Renovation Costs

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost?

Roof replacement costs $8,000–$25,000+ for an average U.S. home depending on material, pitch, layers, and regional labor.

Cost by material

Roofing is priced per square (100 sq ft).

  • Asphalt architectural: $400–$700/square
  • Metal standing seam: $800–$1,400/square
  • Decking repair: $50–$150/sheet

What a roofing quote should include

Compare bids that specify tear-off layers, underlayment type, ridge vent, drip edge, and deck repair allowance.

  • Ice and water shield in valleys and eaves (cold climates)
  • Ridge vent vs box vents
  • Disposal and permit fees

When metal makes sense

Metal costs more upfront but lasts longer in hail-prone or wildfire-adjacent regions — weigh lifecycle, not just install price.

  • Standing seam vs screw-down panels
  • Coating warranties
  • Snow retention in mountain climates

Squares, pitch, and stories beat a neighbor’s Facebook number

A 24-square ranch is not a 40-square two-story colonial. Pitch changes safety gear and time. A third layer means tear-off you cannot skip. Ask for the square count on the bid and walk it against a simple length-times-width of the footprint plus a pitch factor.

  • Steep and three-story add labor more than they add shingles
  • Chimneys, skylights, and valleys are flashing hours
  • Dump fees for tear-off vary by county — they should be a line

Frequently asked questions

How many layers of shingles can stay on?
Many jurisdictions allow only two layers; best practice is full tear-off to inspect decking. A third layer is rarely allowed and hides damage.