The cost to replace entire roof structure typically ranges from $8,000 to $50,000 for Metro Atlanta homeowners, with most projects averaging $12,000 to $25,000 for a standard 2,000 square foot home. This investment covers far more than just new shingles—it includes the complete structural system that protects your family and everything inside your home.
Quick Cost Breakdown:
Component Average Cost Range Materials (shingles, underlayment) $3,500 - $12,000 Structural components (trusses, decking) $2,000 - $15,000 Labor and installation $3,000 - $18,000 Permits and disposal $500 - $2,000
As one homeowner discovered after a severe storm, what looked like simple shingle damage revealed rotted decking and compromised trusses underneath—turning a $10,000 estimate into a $22,000 reality. This scenario plays out across Metro Atlanta regularly, especially in our climate where heat, humidity, and summer storms take a heavy toll on roofing systems.
Your roof isn't just a covering. It's a complex structural system with multiple layers working together: trusses or rafters that form the skeleton, decking that creates the solid surface, underlayment that provides waterproofing, and finally the visible shingles that shield everything below. When any of these components fail, the entire system becomes vulnerable.
Most homeowners focus solely on the visible damage—missing shingles or obvious leaks. But the real concern often hides beneath the surface. Rotted wood, failed flashing, inadequate ventilation, and structural weakness can multiply your costs if not addressed properly from the start.
Understanding the true scope of roof replacement helps you budget accurately, avoid contractor surprises, and make informed decisions about materials and timing. Whether you're dealing with an aging roof, storm damage, or planning ahead for inevitable replacement, knowing what drives these costs protects both your home and your wallet.
When we talk about the cost to replace entire roof structure, we have to look beyond the surface level. In the Metro Atlanta area, including communities like Marietta, Alpharetta, and Peachtree City, the price tag is influenced by several variables that can make two seemingly identical houses have vastly different quotes.
The primary driver of cost is size. Roofers use the term "square" to measure your roof. One roofing square equals 100 square feet. For a typical 2,000-square-foot home in Georgia, the actual roof surface area is often closer to 2,200 to 2,500 square feet due to the pitch and overhangs.
The "pitch" or slope of your roof significantly impacts the labor cost. A steep roof (anything over a 7/12 pitch) requires specialized safety equipment and more labor hours because materials cannot be easily stacked on the surface. If your home in Woodstock or Suwanee has a complex design with multiple gables, valleys, and dormers, expect the waste percentage to climb from a standard 7% to as high as 30%.
Your choice of material is the "cornerstone" of the estimate. While asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice in Atlanta due to their cost-effectiveness, high-end materials like metal or slate offer longer lifespans but require a much larger upfront investment.
Material Type Cost per Square Foot (Installed) Expected Lifespan 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles $2.50 – $5.00 15–20 Years Architectural Shingles $2.70 – $7.85 25–30 Years Standing Seam Metal $8.00 – $14.00 50+ Years Slate or Cedar Shingles $8.00 – $16.00 50–100 Years
For more detailed data on how these prices fluctuate, you can check out How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost?. At Matt’s Exteriors, we aim to provide clarity on these numbers so you aren't left guessing. You can find more info about roof replacement services on our dedicated service page.
Most people think a "new roof" just means new shingles. However, if you are paying the cost to replace entire roof structure, you are likely dealing with the "skeleton" of the roof. This is where the project moves from a standard renovation to a major structural undertaking.
The rafters or trusses are the foundation for a strong roof. In older homes in areas like Fayetteville or Decatur, these wooden supports can bow, crack, or rot over time. If the structural integrity is compromised, we must replace these components to ensure the roof can support the weight of new materials. Replacing rotted or damaged timbers can add anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 to a project depending on the severity.
The decking (or sheathing) is the plywood or OSB boards that shingles are nailed to. In the humid Georgia climate, it is common to find "soft spots" during a tear-off. If your decking is delaminated or rotted, it must be replaced.
