How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof in Georgia?

Reviewed by Cameron Bates remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Georgia’s hot and humid climate, as well as the frequent heavy rainfall and high winds, means that your roof can regularly take a beating. With these occasional rough weather conditions and just general wear and tear, your roof can succumb to damages such as leaks, mildew growth, and wood rot. Although these issues can often be repaired, they can also lead to a roof replacement.

While a  roof replacement is a major home improvement project, it can help protect both you and your home and improve curb appeal. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about getting a roof replacement in Georgia, including what will affect the price and how you can save.

The average cost of a roof replacement in Georgia

On average, it costs between $8,000 and $20,000 to replace a roof in Georgia, with most homeowners spending around $12,000 to replace a 2,000 sq. ft. architectural shingle roof. This cost will vary depending on your choice of material, the square footage of the roof, the pitch and shape of your roof, and the labor costs in your area.

It is important to note that these figures and the rest you will find in this guide are estimated costs of a roof replacement in Georgia. To get an exact figure for your roof replacement, you should request a quote from 2 to 3 local roofing contractors who can inspect your home in person.

Factors that affect the cost of a new roof in Georgia

Roofing material

The material you choose for your roof replacement will be the most significant contributing factor to the project's cost. In Georgia, several roofing materials are commonly used, stretching from the most affordable asphalt shingle to high-end slate tile.

Georgia's most popular roofing materials include high-quality architectural shingles, metal, and tile roofs. Their popularity is mainly due to these materials being rated to withstand the high winds that frequently impact Atlanta and other parts of Georgia. These materials and others also come in colors and finishes that give them cool roof status, which is highly valued due to the heat the state experiences.

Each roofing material will vary in cost, installation considerations, and performance, so be sure to discuss with your roofing contractor which is right for your roof. Below are the average costs per square foot for the different roofing materials in Georgia and the U.S.

Size of your roof

Unsurprisingly, the bigger your roof is, the more a replacement will cost. This is due to the size of your roof determining how much material you will need and the labor required to install it.

Roofs in Georgia can come in many different sizes, with the average roof size around 2,000 square feet. To work out the cost of a roof replacement based on the size of your roof, all you need to do is take the cost per square foot (installed) of the material of your choice and multiply it by the square footage of your roof.

The pitch of your roof

One price factor that you might have yet to consider but will impact the cost of a roof replacement is the pitch of your roof. This is due to the roof pitch influencing both the materials you can use and the installation cost.

The pitch or slope of a roof refers to the angle of the roof and is usually presented as the inches of vertical rise over 12 inches of horizontal run. A flat roof is anything from 0/12 to 2/12, a conventional pitched roof is 4/12 and 7/12, and a steep roof is anything over 8/12.

Roofs in Georgia predominately have a conventional pitch, but homes with flat or low slopes exist. Some roofs can also have steep sections, with the gambrel and salt box being common roofs in Georgia.

The shape of your roof

The shape and style of your roof will impact the replacement cost. Complex roofs or those that change pitch or have many protrusions will typically have a higher labor cost. Certain roof shapes are also more compatible with certain materials, which can also vary the cost.

You can find many different roof types and shapes in Georgia, with the most common being the gable roof, along with its many variations, such as cross gables, dutch, and salt-box. Roof styles such as dormers, gambrels, and mansards are far less common but can still be found in some homes.

The more protrusions, valleys, and other complexities, the higher your total cost. Below are the average costs per square foot in Georgia and the U.S. based on the most common shapes.

Removing old roofing vs. roofing over in Georgia

Depending on the type of roof you have and what you intend to replace it with, you may only need to tear off your existing roof after installing a new one. This is known as a roof-over and is common practice in Georgia.

Typically, the new material must be asphalt, architectural shingles, or metal roofing. In most cases, roofers only roof over one layer, but in some cases, roofers may roof over two existing layers.

Some homeowners will opt for a roof over due to the money they will save on the cost of removing and disposing of the old roof. On average, homeowners spend about $1 per square foot to remove their old roofs. But, while a roof over provides upfront savings, it will not have the same lifespan as a new roof and could lead to a more costly replacement in the future.

Georgia roof replacement pricing tiers

Replacing your roof on a low budget in Georgia

If you need a roof replacement but want to keep the upfront costs to a minimum, opt for one of the more affordable roofing materials. In Georgia, your best bet is to go with an asphalt or architectural shingle roof.

