Many factors affect the Cost to Tear Off and Replace a 1,200 Sq. Ft. Roof. Roof the choice of materials, labor rates in your region, and the complexity of the roof design. The average price could range from $3,600 to $7,200. Of course, you must factor your project details into the equation while estimating costs.
For a more accurate cost estimate, consult with roofing professionals. They will give you an exact quote based on the conditions of your roof and what materials you would like. With an understanding of these costs, whether asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or something else, you will be better able to plan for this significant home improvement.
1,200 sq. ft. Roof Cost Calculator
The cost of tearing off and replacing a 1,200 sq. ft. roof will depend on the quality, but I’ve designed an item for you if you want something more specific. High-quality and performance materials will run from $1,800 to $2,400 for basic ones like asphalt shingles and as much as $27,600 for high-end products like copper or clay tiles. Labor rates can vary based on the difficulty of laying the roof, with basic installations costing $3,600 to $5,400 and high-end ones priced at as much as $8,400. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the total replacement costs for the roof.
| Quality | Material Cost | Labor Cost | Total Cost | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
| Basic Quality | $1,800 – $2,400 | $1,800 – $3,600 | $3,600 – $6,000 | $3.00 – $4.50 |
| Standard Quality | $3,000 – $6,000 | $2,700 – $6,000 | $5,700 – $12,000 | $4.75 – $10.00 |
| Best Quality | $6,000 – $27,600 | $6,000 – $8,400 | $12,000 – $36,000 | $10.00 – $30.00 |
The expenses discussed include roofing materials ranging from asphalt to architectural shingles and metals to those of higher pedigree, such as slate, copper, and tile. The final price is variable depending upon roof complexity and labor rates in your area, thus throwing another spanner into the works concerning estimating your roof replacement cost.
Additional Considerations and Costs
Some other considerations and costs can add more to the price of a new roof besides the basic material and labor costs. The following are some other essential factors to consider when determining the price of a project:
1. Roof Complexity and Design
Your costs are usually higher when the roof has many layers, steep slopes, or complicated angles. For example, a roof with several stories, having a steep pitch (over 6:12), or intricate architectural features like chimneys or skylights will require more labor and safety precautions: roofs with higher complexity will cost more as they need more time and effort to install.
2. Roof Tear-Off Costs
Roof installation adds to the total cost because the need to remove the old material before applying a new roof. Most roof tear-offs charge $1-$5 per square foot, depending on the type of material being removed. Asphalt shingles are cheaper to remove than heavier materials like tile or slate.
3. Roof Decking or Sheathing Replacement
Sometimes, expensive determining factors may involve replacing a roof deck or sheathing. Typically, the wooden base of roofing material is called sheathing. This might cost between $2 and $5 per square foot. If there is any repair or replacement of your roof decking, this will raise the project’s cost.
4. Underlayment and Insulation
Moisture generally passes through the barrier under the roof into both construction units and the units below. Costs may run anywhere from $0.10 to $0.80 per square foot for different underlayment grades. Insulation The additional cost of adding insulation to your roof will ensure energy is funneled efficiently.Â
5. Ventilation and Drainage
Roof ventilation is very important as far as the life of your roof and energy efficiency are concerned. It costs around $200-$700, depending on the type and number of vents needed to install the roof vents. You would also need to install or replace gutters, which cost $5 to $15 per linear foot.
6. Permits and Inspections
The permits you may require for a roof replacement depending on your area. Roofing permits usually range from about $100 up to as much as $500. Roof inspections, usually part of ensuring adherence to local building codes, could cost $100 and $400.
7. Disposal Costs
While tearing off the roof, all sorts of materials put in dumpsters for disposal, such as tiles, shingles, and metal, usually have disposal fees. The dumpster will cost anywhere from $220 to $580 per week for roof disposal, depending on the dumpster size and location. This is an addition to the overall budget.Â
8. Emergency or Structural Repairs
In many cases, underlying issues, such as leaks, sagging, or structural damage, may need to be solved before setting up a new roof. Structural repairs, depending on the severity of the damage, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 and perhaps more. It is always expedient to perform a thorough roof inspection before engaging in the replacement process to identify if any hidden issues exist.
9. Roofing Material
Your roofing material will determine a big difference in the total cost of your roof replacement. Different materials vary widely in price. Below are the most common roofing materials and their corresponding costs:
- Asphalt Shingles: Probably the most common and inexpensive roofing forms. Most asphalt shingles cost anywhere from $3 to $5 per square foot or $5,700 to $12,000 for a 1,200-square-foot roof. Suitable for homeowners on a budget, they still provide solid protection.
- Architectural shingles: Unlike regular asphalt shingles, roofing shingles have more thickness and density. They quote between $4 and $6 per square foot, ranging from $7,200 to $14,400 for a 1,200-square-foot roof.
