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

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

With Oregon often experiencing heavy rainfall, and strong winds, having a high-quality roof on your home is essential. These conditions can be relentless on an aging or faulty roof and cause further issues such as water damage, wood rot, and mold.

If your roof is reaching the end of its life or is badly damaged, it might be time to start thinking about a roof replacement before things go from bad to worse. Keep reading to discover everything involved with getting a roof replacement in Oregon, including what will affect the price and how you can save.

The average cost of a roof replacement in Oregon

On average, it costs between $8,000 and $15,000 to replace a roof in Oregon, with most homeowners spending around $11,500 to replace a 2,000 sq. ft. cross-gable roof with architectural shingles. 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, as well as the rest you will find in this guide, are estimated costs of a roof replacement in Oregon. You should get quotes from two to three local roofing companies who can inspect your home in person to get an exact figure for your roof replacement cost.

Factors that affect the cost of a new roof in Oregon

Roofing material

The factor that will significantly impact the cost of your roof replacement will be the material you choose for your new roof. In Oregon, most homeowners will opt for roofing materials suited to rain due to the heavy rainfall that the state experiences. This includes materials such as asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, and in particular algae-resistant architectural shingles.

Other roofing options, such as metal, composite, and slate roofs, are popular due to their durability, long lifespan, and visual appeal. However, these materials are less budget-friendly than others.

Below are the average costs per square foot for installing each material in Oregon and the national average costs.

Size of your roof

It might be obvious, but the size of your roof will impact the amount of materials used, the labor and time required to complete the job, and the total cost of the roof replacement project. So, if you’re replacing a larger-than-average roof, you should expect to pay an above-average price.

In Oregon, residential roofs can range between 1,000 to 4,000 square feet, with the average roof size of around 1,700 sq. ft.

The pitch of your roof

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. Your roof's pitch will influence the cost of your roof replacement as it plays a role in determining the material that will best suit your roof, as well as the complexity of the installation.

The main categories of roof pitch include flat, conventional, and steep. 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.

Oregon is home to a wide range of pitched roofs. However, with the amount of rainfall the state sees, most roofs have a conventional pitch. Flat roofs are uncommon as they do not bode well in heavy rain.

The shape of your roof

Similar to the pitch of your roof, the shape and style of the roof will impact the difficulty of the installation and your choice of material. Some roof shapes change pitch or have multiple protrusions, which may make the job more difficult and come at a higher cost.

You can find practically all roof shapes in Oregon, from traditional styles to extremely modern ones. The most popular roof styles include gable and hipped roofs; however, you can also find many gambrel and mansard roofs.

If your roof has multiple protrusions, such as a dormer roof, or changes in pitch, like a mansard roof, you should expect to pay a higher price than you would for a more standard and simple roof shape. Below are the average costs per square foot in Oregon and the U.S. based on the most common shapes.

Removing old roofing vs. roofing over in Oregon

In Oregon, if you have an existing asphalt roof, you can put another layer of roofing on top rather than tearing it off. This is known as a roof over, and while they are uncommon in Oregon, it’s an option you may want to consider.

The main reason homeowners will opt for a roof over is that it removes the cost of tearing off and disposing of the old roof. On average, homeowners spend about $1 per square foot to tear off their old roofs, plus an additional disposal cost.

The downside to a roof over is that it may cover up existing issues with your current roof. Due to the heavy rainfall in Oregon, moisture issues are common, and simply covering them up with another layer could cause the new roof to deteriorate faster. So, while there is heavy temptation due to the initial savings, a roof over is rarely recommended in Oregon.

Oregon roof replacement pricing tiers

Replacing your roof on a low budget in Oregon

If you need a roof replacement and want to keep the costs to an absolute minimum, there are a few measures you can take. The first thing we recommend for a budget-friendly roof replacement is to opt for more affordable roofing material, such as asphalt shingles.

