How Much Does a New Roof Cost? (2024 Pricing)
Typical Cost Range: $8,500 – $14,300
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
How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?
The cost of roof replacement is $10,000 on average, though it depends significantly on where you live, your homeโs 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?
Hereโs when we recommend repair versus replacement.
Reasons Your Roof Needs Repair
Reasons Your Roof Needs Replacement
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 Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost by Square Footage?
A new roof will cost $4,500โ$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 $4.50โ$6 per square foot. Hereโs how that works out for various home sizes.
House Size by Square Foot | Roof Cost |
---|---|
1,000 | $4,500โ$6,000 |
1,500 | $6,750โ$9,000 |
2,000 | $9,000โ$12,000 |
2,500 | $11,250โ$15,000 |
3,000 | $13,500โ$18,000 |
How Much Does a Replacement 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. Weโve 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 theyโre 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 | $2.08โ$3.50 | 20โ30 | $220 |
Built-up Roofing (BUR) | $3.42โ$4.90 | 15โ30 | $370 |
Clay Tiles | $5.90โ$14.68 | 50โ100 | $275 |
Concrete Roofing | $5.16โ$8.60 | 50 | $275 |
Green Roofing | $10โ$28 | 40 | $950 |
Metal Roofing | $9โ$14.60 | 40โ70 | $430 |
Slate Roofing | $7.56โ$18.70 | 75โ200 | $190 |
Solar Roofing | $16.10โ$20.85 | 25โ30** | $1,350 |
Wood Roofing | $6.53โ$9.90 | 15โ30 | $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 roofโs 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.
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 youโll 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 theyโre 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 roofโs height, but theyโll 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 $1โ$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 roofโs 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. โChimneys should be replaced or repaired before the roof is installed,โ 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 youโre 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 wonโt have the benefit of a roof warranty if you do the project yourself, and if youโre using your homeownersโ insurance, the insurance company wonโt reimburse you.
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, itโs not a good place to cut corners in your budget. Your roof protects your homeโs 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 10โ20 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 40โ75 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 donโt 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.ย
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 $4,250โ$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 | $4,250โ$4,950 |
Premium asphalt shingles | $4,500โ$8,250 |
Steel shingles | $8,000โ$12,650 |
Aluminum shingles | $8,500โ$13,750 |
Cedar shingles | $8,000โ$14,300 |
How do I know when to replace my roof?
You should consider replacing your roof if thereโs severe damage or structural failure or if you have an asphalt shingle roof thatโs more than 10 years old. Itโs also a good idea to replace your roof if you want to improve your homeโs 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.
Weโve 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.
Find Roofing Professionals in Your City
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- How Much Does a Soffit Replacement Cost?
- How Much Does Flat Roof Replacement Cost?
- How Much Does a Shingle Roof Cost?
- How Much Does a Slate Roof Cost?
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