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofs are the most durable and energy efficient. The price range for such roofs can go from $5 to $16 per square foot, depending on the type of metal selected. Ultimately, with such a 1,200-square-foot roof, costs could vary between $6,000 and $19,200.
- Clay or Tile Roofing: On the most expensive side of the price continuum, clay or tile roofs. These materials last long periods, but the prices are also high. Expect to pay between $7 and $25 per square foot for materials. That could range from $8,400 to $30,000 for a 1,200-square-foot roof.
- Wood Shakes: A wood shake roof has a primitive and natural look. It incurs a cost of about $8,400 to $22,500 for a replacement of a 1,200-square-foot roof with wood shakes.
- Slate or Stone Roofing: The slate and stone options are probably the most expensive because they cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot. Therefore, a roof of 1,200 square feet will generally range from $12,000 to $36,000.
The material you choose will also determine the overall cost of your roof replacement. Slate and metal, for instance, can be considerably more expensive than standard asphalt shingles. On the other hand, these materials also usually offer other benefits, such as longer life expectancy, better durability, and enhanced energy efficiency.
10. Labor Costs
The other crucial factor in roof replacement is labor. 50% of the roof replacement cost goes to labor charges. The labor cost depends on the complexity of the roof, the pitch, and the region where you live.
For a 1200-square-foot roof, the labor cost generally ranges between $3600 and $8400. However, the final price is dependent on factors like:Â
- Roof Complexity: The more the roof has slopes and angles, with additional features such as chimneys and skylights, the more time and skill will be required for the installation process, which will yield higher labor charges
- Roof Pitch: Steep roofs imply more complex and dangerous working conditions, requiring extra safety measures and tools that come with extra labor costs.
- Local Labor Rates: Labor rates vary by locality. Cities with higher living costs charge higher rates for labor.
Labor Cost Breakdown
| Roof Type | Labor Cost |
| Bare Roof | $3,600 to $5,400 |
| Standard Roof | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| High-End Roof | $6,000 to $8,400 |
11. Seasonal Timing
Most roofing projects incur more cost depending on the season. Spring and summer are busy demand seasons for roofing projects, which, of course, pushes up prices. Winter roofing jobs may be slowed by weather, but these tend to have some reduction in cost due to lower demand.
Considering all these aspects, one would have a more directed estimation of how much should be spent on tearing off and replacing a roof covering a surface area of about 1,200 sq. ft. To have the best value for the roofing project, get as many estimates as possible from licensed roofing contractors.
Factors Affecting Roof Replacement Cost
The total price for replacing a roof covering about 1,200 square feet will depend on the following factors:Â
- Type of Material: Roofing material of choice can significantly affect the total cost since it can be asphalt shingles, which are low-priced, or slate or metal roofing, which can be expensive.
- Labor Costs: Labor rates vary based on different complexities of the roof and its distances; the more complicated the job, the more expensive the labor.
- Condition of Roof: Roofs in poorer conditions may often be in for repairs, further adding to replacement costs.Â
- Pitch of Roof: The roof pitch also affects costs; the steeper they are, the more complex and dangerous they are to work upon, hence the more labor costs.Â
- Location: Roof prices may vary depending on the market outside your door. Big cities or areas with elevated living costs are frequently more pricey for roofing than rural areas.
Conclusion
Tearing off and replacing a roof for a 1,200-square-foot home is quite an investment, but it cannot be more significant than maintaining the building safe and comfortable. The project’s cost will depend on factors such as the materials chosen, labor costs, and additional repairs. Considering the diverse factors about roof cost will equip you to choose well for your roof replacement project while avoiding last-minute surprises.Â
Request quotations from a few reputable roofing contractors and request references. It readily comes to mind that this may seem like a significant expense; however, take this as an investment worth its weight in gold in the long run on safety, drying, and energy-efficient living for your home.
FAQS
Q1. How long does it take to replace a 1,200 sq. ft. roof?
1 to 3 days is standard for replacing a roof. This will vary by weather, materials, and project complexity. The schedule may get extended if projects are more time-consuming or subject to weather slowdowns.
Q2. What factors can affect the cost of roof replacement?
Other factors include the condition of the existing roof, labor charges, and roof material. It may also cover permits and dumping fees to remove the existing roofing material.
Q3. Do I need to replace my roof if it’s leaking?
If your roof leaks, you must take care of it as soon as possible. Small leaks can turn into more significant issues, like water damage. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the entire roof.
Q4. Can I replace my roof myself to save money?
Replacing the roof is a technical process that involves expertise and safety measures. It is advisable to employ experts to do the job correctly and prevent any accidents or errors.
