We at Powell’s know that New Jersey homes take on a lot of bad weather throughout the year — roofs specifically have to endure everything from Nor’easters and hurricanes to heavy snow. Eventually, the time may come after a few decades when annual roofing repairs are no longer enough, and a more substantial roof replacement is in order.

If your home’s roof is nearing the end of its life, it may be time to consider tearing off your home’s old roof in favor of a new one. Roof replacements ensure your home is protected for many more years to come. They can significantly improve your home’s resell value and curb appeal.

Here, we’ll discuss some costs of tearing off and replacing a home’s roof.

What is the cost of tearing off a roof?

Sometimes, your contractors may bill separately for removing your home’s roof. Other times, the cost may be included in the overall bill for replacing your home’s roof.

Angie’s List estimates the average cost of around $1,250 to tear it down before installation.

However, several factors could drive the price of such a project for your home. A larger roof project may involve more labor and materials, of course. There may also be higher labor costs associated with roof projects that involve more layers in the underlayment and heavier materials. Additionally, there may be costs to cover a lot of waste removal or special removal of certain roofing materials, which some localities deem hazardous building materials such as asphalt shingles.

This part of the project typically costs $1 to $5 per square foot or an average of $1,000 to $1,500.

A hidden cost of replacing your home’s roof may also be any underlying structural issues beneath the old roof. After removing your home’s old roof, it is vital to treat any of these issues before they lead to major structural issues, saving you costly emergency repairs during heavy storms.

Such issues may involve rotting wood, leaks, holes, or pest problems — these repair costs vary based on the issue. In contrast, pest extermination prices usually go from around $200 to $600.

What is the overall cost of roof replacement? 

According to Angie’s List, roof replacement costs $8,978 on average nationally — most homeowners can expect to spend between $5,695 and $12,272 

However, roof size and materials will largely determine roof replacement costs. The average roof size in New Jersey is 1,700 sq. ft., with many New Jersey replacements costing $5 to $10 per sq. ft. However, the full range of costs, including materials, ranges from $3 to $20 per sq. ft.

Your trusted roofing contractors will be able to advise you if you are looking into tearing off your old roof and replacing it with a new one. It’s essential to get an estimate and discuss your plans with your roofing contractors first, so you can know what to expect regarding costs, materials, and timeframe for your project.

For more information on roof replacement in NJ, contact Powell’s expert roofing contractors today.