If you are considering a new roof, you likely know that the size and complexity of your project will affect the cost. For example, if you have to remove an old roof and replace decking material, you will pay more than you would if you are just adding a new roof on top of your old roofing. However, there are many more factors that go into the price of a roof. 

The Style and Materials You Select 

Metal roofing materials come in a wide variety of styles and materials. Metal can be used to replicate the look and design of shingles, tiles, or shakes. Alternatively, a more traditional standing seam roof or use a cheaper material such as corrugated steel. This creates a wide price range for metal roofs, with corrugated steel costing as low as $3 per square foot and standing seam roofs costing as high as $12 per square foot. Natural materials such as copper or zinc can increase the price even more. Additionally, the thickness of the materials used will affect the price of your roof. 

The Pitch of Your Roof 

The steeper your roof is, the more expensive the roof will be. This is because steeper roofs have a greater area than a flat roof and installation on a steep roof is more complicated and dangerous than installation on a flat roof.

Knowing the size and pitch of the roof along with the metal material you want to use, a contractor can give you a rough estimate over the phone. However, they will have to go to your home and inspect the roof for additional factors to give you an accurate estimate. 

Hips, Valleys, and General Shape of Your Roof

Hips are raised sections of your roof while valleys are low points. If your roof has several hips and valleys, both the materials and labor will be more expensive, as you will have to pay for extra flashing and cutting and fitting of materials. If your roof has only a single ridge or no ridge, the materials and installation will be significantly cheaper. Most homes have some hips and valleys, and your contractor will likely want to assess the project in person to fully understand the complexity of your project. 

The Staging Area Available On Your Property 

Many homeowners underestimate the effect the staging area they have available for their roofing workings has on the cost of the installation. If you have a large, empty yard where your roofing team can keep supplies and do prep work on the ground, your installation cost will be less than someone who has no yard or a yard filled with decorative pieces the installation team has to avoid during installation. Additionally, if you have trees or power lines close to your home, your installation price will go up because workers will have to position themselves to avoid these obstacles. 

Another thing to note is that if you have a taller home, the cost will be more than the cost of a single story home. This is because there is added risk for workers and extra safety measures will have to be followed during the installation, requiring more time and more safety gear. 

Any Specific Time or Work Constraints You Have

Roofs can be installed relatively quickly, sometimes in a matter of one or two days. However, for a fast installation that still meets quality and safety standards, you should expect to pay more than you would for a slower installation that takes a week or more. Also, if you want to reserve specific dates for the installation because you will be out of town or because you will be around to keep an eye on things, you may have to pay slightly more than if you have a flexible schedule.