How much does a new roof cost?
A new asphalt-shingle roof typically costs about $4.50–$9 per square foot installed — roughly $450–$900 per roofing "square" (100 sq ft). For a typical 1,700 sq ft roof, that's about $8,000–$15,000+. Material, roof pitch, tear-off, and your region all move the number, so treat these as planning ranges.
Cost breakdown
Roofers price by the "square" (100 sq ft of roof area). Here's where the money goes (US estimates):
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Architectural shingles (materials) | $1.50–$3 / sq ft |
| Underlayment, drip edge, flashing | $0.50–$1 / sq ft |
| Labor | $2–$5 / sq ft |
| Tear-off of old roof | $1–$2 / sq ft |
| Metal roof (installed, alternative) | $8–$16 / sq ft |
Cost by roof size
The single biggest driver is how much roof you have. Note that roof area is larger than your home's footprint — a steeper pitch means more surface for the same house. Using the $4.50–$9 / sq ft asphalt range:
| Roof area | Asphalt, installed |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $4,500–$9,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $6,800–$13,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $9,000–$18,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $11,000–$22,500 |
Cost by roofing material
Material choice changes both the price and how long the roof lasts. Installed cost per square foot, with typical lifespan:
| Material | Installed / sq ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt | $4–$6 | 15–20 yrs |
| Architectural asphalt | $4.50–$9 | 25–30 yrs |
| Standing-seam metal | $8–$16 | 40–70 yrs |
| Wood shake | $7–$14 | 25–35 yrs |
| Clay / concrete tile | $10–$22 | 50+ yrs |
| Slate | $15–$30+ | 75–100+ yrs |
Estimate the materials first
Use our roofing calculator to turn your roof size and pitch into squares and bundles of shingles, then add labor from the ranges above.
Open the Roofing CalculatorWhat changes the price
- Pitch & height. Steep or tall roofs are slower and riskier to work on, raising labor.
- Tear-off & layers. Removing old shingles (especially multiple layers) adds cost and disposal fees.
- Complexity. Hips, valleys, dormers, and skylights mean more flashing, cuts, and labor.
- Material. Asphalt is cheapest; metal, tile, and slate cost considerably more but last longer.
- Region & permits. Labor rates, disposal fees, and permit costs vary widely by area.
Repair or replace?
A small, isolated leak or a few missing shingles on an otherwise sound roof is usually a repair ($150–$1,500). Lean toward a full replacement when the roof is near the end of its lifespan, you're seeing widespread granule loss or curling shingles, there are multiple leaks, or the decking underneath is soft. Patching an old, failing roof rarely pays off.
Hiring a roofer (and saving money)
For most homeowners, roofing is not a good DIY job — it's genuinely dangerous, and mistakes cause leaks that damage the whole house. DIY can save the labor portion on a low, simple roof, but for anything steep or complex, hire out. To keep the price fair:
- Get at least three written quotes and make sure each lists tear-off, disposal, underlayment, and flashing — not just shingles.
- Confirm licensing and insurance, plus the manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
- Ask about the off-season. Late fall and winter are often slower and cheaper than the summer rush.
- Check storm coverage. If hail or wind caused the damage, your home insurance may pay for much of the replacement.