How Much Does a New Roof Cost? (2026)

    A full roof replacement on a typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft home costs $5,000–$12,000 for asphalt shingles. The main cost drivers are roof size, material, complexity (valleys, dormers, pitch), and your region. Here's the detailed breakdown.

    Quick answer: Asphalt shingle roofing costs $350–$600 per roofing square (100 sq ft) installed, including tear-off. A typical 20-square roof runs $7,000–$12,000 total. Metal roofing costs $600–$1,200 per square.

    Cost by Roof Size

    Home (sq ft)3-TabArchitectural
    1,000$4,200–$6,750$5,400–$9,000
    1,500$5,950–$9,900$7,650–$13,200
    2,000$7,700–$12,600$9,900–$16,800
    2,500$9,450–$15,300$12,150–$20,400
    3,000$11,200–$18,000$14,400–$24,000

    Roof area is larger than the home's footprint because of pitch. See our roof pitch chart for multiplier factors.

    Cost by Roofing Material

    MaterialCost per Square
    3-tab asphalt$350–$450
    Architectural shingles$450–$600
    Premium/designer shingles$600–$900
    Standing seam metal$800–$1,200
    Metal shingles/tiles$600–$1,000
    Clay/concrete tile$800–$1,500
    Slate$1,500–$3,000
    Cedar shakes$600–$900

    Cost Breakdown — Typical 20-Square Asphalt Re-Roof

    ItemCost
    Shingles (architectural)$2,000–$3,500
    Underlayment (synthetic)$400–$700
    Drip edge & flashing$200–$400
    Ridge cap & starter strip$150–$300
    Ventilation (ridge vent)$150–$350
    Nails & fasteners$100–$200
    Tear-off labor$800–$1,500
    Disposal (dumpster)$300–$600
    Installation labor$3,000–$5,000
    Total$7,100–$12,550

    Calculate your shingle and accessory quantities with our Roofing Calculator.

    Complexity Factors

    FactorCost Impact
    Steep pitch (8/12+)+15–25%
    Multiple stories+10–20%
    Many valleys & dormers+10–20%
    Skylights+$200–$500 each
    Chimney+$200–$500
    Plywood replacement+$75–$150 per sheet
    Second layer tear-off+$1,000–$2,000
    Permit & inspection+$100–$500

    Signs You Need a New Roof

    Shingles curling, cracking, or missing granules — check gutters for granule buildup, which indicates the shingles are nearing end of life. Daylight visible through attic roof boards is a clear sign of structural failure. Sagging roof deck indicates moisture damage to the decking. Age — asphalt roofs over 20 years are near end of life regardless of appearance. Water stains on interior ceilings suggest active leaks. Moss or algae growth traps moisture and accelerates deterioration — treatment can extend life, but heavy growth often signals underlying damage.

    How to Save Money

    • Get 3–5 quotes — roofing estimates vary widely between contractors
    • Roof in the off-season (late fall, winter, early spring) for 10–15% discounts
    • Choose architectural over premium — the performance gap doesn't justify 2× the cost
    • Ask about manufacturer rebates and seasonal promotions
    • If decking is solid, avoid unnecessary plywood replacement

    Should You DIY a Roof?

    Roofing is dangerous — falls from roofs are a leading cause of construction fatalities. For single-story homes with low pitch (4/12 or less), experienced DIYers can save $3,000–$5,000 in labor. For steep, multi-story, or complex roofs with many penetrations, hire a professional. Professional roofers carry liability insurance and workmanship warranties that protect you if problems arise.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does it cost to replace a roof on a 2,000 sq ft house?

    Typically $7,700–$16,800 depending on material. The roof area is 22–28 squares (larger than floor area due to pitch). Architectural shingles are the most common choice at $9,900–$16,800.

    How long does a roof replacement take?

    1–3 days with a full crew. Simple ranch homes in a day. Complex roofs with steep pitch and dormers may take 3–5 days.

    Should I repair or replace my roof?

    If damage is localized, repair is cost-effective. If the roof is near end of life with widespread issues, replace. General rule: if repair costs exceed 30% of replacement cost, replace.

    Does a new roof increase home value?

    Yes — typically recovers 60–70% of cost in increased value. More importantly, it removes a major negotiation point for buyers.

    What's the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?

    3-tab are flat, thinner, 15–20 year life, $350–$450/square. Architectural are thicker, textured, 25–30 year life, $450–$600/square. Architectural is the current standard.

    How many layers of shingles can I have?

    Most codes allow 2 layers maximum. If you have 2 layers, the next re-roof requires full tear-off. Even with 1 layer, many roofers recommend tear-off for deck inspection.