Roof Replacement Cost in 2024

Materials are usually only about 40% of the bill for a new roof.

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A roof replacement costs about $11,000 on average but can range from $6,000 to over $50,000 for roofs made of premium materials such as slate, clay or copper. The actual cost of installing a new roof depends on location, materials, roof size and dimensions and whom you hire.

For most homeowners, materials are usually only about 40% of their total roof replacement cost; labor expenses typically account for the remainder of the cost for a new roof.

How much does it cost to replace a roof?

Understanding how a new roof is priced can prepare you before reaching out to roofers for estimates — and may highlight line items where you have the flexibility to reduce costs.

Roof size — $4,500 to $10,000 per thousand square feet

You can typically expect to spend from $4,500 to $10,000 per thousand square feet using typical materials, with an average cost of around $7,000 per thousand square feet. A professional estimate will list the size of your roof, which can differ from the square footage of living space inside the home.

In addition to the size of the roof, the height of the house itself plays a role in total costs as well. Taller homes require more labor and will likely be more expensive.

Roof Size (Square Feet)

Estimated Price

1,000

$4,500 to $11,000

1,500

$7,000 to $15,000

2,000

$9,000 to $22,000

2,500

$11,000 to $27,000

3,000

$14,000 to $33,000

Sources: Architectural Digest, Angi, Forbes, This Old House

The height of the house also contributes to total costs. Taller homes require more labor and will likely be more expensive.

Materials — $3.40 to $35 per square foot

According to HGTV, roofs are most commonly made of asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles, metal, wood shingles or shake, slate or synthetic alternatives to natural materials. Each option is priced differently, and some will last longer than others.

Material

Cost (per square foot)

Lifespan (years)

Asphalt

$3.40 to $8.75

20 to 25

Clay

$12 to $25

40 to 50

Concrete

$11 to $19.80

40 to 50

Metal

$6 to $35

40 to 75

Wood shingles/shake

$6 to $14.30

25 to 30

Slate

$12 to $30

50 to 100+

Sources: Architectural Digest, Forbes, HGTV, This Old House

Labor — $60 per hour

According to Architectural Digest, professional roofers generally charge around $11 per square foot, or $60 per hour

Architectural Digest. How Much Does a New Roof Cost?. Accessed Nov 4, 2024.
. Simpler roofs will be less expensive, while more complex projects (such as when the home has chimneys or skylights) can be more costly.

The bulk of the project estimate usually can be attributed to labor costs. If your project is not urgent, you may be able to save money by scheduling work outside your region’s high season.

Roof angle — varies

The steepness of your roof (called the pitch) can affect the price of your roof replacement. A typical roof is angled three (3:12) to six (6:12) inches per foot. A roof that is sloped at a 45-degree angle would have a pitch of 12:12. Steeper angles make the project more difficult and dangerous, and a pitch over 6:12 will often come with a bigger price tag.

Additional cost considerations

While the bulk of the cost of replacement comes from the roof size, materials and the overall complexity of the project, there are additional factors to keep in mind that can affect your estimate.

  • Location. Roof replacements can cost more in areas with a higher cost of living or where extreme weather conditions are common. Also, if a permit is required in your area, you should anticipate spending around $500 for that. 

  • Removal and disposal of the old roof. If the original roof has to be torn up and disposed of before the new one can be put down, the roofer will add this to their labor costs. 

  • Any necessary repairs. If the roofer has to make structural repairs in addition to putting down the new roof, this will inflate labor costs. 

  • Roof warranty. A warranty from the contractor can cost from $500 to $2,000 and typically includes yearly checkups and minor repairs. Be sure to ask what the warranty does and does not cover, and weigh the benefits of this optional expense.  

Homeowners who aren’t paying for a new roof out of pocket have several options for financing the project.

Can I get financing for a home repair or improvement?

Your contractor may offer some financing options (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — any maybe better — financing options available.

Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, as well as future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.

With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you're using your home as collateral.

Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000 and with fixed annual percentage rates. You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. Unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral. This means your home isn’t at risk if you miss payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and the late payments can negatively impact your credit.

Credit cards are an option for lower cost repairs or renovations. That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than home equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans. When used responsibly, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months; rewards so you can earn cash back, travel or points; and sign-up bonuses that can give you some extra cash back or rewards for a larger purchase. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you pick one of the best credit cards for home improvements.

Which financing option is best for me?

The best financing option for you will depend on how much money you need, when you need the money, what project you’re doing and how long you need to pay the money back. If it’s something that’ll add value to your home, a HELOC or home equity loan may be your best option because the value of your house could increase by more than the amount of the loan.

On the flip side, if it’s a less expensive repair, a credit card is probably your best option if you want to pay no interest or earn rewards. Personal loans can apply to both small and large repairs or renovations, and they may make sense if you don’t have much equity in your home.

Some home improvement contractors offer their own financing options. Before taking this option, shop around and see how their offer compares with other loans.

Regardless of what you choose, make sure you compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing options you’re considering. This will ensure you get the best deal.

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