Factors that Determine Roof Replacement Costs in Atlanta 2025

Although good maintenance will certainly extend the lifetime of a home’s roof, every Atlanta homeowner should nevertheless prepare themselves to eventually need a roof replacement.  

To that end, there are two key aspects: Learning the signs of a failing roof is one (and these include things like advanced age, frequent leaks, and so on), but perhaps the more noteworthy of the two is understanding the cost of a new roof, as that will most effectively prevent unwelcome surprises.  

Use the following guide to help budget for your future roof replacement: 

The Basic Factors of Roof Replacement Costs 

Given the diverse characteristics of roofs in the Atlanta area, an exact, “one-size-fits-all” estimate for a roof replacement is impossible to ascertain. Some of the factors that affect these costs include the size, the necessary materials, the intended pitch or slope, and even the team you choose to work with, all of which you’ll read more about below.  

On average, the materials for a new roof account for 40% of the total cost, while the remaining 60% is devoted to labor, so hiring the right roofing contractor can make a substantial difference. 

Understand How Your Roof’s Size Makes a Difference  

One common misconception among homeowners is that the square footage of their roof is the same as the square footage of their indoor space, but that most commonly leads to inaccuracies.  

A professional roofer will account for changes in pitch and roof features, resulting in a more accurate estimate. Additionally, their estimate will address the height of your home alongside the roof’s square footage. Taller homes require more labor, so the costs are typically higher.  

Roofing Materials: Compare Longevity to the Upfront Costs 

Beyond the basic dimensions of your roof, your design choices will make a difference in the final cost of your roof replacement, and that’s an important factor to keep in mind as you choose your roofing materials. 

The cost of roofing materials is a wide spectrum when you take into account the most common roofing materials on the market. Another important factor to consider, beyond pricing, is the longevity and durability of the materials you’re interested in. In particular, the materials listed above have the following average lifespans (not accounting for the effects of natural disasters or unexpected weather): 

• Asphalt: 20 to 25 Years 

• Clay: 40 to 50 Years 

• Concrete: 40 to 50 Years 

• Metal: 40 to 75 Years 

• Wood Shingles: 25 to 30 Years 

• Slate: 50 to 100+ Years 

  
  

Paying a higher upfront cost for better roofing materials may seem like more of a financial burden, but it can ultimately help you save by extending the lifetime of your roof. 

Calculate the Cost of Labor When Working With Professional Roofers 

Several factors can affect a roofer's precise rate. For example, a more complex roof will require more labor and a bigger team, two things that will drive up hourly rates. 

The time of the year you choose to have a replacement roof installed will affect its total costs as well. The busiest seasons for Atlanta roofers are fall and spring, with spring, in particular, being their most popular season. As such, homeowners should expect higher rates during these periods. 

The lower demand of the colder months can result in reduced labor rates for those scheduling winter roof replacements. Due to Atlanta’s southern climate, the season only brings with it moderately cool temperatures and reasonably dry conditions. And since the days are shorter, roofers won’t have to work through periods where it does get warm for very long. 

More Factors That Affect Roof Replacement Costs 

There are still a few more factors that can affect the total cost of your roof replacement. Generally, these have a smaller impact on the total cost, but they will still affect your roof replacement budget regardless: 

The Roof Pitch 

The pitch (or steepness) of your roof will affect the estimated labor rate. That’s because it’s more challenging to work on a steeper roof; the contractor might need a bigger team or special safety equipment to complete the project. 

Most residential roofs have pitches of 3:12 (three inches per foot) to 6:12. Any roof with a pitch greater than 6:12 will usually cost more to replace (such as a steeper roof at a 45-degree angle, which typically has a 12:12 pitch). 

Atlanta Building Permits 

As is the case when renovating any part of your home, the building permit process is a common source of headaches for roof replacements. Setting aside the necessary fees, simply applying can be a timely and frustrating experience.  

Fortunately, some roofing companies will assist their customers in obtaining the required permits, and Atlanta simplifies the fee process further by including the cost of inspections.  

Since permit fees depend on the scope and cost of a project, it’s impossible to provide a specific number here. But a good rule of thumb is that if your home has a larger roof, you should expect to pay a higher permit fee. 

The Need for Structural Repairs 

When a roofer arrives to evaluate your roofing needs, they will inspect the structural support beneath your roof. Many roof problems result from storm damage or long-term wood rot, so if your roof’s structural supports have suffered damage, the replacement will need to include rebuilding the supports, which will increase the cost of the project. 

A Workmanship Warranty 

When replacing a roof, the roofing materials will come with manufacturers’ warranties. But in addition to those, roofing companies also offer workmanship warranties. The exact price of the warranty depends on the scope of the project.  

Discuss the warranty with your roofer, and make sure you understand what it covers. Most warranties will include the cost of minor repairs and annual roof inspections, which can help you save big on long-term roof maintenance. 

Start Your Roof Replacement With a Customized Estimate 

Tom and Jerry’s Roofing provides residential and commercial roofing services in the Atlanta area. When it’s time to replace your existing roof, we’ll evaluate your roofing needs and provide an accurate estimate for its replacement. Contact us to get started with your new roof installation today!