How much does a roof replacement cost?
A roof replacement's cost is set by your roof's size and pitch, the material you choose, and whether the old roof is torn off first. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable; metal, tile and slate cost more and last longer. Repairs cost far less. The accurate figure for your home is an itemized written quote from a licensed local contractor.
New Roof Guide connects you with licensed local companies - we are not a contractor.
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What decides the cost of a new roof?
Four things move a roof's price more than anything else: how large and steep the roof is, the material you pick, whether the old roof must be torn off, and your local labor rates. Complexity - valleys, chimneys and skylights - and any hidden decking repairs add to the total. Every estimate below builds on these four levers.
- Size & pitch - measured in squares (100 sq ft); steeper roofs need more safety setup and labor.
- Material - asphalt shingle is the budget standard; metal, tile and slate carry a premium and last longer.
- Tear-off & decking - removing old layers and replacing rotted decking adds cost but is often necessary.
- Permits, disposal & access - permit fees, dumpster and haul-away, and hard-to-reach roofs all add up.
How much does a roof cost by material?
Material is the single biggest driver of price. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable and most common; metal costs more but lasts decades longer; tile and slate sit at the premium end with the longest lifespans. The table shows the relative cost and typical lifespan of each - shortlist with it, then price your choice with real quotes.
| Material | Relative cost | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle | $ - most affordable | 15–30 years |
| Metal | $$ - mid to high | 40–70 years |
| Tile (clay/concrete) | $$$ - high | 50+ years |
| Slate | $$$$ - premium | 75–100+ years |
Tip: These tiers are for orientation only. Base decisions on written, itemized quotes for your address - not on national averages. See the method & sources below.
How much does a roof repair cost?
A repair almost always costs far less than a replacement, because you pay for a small area and a few hours of labor rather than a whole new roof. Common jobs - replacing a few shingles, resealing flashing or fixing a single leak - sit at the low end. Recurring damage across an aging roof is where repair costs start to rival replacement.
Should you repair or replace your roof?
Isolated leaks, a handful of missing shingles or damaged flashing are usually repairs. Widespread granule loss, sagging, daylight through the decking, or a roof past its rated lifespan point toward a full replacement.
If you are patching the same roof year after year, add those costs up - a replacement often wins on total cost of ownership.
How do you estimate a roof replacement cost?
To estimate a roof replacement yourself, multiply your roof area (in 100-sq-ft "squares") by a per-square rate for your material, then adjust for pitch and tear-off. The calculator below does this instantly for a ballpark range. It can't see your roof's condition or local rates, so confirm the figure with written quotes.
Enter your details to estimate.
Get exact local quotesThis is a rough estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your region, roof complexity, access and contractor.
Full roof replacement costs vary widely with roof size, pitch, material and your region. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable option, while metal, tile and slate cost more per square. The only reliable figure for your home is an itemized written quote from a licensed local contractor.
Square footage, roof pitch and complexity, the material chosen, tear-off of old layers, decking repairs, permits and disposal all move the price. A higher quote is not always worse - check what is included, the warranty offered and the crew's licensing.
A repair almost always costs less up front. But repeated repairs on an old or widely damaged roof can cost more over time than a single replacement. If your roof is near the end of its rated lifespan, replacement is usually the better value.
Online calculators, including ours, give a ballpark based on roof size, material and pitch. They can't see your roof's condition, access or local labor rates, so treat the number as a starting point and confirm it with itemized written quotes.
Get several written quotes, choose a material that fits your budget and climate, ask whether an overlay is appropriate instead of a full tear-off, schedule in the off-season if you can, and check whether storm damage is covered by your insurance.
Which roof type do you want to price?
Go deeper on the exact roof you're pricing.
How do we estimate these costs?
Our calculator multiplies your roof area by an illustrative installed cost-per-square range for each material, then adjusts for pitch and tear-off. These ranges are general industry ballparks for orientation, not quotes; lifespan figures reflect typical manufacturer-rated service life. Because regional labor, permits and roof complexity vary widely, the only accurate figure for your home is an itemized written quote from a licensed local contractor.
- Cost basis - illustrative per-square (100 sq ft) installed ranges by material (asphalt, metal, tile, slate), adjusted for pitch and tear-off.
- Lifespan basis - typical manufacturer-rated service life by material.
- Your figure - written, itemized quotes from licensed local contractors, which reflect your region, roof and access.
Last updated 19 August 2026. Figures are estimates for general guidance - not a quote, and not a guarantee of price.
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