Pricing reviewed October 2026
How much does it cost to replace a roof?
Roof replacement typically costs $4 to $11 per square foot installed, or about $9,000 to $18,000 for most homes. Premium materials like natural slate reach $15 to $30 per square foot.
Cost per square foot by material
| Material | Installed cost / sq ft | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | $4.50 – $7.50 | 2026 cost guide |
| Architectural shingles | $6 – $9 | 2026 cost guide |
| Metal roofing | $8 – $14 | 2026 cost guide |
| Synthetic slate | $9 – $15 | 2026 cost guide |
| Natural slate | $15 – $30 | 2026 cost guide |
| Clay / concrete tile | $10 – $20 | editorial estimate |
| Wood shakes | $7 – $13 | editorial estimate |
| Flat roof (TPO / EPDM) | $5 – $10 | editorial estimate |
Go deeper: roof cost by material guide · whole-roof replacement costs by size · roofing costs by city.
Multipliers used by the calculator
| Factor | Multiplier (editorial) |
|---|---|
| Pitch: low / medium / steep | 1.00 / 1.10 / 1.25 |
| Stories: 1 / 2 / 3+ | 1.00 / 1.08 / 1.15 |
| Tear-off: 1 layer / 2 layers | +$1.00–$1.50 / +$1.75–$2.50 per sq ft |
| Local cost: low / avg / high / very high | 0.90 / 1.00 / 1.15 / 1.35 |
How to estimate your roof replacement cost
- Measure roof area (footprint × 1.1–1.4).
- Choose a material.
- Set pitch and stories.
- Add tear-off.
- Pick your local cost level, then compare written quotes.
Want local quotes? Get free roofing estimates through HomeLynk, the home improvement cost hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new roof cost?
A new roof typically costs $4 to $11 per square foot installed, or about $9,000 to $18,000 for most homes. Your total depends on roof area, material, pitch, stories, and whether old layers are torn off.
How much does a 2,000 sq ft roof cost?
With architectural shingles at $6 to $9 per square foot, a 2,000 sq ft roof runs about $12,000 to $18,000 before tear-off and local adjustments; 3-tab asphalt is about $9,000 to $15,000.
How much does a metal roof cost?
Metal roofing costs about $8 to $14 per square foot installed, or $16,000 to $28,000 for a 2,000 sq ft roof. It costs more upfront than asphalt but typically lasts much longer.
Does roof pitch affect cost?
Yes. Steeper roofs need more safety equipment and labor time. This calculator adds about 10% for medium pitch and 25% for steep pitch as an editorial estimate.
How much does tear-off add?
Removing one existing layer typically adds about $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot and two layers about $1.75 to $2.50 (editorial estimates), plus any decking repairs found underneath.
How is roof area different from home square footage?
Roof area includes pitch and overhangs, so it is usually 1.1 to 1.4 times the home's footprint. Roofers price by the square, which equals 100 square feet.
How accurate is this roof calculator?
It produces a planning range from typical installed costs. Real quotes vary with decking condition, ventilation, flashing, access and local labor — compare at least three written estimates.
Roof figures marked as from the 2026 cost guide ($4–$11/sq ft installed; ~$9,000–$18,000 typical replacement; 3-tab $4.50–$7.50, architectural $6–$9, metal $8–$14, synthetic slate $9–$15, natural slate $15–$30) come from the RoofingCostEstimate 2026 cost guide. Tile, wood shake and flat-roof ranges, tear-off add-ons, pitch/story multipliers and city adjustments are editorial estimates based on typical scope, materials and labor — not survey data. Compare written quotes from licensed local roofers.