The thought of going through a roof replacement is overwhelming to most homeowners. It is an expensive undertaking that requires many decisions to be made.

Unfortunately, the roofing industry is not very transparent about many factors nor does it have a reputation for great customer service. At AIC roofing and Construction, we do things a little differently.

We take pride in providing unmatched customer service and that’s why we wanted to help you get a ballpark estimate for what your asphalt roof replacement may cost – before you even talk to a salesperson.

It’s important to note that it is impossible to give you an exact price until a Lexington roofing contractor comes to inspect your roof. There are many variables that go into a roof replacement or repair. Each home is so different that your roof replacement cost will differ from other homes even in your neighborhood due to the uniqueness of each roof.

In order to help temper expectations and give you an idea of the budget you’ll need, we want to outline some preliminary costs and factors that go into your roof replacement.

How much does a roof replacement cost?

An asphalt shingle roof is the most common type of residential roof. It’s affordable, durable and long lasting. How much will your shingle roof replacement cost? For a house similar to the one pictured below, that is one story, with no peaks, valleys or penetrations, you can expect to pay about $4-$5 per square foot of roof. This includes mid-grade shingles, underlayment, and other roof components. Keep in mind that roof square footage is not the same as home square footage . Factors such a steepness, peaks and valleys will increase the square footage of a roof.

For a two-story home that has minimal complexity and decent accessibility, you can expect an asphalt roof replacement using mid-grade shingles to cost approximately $6-$7 per square foot. The trend being here the larger and more complex the roof, the more costly the replacement will be.

For a large home, with 2+ stories, that is very complex – involving many penetrations, peaks and valleys that is not easily accessible, you can expect to pay more along the lines of $8 or $9 per square foot. This would include high grade shingles and using all of the manufacturer’s roofing components. Upgrades would obviously influence this price as well, a popular one being copper flashing.

The shingle grade you choose will impact your roof replacement cost

There are a few different types, entry-level, mid, and high grade. The difference between the mid and high-grade shingles is largely aesthetic as they both come with similar warranties and asphalt shingles offer a huge selection with a wide range of colors, thickness, and appearance. Most roofing contractors offer mid-grade and high-grade shingles. Mid and high-grade shingles offer similar manufacturer warranties, lifespans and durability. Their differences are largely based on aesthetic characteristics. The price difference between mid and high grade shingles can vary as much as $0.50 – $3 per square foot.

Is it time to replace your roof?

If your roof appears faded and worn, if there’s recently been a storm in your area or your roof is over 15 years old, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected. Roof inspections are typically free and can help give you a better idea of the remaining useful life of your roof. We recommend getting a roof inspection annually to make sure you catch leaks and any repairable issues.

Roofing estimates from different contractors will include different qualities of

materials, levels of customer service and warranties. We recommend getting a

few roofing estimates before selecting the contractor that’s best for your home.

What’s the ROI of a Roof Replacement?

According to the 2022 National Association of Realtors Research Group, new roofing was one of only two exterior home projects that had a full, 100% cost recovery for homeowners. This shows that home buyers greatly value the investment of new roofing.

Whether you intend to sell your home in the future or not – new roofing is definitely worth the investment and will likely increase your home’s value by the same amount you spend.  Rest assured knowing that you’re making a smart investment in your home by replacing your roof.

What parts make up your roofing system?

Roofs are expensive. It’s important to do your research before a roof replacement to ensure you’re making choices that will add to the longevity of your home and roofing system.

In addition to your shingles, your roofing system is made up of your:

–        Gutters: Gutters are a very important piece of your home’s water displacement system.

–        Flashing: This is metal placed at the transitions where the roof meets vertical walls

–        Roofing decking: This likely won’t need a full replacement unless you’re on your 3rd or 4th roof replacement.

–        Underlayment: There are a few different types. Underlayment is very important which is why we put down synthetic underlayment as the standard during our roof replacements.

–        Pipe boots: Penetrations in your roof due to HVAC and plumbing must be sealed. A pipe boot is fitted around these penetrations to form a watertight seal.

–        Ice and water shield: An ice and water shield forms a moisture tight seal on top of your underlayment.

–        Ventilation: Proper ventilation is critical to the longevity of your roof and preventing costly dry rot damage. It’s important to understand the different types of roofing ventilation so you can choose the best ones for your home.

–        Drip edge: Your drip edge has to be replaced with your roof. Aside from being required by local code and regulations, this is another critical component in leak prevention.

We want you to feel knowledgeable and confident when speaking with your roofing contractor. That’s one of the reasons we created our Learning Center and YouTube Channel where we cover topics ranging from tips on how to find the best Lexington roofing contractors, how to compare roofing bids, selecting the right ventilation for your roof, what is roof decking – and much more.

Final Thoughts

AIC Roofing and Construction is part of the elite 2% of roofers in North America to hold the GAF MasterElite Certification. We renew this certification every year as part of our commitment to excellence.

We are able to offer our customers peace of mind with industry leading warranties at no additional cost. Replacing your roof is expensive and can be a stressful process. But, it doesn’t have to be. Our expert staff are with you every step of the way – before, during and after. 

We don’t cut corners on your roof replacement and pride ourselves on our best-in-class customer service and experience. If you’re preparing for a roof replacement or would like a second opinion – only trust your home to the best, contact AIC Roofing & Construction in Central Kentucky today for a free estimate on your roof.

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