The roof is one of the most expensive parts of an American home, with homeowners paying around USD$10,000 on average (according to the U.S. Department of Energy). Yet, it’s one part that no home can stand fast without. A house isn’t basically defined as “four walls and a roof” for no reason.

But make no mistake: a new roof or replacement won’t necessarily cost USD$10,000. You can find yourself paying less or far more depending on key factors like the roof size, roof material of choice, and the professional’s rates. This holds true even in states like Massachusetts, where the average roofing cost is below the national average.

Given the significant investment involved, you’d want to make sure you get what you pay for. Learn here how much a new or replacement roof costs in the Bay State.

Labor Rates

As a job that involves working at dizzying heights, roofers may charge a significant rate for the effort. It’s estimated that labor accounts for 50% to 70% of the overall cost of a roof replacement. The more difficult the job and the bigger the roof, the higher the labor rate.

Professional roofing contractors near Winchester and other areas within Massachusetts calculate their rates based on a long list of considerations. The list varies by roofer, but it typically includes:

• Roofing size and slope: Larger roofs require fielding more professionals, whereas steeper roofs prompt fielding more safety equipment.
• Roofing material type: Roofing types come in various forms from individual tiles or shingles to whole panels, with varying difficulties of installation.
• Other required materials: Roofs are held by supporting materials such as trusses, sheathing, and underlayment, which add to the total project cost.
• Seasonality: Summer and fall are peak seasons for roofers in Massachusetts, as homeowners take the time to prep for the harsh winter.
• Extreme weather risk: Massachusetts’ location puts it in the path of hurricanes, frequently between June and November.

Roofing companies charge for labor in one of two ways: by roofing square or hourly. By the square means charging for every 100 square feet of roofing, which can be less costly. However, the risk of cutting corners increases since spending too long on one roofing project doesn’t benefit them.

An hourly rate calculates the total number of hours spent on completing the roofing project based on an eight-hour workday. With this system, roofers are incentivized to spend more time on roof work by ensuring everything is up to spec. However, it’s important to know that skilled labor costs more in Massachusetts by the hour.

Roofing contractors often swear by either system, so getting and comparing accurate estimates is key. Their preference can also suggest the kind of team they’ll deploy for the job. For example, if they consist of quick hands, they’re likely to charge by the square. For roof repair work, the labor rate will likely be by the hour.

Installation vs. Replacement

Building a roof from scratch is more expensive than replacing an existing one because the framework must be erected first. This support structure determines many aspects of your roof, including the slope, shape, and ability to channel runoff. Meanwhile, a replacement roofing project only requires removing the roof and keeping the current framework as is.

A roof’s slope (not to be confused with roof pitch) is determined by two values: the rise (vertical) and the run (horizontal). With the run typically fixed at 12 inches, measuring the slope is a matter of getting the rise. The conventional slope in Massachusetts has a rise of 4 to 7 inches for every run of 12 inches.

Roofs with slopes below 4 in 12 (as well as flat roofs) are easier to work with, as workers can safely work on top of the roof using basic safety gear. However, it doesn’t necessarily translate to lower costs because their shallow inclines risk water damage from pooling. Such roofs would likely undergo far more frequent inspection and maintenance.

On the other hand, slopes greater than 7 in 12 necessitate more safety equipment such as harnesses and scaffolding. Although their use adds to the initial cost, their effectiveness in draining runoff greatly reduces the need for frequent maintenance.

Either way, it’s in a homeowner’s best interest to have the best roof for their budget. That’s why most Massachusetts households opt for a conventional-sloped roof type, striking a healthy balance between initial cost and maintenance spending.

Some roof designs can have multiple slope measurements. One example is the mansard roof, which features a low-sloped topside and steep-sloped embankments. Expect such a roof to be pricey, whether constructing it from the ground up or replacing its roof.

Speaking of roof replacement, its cost can also vary depending on the type of material of choice. Below is an in-depth comparison of the most common roofing materials.

Choosing the ideal type of roofing material involves exercising due diligence. Just because asphalt shingles are the cheapest of the options mentioned above doesn’t make them the right one for your house. In this case, ask yourself if you can afford to install fresh shingles to fill the ones that got damaged or blown away, among other things.

Conclusion

Expect the cost of roof replacement or new roof in Massachusetts to reach five figures, especially if you prefer more durable materials and a more intricate support structure. But when you play your cards right, including choosing reputable roofing contractors for the job, every dollar invested will pay dividends over decades.