How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost?

Replacing your roof doesn’t have to break the bank when you understand the options and factors that go into pricing your next home improvement project out.

Roof replacement isn’t one of the most common home improvement projects simply because roofs are designed to last for decades.

However, it’s inevitable that your roof will start to give in to all of the elements, wear, and tear that it stands up to day in and day out. And if your roof is pushing past 30 years in age, it might be time to consider bolstering it with new materials.

One of the first questions that comes to mind then is how much a roof replacement costs.

As this job is no small task or home upgrade, many homeowners worry that the investment will break the bank when it comes to finally tackling the project. In fact, that worry causes many to put off repairing or replacing a roof that is far past its prime, leaving Queensland homes susceptible to more damage and even more costly repairs.

Rather than putting off the project, let’s take a look at how you can tell if your roof really does need replacing and what you can expect it to cost you on average.

If you want to learn more about roof replacement, check out our other resources:

1. How To Choose The Best Roof Replacement Provider

2. Re-Roofing vs. Roof Replacement

3.How Long Does Roof Replacement Take?

4. How To Know When Your Roof Needs Replacing

Factors that affect your roof replacement cost

If it’s been determined that you need a new roof, don’t panic.

To start with, your professional roofer will take care of everything you need to have a brand new roof that will last you for decades. That said, they will likely also provide you with an estimate for the cost of replacing the existing materials. As you review different estimates, here’s what typically goes into providing that pricing in the first place.

Size

This is the absolute biggest factor when it comes to pricing out a new roof. The bigger the roof, the more the replacement will cost. That’s because you’ll need more materials and manpower to finish the job. The projects are estimated in terms of square metres. Make sure any professional that provides an estimate to you actually measures out your roof so you can be confident that the quote is as accurate as possible.

Material

Next, it comes down to what you want your new roof to be made out of. All roofs will have the same substructure, usually made of wood and plywood sarking, which your roofer will confirm the integrity of.

From there, you’ll have a bit of influence over the price depending on the roof material you choose. There are cost differences between going with terracotta, metal, Colorbond, or asphalt shingles, for example, since each carries its own expenses as well as installation time and method.

Waste removal

This is likely factored into any estimate you receive. After all, the existing material will need to be removed and properly disposed of or recycled. This often carries a cost by weight, which your roofer will be able to estimate based on how much material (i.e. old roof) will be removed.

What are the factors that affect the cost

When it comes to pricing, it’s easiest to break it down in terms of materials.

Do you want a metal roof that is designed to last for 60+ years? Or do you want to try terracotta which can look regal but may be susceptible to breakages and shorter lifespans?

Once you decide on your material costs, you can get a sense of what you might spend, as shown in the table below (average pricing in Australia is presented).

You’ll need to keep in mind two factors here. For one, this is only the cost of the material. Installation will tend to run at an hourly rate of $50-$80 per hour, or $40-$60 per square metre.

And the sarking, or substructure, of the roof that is so important as a foundation shouldn’t be skipped over, either. If it’s decided this needs replacement too, you can expect to spend between $8-$10 per square metre.

Interested in metal roofs? Learn more here: How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?

Ongoing costs to watch for with your new roof

Great news! There are very few costs you’ll have to worry about with your new roof once it’s in place.

While the last thing you’ll want to think about is repairs after you have a new roof, accidents can happen. Storm damage and extremes in weather can occur, but repairs should be fairly straightforward. You can expect to pay between $15-$35 per square metre for any repair work you (hopefully never) need.

Maintenance wise, your roof should be able to fend for itself for the most part. If you notice dirt or moss starting to accumulate, you can call out for a professional cleaning, which will run between $250-$500 depending on the size of your roof. For this, you can expect the pros to use light pressure power washing to clear away debris and build up. And make sure to leave this job to the professionals. Not only is it dangerous to go up on a roof (with a power washer, no less) but improper cleaning can actually cause more damage or void your warranty.

Finally, triple check the warranties that come with your replacement roof. You may not be responsible for some of the repair or maintenance work that results depending on the terms in your warranty. And the best installers will also warranty their workmanship, so be sure to look for that as you choose a provider.

Replace your roof with confidence

Once you have a better idea of the vendor, material, and size of your roof (among other factors), you’ll be able to get a better sense of your roof replacement cost.

On average, for a 140 square metre roof, you can expect a replacement to run between $7,000-$10,000. Of course, you’ll want to get an exact estimate from several professionals to ensure accuracy.

We’ve provided new roofs, replacements, re-roofing and repairs for homeowners with a wide range of solutions and materials. No matter how big or small your budget, we can work with you to design and implement a replacement roof you can feel confident in.

All of your projects come with a 7-year workmanship warranty along with the included materials warranties, so you never need to worry about quality or upkeep. We use only the highest quality materials expertly installed by our team of in-house professionals. From start to finish, we will have your roof done on time and on budget.

To learn more and for a fast free quote, call us on 0432 660 047 today!