How much does a new roof cost on average?

A typical roof replacement for a 1,500–2,500 sq ft home costs $8,000–20,000 for asphalt shingles, $15,000–35,000 for metal, and $25,000–60,000 for tile or slate. Prices vary significantly by region, roof complexity, and material chosen. Always get at least three written bids from licensed contractors.

How many squares do I need for my roof?

One roofing square equals 100 sq ft of roof surface. To estimate, take your home's footprint area and multiply by a pitch factor: 1.15 for a gentle slope, 1.30 for a medium slope, 1.50 for a steep slope. Add 10% for waste. Divide by 100 to get squares. A contractor's measurement will be more accurate for complex roofs.

How long do asphalt shingles last?

Standard 3-tab asphalt shingles last 15–20 years. Architectural (dimensional) shingles last 25–30 years. Premium Class 4 impact-resistant shingles may last 30–40+ years and can qualify for homeowner insurance discounts. Lifespan is reduced in extreme heat, poor ventilation, or heavy snow climates.

Can I install my own roof?

Technically yes for simple asphalt shingle roofs, but it's risky without experience. A poorly installed roof can void manufacturer warranties, fail building code inspections, cause leaks that damage structure, and void your homeowner's insurance claim if improperly installed. At minimum, consult local codes and pull the required permit.

What is a roofing square?

A roofing square is a unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roof surface area. Roofing materials — shingles, metal panels, underlayment — are priced and packaged in squares. A bundle of standard asphalt shingles covers roughly 1/3 of a square (about 33 sq ft), so three bundles equal one square.

Roofing Cost Guide: Materials, Labor & Calculator (2026)

Understanding Roofing Squares

Roofers measure in "squares" — one roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. A 2,000 sq ft home might have 20–30 squares of actual roof area depending on the pitch and complexity. To calculate squares, measure the total footprint of your home, multiply by a pitch factor (1.0 for flat, 1.15 for 4/12 pitch, 1.30 for 6/12 pitch, 1.50 for 9/12+ pitch), and divide by 100.

Roofing Material Costs by Type

Asphalt Shingles — $100–$200 per square installed

Asphalt is the most popular roofing material in North America, covering about 75% of homes. Standard 3-tab shingles cost $80–120 per square installed; architectural (dimensional) shingles cost $120–180 per square. Premium designer shingles with impact ratings reach $180–250. Expected lifespan: 20–30 years for architectural, 15–20 for 3-tab.

Metal Roofing — $250–$500 per square installed

Standing seam metal panels cost $350–700 per square installed. Exposed-fastener metal panels are cheaper at $200–350 per square. Metal lasts 40–70 years, is energy efficient (reflects heat), and handles extreme weather well. Higher upfront cost but lower lifecycle cost than asphalt.

Clay or Concrete Tile — $300–$600 per square installed

Tile roofing is common in the Southwest and Mediterranean-style homes. Clay tile costs $400–700 per square installed; concrete tile is slightly less at $300–500. Tile lasts 50+ years but adds significant weight — most homes need structural reinforcement to support tile roofing.

Natural Slate — $600–$1,500 per square installed

Natural slate is the most durable roofing material available, often lasting 100+ years. Premium hard slate (Vermont, Pennsylvania) costs $800–1,500 per square installed. Soft slate costs $600–900 per square but may last only 50–75 years. Requires specialized installers and structural support for the weight.

Wood Shingles and Shakes — $300–$500 per square installed

Cedar and redwood shingles offer a natural appearance. Shingles are smooth-sawn; shakes are split and rough. Lifespan is 20–30 years with proper maintenance and in dry climates. Not suitable for wet climates or fire-prone areas without treatment.

Labor Costs

Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of total roofing project cost. Roofers generally charge $150–300 per square for tear-off and installation of asphalt shingles. Labor rates are higher for steep roofs, complex designs with many valleys and dormers, and specialty materials like slate or tile. Tear-off of an existing layer adds $50–100 per square.

Additional Cost Factors

Decking replacement: If sheathing is rotted or damaged, replace at $2–4 per sq ft.
Underlayment: Synthetic felt or ice-and-water shield adds $0.20–$1.50 per sq ft.
Flashings: Chimney, skylight, and valley flashing runs $200–600 each depending on complexity.
Gutters: Often replaced simultaneously. $5–15 per linear foot for aluminum or vinyl gutters.
Permits: Most jurisdictions require permits for full roof replacement. Budget $100–500.

Repair vs. Replace

Repair if: the roof is less than 15 years old, damage is isolated to a small section (under 25% of total area), and the flashing, decking, and most shingles are in good condition. Replace if: the roof is near the end of its expected lifespan, there are multiple leak areas, shingles are curling or losing granules extensively, or a home inspector has flagged the roof for replacement. Repairs average $150–1,500; full replacement averages $8,000–25,000 for a typical home.