How Much Will Your
Roof Replacement Cost?

It is a planning estimate, not a contractor quote. The math uses 2026 national roofing cost ranges and adjusts for roof pitch, complexity, waste, stories, tear-off, flashing points, and decking repair allowance. Real quotes can change after a roof inspection because rot, ventilation, code requirements, access, and exact product selection matter.

Most homeowners know house square footage but not roof surface area. The calculator starts with footprint, then applies a pitch multiplier: low slope 1.00, standard 1.10, steep 1.18, and very steep 1.28. That produces a more realistic roof-area estimate than using footprint alone.

One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. If the calculator shows 24 squares, that means about 2,400 square feet of ordered roofing area after pitch and waste. Asphalt shingles are often sold around three bundles per square, so the calculator also estimates bundles for asphalt options.

Simple gable roofs often need about 8% waste. Moderate roofs with hips, valleys, or dormers often need about 12%. Complex roofs can need 17% or more. Waste covers cuts, starter/ridge pieces, mistakes, and matching material around roof details.

3-tab asphalt usually has the lowest upfront replacement cost. Architectural asphalt costs more but is the most common residential choice because it looks better and tends to last longer. Metal, tile, cedar, and slate cost more upfront but may provide longer service life.

Yes, if the tear-off toggle is on. The calculator adds a separate tear-off, disposal, and site cleanup line item. If your roof can legally and safely be overlaid, that line may be lower, but many replacements require removal first.

Metal can mean anything from exposed-fastener panels to premium standing seam. Slate varies by stone, roof structure, installer skill, and flashing details. The calculator separates exposed-fastener metal from standing seam and keeps slate as a premium planning range.

Permits, structural engineering, major framing repairs, gutter replacement, solar removal/reinstall, insurance claim supplements, and unusual access costs are not fully priced here. Those are job-specific and should be confirmed with an onsite roofer.

For the calculator's default scenario - a 2,000 sq ft home, standard pitch, moderate complexity, tear-off included - a full replacement ranges from about $11,814-$25,028 for 3-tab asphalt to $45,078-$91,556 for slate. Architectural asphalt, the most common residential choice, runs $15,140-$34,342 (around $23,473 at the midpoint), exposed-fastener metal panels $22,458-$47,647, standing seam metal $34,433-$70,267, and tile $31,772-$75,589. Change the size, pitch, complexity, and options in the calculator above for numbers matched to your home.

Three-tab asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material at $3.50-$7.00/sqft installed ($350-$700 per square). For the calculator's default scenario - a 2,000 sq ft home, standard pitch, moderate complexity, tear-off included - that totals about $11,814-$25,028. Architectural asphalt costs more at $4.75-$10.50/sqft and typically lasts longer (15-25 years vs 20-30 years).

A metal roof is worth the cost if you plan to stay 15+ years. Exposed-fastener metal panels run $7.50-$15.50/sqft installed and standing seam $12.00-$24.00/sqft, versus $4.75-$10.50/sqft for architectural asphalt. For the calculator's default scenario - a 2,000 sq ft home, standard pitch, moderate complexity, tear-off included - that is about $22,458-$47,647 for metal panels, $34,433-$70,267 for standing seam, and $15,140-$34,342 for architectural asphalt. Standing seam lasts 40-70 years versus 20-30 years for architectural asphalt, and metal roofs resist hail and high winds and may qualify for insurance discounts.

Roof lifespan varies by material: 3-tab asphalt 15-25 years, architectural asphalt 20-30 years, exposed-fastener metal 30-45 years, standing seam metal 40-70 years, clay/concrete tile 50+ years, slate 75-100+ years, and cedar shakes 25-40 years. Climate, ventilation, installation quality, and maintenance significantly affect actual lifespan.