If you are switching from a lightweight material (like asphalt) to a heavy material (like natural slate or clay tile), we may need to consult a structural engineer. Slate can weigh three to four times as much as asphalt, and your home’s trusses must have the load-bearing capacity to handle that weight safely. For a deeper dive into these parts, see What Makes Up Your Roof? A Guide to the Components of a Roof.
No two roofs in Metro Atlanta are the same. From the historic homes in Newnan to the modern builds in Johns Creek, specific architectural features will sway your total project estimate.
Complexity refers to how many "facets" your roof has. A simple gable roof (two flat sides) is the cheapest to replace. A hip roof with dormers, valleys, and skylights requires more flashing, more precision cutting, and more labor. This complexity increases the "waste percentage"—the amount of material that is cut away and cannot be used. While a simple roof has about 7% waste, a complex one can hit 30%.
Every time a roof is "penetrated" by a chimney or skylight, the labor cost goes up. These areas require meticulous flashing to prevent leaks.
Is your home a one-story ranch or a three-story estate in Buckhead? The number of stories affects accessibility. Higher roofs require more scaffolding and safety harnesses, and it takes longer for crews to move materials to the top. Interestingly, a two-story home often has a smaller roof footprint than a one-story home of the same total living square footage, which can sometimes lead to lower roofing costs for the taller house. You can see more about this in the guide on How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Roof on a 3,600-Square-Foot House?.
For those looking at more than just the roof, such as siding or gutters, check out our more info about exterior services.
When budgeting for the cost to replace entire roof structure, the "hidden" fees are often what catch homeowners off guard. We believe in transparency, so here are the costs that usually aren't in the initial "shingle-only" ballpark estimate.
In cities like Sandy Springs or Marietta, building permits are a requirement for structural roof work. These can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,400 depending on the local municipality. Additionally, "tear-off" generates a massive amount of waste—usually two to four tons for an average home. Disposal fees, including dumpster rentals and landfill charges, typically add $1,000 to $1,500 to the bill.
While a new roof is expensive, it is one of the best investments you can make in your home. According to the 2024 Journal of Light Construction Cost Vs. Value, a new asphalt shingle roof provides a return on investment of approximately 59%, while metal roofs hover around 48%. Beyond the resale value, a new roof can reduce your homeowners insurance premiums and lower your energy bills by up to 30% through better ventilation and heat-reflective materials.
Most homeowners in Georgia pay for their roofs through a few different channels:
It depends on the "30% rule." If damage covers more than 30% of your roof's surface, a full replacement is usually more financially sensible in the long run. While a repair might cost $500 to $1,500, it’s a "band-aid" if your shingles are curling or you see significant granule loss in your gutters. Replacing the entire structure ensures you have a unified warranty and prevents "patchwork" looks that hurt curb appeal.
Our climate is the biggest factor. The intense heat and high humidity in Metro Atlanta accelerate the aging of asphalt shingles, often shortening their lifespan to 15–20 years compared to 25+ years in milder climates. We also have to account for local building codes that may require specific ice and water shields or specific ventilation standards to handle our summer storms.
Pitch is all about safety and time. A steep roof (9/12 pitch or higher) can increase replacement costs by 20% to 30%. We have to use specialized safety equipment, and our crews cannot move as quickly. Furthermore, workers' compensation insurance rates for roofing companies are higher for steep-slope work, a cost that is reflected in the final estimate.
Investing in your home's protection is a significant decision, but you don't have to navigate it alone. The cost to replace entire roof structure is a reflection of the safety and longevity of your most valuable asset. At Matt’s Exteriors, we’ve completed over 12,000 projects since 2007, serving families from McDonough to Cumming with the same dedication to high-quality workmanship and trusted materials.
Whether you need a minor repair or a complete structural overhaul, we recommend starting with a professional inspection. A local expert can spot the hidden rot or structural weaknesses that a drone or a quick ground-view estimate might miss. Understanding Why Choose a Local Roofing Company means choosing a team that knows Georgia's specific building codes and weather challenges.
Ready to see where your roof stands? Request a Roof Replacement Estimate today and let us help you protect your home for decades to come.
