How much does roofing cost?

In previous posts we have looked at how much a roof costs to replace or repair, with all factors involved, but yet to be answered is the question how much does roofing cost? What we mean here is, how much do the specific materials that make up your roof cost? First, we’ll look at all of the components that are required to compose a full roof. We’ll also have a look at the price ranges of those materials from some of the leading manufacturers so that we can attempt to answer the question, how much does roofing cost?

Primary components of a roof and the standard cost

• Underlayment: This is the black paper sheet that is laid over the plywood sheeting in order to protect the roof from damaging outside elements such as rain, snow, and ice. The use of a membrane is typically required. A waterproof membrane known as a sweat sheet or vapor barrier, with the underlayment paper serving a triple function. The price of these materials ranges anywhere from $0.14 to 0.58 per square meter of sheeting.
• Flashing: Roof flashing are the metal pieces that are used to facilitate the flow of water from areas of your roof where collection of the water is likely, such as hips and valleys. Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, which can affect the price. These types include galvanized flashing, a galvanized alloy, copper, lead coated copper or stainless steel. The average polyvinyl chloride flashing cost anywhere from $0.17 to 0.21 per square foot, where as stainless steel flashing can cost as much as four dollars per square foot.
• Shingles or Tiles:  These are the components that make up the outermost portion of the roof. These sit on top of the underlayment and are the first line of defense against the elements. Shingles and tiles have been in use for literally thousands of years. There are actually still tiles in-tact today from as long as 5,000 years ago! The cost of the average asphalt roofing shingle is anywhere from $0.80 to 1.20 per square foot.  This is compared to clay or concrete tiles that can cost as much as $9.00 per square foot.