Key Factors That Influence Roofing Costs

(From guest blogger: Colorado Family Roofing) 

www.coloradofamilyroofing.com 

1. Size of Your Roof

The size of your roof is the most significant factor affecting the overall cost of a re-roofing project. Roofers usually calculate this based on "squares," which refers to 10'x10' (100 sq ft) sections. For example, if your roof is 2,200 sq ft, that equates to 22 squares. The labor and materials, particularly shingles, contribute to these square-based costs. One main reason you might see varying quotes for the same roof is the waste factor—this depends on the roof’s shape and number of sections, which can impact how much material is required.

The accuracy of the square count can also vary depending on the measurement tools used. Today, most roofers use satellite measurement tools for their accuracy and efficiency. While these tools are generally consistent, minor differences between providers can result in slightly different measurements.

2. Existing Roof Components

A roof includes various components The main factors that could affect pricing are the deck’s condition and any extra shingle layers. If there are multiple layers to remove, our labor cost increases by $15 per square due to the extra time required for removal, as our teams are paid per square completed.

Decking can be a substantial additional cost if it no longer meets building codes and requires full replacement. For new decking, we charge approximately $150 per square, depending on OSB prices. Additional components that could increase costs are roof vents (bathroom or kitchen), the current ventilation setup, and intake vents. In many Colorado homes, we find inadequate ventilation, and we often upgrade these systems during re-roofing projects.

We always include two layers of ice and water shield on every roof at no additional cost, even though other companies may charge $20–$30 per square for this added protection.

3. Type of Shingle

Some competitors may upsell higher-quality shingles or Class 4 shingles for an additional $10–$40 per square, though the added cost for these shingles is only around $10–$12 per square for us. Designer shingles, which are thicker and require more labor to install, are the exception. These can cost $100–$150 more per square due to their premium look and material cost.

4. Roof Pitch & Stories

The pitch, or steepness, of your roof, plays a large role in labor costs. A steeper roof is more challenging to work on, increasing labor fees. We add $14 per square for pitches of 7/12 and 8/12, $28 per square for 9/12 and 10/12, and $42 per square for 11/12 and 12/12 roofs.

The number of stories also impacts cost, as higher roofs present additional logistical challenges. For two-story roofs, we add $14 per square, and for three-story roofs, we add $28 per square.

5. Insurance vs. Retail Pricing

Navigating insurance claims in roofing can be complex. Insurance companies often issue low initial payouts, and roofers must employ supplementers who use Xactimate software to create detailed estimates that the insurance company will approve. This software, while necessary, is outdated, costly, and time-consuming, creating inefficiencies that inflate prices.

Some roofers may exploit the insurance process, adding extra line items to inflate the claim, even if they don’t intend to install those items.

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For questions or more information on what factors go into a roof visit: coloradofamilyroofing.com or reach them at 970-501-8125