You can also save some money on a roof replacement if you are willing to try your hand at some DIY. While we strongly recommend that you leave the installation process to the professionals to abide by building codes and maintain your warranty, you could DIY the removal of your old roof. Just make sure that you take the appropriate safety precautions and have done your research, as every type of roof is removed a little differently.

Finally, looking around for an affordable contractor is a great tip for achieving a roof replacement on a low budget. Try talking to at least three local contractors to find the best deal available. But remember, you get what you pay for, and a poor installation could cost you more in the long run.

Mid-range roof replacement in Georgia

As the budget for a roof replacement increases, so will the options available to you. For a mid-range roof replacement, you can choose between several different materials, including architectural shingles, cedar, and metal. These materials come at a higher cost but will be more capable of dealing with the high winds and hurricanes experienced in Georgia.

A mid-range roof replacement will also see the professionals take care of everything from start to finish. With a bit more room in the budget, you won’t have to worry about cutting costs or taking shortcuts. You are able to leave things like removing and disposing of the roof to the professionals.

Top-tier roof replacement in Georgia

This type of roofing project is where you are less concerned about the costs and more about the roof replacement quality. With a high-end roof replacement, you can opt for one of the premium-quality materials, such as slate or clay tile. These materials come with a much higher initial price tag, higher material cost, and a more complex installation process. Still, they are well suited to Georgia’s weather conditions and can last a lifetime if maintained properly. 

As well as having your choice of material, a large budget will also allow you to go with a roofing contractor with the best reputation and quality of service, regardless of the price. While a highly regarded roofing company will likely cost you more, you can be more confident in the end result.

3 ways to finance a new roof in Georgia

Home equity loan

A fixed-rate home equity loan is one of the most popular options for financing your roof replacement. Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built in their homes. Your home equity is the difference between the perceived market value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. In most cases, if you have over 15% equity in your home, you could be eligible for a home equity loan.

A home equity loan gives you access to the fund quickly, and you’ll pay a fixed low-interest rate with lower borrowing costs. However, ensure you are confident you can make the monthly repayments, as your home will be used as collateral.

Insurance claim

Whether or not you can use an insurance policy to pay for your new roof will mostly depend on why your roof needs replacing.

If you are looking to replace your roof due to its deteriorating condition over the years, then it will be virtually impossible to finance through an insurance policy. However, if your roof was majorly damaged by a weather-related event such as a hurricane or hail storm, you may have more success making an insurance claim.

If you’re in this situation and a weather-related event damaged your roof, you should contact your insurance company immediately.

Personal loans

Most people associate personal loans with debt consolidation or starting up a small business, but they can also be used to pay for your new roof. Whether your go directly through one of the many lenders or a roofing contractor offering financing, a personal loan is a viable option.

It’s important to note that while a personal loan can be a great financing option for many homeowners, not everyone will get through the application process. When applying for a personal loan, the lender will look thoroughly into your financial situation and will make their decision accordingly.

If you choose to finance your roof replacement with a personal loan, do your research. Before getting any personal loan, you should review all the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, loan length, and monthly payments. This will ensure you do not get stuck in a dangerous or predatory loan.

Other factors to consider

Inspection cost in Georgia

It is strongly recommended that you have a professional conduct a roof inspection once every 3 to 5 years, regardless of the condition of your roof. Inspecting your roof can help catch problems before they lead to more costly roof repairs and ensure that you’re living under a safe roof.

In Georgia, getting your roof inspected by a qualified professional will cost you between $100 and $600. This expense is well worth it when you think of what it could save you in the future.

Permits in Georgia

Depending on whether you need a new deck or not, you may need a permit to replace your roof in Georgia. Permits are required for structural changes, including new decks. In Georgia, a building permit typically costs between $100 to $600 but varies depending on your location.

In almost all cases, your roofing contractor will handle the task of acquiring building permits. However, you should discuss this with your contractor and ensure that the cost of the permit is included in the pricing.

Contractor licensing

You should always ensure your contractor is licensed and insured, no matter where you live. Making sure that your roofer has the proper licensing will not only protect you and your home but will also protect those working on your roof.

Replacing your roof in Georgia

If you think you may need a roof replacement or just want to know the condition of your roof, the best thing to do is to get an inspection. Having a professional come and inspect your roof can provide you insight into the current state of your roof and what the steps are moving forward.

Once you have found out that you need a roof replacement, we suggest you contact at least three local roofing contractors and request a quote. This will ensure you find the best deal possible and get the best new roof on your home.