How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof in New York?

Reviewed by Cameron Bates remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

A roof replacement is a significant investment for New York homeowners. If you live in your house long enough, you’ll likely need one. Whether it is due to storm damage, your roof needing to be updated, or gradual deterioration, there could be many reasons for requiring a roof replacement on your New York home. 

Before undertaking a roof replacement, it is crucial to understand the various factors that will affect the project’s cost. The cost of replacing a roof can vary depending on the size of the roof, the materials used, and the complexity of the installation. 

To help you get through a roof replacement project in New York, let's look at all the associated costs and explore your options.

The average cost of a roof replacement in New York

On average, it costs between $8,000 and $16,000 to replace an entire roof in New York, with most homeowners spending around $8,000 to replace a 1,800 sq. ft. roof with laminated asphalt shingles. This cost will vary depending on your choice of material, square footage, pitch, and shape of your roof, as well as the labor costs in your area.

It is important to note that these figures, and the rest you will find in this guide, are estimated costs of a roof replacement project in New York. You should get quotes from two to three local roofing companies who can inspect your home in person to get an exact figure for your roof replacement cost.

Factors that affect the cost of a new roof in New York

Roofing material

It should come as no surprise that the material you choose for your new roof will significantly impact the overall project cost. Several roofing materials are commonly used on New York roofs ranging in price, quality, and compatibility with your roof.

The most popular roofing material will largely depend on the type and slope of your roof. High-quality asphalt or architectural shingles are popular for conventionally sloped roofs, with more durable options such as cedar, metal, and slate frequently used. As for a flat roof, which is becoming increasingly common in New York, materials such as PVC, bitumen, and rubber are the favored options.

Each material has a different set of installation costs for roof replacements. Some materials are more costly than others, while some have higher labor costs. Below are the average costs for a roof replacement per square foot for each material in New York and the U.S.

Size of your roof

Across New York, there is a wide range of roof sizes. The larger your roof is, the more material will be used, the longer it will take to install, and as a result, the higher the total cost of a roof replacement.

The most common size roof in New York is approximately 1,800 square feet and has an estimated replacement cost of $8,000. To work out an approximate cost of a roof replacement based on the size of your roof, all you need to do is take the average price per square foot (installed) of the material of your choice and multiply it by the square footage of your roof.

The pitch of your roof

The roof’s pitch refers to the angle of the roof and is usually presented as the inches of vertical rise over 12 inches of horizontal run. A flat roof is anything from 0/12 to 2/12, a conventional pitched roof is 4/12 and 7/12, and a steep roof is anything over 8/12.

The pitch of your roof will impact the project cost as it will play a role in the amount of materials required for the roof and the difficulty of the installation process. The recommended roofing materials will also vary depending on your roof’s pitch, affecting the overall cost.

In New York, your roof is likely to be conventionally sloped or flat. Flat roof repair and replacement costs tend to be cheaper than those for other style roofs.

The shape of your roof

While not as big a factor as the size or material, the shape, and style of your roof will impact the replacement cost. Each roof style will have varying installation considerations and costs, with some changing pitch and others having multiple protrusions. Certain roof shapes are also more compatible with certain materials, which can vary the cost.

The most common roof shape or type will vary depending on your location. In New York City, most roofs will be some variation of a flat roof, while in other parts of the state, a gable or hipped roof is more popular. Some other roof types you may come across in New York include dutch, butterfly, and dormer roofs.

Removing old roofing vs. roofing over in New York

A roof-over is an alternative to a full roof replacement and involves installing asphalt shingles over a single layer of existing roofing. The main benefit of a roof-over is that it will save you on the cost to tear off and dispose of your existing roof.

While a roof-over is common in some states, they are rarely recommended in New York. There are a few reasons, with the first being that a roof over tends to have a much shorter lifespan than an entirely new roof and can lead to a more costly replacement.

A roof over may also cover up any structural issues with the existing roof deck, such as wood rot or water damage. So, while the temptation may be due to the initial savings, a roof over can become more costly in the long run.

New York roof replacement pricing tiers

Replacing your roof on a low budget in New York

If you need a roof replacement but do not want to spend more than you have to, we recommend that you opt for a budget-friendly material. Basic asphalt shingle roofs are a common low-cost choice for many roof types, and PVC for flat roofs. These materials may not have the best performance or longevity, but they will keep your upfront costs down.

Another way to save on a roof replacement is by doing it yourself. If your roof has a safe and gradual pitch that you feel comfortable walking (and working) on, you could DIY the tear-off of your old roof. It is best to leave the actual installation of your new roof to the professionals. Even the most minor mistakes can result in severe issues and potentially void your warranties.

