A new roof is one of the most expensive home repairs — and one you can't avoid forever. The average roof replacement costs $8,000-$15,000 for a typical home, but the range can be $5,000 to $45,000+ depending on material, size, and complexity.
Cost by Material (Installed)
Per Square (100 sq ft) — Materials + Labor
3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: $250-$400 per square — Budget option, 15-20 year lifespan
Architectural Shingles: $350-$550 per square — Most popular, 25-30 year lifespan
Metal (standing seam): $600-$1,200 per square — 40-70 year lifespan
Metal (corrugated): $350-$650 per square — 25-40 year lifespan
Clay/Concrete Tile: $800-$1,500 per square — 50+ year lifespan
Slate: $1,000-$2,500 per square — 75-100+ year lifespan
Average Total Cost by Home Size
Roof area is typically 1.2-1.5x your home's floor area (due to pitch and overhangs):
Asphalt Shingles (Most Common)
1,000 sq ft home (~15 squares): $5,000-$8,000
1,500 sq ft home (~20 squares): $7,000-$11,000
2,000 sq ft home (~25 squares): $9,000-$14,000
2,500 sq ft home (~30 squares): $11,000-$17,000
3,000+ sq ft home (~35+ squares): $13,000-$20,000+
What Affects the Price
Roof pitch (steepness): Steeper roofs are harder and more dangerous to work on. A steep pitch adds 15-25% to labor costs.
Layers to remove: If your current roof has 2+ layers of shingles, they all need to be removed first. Tear-off adds $100-$150 per square.
Complexity: Multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, and chimneys add cost. Each feature requires careful flashing and cuts. A complex roof costs 25-50% more than a simple gable roof.
Underlayment and decking repairs: If the plywood decking underneath is rotted, it must be replaced at $50-$100 per sheet.
Location: Labor costs vary by region. Coastal areas and cities with high demand can cost 30-50% more than rural areas.
Signs You Need a New Roof
Age: Asphalt shingles last 20-30 years. If yours are 20+ years old, start planning.
Curling or missing shingles: Visible damage means the roof is failing.
Granules in gutters: Those tiny particles washing off mean shingles are deteriorating.
Daylight through the attic: If you can see light, water can get in.
Sagging: A structural issue requiring immediate attention.
💡 Repair vs. Replace
If damage is limited to one section and the roof is under 15 years old, a repair ($300-$1,500) often makes sense. If the roof is over 20 years old or damage is widespread, replacement is the better long-term investment.
Calculate Your Roofing Materials
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Estimate materials needed and total cost for your roof replacement.
More Useful Tools
BTU Calculator
A new roof improves insulation — check your HVAC needs.
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Financing your roof? Calculate monthly payments.
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Water damage from the old roof? Calculate repair materials.
Calculate →The Bottom Line
A new roof is expensive but necessary — and delaying it causes water damage that costs even more. Get 3-5 quotes from licensed, insured contractors. Choose materials based on your budget and how long you plan to stay in the home. And always check if your homeowner's insurance covers any of the cost, especially for storm damage.