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How Much Does a New Roof Cost? (2024 Pricing)

Typical Cost Range: $8,500 – $14,300

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Written by Angela Bunt + 1 other Reviewed by: Mark Howey Updated 04/17/2024

The average cost of a new roof is about $10,000, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The exact price depends on the roof material, labor cost, your location, and more.

A good roof can last many decades, but no roof lasts forever. If your roof is aging, sagging, drooping, or leaking, it may be time to contact a roofing company. This guide covers the factors that affect roof cost, compares repair and replacement costs, and breaks down do-it-yourself (DIY) versus professional installation.

Key Takeaways

Plan to budget between $8,500-$14,300 for a new roof replacement depending on the size and materials that are used.

There are many different roofing materials to choose from, but the most common types used across the country are asphalt and metal roofing.

How Much Does A New Roof Replacement Cost?

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

National Average	$10,000
National Minimum	$8,500
National Maximum	$14,300

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 be wondering if you can save money by simply patching the leaks or replacing a few shingles.

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

Your asphalt shingle roof 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.

How Do I Calculate the Cost of a New Roof?

A new roof will cost $4,500–$6,000 for every 1,000 sq ft of asphalt shingles. 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–$6 per square foot. Here’s how that works out for various home sizes.

House Size by Square Foot	Roof Cost
1,000	$4,500–$6,000
1,500	$6,750–$9,000
2,000	$9,000–$12,000
2,500	$11,250–$15,000
3,000	$13,500–$18,000

How Much Does a Replacement New Roof Cost by Roof Size?

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.

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. We’ve included a breakdown of different roof types and parts of a roof below, as illustrated in our Learn the Basics of Roof Systems article.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost by Material Type?

A new replacement 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	Cost per sq. ft	Lifespan in Years	Cost Per Year of Use*
Asphalt Shingles	$2.08–$3.50	20–30	$220
Built-up Roofing (BUR)	$3.42–$4.90	15–30	$370
Clay Tiles	$5.90–$14.68	50–100	$275
Concrete Roofing	$5.16–$8.60	50	$275
Green Roofing	$10–$28	40	$950
Metal Roofing	$9–$14.60	40–70	$430
Slate Roofing	$7.56–$18.70	75–200	$190
Solar Roofing	$16.10–$20.85	25–30**	$1,350
Wood Roofing	$6.53–$9.90	15–30	$730

*Cost per Year of Use is an estimate for how much each roofing material costs for a 2,000 sp. ft roof for each year of its life span and is meant to help show the potential value of each option.

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

Your roof’s lifespan may vary depending on how well you maintain it and various weather and locational conditions. If not maintained properly, your roof may need replacement sooner rather than later.

Asphalt shingles

Basic, three-tab shingles are the cheapest and most common option, beginning at $4.25 per square foot and going up to $8.25. 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. It ranges from $6.50-$21 a square foot when installed.

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. Wooden roofs typically cost $6.53–$9.90 per square foot.

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. The cost of tile roofing is $5.90–$14.68 per square foot.

Copper tiles

Copper roofing is extremely durable, lightweight, and is one of the most unique-looking roofing options ranging from $20-$40 per square foot installed.

Flat roofing materials

Ethylene propylene diene terpolyme (EPDM) roofing is a type of synthetic rubber. It’s cheaper than many materials at $5.50–$7.50, 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, with a high cost of $7.56–$18.70 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. They range from $7 – $20 depending on the quality of steal used.

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. The price of zinc tiles ranges from $14.50-$21 per square foot when installed.

What Are Factors That Affect Roof Replacement Costs?

How much a new roof costs will depend on several variables:

Shingle type: Certain shingle materials, such as slate or metal shingles, are more expensive to install than typical asphalt shingles.
Labor: Labor costs vary based on project complexity, season, and risk of danger.
Location: Local weather conditions can have a big impact on the type of roof and installation you’ll need, which can change the price.
Roof size: The more footage there is to cover, the higher the tear-off cost will be.

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.

What Are Additional Roof Replacement Cost Considerations?

Beyond the price of materials and labor, you may need to consider additional factors to calculate your new roof cost.

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

Roofing contractors need to repair any damage underneath the old roof before installing the new one.

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 afterwards. 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. 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.

Roof installation 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.

Is the Cost of a New Roof Replacement Worth it?

Yes, in almost all cases, the cost of a new roof is worth it. Although roof replacement is expensive, it’s not a good place to cut corners in your budget. Your roof protects your home’s integrity, and if you opt for cheap shingles or substandard installation, you are risking the durability and longevity of your new roof.

Do your research and ask for estimates from several local contractors. Input your ZIP code below to connect with local roofing contractors.

FAQs About New Roof Replacement Costs

How long does a roof last?

The lifespan of a basic asphalt shingle roof is typically 10–20 years.

Metal roofs last longer, with standing seam panels usually lasting 30 years. High-quality architectural or premium shingles can last up to 35 years when properly maintained. Premium metals such as copper and zinc are pricey but have a life span of 50 years or more. Concrete tiles can last 40–75 years, and clay or slate tiles can last over 50 years.

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.

What Are the Top Cities for Roof Replacement?

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.