Labor
Up to 60% of your roof replacement budget will be labor-related. Depending on which product you're installing and the home's structural integrity, installation fees can range from $150 to $300 per square, or around $1.50 to $3 per square foot. Note that 100 square feet is also known as "a roofing square," so your roofer may give you a quote on a "per square" basis. Estimates also include removing the old roof or existing shingles, making spot repairs, and installing the new replacement.
"Most homeowners replace their roof because it's old and unattractive,” says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert. “If you like the look of your existing roof but have a leak or other isolated issue, you're better off making a spot repair versus a full replacement."
Materials
Materials will make up around 40% of your total cost. If you're using the same product type to replace the roof, you'll usually complete the project without much fuss. But if you're replacing a lighter product (asphalt, for example) with a heavier one (such as slate or clay), you'll need to make sure the structure and frame can support the material by having a pro inspect and strengthen your framing and trusses.
Asphalt shingles: It's the most common type of roofing material, with asphalt shingles costing around $5,750–$12,200. It's the least expensive, easy to install, lightweight, and DIY-friendly. If you install it yourself, the cost averages $2,000–$4,000. Asphalt is also more recyclable now than in the past.
Metal roofs: A high-end option that's also a good long-term investment, metal roofs cost $5,700–$16,200. They're resistant to climate conditions and have many attractive options. However, copper develops a patina over time and costs more than the average, at around $25,000+.
Cedar: It’s about $16,000–$27,000. Cedar shakes are sought after for their gorgeous and natural appearance, but they're also high maintenance, deteriorate quickly, and are prone to fire. They also require treatment to resist insects and mold. The good news? Replacing cedar shake shingles is easy to DIY.
Slate: A slate roof costs $5,800–$24,000 for the average home. If you opt for synthetic slate, it's $12,000–$30,000. Slate has a long life expectancy, natural appearance, and is popular in larger houses.
Cost to Tear Off & Replace Roof
The removal of an old roof can cost $1 to $5 per square foot. The job averages $1,000 to $1,500. Some contractors charge hourly, which can run from $40 to $80 per hour. Also, if you have rotting timbers or need new supports for a heavier material, you can expect to pay an extra $1,000 to $10,000, depending on what sort of repair or reinforcement it requires.
Pros often factor removal into the project quote alongside replacement. The rate fluctuates based on material, location, complexity and workload. Removing the old shingles is the hardest part of the job no matter if you're a contractor or a DIYer. While doing it yourself can save about $1,000, pros can do the job safely and efficiently. See our shingle removal tips for more insights.
Roof Replacement Cost by House Size
The cost to replace or install a roof goes up as the home size increases. But note that your roof size won't match the area of your house since you'll need to take into account the overhang, which is how much the roof edge extends beyond the siding. While most homes have an overhang, the length will depend on the roof's architectural style (slate roofs usually have the most extended overhangs). You'll also need to consider the pitch, which is a measure of how steep the roof is.
The estimates in the following chart are based on architectural shingles for a pitch of 4/12 on a single-story home.