Even the toughest roofs don’t last forever — as the years go by, they will eventually need to be replaced. But what is the cost of roof replacement? What factors are at play? This guide will tell you what you need to know about Massachusetts roof replacements.
According to Forbes, the average roof replacement cost in the United States is about $11,500 for an average-sized home. However, costs can vary widely — from around $6,700 to $80,000. Fixr lists the average cost for Massachusetts homeowners at between $10,000 and $36,000. Homeowners with a 2,000-square-foot cross-gable roof who install mid-grade architectural shingles can expect to spend around $20,000 for a complete replacement.
While these estimates are helpful, various factors impact the total cost of a roof replacement in Massachusetts, including the size, material, accessibility and condition of the roof. This is why it’s always best to rely on the professionals.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when estimating the cost of a new roof.
An essential factor for new roof costs in Massachusetts is size. Naturally, bigger roofs cost more money. Large roofs require more materials — and more labor. Therefore, if you have a large home, you can expect to pay more than the national average for your new roof installation.
In Massachusetts, the total cost of a 1,000-square-foot roof can be between $4,500 and $33,000, while 4,500-square-foot roofs can cost between $20,000 and $148,000. Why the wide range? That’s where roofing materials come into play.
Roofs can be made of many materials, including slate, vinyl, metal, composite and asphalt. Certain materials are more expensive per square foot than others, which is why the per-square-foot roof replacement cost in Massachusetts ranges between $4.50 and $33. If you want a roof made of higher-end materials, you’ll have to pay the extra material costs to have it installed.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new roofing material, but you can get a quick overview here:
- Asphalt: Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective option that can withstand snow, ice and wind — which we Bay Staters are well-accustomed to.
- Rubber: Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) is thin, dependable and waterproof. This rubber is ideal for flat or mostly flat roofs and offers a long life span.
- Metal: Metal roofing is extremely durable and can often be installed on top of an existing asphalt roof system.
Asphalt is the most affordable roofing option, followed by rubber and metal.
The pitch and shape of your new roof may also impact the total cost of installation. In general, roofs with steep pitches often cost more to install because the process is more complex. In addition, roofs in certain styles or shapes, like A-frame or Mansard roofs, may be more expensive to replace.
You can also keep these factors in mind when considering a roof replacement:
- Labor: Highly qualified roofing professionals may charge more for labor. However, they also typically provide the best results.
- Location: Roof replacements tend to cost more in cities due to increased labor costs, more competition and higher costs of living.
- Season: The best time for a roof replacement is from late spring to early fall, around May to September. Summer is peak season, so avoiding those warm months may lead to a better price.
While less expensive, “roofing over” is not generally recommended in Massachusetts. The New England climate isn’t gentle, and if you go for this option, you’ll likely have to replace the entire roof in a few years anyway. The new replacement will end up costing more because the professionals will have two layers to remove.
There’s one exception — it is often possible to install a metal roof over an asphalt roof that is still in good condition.
A roof is a big investment, even if you opt for cost-effective materials and schedule the replacement for the off-season. Here are some tips to help ensure you enjoy a high-quality roof:
- Review their warranty policies: Comprehensive warranties that cover labor and materials show the company stands behind its work.
- Read reviews: Online reviews reveal how satisfied other clients were with the service they received.
- Check out photos: Many companies publish photos of their work so you can get a sneak peek.
- Ask friends and family: If you know someone who had their roof replaced, ask what company they worked with and whether they would recommend their services.
Northeast Home & Energy has been in business for more than 40 years — when most roofing companies go out of business in the first 10 years. We are among the 3% of roofing contractors in the country that have achieved GAF® Master Elite® Certification, and we are proud to provide superior service to our customers. We also offer a 50-year warranty that covers labor and materials on all of our roofing systems.
It is extremely important to have your new roof installed properly by a trained and licensed roofing expert. Northeast Home & Energy is the company that you can trust with all of your roofing, window replacement, vinyl siding and Mass Save Insulation needs. Interested in a roof inspection? Schedule a free estimate to have one of our roofing experts provide a free inspection and evaluate the condition of your roof.