You can also minimize roof replacement costs if you are willing to do some of the work yourself. If your roof has a safe and gradual pitch that you feel comfortable walking (and working) on, you could DIY the removal of your old roof. It is best to leave the actual installation of your new roof to the professionals. Even minor mishaps here can result in serious damage or injury and can void your warranties.

Make sure that before you attempt any DIY on your roof replacement, you do your research and gain an understanding of both the tools and techniques you need to use. Each roof removal is done slightly differently, so learn what best suits your roof.

The final aspect of a budget roof replacement is your choice of roofing contractor. Try to avoid settling on the first contractor you come by and instead look around to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Mid-range roof replacement in Oregon

The more money you have in your budget, the more flexibility you’ll have in selecting your roofing material. With a slightly larger roof replacement budget, you can choose between several different materials, including algae-resistant architectural shingles, composite, or metal roofing. These materials are great for a mid-range roof replacement as they are affordable and well-suited to the weather in Oregon.

With a mid-range roof replacement, you can also rely on the contractor to complete the entire roof replacement from start to finish. While DIYing some of the roof replacement may cut down costs and perhaps teach you a new skill, it’s best to leave everything to the pros.

Top-tier roof replacement in Oregon

This type of roof replacement will allow you to opt for one of the expensive but long-lasting materials, such as clay or reclaimed slate tiles. These high-quality materials are incredibly durable and will undoubtedly increase your home’s curb appeal. Remember that these materials are much heavier than others and may require additional reinforcement and support.

With a high-end roof replacement, you can be far more selective with your roofing contractor. There is no need to search for a bottom-dollar installer. Instead, you can go with the roofing contractor with the best reputation and quality of service.

3 ways to finance a new roof in Oregon

Home equity loan (HELOC)

In Oregon, a popular option for financing your roof replacement is a fixed-rate home equity loan or HELOC.

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.

The benefits of home equity loans are that they give you access to the fund quickly and provide you with a fixed low-interest rate with lower borrowing costs. However, ensure 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 want to replace your roof due to its deteriorating condition, financing through an insurance policy will be virtually impossible. However, if your roof was damaged by a weather-related event such as a hurricane or hail storm, you may have more success making an insurance claim.

If a weather-related event damaged your roof, contact your insurance company immediately.

Personal loans

You may be able to pay for your new roof with a personal loan. To get a personal loan, you have the option of going directly to one of the many lenders offering loans or through certain roofing contractors who will offer financing options.

It is 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 avoid getting stuck in a dangerous or predatory loan.

Other factors to consider

Redeck a roof

If you are looking at replacing your roof with a heavier material, such as slate or clay tiles, you may need to redeck your roof to provide additional reinforcement. If this is the case, you’ll need to account for an increase in your roofing project cost due to the extra labor and materials.

The cost to redeck varies depending on several factors, including if you have to redeck all or a portion of your roof. Roof decking panels typically cost between $0.43 and $1.80 per square foot for the materials, plus an additional $1 and $3 per square foot for labor.

Inspection cost in Oregon

The average cost of a roof inspection in Oregon is between $100 to $600.

In Oregon, it is strongly recommended that you have your roof inspected every 3 to 5 years, regardless of the condition of your roof. A professional roof inspection can help you to find faults in your roof layout and allows you to catch problems before they lead to more costly repairs or a roof replacement.

A qualified roof inspector can also provide you with possible measures that can be taken to ensure your roof is capable to withstand more harsh weather conditions.

Permits in Oregon

In Oregon, a building permit is required if all of your old roofing is being removed, and all new roof sheathing is being installed. Acquiring a permit will almost always be handled by your roofing contractor, with the cost of the permit being included in the quote.

Replacing your roof in Oregon

Whether you know the lifespan of your roof is coming to an end or are just concerned about the condition of your roof, the first thing you should do is get a roof inspection. Having your roof inspected can help to identify any problems with your existing roof and the recommended roof repairs or further measures that you should be taking.

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. Roofing contractors can specialize in particular roof types and materials, so talk with a few contractors to find one that will suit your needs.