The first question most homeowners ask us is: "How much is this going to cost?" It's a fair question. A new roof is one of the bigger expenses you'll ever put into your home.
We're not going to give you a number that means nothing without knowing your house. But we can walk you through what actually drives roofing costs around Cordova so you know what to expect and how to spot a fair quote when you see one.
What Actually Affects the Price
There are five main things that determine what your roof replacement will cost in the Memphis metro:
1. Square footage of your roof. Not the square footage of your house. Roofers measure in "squares" — one square equals 100 square feet of roof area. A larger or steeper roof has more squares.
2. Pitch and complexity. A simple gable roof costs less than a roof with multiple valleys, dormers, and skylights. Complex roofs take longer and require more materials cut to fit.
3. Material choice. Standard three-tab asphalt shingles are the cheapest. Architectural asphalt shingles cost a bit more but last longer and look better. Metal roofing costs significantly more upfront but lasts decades. Most Cordova homes end up with architectural asphalt — best balance of cost and longevity.
4. Tear-off vs. overlay. Stripping the old roof completely costs more than going over it. We always recommend tear-off, even though it costs more — overlays cause problems down the line and most insurance companies and home inspectors don't like them.
5. Decking condition. If we tear off the old roof and find rotten plywood underneath, that wood needs to be replaced before the new roof goes on. You won't know about this until the old roof is off.
What's Usually Included in a Real Quote
A proper roof replacement quote in the Memphis area should include all of this:
- Tear-off and disposal of the old roof
- Inspection and replacement of any damaged decking
- New synthetic underlayment across the whole roof
- Ice and water shield in valleys, eaves, and around penetrations
- Drip edge along all roof edges
- New shingles (with the brand and rating clearly listed)
- New flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Ridge venting for proper attic airflow
- Cleanup, including magnetic nail sweep
- Workmanship warranty in writing
If a quote is missing any of this, ask why. Cheap quotes usually leave things out.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be careful of contractors who:
- Quote a price over the phone without seeing your roof
- Want a large deposit upfront before any materials arrive
- Push you to sign today with "limited-time pricing"
- Don't have proof of insurance or local references
- Aren't based in or near Cordova or the Memphis metro
The roofers worth hiring don't pressure you. They give you a written estimate, answer your questions, and let you decide on your own time.
How We Quote
At Waynes New Roof, we come out, climb up, take measurements, and look at your decking through the attic if we can. Then we sit down and write up a real quote with everything spelled out — what we'll do, what materials we'll use, and what it costs. No pressure to sign on the spot.
If you're getting close to needing a new roof and you want a free, honest quote, call us at (662) 671-0778. We'll come out, take a real look, and give you a number you can actually trust.