Are you looking to get a budget for an upcoming roof replacement in the Jacksonville area?
Understanding what goes into calculating the cost of a roof can help you create a good budget. It also can help you make a better-informed decision about your new roof. But where do you even start?
You are not alone! Most of our clients came to us first asking for help with a budget for their roof replacement. We understand homeowners need a budget to be better prepared for a large and important investment like this one. Our family at RoofCrafters also knows that getting a budget number can be frustrating. Our team has over 30 years of experience doing roof replacements. So we decided to put together an easy-to-use free calculating tool to help you with your budget.
But first, we'll cover the three main factors that go into calculating the cost of your roof.
This way you'll have a better understanding of how we go about calculating the cost of your roof. And hopefully, you'll be better educated and prepared for your upcoming roofing project in DUUUVAL!
Let’s jump right into it!
Factors That Impact the Cost of Your Roof Replacement
There are many factors that will impact the cost of your roof replacement. The type of underlayment, the location of the job, and the time of year. Yet, in our 30 years of experience, we've found there are three main factors needed to calculate the cost of a roof replacement:
- The type of materials
- The square footage of the roof
- The slope of the roof
Let us review each of the 3 factors that'll impact the cost then we'll cover how to calculate them together.
The Cost of the Roofing Materials You Want to be Installed on Your Home
The type of materials you choose for your roof replacement will have the biggest impact on the cost of the project. Some materials are more expensive than others, but those materials will offer greater durability or a longer lifespan.
Additionally, some materials need more labor or specialized skills and equipment to install. This will add to the cost of the project. Understanding the pros and cons of different roofing materials will help you choose the right roofing for your budget.
3-Tab Shingles
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Suitable for most climates
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan than other materials (15-17 years)
- Less durable than other materials
- Less visually appealing than other materials
- less protection and may blow off in high-wind areas
Architectural Shingles
Pros:
- Better durability than 3-tab shingles
- More visually appealing than 3-tab shingles
- Longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles (18-24 years)
- Suitable for most climates
- Easy to install
- Higher wind protection than 3-tab shingles
Cons:
- More expensive than 3-tab shingles
- Not as durable as a metal roof
- May not be suitable for extremely cold or hot climates
- Same as every other house
Upgraded Architectural Shingles
Pros:
- Longer lifespan than architectural shingles (25-30 years)
- More durable and resistant to damage
- More visually appealing than other shingle options(not as common)
- Thicker and heavier weight
- Easy to install
- High wind protection
Cons:
- More expensive than other shingle options
- Not as durable as a metal roof
- May not be suitable for extremely cold or hot climates
Designer Shingles
Pros:
- Most visually appealing shingle option(not common - wow factor)
- Longer lifespan than other shingle options (25-30 years)
- More durable and resistant to damage
- Heaviest of the asphalt shingle s
- Great wind warranty
Cons:
- Most expensive asphalt shingle option
- Not as durable as a metal roof
- May not be suitable for extremely cold or hot climates
Screw-down Metal Roof
Pros:
- Highly durable and resistant to damage
- Suitable for most climates
- Easy to install
- Energy-efficient
- Extremely resistant to wind
Cons:
- Not as visually appealing as other roofing materials (exposed screws)
- Maintenance is needed at around the 5 to 8-year mark
- Can be noisy during heavy rain or stormy weather
- Expansion and contraction can lead to screws leaking
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Pros:
- Most durable and long-lasting roofing material (50+ years)
- Suitable for most climates
- Best wind protection
- Energy-efficient
- Low maintenance
- Boost home value (curb appeal)
- Many colors to choose from
Cons:
- More expensive roofing material than asphalt shingles
- Requires professional installation
- May not be suitable for some neighborhoods
- Can be noisy during heavy rain or stormy weather
Now let's cover how to measure and get your roof's square footage.
Measuring the Square Footage of Your Roof
Getting an accurate measurement of your roof's square footage is a critical part of calculating the cost of your roof replacement. Here's how to get an accurate measurement:
First, measure the length and width of each plane of the roof, including any dormers or other protrusions.
Then, measure the length of each plane.
Next, multiply the length by the width of each plane to get the square footage of each section of the roof.