It is important that before you do any DIY, you do some research and gain a better understanding of what you need to do. This will likely involve learning to use the appropriate tools and techniques to do the job safely and accurately.

Choosing the right roofing contractor is the best way to save on a roof replacement. To find the right contractor, we recommend you talk with as many of the local roofing companies as possible and see who can provide the best price.

Mid-range roof replacement in New York

If you have a bit more room in your roof replacement budget, we recommend opting for a roofing material that is more durable and longer lasting than the standard asphalt shingle. Some of your options could include luxury-grade architectural shingles, cedar, or metal roofing.

With the extra funding, you can also put more of the workload on your roofing contractor. This means you can forget about the DIY roof removal and instead rely on professionals to do the job.

Lastly, we recommend that you be selective with who you hire, no matter what your budget is. With a mid-range roof replacement, you can afford to be a bit pickier. Do not simply base your decision on pricing; instead, consider the contractor's experience, reputation, and customer references.

Top-tier roof replacement in New York

If what you are after is a premium quality roof, the first thing we would recommend is to go with premium quality material. High-end materials, such as metal or slate tiles, are second to none in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and longevity.

It is important to note that not all materials will suit all roof types. So, while slate roofs may be the best option for a conventionally pitched gable roof, they may not be best for your home. We recommend you communicate with your roofing contractor to find the material that best suits your roof.

You should contact an experienced roofing company with an outstanding reputation and quality of service if you’re planning on installing high-quality materials. Going with a better-renowned roofer may cost you more, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing the job is done right.

3 ways to finance a new roof in New York

Home equity loan (HELOC)

A popular option for financing your roof replacement in New York is a fixed-rate home equity loan or HELOC.

Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built in their homes. Your home equity is the difference between the perceived market value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. In most cases, if you have over 15% equity in your home, you could be eligible for a home equity loan.

The benefits of home equity loans are that they give you access to the fund quickly and provide you with a fixed low-interest rate with lower borrowing costs. However, ensure you can make the monthly repayments, as your home will be used as collateral.

Insurance claim

Whether or not you can use an insurance policy to pay for your new roof will mostly depend on why your roof needs replacing.

If you want to replace your roof due to its deteriorating condition over the years, financing through an insurance policy will be virtually impossible. However, if your roof was damaged by a weather-related event such as a hurricane or hail storm, you may have more success making an insurance claim.

If you are in this situation and a weather-related event damages your roof, you should contact your insurance company immediately.

Personal loans

You may also be able to pay for your new roof with a personal loan. To get a personal loan, you have the option of going directly to one of the many lenders offering loans or through certain roofing contractors who will offer financing options.

It is important to note that while a personal loan can be a great financing option for many homeowners, not everyone will get through the application process. When applying for a personal loan, the lender will look thoroughly into your financial situation and will make their decision accordingly.

If you choose to finance your roof replacement with a personal loan, do your research. Before getting any personal loan, you should review all the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, loan length, and monthly payments. This will ensure you do not get stuck in a dangerous or predatory loan.

Other factors to consider

Redeck a roof

If you are looking at replacing your roof with a heavier material, such as slate or clay tiles, you may need to redeck your roof to provide additional reinforcement. If this is the case, you must account for an increase in your roof replacement cost due to the additional labor and materials.

The cost to redeck varies depending on several factors, including redecking all or a portion of your roof. Roof decking panels typically cost between $0.43 and $1.80 per square foot for the materials, plus an additional $1 and $3 per square foot for labor.

Inspection cost in New York

It is strongly recommended that you have a professional conduct a roof inspection once every 3 to 5 years, regardless of the condition of your roof. Inspecting your roof can help to catch problems before they lead to more costly roof repairs and ensure that you live under a safe roof.

In New York, getting your roof inspected by a qualified professional will cost you between $100 and $600. This expense is well worth it when you think of what it could save you in the future.

Permits in New York

In New York, you are legally obliged to obtain the relevant permits before you can alter or replace your home’s roof. Permits typically cost between $400 and $1,000 but vary depending on location.

In almost all cases, your roofing contractor will handle the task of acquiring building permits. However, you should discuss this with your contractor and ensure the permit cost is included in the pricing.

Replacing your roof in New York

If you require a roof replacement or are concerned with the condition of your roof, the first step is getting a roof inspection. A professional will help determine the exact state of your roof and let you know whether the next step is to repair the roof or replace it.

Once you have found out that you need a roof replacement, we suggest you contact at least three local roofing contractors and request a free quote. Roofing contractors can specialize in a particular type of roofing, so it is important to talk with a few contractors to find one that will suit your needs.