Getting a new roof is an investment that many homeowners don't like to talk about mainly because of the high costs involved and the disruption it causes to daily family routines. But every roof has an expected lifespan beyond which it will need to be replaced. 

If your residential roof is on its last legs, you'll want to know how much it will cost you to get a new one. That way, you can get your financial house in order before bringing in a roofing specialist to provide roof replacement service.

Read along to find out how professional roofers estimate how much you should pay for your roof replacement.

Which type of roof are you looking to build?

When it comes to replacing your residential roof, there are many different types of materials you can use. The cost of your roof replacement will be affected by the specific type of roof you'll choose to build.

For starters, you expect your new roof to protect your family and home against the outside elements. That means your local climate will play a part in the type of roof you need and that the right roof should keep out undesirable weather elements that are unique to your region. 

Different roofing materials offer varying levels of protection against certain weather elements. For example, asphalt shingles and concrete tiles absorb and lock the heat in better than metal roofing and can be better choices for homes located in colder climates. What you choose for your climate will impact your roof replacement cost.

Aesthetics do matter too. If you're aiming for the high-end look that exotic roofing materials like slate tiles provide, be prepared to pay a premium price for it. If you're on a tight budget and are looking for something much more affordable, synthetic slate shingles can fit the bill. 

What is the size of your roof?

To determine how much you'll need to spend on your new roof, you'll first need to figure out how big or small your roof is. Roof sizes are measured in square footage, which is calculated by multiplying the area of the roof (length times width) by its pitch. 

The total square footage of the roof will impact the cost of time, labour, and material used to replace your roof. The larger the number, the more your new roof will cost. 

Many roofing contractors provide free no-obligation quotes for clients looking to hire their services. This makes it possible for you to know the cost estimate for your roof replacement job before committing yourself to hiring anyone.