Roofing Material Prices
Installing a new roof costs between $5,000 and $10,000 on average. Prices vary depending on several factors, as discussed in-depth below. If you're not sure where to start, local roofing contractors can offer quotes to set your budget by.
2021 Notice: Material & Labor Prices are Surging
Demand for roofing has grown over the past year. And, as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a roofing project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.
1. Cost of Roofing Materials
| Materials | Cost Per Square(material only) | Lifespan(in years) |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Polymer | $400 - $1,200 | 35 - 50 |
| Clay Tile | $800 - $1,800 | 75+ |
| Concrete Tile | $150 - $250 | 30 - 50 |
| Slate | $800 - $1,800 | 125 - 200 |
| Wood (cedar) | $250 - $600 | 15 - 30 |
| Asphalt | $100 - $150 | 15 - 30 |
| Metal | $120 - $900 | 50+ |
The material you choose for your new roof is the biggest factor in your final cost but don't forget to consider the expected lifespan. You may save money in the long run by opting for a more expensive option now. For example, the cost of a metal vs. asphalt roof may be mitigated by the extra 20 years it's estimated to last.
Learn more about some of the most common types here:
Plastic polymer shingles cost $400-$1,200 per square and come in styles that imitate wood, tile and slate.
Clay tiles cost $800-$2,500 per square. They are made of natural clay and resemble what you'd see on an Italian or Spanish home, though some varietes mimic wood shake or slate tile.
Slate tiles cost $500 to $1,700 per square and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Wood shake costs $250 to $600 per square. It is a natural material, often made from cedar and redwood, which helps it resist rot during inclement weather.
Concrete tiles cost: $150-$250 per square. This style mimics the look of wood or ceramic tiles but are more durable and fire-resistant.
Metal roofs cost: $300-$1,800 per square and is highly dependent on the type of metal you choose.
Asphalt shingles cost: $100-$150 per square. This is one of the most common roofing types in the United States due to its cost and ease of installation.
2. Factors That Impact Roofing Costs
When installing a roof, there are various other factors that play into the price. Some factors you should consider are:
Accessibility: If your roof is difficult to access, has power lines nearby or tree branches, the rate to install or replace it will increase.
Type of home: The taller your house is, the more expensive it will be because of the danger involved with the height.
Structural issues: If the framework is damaged, you'll pay additional charges to have it repaired before installation proceeds.
Permits and licenses: The cost to obtain permits and the proper licenses could play into the total price of your installation.
Location: Labor rates vary greatly across the United States.
Re-Roofing vs. Replacement: In some cases, you can install new shingles over the old ones. This is known as re-roofing and is often less expensive. However, this method may be too heavy for the decking structure.
Warranties: Manufacturer's warranties cover defects in the materials and contractor's warranties cover installation problems. Read each of them carefully to learn what's covered and what isn't.
Gutters and Flashing: Replacing gutters and flashing will cost you more up front, but is often less expensive than having them installed as separate projects.
3. FAQs
a. What is the cheapest roofing material?
Asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material at $100 to $150 per square. Standard styles of metal and concrete are also low-priced options.
b. Is a metal roof cheaper than shingles?
Metal roofs are $120 to $900 per square and are not usually cheaper than asphalt shingles, which are $100 to $150 per square. They will also cost more to install, ranging from $70 to $500 per square in labor versus $50 to $175 per square for asphalt (not including overhead expenses). However, metal will last two to even five times as long as asphalt and could be a better value.
There are high-end asphalt products that exceed the price of standard metal roofs and there are also low-cost metal roofs that run close to the price of asphalt. For the most part, however, metal will be more expensive than asphalt.
c. How much does it cost to install metal roofing over shingles?
It costs $400 to $700 per square to install a low- to mid-range metal roof over asphalt or wood shingles. There are a few things to know before pursuing this project:
Most regulations won’t allow more than two layers of roofing.
Installation will still require added wood framing and underlayment.
The decking may not be in a condition to support the weight
d. How much does mobile home roof replacement cost?
Mobile Home Roof Replacement Costs
Mobile home roofing costs $1,000 to $3,000 to replace. These calculations are for single-wide size homes, which are 600 to 1,300 square feet. Two of the most popular options for materials are metal and asphalt. Using higher-end materials on larger homes will come at higher rates.
e. How do you calculate the size of a roof?
Due to the slope of your roof and any overhangs that extend beyond your walls, the size of your roof typically won't match the footprint of your home. Use our roofing calculator to easily determine how big your roof is.
