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How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost? (2024 Pricing)

Typical Cost Range: $8,500 – $14,300

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The cost of a roof replacement typically ranges between $8,500 and $14,300, with an average cost of $10,000. However, your final price will depend on various factors. Read our guide to discover what may increase or decrease your roof replacement cost.

Written by Angela Bunt + 1 other Reviewed by: Mark Howey Updated 05/07/2024

The U.S. Department of Energy states that installing a new roof costs around $10,000 on average. The actual cost will vary depending on certain factors, such as your home’s size, roofing materials, and interior layout. This guide provides a detailed comparison between repairing and replacing your roof and insights into doing it yourself or hiring a professional contractor. By understanding these factors, you can make well-informed decisions and ensure a long-lasting roof that increases your home’s value.

Key Takeaways

A roof replacement typically costs between $8,500 and $14,300, depending on the size of your roof and the type of shingles that are used.

The most common types of roofs are asphalt shingle roofs and metal roofs.

Labor costs account for approximately 60% of the total cost of replacing a roof.

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?

The overall cost of roof replacement is $10,000 on average, though it depends significantly on where you live, the square footage of your roof (and home), and the roofing material you choose. Below are some typical roof replacement estimates provided by the U.S. Department of Energy:

Lower End	$8,500
Average Cost	$10,000
Higher End	$14,300

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost by Roof Size?

Homeowners should budget between $4,500 and $8,000 for every 1,000 sq ft of asphalt shingles. You can calculate the cost of a new roof by first determining the square footage of your current roof and then deciding on the type of material you want to replace your roof with. In order to estimate the square footage of your roof, you can use this handy roofing cost calculator. A larger roof means more materials and more work, so large homes cost more. About 80% of roof replacement jobs with basic asphalt shingles cost $4.50–$8 per square foot. Size is the largest cost determinant of your new roof, but our experience shadowing an Erie Home consultation revealed some other common, lesser-known cost considerations. We found that a home’s drip edge, sometimes called a drip lip, is a common cause of roof damage. Roofers often replace this in addition to the roof.

The specific shape of your roof can also influence cost. If your roof is less accessible or the parts that need to be repaired or replaced are limited, a roofer will typically charge more. Similarly, the project will be more expensive if the roof is steep or more than two stories off the ground. You can find a further breakdown of different roof types and parts of a roof.

Roof Size (Sq Ft)	Average Cost	Cost Range
1,000	$6,800	$4,500–$8,000
1,100	$7,650	$4,950–$8,800
1,200	$8,000	$5,400–$9,600
1,500	$10,400	$6,750–$12,000
1,700*	$11,800	$7,650–$13,600
2,000	$13,900	$9,000–$16,000
2,500	$17,300	$11,250–$20,000
3,000	$20,800	$13,500–$24,000

*1,700 sq feet is the national average of a roof size in the United States according to the U.S. Census Bureau

A larger roof takes more time to replace. Materials and roofing prices are usually measured in roofing squares, which are 10-by-10-foot areas of 100 square feet. A 1,000-square-foot house with a 4/12 roof pitch typically has a roof of about 1,054 square feet, including the pitch and overhang. The costs given in this article take this into account.

How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost by Material Type?

A new roof will typically cost between $4-$40 per sq ft, depending on the material you use. Asphalt or composite shingles are the most common because they’re inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to install. However, there are differences even among this type of shingle, with basic three-tab shingles on the lower end and 30-year or 50-year premium architectural shingles on the high end.

Tiles are another popular roofing material and may be made from ceramic, clay, metal, wood, synthetic wood, slate, or concrete. If you’re switching from a lightweight roofing material to a heavier one, have a structural engineer check that your house can carry the new load.

Below are some of the most common roofing materials and their average prices per square foot. Note that roofers usually set prices in squares, which are 100-square-foot increments.

Material	Typical Cost Range (1,700 Square Foot Roof)**	Cost per Square	Cost per Square Feet	Life Span in Years*
Asphalt Shingles	$8,421–$14,264	$606	$4.25–$8.50	20–30
Metal Roofing	$14,790–$70,550	$1,110	$8.70–$41.50	40-70
Clay Tiles	$6,100–$14,680	$871	$6.10–$14.68	50-100
Built-up Roofing (BUR)	$3,670–$5,9130	$366	$3.67–$5.13	15–30
Concrete	$5,360–$9,050	$806	$5.36–$9.05	50
Green Roofing	$10,000–$28,000	N/A	$10–$28	40
Slate	$12,290–$31,770	$1,550	$12.29–$31.77	75–200
Solar	$16,100–$20,850	N/A	$16.10–$20.85	25–30
Wood Shake	$4,500–$8,070	$835	$4.50–$8.07	15–30

*Solar roofing life span is a general estimate due to the technology only being 10 years old.

**Pricing in the table and throughout the article is based on recent HomeGuide, Fixr, and Roofing Calculator reports.

Your roof’s lifespan may vary depending on how well you maintain it and various weather conditions. If not maintained properly, your roof may need replacement sooner rather than later. Below we will provide a quick description of each type of roof material along with images.

