it avoids the tear down labor charge and dump fees for the old roofing material. Most states allow for this in their roofing code but do check. However, some contractors are not keen on this.
Look around for roofing grants – your contractor is a good starting point but do your own research as there are lots of different schemes which come and go at a local level and your roofer may not be aware of all of them. Roofing grants won’t cover the cost of the roof but can sometimes make a decent contribution. Grants are available at federal and local level and tend to be aimed at two distinct types of project:-
- New roofs and repairs for low-income families and people aged over 60
- Green roof choices which are eco-friendly and sustainable
It might be possible to tailor your project to fall within the parameters of a green roof grant but do read the small print and terms and conditions carefully as some grants need to be repaid if you sell the house within a specified time frame.
If you are working to a tight budget then discuss different options with your roofing contractor. Sometimes it is possible to defer some of the work to a later date like ventilation pipes and this can help spread the cost.
Funding a new roof
A new roof can be a serious expense for most homeowners so the options are to use savings or find finance either via your mortgage lender or a bank or financial institution; some roofing companies work with finance houses and can help with this.
There will be an uplift in the value of your property with a new roof as well as the real possibility of saving money on your energy costs with a better insulated roof. Of course, a new roof is a massive inducement for prospective purchasers if you are thinking of selling in the weeks and months following the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you work out the square footage of your roof?
As a rule of thumb, the roof area on a property is usually 1.5 times the square footage of the property so it is relatively easy to work out the roof size particularly if it is a simple ranch-style roof. Complex roofs are far harder to measure, so roofs with multiple elevations or lots of features like skylights or dormers really need measuring by a professional.
Why do the prices at the roofing depot seem lower than the cost listed on the estimate by the roofer for the same materials?
In the depot, the price quoted is per roof square but any decent roofer knows that sometimes, you need more than 100 square feet of roofing material to cover 100 square feet of roof, this can be down to how the material is worked or just other factors like complex roof designs or wastage around roof features like skylights and dormers.
What are the drawbacks and disadvantages of a roof overlay?
Even if the roof code in your area allows for overlayment, some roofers won’t do them. It can be difficult to get a good finish on the roof and if you have leaks or problems on the underlying roof or roofs then access is very difficult. The top roof will not have such a long lifespan compared to its longevity if it had been laid straight onto the roof deck and your insurance company will only insure the top roof for storm damage, not the ones beneath. Roof overlays seriously lack curb appeal for new buyers but if you are really pushed on budget and in desperate need of a new roof, they can make a big impact on an estimate.
Isn’t it cheaper to repair my roof rather than to have to front the cost of a new 1,000 square foot roof?
It can be but repeated and frequent repairs on an old roof are only putting off the inevitable and can end up being a waste of money.
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