Roof Replacement Cost Estimator
Calculate labor, materials, and waste factors instantly.
Flat Roof (No Slope)
Low Slope (Walkable)
Medium Slope (Common)
Steep Slope (Difficult)
Very Steep (Mansard/A-Frame)
3-Tab Asphalt Shingles ($)
Architectural Shingles ($$)
Standing Seam Metal ($$$)
Clay/Concrete Tile ($$$$)
Natural Slate ($$$$$)
Simple (Gable, ~5% Waste)
Moderate (Hips/Valleys, ~10% Waste)
Complex (Cut-up, ~15% Waste)
Total Roof Area (incl. waste):
0 sq ft
Roofing Squares Required:
0
Material & Install Cost:
$0
Tear-off & Disposal:
$0
Estimated Total:
$0
*Estimates are national averages including labor and materials. Local contractor rates may vary.
How to Estimate Roofing Costs in 2024
Replacing a roof is one of the most significant home improvement investments a homeowner will make. Our Roofing Cost Calculator helps you estimate the budget required for your project by factoring in the specific variables that contractors use when writing a quote.
Understanding the "Square"
In the roofing industry, costs are rarely calculated by the individual square foot. Instead, contractors use a unit of measurement called a "Square". One Square equals 100 square feet of roof area. For example, if your roof is 2,500 square feet, a contractor would say you need 25 squares of material.
Key Factors Influencing Your Price
- Pitch (Slope): The steeper the roof, the more dangerous and difficult it is to work on. Steeper roofs require special safety gear and take longer to install, which increases the labor cost multiplier.
- Material Choice: Asphalt shingles are the most affordable option, typically ranging from $350 to $600 per square installed. Premium materials like metal or slate can cost three to four times as much due to material prices and specialized labor requirements.
- Waste Factor: No roof is a perfect rectangle. Valleys, hips, chimneys, and vents require materials to be cut. A complex roof design generates more waste material, which must be purchased but is thrown away.
- Tear-off: If you have existing layers of shingles, they must be removed before the new roof is installed. This labor-intensive process, combined with dumpster disposal fees, adds significantly to the bottom line.
How to Measure Your Roof from the Ground
You don't need to climb a ladder to get a rough estimate. Measure the length and width of your home's footprint (the ground it covers). Enter this into our calculator as the "Home Footprint". Our tool automatically applies a pitch multiplier to account for the increased surface area created by the slope of the roof.
Note: This tool provides an estimate based on national averages. We always recommend getting at least three written quotes from licensed, insured local roofing contractors before signing a contract.