Change Roof Pitch Cost: a complete cost guide

Introduction

Have you considered changing your roof’s slope but aren’t sure where to start? This article provides an overview of change roof pitch cost to help homeowners to understand the process and costs.

Roof pitch refers to the angle of a roof’s slope. Most roof pitches are between 4/12 and 14/12.

Change Roof Pitch Cost

$8 – $12 /sqft
$11,400 – $29,500 Average Cost to Install 2000 sqft

By the end of the article, you’ll understand change roof pitch cost and work. This helps you decide if changing your roof’s slope is right for your home.

Change Roof Pitch Cost Tables

This section breaks down the different expenses of changing a roof pitch. It lists roof decking material costs for things like shingles, wood and flashing. Labor costs for framing installation and roof work are also provided. A table separates the standard price ranges for materials versus labor. This makes the typical change roof pitch cost ranges clear. It also helps to determine if such a project fits their budget.

Table 1: Materials Costs to change roof pitch

MaterialLow EstimateHigh Estimate
Roofing Material$3,450$11,200
Trusses$2,100$6,250
Underlayment$825$1,770
Tear off$1,560$3,120
Roof Decking$1,090$1,630
Total Materials$9,025$23,970

Table 2: Labor Costs to change roof pitch

Labor ActivityLow EstimateHigh Estimate
Framing Labor$1,150$2,600
Roofing Installation Labor$1,225$2,750
Total Labor$2,375$5,350

Table 3: Total Estimated Cost

Cost TypeLow EstimateHigh Estimate
Materials$9,025$23,970
Labor$2,375$5,350
Total Estimated Cost$11,400$29,320

For comparison, renewing just the roof is estimated to cost between $7,200-$14,500, with an average of $9,300 in 2024. Change roof pitch cost can be 30-100% more to the project costs. Early cost planning is important given inflationary pressures.

Costs by Roof Type and Projects

Change roof pitch cost by types
A visual illustration of roof pitch types

Flat Roofs or Low Slope Roofs

Flat roofs and low sloped roofs are harder to build than steep roofs. Special materials like many layers of paper, tar, and coverings cost more money. They cost $7 to $12 for each square area. The frame needs to allow rain to drain slowly and completely. This extra hard work takes more time and cost. Labor work 20-40% more time on flat roofs as compared to on steep roofs.

Roof with Dormers

Adding things like dormers or roof extensions makes the roof more complex. Dormers stick out from the main roof. Extensions make the roof bigger. This adds more sloped sections that join together. Dormer roofs often use regular asphalt shingles. But they need special trim, windows, and waterproof connections. These extras add to the cost.

On average, adding a dormer costs between $1,500 to $3,000. The size of the dormer affects the price. Roof extensions that make the roof bigger require more materials. They cover a large new area. Connecting the new section to the existing roof is tricky. The costs of roofs with extensions added on are usually 25-35% more. That is compared to just redoing a basic single level roof.

Roofs with Multiple Angles

Roof designs with unusual angles cost more money. Roofs with angles at the hips, valleys, or multiple sloped sections need special materials. They may require shingles or flashing shaped for the angles. These precise materials increase costs. Costs go up 15-30% compared to regular sloped roofs.

Roof sections that meet also need care when installed. Where roof planes intersect takes extra work hours. This boosts labor costs by 10-20%. Some roofs have tricky geometric shapes or complex angles. Professionals may design a plan for these roofs. Their plans ensure accurate construction details. Developing these plans adds $1,000 to $2,000 to the total costs.

Roof TypeCost Range
Standard Pitched Roof$5 – $8
Low Slope/Flat Roof$7 – $12
Roof with Dormers/Addition20% – 40%
Premium Multiple Angles/Intersections15% – 30%

Factors Impact Change roof pitch cost

Factors Impact Change roof pitch cost
Factors impact roof pitch change cost

Roof Size

The size of the roof is one factor. Larger roofs cover more square footage of a home. This means more roofing materials like shingles and underlayment are needed. It also takes workers more time to complete big roof installations. Typically, a roof that is 2000 square feet costs $2-3 more per square foot than one that is 1500 square feet.

Slope Angle

The slope angle of the new pitch can affect the price too. Really steep slopes of 7/12 or more require stronger wood for the framing. The frames need to be more robust to hold up under the steep angle. Extra bracing and supports are also required for safety. Usually, changing a roof pitch from 5/12 to the steeper 8/12 will cost somewhere between $1-2 extra per square foot.