Asphalt shingles

Basic, three-tab shingles are the cheapest and most common option. Asphalt shingles can be made from a variety of materials. Fiberglass shingles are less expensive, while composite shingles made from recycled material are costlier.

Aluminum shingles

Aluminum is a step up from asphalt but not as pricey as tile or other metal options and is seen as an inexpensive metal roofing option. It is fairly resistant to saltwater corrosion.

Cedar shingles or shakes

Cedar shingles and shakes are some of the most common types of wooden roofing material. Cedar shake roof cost is comparable to wood shingles and shakes that can also be made from spruce, redwood, pine, or other coniferous trees.

Clay and concrete tiles

Clay tile roofing is one of the oldest roofing materials. It’s eco-friendly, extremely durable, fire-resistant, and has great thermal properties, making it advantageous in hot climates or areas where wildfires are common.

Copper tiles

Copper roofing is extremely durable, lightweight, and is one of the most unique-looking roofing options.

Flat roofing materials

Ethylene propylene diene terpolyme (EPDM) roofing is a type of synthetic rubber. It’s cheaper than many materials, but the labor to replace them usually costs more.

Slate tiles

Slate tiles are not as common as they once were but are considered one of the most durable and trustworthy roofing materials, with a lifespan that can stretch from 75 – 150 years. They are not for everyone though, witha high cost per square foot and can be too heavy for some roofs.

Standing seam metal panels

Standing seam panels are a metal roof option that will cost you considerably more than corrugated metal.

Steel shingles

Similar to aluminum, stainless steel shingles are more expensive than asphalt but mid-range for metal options.

Zinc tiles

Zinc tiles are the second-most expensive metal roofing option because they’re less available and one of the most corrosion-resistant roofing material.

Get a more in-depth understanding of different roofing materials with our video below.

What Are Signs You Need To Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Here’s when we recommend repair versus replacement.

Reasons Your Roof Needs Repair

The cost of roof replacement is steep, and you may wonder if you can save money by patching the leaks or replacing a few missing shingles from your existing roof.

In some cases, you may be able to avoid a full replacement and opt for roof leak repair if the following circumstances apply:

Your asphalt shingle roof is fewer than 10 years old.

Your roof is made of highly durable material, such as metal, slate, or tile.

The damage is limited to a small or shallow area.

The damage is superficial, meaning only a shingle or two has come loose.

Reasons Your Roof Needs Replacement

The cost to repair a roof is cheaper than replacement, but it’s only a temporary fix. In fact, you may spend more on roof repair costs if your roof is in bad shape. Consider a roof replacement in the following circumstances:

Your asphalt shingle roof is over 10 years old.

The damage is severe (e.g., exposed decking, water damage underneath the moisture barrier).

Your roof experiences structural failure.

You want to add value to a home that you expect to sell in the next few years.

You want to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Partial replacement may be an option if the damage to your roof is limited to one side of the house. However, consider your long-term budget, as replacing your roof in phases will cost more than a complete replacement performed at once. If you’re unsure whether you need repair or replacement, contact a professional for a roof inspection.

What Factors Affect Roof Replacement Costs?

Other than roof size and type of materials used, the final cost of a new roof will depend on several variables:

Labor Costs

The typical breakdown of roofing costs is 40% for materials and 60% for labor, though the roofing materials you choose can also affect labor costs. Asphalt shingles can save you money on labor since they’re the most popular and quickest material to install.

Nearly all roofing contractors have extensive experience with asphalt shingles. You may incur additional installation costs if your home has three or more stories or the roof is steep or difficult to access. The more time-consuming or hazardous the job, the more it costs.

Location

Your geographic location and the cost of living also affect your roofing costs. For example, if you live in an area that experiences severe weather, re-roofing will cost more because the job requires better materials and more precision. Places that experience a great deal of rain or snowfall will require heavy-duty waterproof roofing.

Additional Roofing Projects

Evan Greene, sales manager of Northeast Exteriors for the New England Branch of Long Home Products, suggests completing roof-adjacent work at the same time that you install a new roof. This includes updating or installing gutters, trim, soffits, skylights, and chimneys. Additionally, this is a good time to add solar panels to your roof.

Each of these projects will increase your overall roofing costs, as will alterations such as raising your roof’s height, but they’ll save you time and money long-term. See our guide to roof-raising costs.

Old Roof Removal

Roofers are prohibited from installing new shingles over old shingles in most areas, so they must tear off everything including the underlayment. By doing so, you’ll reduce your roof’s overall weight and gain an opportunity to inspect the sheathing below. This can be the most challenging and costly part of the job, typically costing $1–$5 per square foot.

Roof Sheathing Repair

Also known as roof decking, these wooden boards that lay underneath the type of chosen roofing material are necessary for roofers to repair before installing a new roof.

Fascia and Soffit Repair

When replacing a roof and gutter system, it is often advisable to also repair or replace the fascia and soffits of a home. These can easily become rotted, and replacing them will be an extra cost.

