What is involved in putting a new roof on a house?
Short answer. A new roof on a house means tearing off the old covering, repairing the deck, and installing a complete system: drip edge, leak barrier, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, shingles and ridge caps. For an average North Georgia home it usually takes one to two days on site and costs roughly $8,000 to $16,000, depending on size, pitch and materials.
What a complete roof system includes
- Decking: the plywood or OSB the roof is nailed to. Damaged sheets are replaced after tear-off.
- Drip edge: metal at the eaves and rakes that guides water off the edge and protects the fascia.
- Leak barrier: self-adhered membrane in valleys, around chimneys and pipes, and at walls.
- Underlayment: a water-resistant layer over the rest of the deck.
- Starter strip: seals the first course at the eaves and rakes.
- Shingles: usually architectural shingles on Georgia homes.
- Flashing and pipe boots: new metal and collars where the roof meets walls, chimneys and vents.
- Ventilation: intake at the eaves and exhaust at or near the ridge.
- Ridge caps: matching caps over hips and ridges.
The way these layers stack is laid out in roof anatomy explained.
What moves the price
Size, pitch, the number of old layers, the amount of decking replaced, valleys and chimneys, and the shingle line. Small roofs can come in around $7,000 to $11,000, while large or steep ones run $15,000 to $25,000 or more. See roof replacement cost in Georgia.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is every layer above listed in the written scope?
- What is the price per sheet for replacement decking?
- Who handles any permit and HOA approval?
- What does the workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
- Is the manufacturer warranty registered for me?
More on vetting in how to choose a roofing contractor in Georgia.