Simple (Low Slope, Few Obstructions)
Average (Moderate Slope, Dormers, Valleys)
Complex (Steep Slope, Many Gables, Skylights, Chimneys)
Asphalt Shingles
Wood Shingles/Shakes
Tile
Metal
Other/Multiple Layers
Understanding Your Roof Tear Off Costs
Replacing an old roof involves more than just installing new shingles. A crucial first step is the roof tear off, which involves removing the existing roofing layers down to the deck. This process is essential for a proper inspection of the underlying structure and ensures the new roof is installed correctly on a clean, solid base.
Factors Influencing Tear Off Costs
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of a roof tear off. Our calculator helps estimate these by considering:
Roof Area (Square Feet): The larger the roof, the more material needs to be removed and hauled away, directly impacting labor and disposal costs.
Roof Complexity: Steep slopes, numerous gables, valleys, hips, dormers, and skylights make the tear off process more time-consuming and dangerous, increasing labor costs. Our calculator uses a multiplier for complexity.
Old Material Type: Different roofing materials have varying removal difficulties. For example, old asphalt shingles are generally easier to remove than heavy tile or dense wood shakes. Multiple layers of material also significantly increase the labor and disposal effort.
Number of Old Layers: Many older homes may have multiple layers of roofing. Removing each additional layer adds substantial time and weight for disposal.
Disposal Fees: Roofing debris is considered construction waste and must be disposed of at a landfill or transfer station. Contractors charge for this service, often on a per-square-foot basis, to cover dumpster rental and dumping fees.
How the Calculator Works
Our calculator provides an estimated cost for the tear off portion of your roofing project. It works by:
Estimating Labor & Removal Costs: A base cost per square foot for tear off is assumed (e.g., $2.00 – $5.00 per sq ft, depending on complexity and material). This base is then adjusted by the complexity factor.
Accounting for Multiple Layers: An additional cost is added for each layer beyond the first, reflecting the extra labor and disposal weight. A common estimate might be an extra $1.00 – $2.00 per square foot per additional layer.
Adding Disposal Costs: The estimated disposal fee per square foot is directly added to the total.
The total estimated cost is the sum of these components.
Example Calculation:
Let's consider a roof with the following characteristics:
Roof Area: 1,800 sq ft
Complexity: Average (Multiplier: 1.2)
Old Material: Asphalt Shingles
Number of Old Layers: 2 (meaning 1 additional layer beyond the first)
Estimated Disposal Fee: $0.60 per sq ft
Estimated Removal & Labor Cost: 1,800 sq ft * $3.50/sq ft (base) * 1.2 (complexity) = $7,560
Additional Layer Cost: 1,800 sq ft * $1.50/sq ft (for the 2nd layer) = $2,700
Disposal Cost: 1,800 sq ft * $0.60/sq ft = $1,080
Total Estimated Tear Off Cost: $7,560 + $2,700 + $1,080 = $11,340
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual costs can vary significantly based on your location, contractor, specific site conditions, and the materials involved. Always obtain multiple quotes from qualified roofing professionals for an accurate assessment.
function calculateRoofCost() {
var roofArea = parseFloat(document.getElementById("roofArea").value);
var complexityMultiplier = parseFloat(document.getElementById("complexity").value);
var materialType = document.getElementById("materialType").value;
var layers = parseInt(document.getElementById("layers").value);
var disposalFeePerSqFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById("disposalFee").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.innerHTML = "; // Clear previous results
if (isNaN(roofArea) || roofArea <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid roof area.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(layers) || layers <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid number of old layers (minimum 1).";
return;
}
if (isNaN(disposalFeePerSqFt) || disposalFeePerSqFt 1) {
// Estimate cost per additional layer
additionalLayerCostPerSqFt = (layers – 1) * 1.75; // e.g., $1.75 per extra layer per sq ft
}
// Calculate total labor and removal cost
var totalLaborCost = roofArea * baseLaborCostPerSqFt * complexityMultiplier;
// Calculate total cost for additional layers
var totalAdditionalLayerCost = roofArea * additionalLayerCostPerSqFt;
// Calculate total disposal cost
var totalDisposalCost = roofArea * disposalFeePerSqFt;
// Calculate total estimated cost
var totalEstimatedCost = totalLaborCost + totalAdditionalLayerCost + totalDisposalCost;
resultDiv.innerHTML = '$' + totalEstimatedCost.toFixed(2) + 'Estimated Roof Tear Off Cost';
}