Roof Features

Your roof’s features can also make replacement more or less complex and, therefore, costly. Chimneys, skylights, and other features are potential weak points for leaks and require special materials and extra time to seal properly. “Chimneys should be replaced or repaired before the roof is installed,” says Greene.

Roof Cleaning

Removing moss from a neglected roof may require cleaning before repairs or pressure washing afterward. See our guide to roof cleaning costs.

Can You Install a New Roof Yourself?

While you might be able to patch the occasional leak on your own, DIY roof replacement is seldom a good idea. We took note of this during our experience shadowing Erie Home. Roofing is a dangerous job, even on a single-story home, since you’re working on a slanted surface, usually at least 10 feet off the ground. Roofers have substantial training, safety equipment for working on steep roofs, and high levels of workers’ compensation insurance for a reason.

We observed how roof installation gets more complicated than it seems at a glance and also requires tools such as extension ladders, tear-off shovels, nail guns, and air compressors. Professional roofing companies will already have these tools and know how to meet local building codes. You won’t have the benefit of a roof warranty if you do the project yourself, and if you’re using your homeowners’ insurance, the insurance company won’t reimburse you.

Roof replacement is a highly skilled job and one of the largest home improvement projects you’ll encounter. We don’t recommend attempting full or partial roof replacement on your own. Instead, hire a licensed roofing contractor with substantial experience in the industry.

Should You Replace Your Gutters When Replacing Your Roof?

You should consider replacing your gutters and roof at the same time. Old or damaged gutters can lead to costly water damage, so replacing them simultaneously with your roof ensures cohesive and efficient protection for your home. Modern gutters have improved materials and technologies that enhance their efficiency, durability, and longevity. It may represent a higher upfront cost, but replacing both components can prove more cost-effective and come with extended warranties or guarantees. However, the final decision should be based on a thorough inspection of your existing gutters by a qualified professional.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

Homeowners insurance policies can cover roof replacement under specific circumstances, such as storm damage from hail, windstorms, heavy snow/ice, falling trees or other objects, and fire or lightning strikes. However, normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, gradual deterioration, and aging aren’t covered. Many insurers require homeowners to pay a deductible before insurance coverage begins. Reviewing policy details and understanding specific coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles related to roof replacement is crucial. Regularly assessing the roof’s condition, documenting any potential damage, and following proper maintenance practices can help prevent premature deterioration and increase the likelihood of coverage when replacement is necessary due to an insured event.

Is the Cost of Roof Replacement Worth It?

Yes, a new roof is a necessary investment that protects your home from water damage. It can improve your home’s curb appeal and resale value. Modern roofing materials offer improved energy efficiency, resulting in lower utility bills. Though the upfront cost is significant, it’s often more cost-effective than repeatedly paying for repairs or risking extensive water damage. The decision to replace your roof should be based on a thorough evaluation of its current condition, age, and potential long-term benefits.

Input your ZIP code below to connect with local roofing contractors and start researching which best matches your needs and budget.

FAQs About New Roof Replacement Costs

Will a home warranty cover the cost of a new roof?

Most home warranties don’t cover the cost of a new roof or large-scale roof repairs. However, some home warranties cover roof leak repair, either as part of a plan or an add-on. Usually, this coverage only kicks in if the leak occurs over an occupied portion of the home. That means a leak over the living room would be covered, but a leak over a porch or patio would not.

How do I estimate the cost of a new roof?

The most common ways to estimate the cost of a new roof are either by the size of your home or the roofing material that you intend to use. We recommend using both for the most accurate new roof cost estimate. First, find out the per-square estimate of the materials, then multiply by the square footage of your house.

This doesn’t account for potential complicating factors such as roof pitch, necessary repairs, or other costs. Many roofing contractors offer free estimates, which provide the most accurate numbers.

What are the most expensive parts of a new roof?

The shingles, shakes, tiles, or other top layers of roofing material are typically the most expensive items when taken as a whole. However, labor usually makes up the highest percentage of new roof installation costs.

How much does it cost to shingle a 1,000-square-foot roof?

It costs $4,250–$14,300 to shingle a 1,000-square-foot roof. The final price will depend on the material used to make the shingles. Here are some price ranges for each shingle material.

Shingle Type	Cost for 1,000 Square Feet
Basic asphalt shingles	$4,250–$4,950
Premium asphalt shingles	$4,500–$8,250
Steel shingles	$8,000–$12,650
Aluminum shingles	$8,500–$13,750
Cedar shingles	$8,000–$14,300

How do I know when to replace my roof?

You should consider replacing your roof if there’s severe damage or structural failure or if you have an asphalt shingle roof that’s more than 10 years old. It’s also a good idea to replace your roof if you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency or expect to sell your home in the near future and want to add property value.

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost In Your City?

Roof replacement costs vary by location due to local labor and material prices. Areas with a higher cost of living, such as coastal states, will cost more than less populous locations.

We’ve researched and vetted roofing companies state and country-wide. Find top-recommended roofers near you in our guides below. You can also utilize this page to find roofing companies in or around your zip code.