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The cost to replace a roof typically ranges from $8,700 to $22,000, with a national average of around $9,200. The total cost depends on the size of your roof and whether you need a full replacement or can simply place new shingles over the old ones. A full replacement, which is necessary if the roof is several decades old or has multiple layers, is more expensive. This process involves tearing off the old roofing materials, inspecting and repairing the underlying structure, and then installing the new roof.

A roof's ability to handle snow depends on its strength and the snow's weight, as wet snow is much heavier than dry, fluffy snow. While designs in snowy regions often allow for 35 to 50 pounds per square foot, a general guideline is that a typical roof can withstand about four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or just one inch of ice. Factors like the roof's age, slope, and support structure also affect its capacity; newer, sloped roofs generally hold more weight than older, flat ones. Ice and ice dams add significant, dangerous weight. Because capacity varies, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor or the original builder to determine the maximum snow load for your specific home.

Spray foam roofs don’t stand up well to impact, so they won’t last as long as something like a tar and gravel roof and other flat roof materials in areas where extreme weather is common. Due to the reduced durability, you’ll also need more frequent maintenance and repairs for a spray foam roof, and those costs will add up over time. Spray foam roofs are relatively uncommon, so you may also struggle to hire a roofing contractor who can install one.

Underlayment is required by building code, so any roof installed without it is technically against code. The underlayment acts as the second layer of defense against water, so installing a roof without underlayment means a much higher risk of roof leaks. You’ll have the best chance of avoiding roof leaks if you install drip edge flashing covered by underlayment, and then install your roofing material over that.