How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Atlanta?

Stephen Griswell • November 2, 2021

How much your new roof costs in Atlanta depends primarily on the size of your roof and the materials being installed. When comparing different types of roofing materials, such as 3-tab or architectural shingles, costs generally range from $2.70 to $5.00 per square foot depending on the quality and durability you require.


Materials like metal, slate or cedar shingles can cost upwards of $7.00 to more than $10.00 per square foot. The size of your home and the complexity of your roof will also play a role in the labor costs of having a new roof installed.


The total cost is often between $5,500 and $12,000, but the cost for replacing the roof on your home might be a bit lower or significantly higher based on the previously mentioned factors.


If Reroofing Is Cheaper, Why Shouldn’t I Just Do That?


While you might find some roofers in Georgia who offer reroofing for far less than a roof replacement, reroofing won’t provide long-term savings. Reroofing is just a matter of adding a new layer of shingles on top of your old shingles.


There are a few important reroofing downsides.


Any underlying problems like roof sagging, damaged leak barrier, rotting decking, etc. won’t be fixed by reroofing. In some cases, those problems might be exacerbated by adding another layer of heavy shingles on top of an already compromised roof.


If it turns out your roof decking was damaged, your investment in reroofing will essentially be wasted. In most cases, getting your roof replaced correctly is the more reliable way to ensure your roof problems will be fixed for 15 to 30 years (depending on the material).


Reroofing Might Increase the Cost of Future Roof Replacement


One of the supposed cost saving benefits of reroofing is avoiding the tear off labor and disposal costs. However, you can’t put off roof replacement forever. You’ll eventually need to replace the roof of your home, at which point the labor and disposal costs will be even higher since your roofer will need to remove and dispose of multiple layers of shingles.


Are Multi-Story Homes More Expensive to Roof?


How much more or less a roof replacement on a multi-story home costs depends on a lot of factors. The good news on multi-story homes is your roof’s square footage will be less than your home’s square footage. Some people with narrow multi-story homes might have lower material costs.


The downside of a multi-story home is roof inaccessibility. Roof and fascia damage caused by gutter problems are more common on multi-story homes where those features aren’t clearly visible for easy inspection. Some people with multi-story homes don’t clean their gutters frequently enough, resulting in blockages, overflows, rotting and roof damage.  


More ridges and valleys on roofs can also lead to greater exposure to the elements, more potential weak spots from uneven surfaces and accelerated aging and damage. There may also be cases where taller homes catch more wind, making them more susceptible to wind damage.


How good your roof installer is will play a significant role in the reliability of your roof. When installed properly, a complicated multi-story roof can last just as long as a single-story roof.


Labor costs may also be a bit higher depending on the roof’s slope, complexity and accessibility. The best way to find out how much your roof replacement might cost is to schedule a free consultation with the team at Total Roof Solutions.


Which Materials Are Cheapest?


The cheapest shingles currently available are 3-tab shingles, but keep in mind the life expectancy of your roof will vary based on material quality. Although higher-end architectural shingles cost a little more, they might also look better on your home and last for an extra decade. An additional 25 percent cost for an extra 10 years might be worth it in the long run.


Your roof is a highly visible feature of your home. Think carefully about the roofing materials you choose. If you aren’t planning on moving anytime soon then you’ll likely be seeing that roof every day for the next 20 or 30 years. If your neighborhood has an HOA, there may also be some requirements as to material types or colors.

High-Funnel Tips: Avoiding Mistakes and Maximizing Savings

Replacing a roof is one of the most significant investments you'll make in your home. To ensure you aren't overspending or falling for common industry traps, keep these high-funnel tips in mind. First, avoid the mistake of "storm-chasing" contractors. After a heavy Atlanta storm, many out-of-state companies flood the market with low-ball offers. These companies often disappear before warranty issues arise, leaving you with a high-cost problem later.



To maximize your savings, look into your insurance coverage early. If your roof has suffered wind or hail damage, you may only be responsible for your deductible. Additionally, consider the long-term ROI of your materials. While a standard shingle is cheaper upfront, upgrading to an energy-efficient or "Cool Roof" shingle can save you up to 15% on your summer cooling costs in the Georgia heat. Finally, never skip the ventilation check. A roof that cannot breathe will bake your shingles from the inside out, cutting a 30-year roof life down to 15 years. By focusing on quality installation and proper attic airflow now, you avoid the most expensive mistake of all: having to do the job twice.


Talk With the Atlanta Roof Replacement Experts


Before you make any decisions it’s likely in your best interest to talk with a couple roofing contractors in Atlanta. Total Roof Solutions is committed to providing the highest quality roof replacements in the state of Georgia. Call us at 470-291-7006 for a free, no-obligation roof replacement estimate today.