Decide these first
- Is the existing roof leaking, near the end of its life, or only damaged in one area?
- What wind, hail, fire, snow, or heat conditions should the roof handle?
- Will the project include a tear-off, new underlayment, flashing, and attic ventilation?
- Does the roof structure support heavier tile or slate?
Specs that actually matter
Good, better, best
Good
Three-tab asphalt shingles keep upfront cost lower; compare wind ratings, warranty terms, and the full tear-off scope.
$3–5/sq ft installed
Better
Architectural shingles or common metal systems offer more profile choices and may provide longer service life.
$4–16/sq ft installed
Best
Tile or slate can deliver a distinctive, long-lived roof but needs compatible structure and experienced installers.
$7–30/sq ft installed
What it costs
| Item | Unit | Typical US range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three-tab asphalt shingles, installed Installed; roof size, pitch, and tear-off affect the total. | sq ft | $3 to $5 | HomeGuide |
| Architectural asphalt shingles, installed Installed; roof size, pitch, and tear-off affect the total. | sq ft | $4 to $6 | HomeGuide |
| Metal roofing, installed Installed average; metal type and profile change the range. | sq ft | $5 to $16 | HomeGuide |
| Concrete tile roofing, installed Installed; confirm structural capacity and underlayment scope. | sq ft | $7 to $19 | HomeGuide |
| Natural slate roofing, installed Installed; heavier roofs may need structural reinforcement. | sq ft | $10 to $30 | HomeGuide |
| Flat roof replacement, installed Installed average across flat-roof materials; membrane choice changes price. | sq ft | $3 to $11 | HomeGuide |
Calculators
Roofing calculator
Roof squares, shingle bundles and underlayment from your footprint and pitch.
Results
Major brands and where to buy
Links go to each manufacturer. Tier is a rough price position, not a quality score.
Retailers
Pitfalls to avoid
- Comparing bids without checking tear-off, disposal, flashing, underlayment, and ventilation scope.
- Choosing a heavy roof covering before confirming the framing can support it.
- Mixing incompatible intake and exhaust vents or blocking soffit airflow with insulation.
- Selecting shingles without checking local wind, hail, fire, and warranty requirements.
- Accepting a low bid that omits deck repairs, permits, or cleanup.
What is trending
- Reflective and cool-roof systems are gaining attention for heat and energy management.
- Impact-resistant Class 4 shingles are drawing interest in hail-prone areas.
- Metal roofing and vapor-permeable underlayments are among experts’ 2026 focus areas.
Questions to ask a pro
- Does this estimate include tear-off, disposal, new underlayment, flashing, and deck repairs?
- How will you calculate attic ventilation and keep intake and exhaust balanced?
- Which wind and impact ratings apply to the products and warranties in this bid?
- Who obtains permits and handles the final inspection?
How long it lasts
About 15–30 years for asphalt shingles, 30–80+ for metal, 30–100+ for tile, and 50–200+ for slate, depending on product and installation.
Can you DIY it?
pro-only: tear-off, flashing, and fall hazards make professional installation the safer choice.
Permits
Full replacements and structural changes commonly require permits; confirm local rules before work starts.
Ready to hire?
Get up to 3 quotes from licensed, insured local pros.
Trusted resources
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association ventilation bulletin Attic ventilation ratios, balance, and installation basics
- U.S. Department of Energy cool roofs Homeowner guidance on reflective roof surfaces
- National Roofing Contractors Association homeowner resources Roofing selection, maintenance, and contractor guidance
From the Journal
Sources
- https://homeguide.com/costs/roof-replacement-cost
- https://www.asphaltroofing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Why-Ventilation-is-Important_20230201_11_FINAL.pdf
- https://www.lbmjournal.com/features/in-depth/article/15818484/experts-name-6-key-roofing-trends-for-2026
- https://st.hzcdn.com/static/econ/2026_U.S.Houzz_Outdoor_Trends_Study.pdf
Newsletter
Planning a roofing project?
Get our Sunday email with one practical idea, one color and one number worth knowing.