Roof cost calculator: replacement & repair
Estimate what a roof replacement or repair should run based on your roof size, material, project type, and complexity. Adjust the inputs for a ballpark, then submit your zip for real contractor bids on your actual roof.
Calculator
- Materials$3,300 – $6,750
- Labor$1,800 – $3,375
- Permits & disposal$900 – $1,125
- MaterialAsphalt shingles
- Roof size1,500 sq ft
Directional estimate only, not a binding quote. Real bids depend on access, decking condition, tear-off layers, and the specific contractor. Metal, tile, and slate carry wider ranges than asphalt.
How roof cost is calculated
Start with material and size. Installed cost is driven first by the material (asphalt is cheapest per square foot; slate is the most expensive) and the total roof area. This calculator uses installed price bands per square foot for each material.
Adjust for project type. A repair is a fraction of a full replacement; a new install on new construction runs slightly higher than a like-for-like replacement because there is no existing deck to work from.
Adjust for complexity. Simple gable roofs cost less to install than complex roofs with dormers, valleys, and multiple facets, which take longer and waste more material.
Split the total. The result divides your estimate into materials, labor, and permits and disposal, roughly the shape of a real contractor bid, so you can spot a quote that is out of line.
Installed cost by material
| Material | Per sq ft (installed) | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $4 – $7.50 | 15–30 years |
| Wood shakes | $6 – $9 | 20–40 years |
| Flat (TPO/EPDM) | $5 – $10 | 15–30 years |
| Metal | $8 – $14 | 40–70 years |
| Tile (clay/concrete) | $10 – $18 | 50+ years |
| Natural slate | $18 – $30 | 75–100 years |
Directional installed-cost bands. Actual pricing varies by region, roof pitch, and contractor. For a material deep-dive, see asphalt vs metal vs tile vs slate. Not sure of your roof area? Use the roof measurement calculator first.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a new roof cost?Most asphalt shingle replacements run $7,000 to $14,000, or roughly $4 to $7.50 per square foot installed. Metal typically starts around $8 per square foot; tile runs $10 to $18; natural slate is $18 to $30. Your total depends on roof size, pitch, tear-off layers, and local labor rates.
- What is included in a roof replacement estimate?A full estimate covers materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing, vents), labor, tear-off and disposal of the old roof, permits, and often a workmanship warranty. This calculator splits the estimate into materials, labor, and permits/disposal so you can sanity-check a contractor bid.
- Why is my roof more expensive than the per-square-foot number?Per-square-foot pricing assumes a simple gable roof. Steep pitch, multiple facets, dormers, valleys, skylights, chimney flashing, and removing more than one existing layer all raise the price. The complexity setting in this calculator approximates that.
- Is a roofing square the same as a square foot?No. One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. Contractors quote material and labor per square. If you know your footprint but not your roof area, use the roof measurement calculator first.
- Does roof cost depend on where I live?Yes. Labor rates, permit fees, disposal costs, and code requirements (like high-wind or impact-resistant shingles in storm-prone states) vary by region. Use your state roofing guide for local cost ranges, then submit your zip for actual bids.
These are estimates. Get real bids.
Two minutes of questions. A local roofer reaches out through our lead partner with a bid based on your actual roof. For what to verify before signing, see how we handle your quote request.
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