Many homeowners hesitate to pursue a necessary roof replacement because they don’t know how much it will cost. Securing an accurate, trustworthy estimate without hidden upcharges can prove challenging. Choosing a reputable contractor like Red Diamond Roofing ensures that a homeowner will get an accurate breakdown of roof replacement costs tailored to their project.
Understanding The Types Of Asphalt Shingles
Most residential asphalt shingles are classified into one of three categories:
1. Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles (Traditional/Strip Shingles)
3-tab shingles are the most basic and economical roofing alternative. As a customary lightweight solution (235-240 lbs/square), they offer a flat, uniform, and single-layer aesthetic. With reasonable maintenance, homeowners should expect them to last 15-20 years. Premium versions (manufactured from fiberglass) could provide a few additional years of service life before requiring replacement.
2. Architectural Asphalt Shingles (Dimensional Shingles)
This asphalt shingle has become increasingly popular with homeowners. Architectural shingles offer a dimensional, textured appearance and enhanced durability, commonly weighing up to 50% more than 3-tab shingles. These features also deliver better wind, algae, and fire resistance. In the right conditions, standard architectural shingles will offer 25-30 years of usage, if not a few more years.
3. Premium Asphalt Shingles (Luxury/Designer Shingles)
Premium or luxury/designer asphalt shingles offer benefits unavailable with the other alternatives, including an extended lifespan of up to 50 years. Many are reinforced with polymers or fiberglass to deliver exceptional impact resistance from hail, wind, rain, and temperature extremes. Likewise, solar reflective or cool roof shingles incorporate special granules to reflect solar heat efficiently.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Shingle Roof?
The price for replacing an asphalt shingle roof depends on numerous factors, including the type of material chosen, the cost to remove the existing roof, whether sublayers need replacement, and “overhead” fees. Homeowners can expect the total cost to vary depending on roof size, accessibility, and the region’s market conditions.
New Roofing Material Selected
Different asphalt shingles have varying price points. Three-tab shingles are typically the most budget-friendly, while architectural and premium shingles offer enhanced durability, aesthetic appeal, and longer warranties, often at a higher cost. The total expense will also depend on the size and complexity of your roof.
Tear-Off & Disposal Of Old Roof
Removing an existing roof involves extensive manpower and results in a significant amount of material that must be discarded. This expense will depend on the ease or difficulty of accessing and removing the old roofing materials and the cost of dumpsters and disposal services.
Repairing Or Replacing Sublayers
Replacing a roof involves more than just tearing off the surface material. The roofing contractor must replace several sublayers, including the flashing, felt, and ice and water barrier. (The ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane designed to reinforce vulnerable areas prone to leaks.) The roofer will also evaluate the decking to determine whether or not it needs repair or replacement.
Administrative & Overhead Fees
A roof replacement customarily requires obtaining a permit from the local building authority, typically the municipality. A homeowner may incur other expenses, such as application fees, administrative fees, and plan review fees. Work with a knowledgeable roofing contractor familiar with your local community’s administrative process to ensure a smooth process and avoid unnecessary or unexpected costs or delays.
Answers To Your Shingle Roof Replacement Cost Questions
At Red Diamond Roofing, we work with homeowners in Denver, Fort Collins, and surrounding areas to address asphalt shingle roof replacement needs. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will answer your questions about the cost and provide a written estimate. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your free, no-obligation quote.
