RoofCostRoof Replacement FAQ
The questions homeowners and roofers ask most about replacement cost — answered with numbers, not sales talk.
How much does a roof replacement cost in 2026?
For a typical 2,000 sq ft roof at US-average labor rates, expect roughly $8,500–$13,500 for asphalt 3-tab shingles, $10,000–$16,000 for architectural shingles, $19,500–$32,000 for metal, and $20,000–$33,000 for tile — all including tearing off one old layer. Steep pitch, extra layers and high-cost regions push prices toward or beyond the top of those ranges.
What is a roofing square?
A roofing square is 100 square feet of roof area. Roofers price, quote and order materials by the square: shingles come 3 bundles to a square, and a 2,000 sq ft roof is a 20-square roof. Our roofing squares calculator converts any roof into squares, bundles and underlayment.
How accurate are RoofCost estimates?
They are planning estimates built from typical US component ranges — materials and labor per square foot by material type, pitch multipliers, per-layer tear-off charges and regional labor factors. A real quote can land outside the range when the roofer finds decking damage, unusual complexity or local permit requirements. Treat the estimate as a sanity check on written quotes, not as a quote itself.
Does a tear-off really cost extra?
Yes — removing and disposing of each layer typically adds about $0.70–$1.20 per sq ft. Two layers double that line. Installing over an existing layer is sometimes allowed by code, but a full tear-off allows decking inspection and usually keeps the best manufacturer warranties available.
Is metal roofing worth the extra cost?
Metal installs at roughly two to three times the price of architectural shingles but lasts 40–70 years versus 25–30. It tends to pencil out for long-term owners, in hail or wildfire zones where insurers may discount it, or where you would otherwise pay for a second shingle replacement. Compare both on the same roof with our calculators before deciding.
How do I measure my roof from the ground?
Measure the home’s footprint (length × width of the ground floor, including any attached garage you plan to roof), then multiply by the pitch factor: 1.054 at 4/12, 1.118 at 6/12, 1.202 at 8/12, 1.414 at 12/12. Add roughly 10% for wide eaves and waste. It is close enough for budgeting; roofers measure the roof surface itself before a final quote.
Do you sell my information to roofers?
No. The calculators run entirely in your browser and send nothing anywhere — there is no form to fill in and no data to sell. The separate “For Roofers” program is for roofing companies who embed the calculator on their own sites; homeowners who use it there are dealing with that company directly.
I’m a roofer. How do I get the calculator on my site?
Join the interest list on the For Roofers page. Launch pricing is $29/month for the branded embed plus exclusive lead delivery in one service area. We are onboarding a small first cohort while lead routing is finished.