Roof Replacement Cost
Written and reviewed by the HomeCostGuide editorial team
Quick answer
$9k–$19kfor architectural asphalt shingle, average home
Most homeowners can expect to pay $9,200–$18,500 for a full asphalt shingle roof replacement. Roof size, pitch, and material are the biggest swing factors — metal and tile run well above this range.
Customize this estimate
Use the Roofing Calculator with your own measurements.
Cost by project size
| Project size | Typical range |
|---|---|
Small roof (~17 squares / 1,500 sq ft footprint) | $9,200–$13,000 |
Mid-size roof (~24 squares / 2,200 sq ft footprint) | $12,000–$16,000 |
Large roof (32+ squares / 3,000+ sq ft footprint) Complex rooflines with multiple valleys and dormers push above this range. | $16,000–$18,500 |
Cost by material
| Material | Typical range |
|---|---|
Architectural asphalt shingle | $9,200–$14,000 |
Standing-seam metal Metal often exceeds this guide's baseline range; treat as a separate budget category. | $14,000–$24,000 |
Tile or slate Wide range driven by structural reinforcement needs and material choice. | $18,000–$35,000 |
Labor cost
Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Steep pitch, multiple stories, and complex rooflines (valleys, dormers, skylights) all increase labor time independent of material cost.
Regional considerations
Homes in hail-prone or hurricane-exposed regions often require higher wind/impact-rated materials, and permit and inspection costs vary significantly by jurisdiction.
What affects the price
- Roof pitch and complexity
- Steep or cut-up rooflines with valleys, dormers, and multiple planes take longer to install than a simple gable roof.
- Tear-off scope
- Removing multiple layers of old roofing and repairing damaged decking adds labor and disposal costs beyond a single-layer tear-off.
- Material choice
- Asphalt shingle, metal, and tile carry very different material costs and, for metal and tile, different structural requirements.
- Local code requirements
- Wind-zone and wildfire-zone building codes can mandate specific underlayment, fastening patterns, or fire-rated materials.
Repair vs. replace
A localized leak, a handful of damaged shingles, or flashing issues are usually a repair. Widespread granule loss, curling shingles, a roof nearing or past its rated lifespan, or leaks in multiple areas point to full replacement.
DIY vs. professional
Roofing is not a reasonable DIY project for most homeowners — it involves fall-height risk, and manufacturer warranties typically require professional installation to remain valid.
Ways to reduce costs
- Confirm a single tear-off layer where possible rather than a multi-layer strip
- Schedule outside peak roofing season (typically late spring through summer)
- Get at least three itemized bids from licensed, insured roofers
- File an insurance claim if the damage is storm-related and covered
- Choose a mid-tier architectural shingle over premium designer lines
Questions to ask contractors
- Are you licensed, insured, and certified by the manufacturer for this material?
- What does the warranty cover — materials, workmanship, or both — and for how long?
- Will you tear off down to the decking, and how do you price decking repairs?
- What's included in cleanup and disposal?
- Can you provide references from jobs completed in the last year?
Project timeline
1. Inspection and quote
3–7 days
2. Permitting
1–2 weeks
3. Installation
1–3 days, weather dependent
Maintenance considerations
Have the roof inspected annually, clear gutters and debris regularly, and check flashing around chimneys and vents after major storms.
Methodology & sources
These figures come from our published cost estimation methodology, cross-referenced against the sources below. They are estimates, not quotes — actual project costs vary by location, materials, labor, and contractor.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Producer Price Index, construction materials
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information — regional climate data
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof replacement take?+
Most residential roof replacements are completed in 1–3 days once work begins, though weather and roof complexity can extend that.
How do I know if I need a repair or a full replacement?+
A roofer's inspection is the reliable way to know. As a rule of thumb, isolated damage on a roof under 15 years old is usually a repair; widespread wear or a roof near the end of its rated life usually isn't worth patching.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?+
It depends on the cause. Storm or wind damage is commonly covered; gradual wear and age-related deterioration typically are not. Check your policy's specific exclusions.