To calculate the total square footage of the roof, add up the square footage of each plane.
But, it's important to note that not all square footage measurements are equal. A roof with more angles (hips & valleys) will have more cuts and thus use more waste.
The waste factor refers to the number of excess materials that we'll order due to the cuts and waste that occur during the installation process. This can vary depending on the complexity of the roof, such as its slope and the number of valleys, hips, and ridges. The more waste, the more materials we'll need to order to complete the project. Which will result in a higher cost for the materials.
Most roofing companies in Florida estimate the cost of a roof replacement based on the square footage of the roof. But keep in mind they’ll take into account other factors. Such as waste factor and extra labor cost for roofs with greater slopes.
This brings us to our next topic, the slope or steepness of your roof.
Your Roof Slope Will Impact the Cost of Your Roof Replacement
The slope or complexity of a roof will impact the installation cost. A roof with a steeper pitch will take more labor. A complex roof design may also need extra installation steps, which can further increase the labor cost.
Besides the direct costs of materials and labor. There are more costs associated with complex steep-slope roofs.
Sometimes we'll need scaffolding and safety equipment to ensure the safety of the workers. Nobody wants anyone getting hurt on their property! These added costs are important to consider when calculating the total cost of the project.
These factors impact the cost of the project because they need more time, materials, and labor to complete. Roofing companies must account for the extra overhead costs when estimating the project's total cost. So, it's important to measure the roof and factor in the complexity when creating your roof budget.
The Roof Calculation Process: Putting It All Together
Calculating the cost of your new roof can seem like an overwhelming task. But, by understanding the three main factors. The type of materials, square footage, and slope - you can "estimate" and create a budget for your upcoming roof replacement project.
Here is a step-by-step guide to calculating the cost of your new roof:
- Determine the square footage of your roof by measuring the length and width of each section and adding them together.
- Determine the slope or complexity of your roof by visually inspecting it. (use the slope chart or pictures of other homes we provided)
- Decide the type of materials you want for your new roof and estimate the cost per square foot based on your selection.
- Do the math, by multiplying the square footage times the cost per square foot of the roofing material you want.
To give you an idea of what to expect, let's take a look at two examples:
For a simple roof with asphalt shingles, the cost per square foot can range from $4 to $6 per square foot. With a square footage of 2,000, the total cost would be between $8,000 and $12,000.
For a complex roof installing standing seam metal, the cost per square foot can range from $12 to $19. With a square footage of 3,500, the total cost would be between $42000 and $66,500.
Calculate the Cost of Your Roof Replacement in Jacksonville
Calculating the cost of a new roof in Jacksonville may seem like a daunting task. But by understanding the three main factors - materials, square footage, and slope - you can get a better idea of what to expect.
Follow the step-by-step guide outlined in this article. Use the example calculations provided. And you’ll easily be able to create a solid budget. Keep in mind this is a rough estimate for budgeting purposes. The exact cost of your roof replacement may be slightly more or a little lower. We'd recommend you get 2 or 3 quotes from roofing companies in Jacksonville before making your final decision.
We've also created a pricing calculator that is free for you to use. Keep in mind this is not an actual estimate. We created it to help you get a better idea for budgeting purposes and hopefully, it will help you be better prepared for your investment.
At RoofCrafters, we understand that getting a new roof is an important investment for you and your family. Our homes are our safe place. The place we all love to be for birthdays, holidays, and when it's storming out. That's why we're committed to providing the communities we serve with honest and transparent pricing. And we've been around providing quality workmanship and exceptional experiences for 3 decades now. We're here to help.
Are you dreading scheduling appointments with a salesperson for your roof replacement estimate? Do you cringe at the idea of taking time off work or rearranging your schedule for an in-person inspection? We understand that life can be hectic, and scheduling an in-person estimate can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
Fortunately, technology has provided a solution to this problem. You can now get a virtual roof replacement estimate. You'll get an accurate quote without ever having a salesperson step foot on your property. Our family at RoofCrafters uses satellite imagery to get exact measurements of your home. We then provide you with an accurate virtual estimate for your roof replacement. To begin your virtual roof estimate journey click the 'Get My Virtual Estimate' button below and enjoy your experience!
