Roof Replacement Cost in 2026
Updated 2026-10-14. All figures were checked on that date.
Short answer: architectural asphalt shingles, the most common US roof, cost about $500–$800 per square installed (a "square" is 100 sq ft of roof surface) (The Roofing Brief, as of 2026-10-14). Instant Roofer's contractor data puts the national average replacement at about $16,297, for a 26-square asphalt roof at $6.26/sq ft (Instant Roofer, as of 2026-10-14).
Calculator
Method: roof area = footprint × √(1 + (rise/12)²) (pitch geometry), plus 10% waste, ÷ 100 = squares. Squares × the per-square ranges below. Tear-off, decking, flashing and permits are often billed separately (see below).
Installed cost per square
| Material | $/square installed |
|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt | $350–$550 |
| Architectural asphalt | $500–$800 |
| Premium dimensional asphalt | $650–$1,050 |
| Exposed-fastener metal panel | $500–$900 |
| Standing-seam metal | $900–$1,600 |
| Concrete tile | $1,000–$1,400 |
| Clay tile | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Natural slate | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cedar shake | $800–$1,400 |
Source: The Roofing Brief, roof replacement cost per square, as of 2026-10-14. Tear-off, decking, flashing and permits typically add $150–$400 per square (same source).
Reading a roofing quote
- Convert to price per square. Divide the total by the squares on the quote. That's the fastest way to compare bids.
- Ask about decking. Rotten sheathing is found only after tear-off. Get a per-sheet replacement price in writing.
- Pitch and complexity raise labor. Steep roofs need extra safety gear, and valleys and dormers add flashing and waste.
- Insurance: in hail regions, ask your insurer whether Class 4 impact-rated shingles earn a premium discount.
- DIY? Roofing is one of the most dangerous home trades. Most DIYers should limit themselves to measuring and checking bids.