Roofing Cost Calculator
Estimated Project Total
*Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on national averages. Local permit fees, flashing, and structural repairs are not included.
Understanding Your Roofing Replacement Estimate
Replacing a roof is one of the most significant investments a homeowner can make. Using a roofing cost calculator helps you understand the variables that contractors use to build a quote. Most roofing pros charge by the "square," which is a 10-foot by 10-foot area (100 square feet).
Key Factors Influencing Cost
- Roof Square Footage: This is the actual surface area of your roof, not just the footprint of your home. Slope adds significant surface area to the calculation.
- Pitch (Slope): Steeper roofs are more dangerous and difficult to work on. They require special safety equipment and more labor hours, which increases the cost.
- Material Selection: While asphalt shingles are budget-friendly ($100-$200 per square), premium materials like metal or slate can cost five to ten times more but offer longer lifespans.
- Tear-off Labor: Removing one layer of old shingles is standard. However, if your roof has multiple layers of old roofing, the labor and disposal fees will rise.
Example Calculation
If you have a 2,000 sq ft home footprint with a medium pitch (1.2 multiplier), your actual roof surface area is approximately 2,400 sq ft (24 squares). If you choose architectural shingles ($180/sq) with standard labor ($300/sq) and tear-off ($100/sq), your cost would be roughly 24 squares × $580 = $13,920.
When to Replace Your Roof?
Look for signs of aging such as curling shingles, granules in the gutters, or daylight visible through the roof boards in the attic. Most asphalt roofs last 20-25 years. If yours is approaching this age, it is wise to start budgeting for a replacement using this calculator.