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Shingle Roofing
$ - $$
One of the most affordable complete roof systems. Available in many different options & colors.
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Shingle pricing is heavily influenced by roof complexity, ventilation & product quality selection.
Tile Roofing
$$ - $$$
Tile roofs can last for 100+ years, but the underlayment beneath them doesn't last forever.
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Most of the time, concrete tiles are recycled when replacing the underlayment. Unlike shingles, you don't need to replace every roofing tile.
Flat/Low Slope Roofing
$ - $$$
Low-slope roofs can range from simple restoration / reflective coatings, to complete membrane or spray foam installations.
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Existing roof conditions, water drainage, and the system selected have a major impact on price.
Metal Roofing
$$ - $$$$
Metal carries a higher initial investment but offers unrivaled longevity and low maintenance.
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Panel type, roof complexity, paint finish, metal material gauge thickness, and custom flashing fabrication are the biggest cost drivers.
The Short Answer : It really depends on a few different factors.
Materials matter–but so do roof pitch. accessibility, tear-off, existing decking conditions, flashing, ventilation, penetrations, and the overall complexion of the roof.
SIMPLE ROOF VS COMPLEX ROOF
Simple Roof System
- Few penetrations
- Single-Story access
- Simple geometry
- Minor detail work
- Small / no valleys
Complex Roof System
- Valley transitions
- Excessive hip designs
- Roof-wall transitions
- Skylights
- Multiple roof elevations
- Difficult access
- Roof-mounted HVAC unit(s)
Same roof systems.
Very different amount of work.
What Are You Replacing?
*These are planning ranges, based on 2,000 sqft roof replacement, not official quotes.
Shingle Roof
$7,500 - $16,500
Concrete Tile Roof
(Underlayment Only)
$9,000 - $14,500
Clay Tile Roof
(Underlayment only)
$15,000 - $25,000
Flat Roof Restoration
$3,750 - $9,500
Flat Roof Replacement
$12,000 - $20,500
Metal Roof
$15,000 - $45,000+
Square Footage is only part of the equation
What Makes Roofing Cost More?
The material and roofing system you select can create one of the largest differences in price. Shingles, tile, spray foam and standing seam metal all require very different materials, sealants, and installation methods.
Valleys, hips, walls, transitions, and multiple roof elections require considerably more detailing and labor than a simple roof design.
Removing multiple roof layers or heavy existing systems adds labor, disposal, and hauling costs. All systems require installation directly over a clean, solid substrate.
Decking can look perfectly fine from inside the home while hiding deterioration beneath the roofing system. Rotten or damaged wood generally can't be fully identified until the existing roof is removed.
Flashings protect some of the most vulnerable areas of a roof, including edges, walls, valleys, and terminations. More flashing–and more complex custom fabrication–means additional material and skilled labor.
Pipes, vents, skylights, HVAC equipment, and other roof penetrations each create an opening that must be properly waterproofed. The more penetrations a roof has, the more detailing and labor the installation requires.
Any place where one roof system, slope, or building surface meets another requires careful waterproofing. Tile-to-flat roof connections, chimney walls, roof-to-wall areas, and changes in pitch can significantly increase installation complexity.
Steep roofs, two / three story homes, and difficult site access can require additional equipment and safety measures. Material loading and debris removal can also become more labor intensive.
WHAT WE FIND WHEN THE ROOF COMES OFF
A roof can appear serviceable from the surface while hiding damaged decking, deteriorated flashing, or problems from previous installations. Tucson's extreme heat, monsoon storms, and decades of repairs can take a toll on the parts of a roofing system homeowners never see.
That's why responsible roofing estimates should address what's underneath–not just the material going on top.
Square Footage is only part of the equation
How Can Roofing Cost Less?
Straightforward rooflines with fewer valley, walls, and penetrations require less labor and material.
If the existing plywood, osb, or decking is structurally sound, you should not expect to pay much if anything at all for decking improvements.
A straightforward single-layer tear off is generally less expensive than removing multiple roofing systems.
Easy driveway, yard and roof access makes material delivery and debris removal more efficient.
The most expensive roof ins't automatically the right roof for everyone. Matching the roof system to the existing structure, budget, and expected ownership period can prevent unnecessary spending.
When the existing roof is in suitable condition, certain roofing systems may allow a new roof to be installed over the existing. Avoiding a full tear-off can reduce labor, disposal, and overall project costs.
Not every aging roof needs to be torn off. Certain flat roofs and commercial systems can be repaired and restored for substantially less than a complete replacement.
YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ROOF
A roof showing signs of age or isolated problems doesn't automatically need a complete replacement. If the existing system is still serviceable, targeted repairs can address deficiencies and roof restorations can extend the life of (some) roofing systems for 20+ years.
The goal is to invest in what the roof actually needs–not replace a system that still has life left in it.
Why Can 3 Contractors Give You 3 Completely Different Prices?
Tucson has plenty of general contractors, painters, stucco contractors, and handymen–but relatively few companies focus specifically on complete siding and exterior cladding systems.
SIDING CONTRACTOR PRICING SPECTRUM
LOW-COST ROOFER
$
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Lowest overhead
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Limited Systems
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May offer competitive pricing
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Scope / capabilities vary considerably
BEST FIT: Price-driven projects where scope and specifications have been carefully compared.
PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR
$$ - $$$
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Specialized roofing crews
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Multiple roofing system specialty
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Flashing + Waterproofing Expertise
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Can offer extended warranties (when certified by some manufacturers)
BEST FIT: Homeowners looking for professional installation and long-term support
*Where ABRC Fits
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
$$$ - $$$$
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Larger operation (more trades)
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Multi-trade capabilities
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Likely subcontracting most/all work
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Scheduling may vary depending on subcontractor availablilty
BEST FIT: Large multi-trade remodels
ABRC Was Built To Fill The Gap
Cheapest Doesn't Automatically Mean Bad. Expensive Doesn't Automatically Mean Better.
The most meaningful comparison begins with: scope vs scope.
WHY SOME COST MORE...
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No in-house, skilled labor
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Manufacturer trainings & certifications
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Extended warranties
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Sales commissions
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Project management
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Subcontractor markup
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Advertising
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Office overhead
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Multiple management layers
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Some contractors must carry larger insurance premiums
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Obsession with quality control
NOT NECESSARILY BAD.
You're simply paying for a different business model. Some favor service, some favor quality product, a select few can balance both in Tucson, AZ.
WHY SOME COST LESS...
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Lower overhead
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Bulk / special material pricing
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Smaller crews
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Less administration
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Some contractors don't have a commercial office setup
BUT SOMETIMES...
- Less insurance
-Unlicensed / not bonded
- Less / wrong experience
- Cheaper materials
- Limited / empty warranties
- Work excluded from scope
- Improper installations can lead to significantly high repair costs
Know what to ask.
If you were a roofing expert, you'd likely be doing your own roof. If you need roofing help, you should know what questions to ask the roofers you are considering.
Click here to download a The Checklist: Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors. This will allow you to better filter your roofers.
If you need a roof replacement, get The Homeowner's Guide to Roof Replacement so that you can become familiar with the process and your roofing options in Tucson.
If you live in the Tucson area, feel free to book a consultation with our team or call us anytime at 520-981-4008.
Don't Compare the Bottom Line Until You Compare These:
Actual product and roofing manufacturers
Tear-off included or not
Underlayment Specification
Decking allowance / possible cost
Flashing replacement
Drip edge / metal details
Pipe penetration flashing
Skylights
Roof-to-wall transitions
Material warranties
Workmanship warranty
Permit requirements
Cleanup / disposal
Insurance / worker's compensation
Who actually performs the installation