Additional Complexity

Additional complex aspects of a roof’s design can increase costs as well. Roofs with multiple roof planes, dormers, chimneys or irregular shapes take more planning. The materials and installation have to be more precise. Roofs with different levels or intricate details cost $3-5 extra per square foot. Roofs with dormers or that have multiple levels take more time and construction cost.

Potential Returns on Investment

Potential Returns on Investment
Potential returns on investment of roof pitch

Roof pitch additions can increase property value and its appearence. Home owners see returns on their investment in different ways:

Increased property value

Adding dormers, skylights or roof decks makes a home more attractive to potential buyers. Studies show these updates can boost a sale price by 5-10%. Larger roofline alterations from extensions may lift value even more by 10-15%.

Added living space value

Common dormer builds create attic rooms, adding 100-200 square feet of usable space. This provides the utility and value of a finished basement. Conservatively, attic finishing brings $50-75 per square foot in resale value. Larger roof extensions that add full new floors to a home can earn 150-250% returns in 5-7 years. This comes from renting out the new space.

Long-term maintenance savings

A new roof installation lasts 50-75 years if quality materials are selected. Over a 50 year period, investing today avoids 4-6 re-roofing jobs at $10,000-$20,000 each. Effective roof insulation cuts annual heating/cooling expenses by 10-20%. Simple paybacks emerge within 7-12 years through reduced replacement and energy costs.

Roof Pitch Change Benifits

  • Drainage and leak solutions
    • If a roof does not drain rain well, water may pool and cause leaks
    • Changing the pitch makes water run off the roof better
  • Meeting design goals
    • Homeowners may want a roof style that matches their house
    • Or they need more space inside
    • Adjusting the slope allows special features like dormers
    • It helps achieve the homeowner’s vision for their ideal roof

Options to reduce Change roof pitch cost

Options to reduce Change roof pitch cost
Reduce roof pitch change cost

DIY

For less complex sections of work, homeowners can save cost by working on them. This can cut down on costs compared to paying a contractor for all aspects of the job. Some basic tasks like tearing off old shingles or underlayment is a good DIY efforts. But, complex parts like installing flashing or working at heights are best left to professionals.

Reusing Materials

Another way in which costs can be lowered is by reusing existing materials where possible. When completing tear-offs, inspect removed components to see what is salvageable. Quality shakes, tiles, or decking panels in good condition may find new life on a dormer or addition. Any reuse eliminates purchase of replacement items and reduce change roof pitch cost. You must make sure that reused materials meet current building codes and standards.

Codes and Permits

It’s important for roof projects to meet rules and standards. This helps ensure quality work and safety. Homeowners should get estimates for a basic new roof job. This helps know if more complex roof plans will cost too much. Many areas require permits for large roofing jobs. Permits make sure work adheres to building codes. Codes cover materials, construction methods, and more. This maintains structural integrity.

Conclusions

In conclusion, changing how steep your roof is can fix problems and meet goals. While roof jobs always cost money, ways to cut costs exist. You can do some easier tasks yourself instead of hiring help for everything. Or reuse good parts from the old roof instead of buying new ones. It’s important to get estimates for a regular new roof. That helps know if bigger plans fit your budget. Permits are also needed to follow rules for safety and quality.

Whether fixing drainage, adding space, or getting your dream roof design, changing the pitch opens up many options. Changing roof pitch cost is more than just re-roofing. But homeowners may feel the long term benefits, like lower future costs or a higher house value, are worth it. With smart planning about expenses, rules, and safety, it can be a good investment to improve your home.

FAQ’s

Is it expensive to change the pitch of a roof?

Yes, changing pitch costs more than re-roofing alone but may save money long-term. Expect to pay thousands.

Can you change the pitch of an existing roof?

Yes, you can remove wood framing to make the roof steeper or less steep while re-shingling at the new pitch.

How much does a pitched roof cost?

Basic pitched roof for average home is $10,000-$20,000 installed. Larger homes or complex designs cost more.

Can I convert my flat roof to a pitched roof?

Yes, but it requires dismantling and completely rebuilding the roof structure. So it costs $30,000 or more as it is a major project.

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