How Much Does Roofing Labor Cost? A Guide to Affordable Roofing Solutions
When it comes to getting your roof fixed or replaced, many factors contribute to the final price. Understanding how much you can expect to pay for roofing labor is vital for budgeting effectively and ensuring you're not overpaying. Everything from the materials used, project scope, weather conditions, and roof accessibility can affect the price of a roofing job.
If you have roofing work that needs to be done and want a better idea of how much you should expect to pay, let’s take a look at roofing labor costs and everything that factors into them.
The Scale of the Project
Most roofing companies charge either per square foot or per square (which is 100 square feet). The average labor cost for roofing falls between $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot, depending on your location and roof complexity. This means per square, you could pay anywhere from $250 to $350 just for labor.
In general, a typical roofing project will cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $8,800, but it can range as low as $2,000 for minor repairs or as high as $30,000 for larger or more complex jobs. The wide discrepancy depends on factors like the roofing material used, the size of the roof, and additional elements such as steep slopes or difficult access, which require specialized safety equipment and increase labor costs.
Additionally, most projects will involve removing old roofing material, which can cost an additional $1 to $5 per square foot. Keep in mind that labor is usually the largest portion of the overall price, so it’s crucial to understand how these factors play into your final bill.
Materials Used
The type of roofing material you choose will also affect the overall labor cost. Here’s a general breakdown of labor costs by material type:
Basic Shingle Roofing: ~$200 per square
Architectural Shingles: ~$300 per square
Flat/Rolled/Built-up Roofing: ~$300 per square
Wood Shakes or Metal Roofing: ~$400 per square
Slate or Tile Roofing: ~$500 per square
These figures reflect labor costs only, not the price of materials. Certain materials, such as slate and tile, are more labor-intensive to install, making them pricier due to the specialized skills required.
Miscellaneous Items and Considerations
In addition to roofing materials, many roofs require items like underlayment, sheathing, nails/fasteners, flashing, ridge vents, drip edges, and soffit and fascia. While each of these items may seem small, their installation costs can add up. Here are some rough estimates:
Underlayment: ~$14 per square foot
Soffit and Fascia: ~$22 per linear foot (these are on the higher end of the scale)
Other factors that can impact the cost include:
Roof Slope: Roofs with a steep pitch (over 6:12) are more challenging to work on and can increase labor costs.
Geographic Location: Labor costs are generally higher in major cities and areas with higher costs of living.
Season: The busiest roofing seasons are late spring and fall. If you need a roofing project done outside of these times, expect to pay a premium due to adverse weather conditions like extreme heat or cold.
Permits: In some cases, you may need a permit, which can cost up to $500 depending on local regulations.
Lastly, you may need a roof inspection before work begins, which can cost up to $400, depending on the company and extent of the inspection. Structural issues discovered during the inspection, such as damaged trusses, can significantly increase labor costs.
The Best Material for New Roofing
One of the most cost-effective materials for new roofing is synthetic cedar shakes. Products like CeDUR Shake offer the aesthetic appeal of real wood shakes without the ongoing maintenance or higher labor costs. Synthetic cedar shakes are lightweight, making them easier to install, which can reduce labor costs during installation. With an expected lifespan of over 50 years and minimal maintenance requirements, synthetic cedar shakes are an excellent long-term investment.
CeDUR’s synthetic cedar shakes are also highly durable, resisting fire, high impacts, and the common issues real wood faces, like rot, mold, insect damage, UV damage, warping, and buckling. With a Class A fire rating and Class 4 impact resistance, CeDUR shakes provide top-tier protection, making them one of the safest and most cost-effective roofing options available.
Why Synthetic Cedar Shakes from CeDUR are the Best Choice
If you’re considering a new roof, it’s hard to go wrong with CeDUR’s synthetic cedar shakes. Not only will you save money on labor during installation due to their lightweight design, but you’ll also save even more in the long run because they require almost zero maintenance. No more costly sealants, inspections for damage, or repairs for common wood issues like warping and buckling.
CeDUR Shake products give you the beautiful, rustic look of real wood without the hassle. They’re incredibly durable, resistant to all types of environmental damage, and built to last for decades with minimal upkeep.
If you want the most cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and durable roofing material, CeDUR synthetic cedar shakes are the smart choice for your home.
Contact us today to learn more or to request a free sample, and start your journey toward a long-lasting, beautiful roof.