Short answer: A roof replacement costs about $9,500 on average, with most projects between $5,800 and $46,000, according to Angi data cited by NerdWallet. With typical materials, expect roughly $4 to $11 per square foot installed. Roof size, pitch, material and tear-off drive the price.
Roof replacement cost at a glance
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| National average | about $9,500 |
| Typical range | $5,800 to $46,000 |
| Per square foot, typical materials | $4 to $11 |
| Asphalt shingles on a 1,700 sq ft roof | $8,500 to $13,500 |
| Tear-off of old asphalt shingles | $1 to $3 per sq ft |
Cost by material
| Material | Installed cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $4 to $5 |
| Concrete tile | $9 to $13 |
| Wood shake | $9.50 to $13 |
| Metal | $14 to $19 |
| Slate tile | $16 to $22 |
Talk to a local pro
Thinking about a new roof, gutters or siding?
Call to be connected with an independent roofing or exterior contractor that serves your area. Calls are answered by the provider or their scheduling team.
For homeowners who need new service. Have ready: your address, the type of roof or siding you have now, and photos of any damage.
What drives your quote
- Roof size. Roofers price by the square, which is 100 square feet of roof surface. Roof area is larger than your floor area because of pitch and overhangs.
- Pitch and complexity. Steep roofs and roofs with many valleys, dormers or skylights take longer; complex designs can raise labor costs by up to 50 percent.
- Tear-off. Removing old shingles adds about $1 to $3 per square foot, more for heavy materials like clay.
- Decking repairs. Rotted roof sheathing found during tear-off is replaced at an extra cost, usually per sheet.
- Permits and disposal. Many towns require a permit for a new roof, and the dumpster is part of the bill.
Repair or replace?
Replacement makes sense when shingles are curling, cracking or losing granules across the whole roof, when leaks keep returning in different places, or when the roof is near the end of its expected life. A few missing shingles after a storm or one leak at a flashing are usually repairs.
How to compare roofing quotes
- Get at least three written quotes that name the shingle line, underlayment, flashing and ventilation.
- Ask whether the price includes tear-off, disposal, permits and decking replacement, and the price per sheet of decking.
- Check the contractor’s license and insurance in your state.
- Get both the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty in writing.
- If a storm damaged the roof, call your insurer before signing a contract.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most asphalt roofs on a typical house take one to three days, weather permitting. Tile, slate and complex roofs take longer.
Does insurance pay for a new roof?
Usually only when a covered event, such as wind or hail, damages the roof. Insurance does not pay to replace a roof that wore out with age.