Quick answer: Asphalt shingle roof replacement costs about $4.25–$12.25 per sq ft of roof installed, and metal roofing about $10–$35 per sq ft, according to NerdWallet. A typical 1,500 sq ft roof costs roughly $6,400–$18,400 with asphalt shingles.
Roof Cost by Roof Size
| Roof area | Squares | Asphalt ($4.25–$12.25) | Metal ($10–$35) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 10 | $4,250–$12,250 | $10,000–$35,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 15 | $6,375–$18,375 | $15,000–$52,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 20 | $8,500–$24,500 | $20,000–$70,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 25 | $10,625–$30,625 | $25,000–$87,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 30 | $12,750–$36,750 | $30,000–$105,000 |
Roof Area Is Not House Area
Roof area is larger than the house footprint because of overhangs and slope. A 40 × 30 ft house with 12 in overhangs and a 6/12 pitch has about 1,500 sq ft of roof. Find your roof area with the roofing calculator or check the pitch with the roof pitch calculator.
Skip the math: enter your house size, pitch and material for low, mid and high estimates. Open the free Roof Replacement Cost Calculator →
What Affects the Price
- Material: 3-tab and architectural shingles at the low end; standing-seam metal, tile and slate at the high end.
- Pitch and complexity: steep roofs, valleys, dormers and skylights take longer.
- Tear-off: removing one or more old layers adds labor and disposal.
- Decking repairs: rotted plywood must be replaced.
- Location and season: labor rates vary widely by region.
Asphalt vs Metal
| Asphalt shingles | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $4.25–$12.25/sq ft | $10–$35/sq ft |
| Typical lifespan | about 20–30 years | about 40–70 years |
| Pros | Lower upfront cost, easy repairs | Long life, wind and fire resistance |
Ways to Save
- Get at least three written quotes for the same scope.
- Schedule in the off-season if your climate allows.
- Ask about manufacturer rebates and insurance discounts for impact-rated shingles.
- Replace gutters at the same time; plan them with the gutter calculator.
How to Measure Your Roof
- Measure the length and width of the house and add the overhangs on each side.
- Multiply to get the footprint of the roof.
- Find the roof pitch (rise per 12 in of run).
- Multiply the footprint by the pitch factor: 1.054 for 4/12, 1.118 for 6/12, 1.202 for 8/12 and 1.414 for 12/12.
- Divide by 100 to get roofing squares.
Signs You Need a New Roof
- Curling, cracked or missing shingles.
- Granules collecting in gutters.
- Daylight or water stains in the attic.
- Sagging areas, which may mean damaged decking.
- The roof is near the end of its expected life.
Repair vs Replace
Small leaks, a few missing shingles or flashing problems can often be repaired. When damage is widespread, the roof is old, or there are already two layers of shingles, full replacement is usually the better investment.
Insurance and Storm Damage
Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage caused by sudden events such as hail or wind, but not general wear. Document damage with photos, get an inspection, and review your deductible and policy terms before signing a contract.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new roof cost for a 2,000 sq ft house?
The roof itself is often 2,200–2,600 sq ft for a 2,000 sq ft single-story home, so asphalt shingles cost roughly $9,400–$31,900.
How much is a roof per square?
About $425–$1,225 per square (100 sq ft) for asphalt shingles and $1,000–$3,500 for metal.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most asphalt roofs are replaced in one to three days.
Is a metal roof worth the extra cost?
It can be if you plan to stay long-term, since metal roofs last much longer than shingles.
Can you put new shingles over old ones?
Many codes allow one overlay layer, but tearing off lets the roofer inspect and repair the decking and usually gives a longer-lasting roof.
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