How Much Does It Cost to Install a Roof?
The average cost to install a roof is $9,608, with most homeowners paying between $5,902 and $13,376 depending on roof size and material. Every figure on this page is sourced — see below.
What's included in the cost
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Old roof tear-off and disposal | $1,500–$4,500 |
| Roofing permit | $100–$1,400 |
| Labor | $200–$300 per square |
| Skylights / chimney flashing / features | $1,900–$15,000 |
Cost by material (per square foot)
| Material | Typical cost per sq. ft. | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle | $3–$7 | 20–30 years |
| Metal | $7–$13 | 40–70 years |
| Flat / membrane (EPDM, TPO, PVC) | $4–$13 | Varies by membrane |
| Slate | $15–$30 | 50+ years |
Source: HomeAdvisor (updated June 17-19, 2026). For an independent check on the asphalt figure, Homewyse prices asphalt shingle roofing at $5.09–$6.66 per square foot (May 2026) — consistent with the upper half of HomeAdvisor's range for that material.
What affects the cost
- Material. Metal and slate roofs cost several times more per square foot than asphalt shingle, but last two to three times as long, per HomeAdvisor.
- Roof pitch and complexity. A steep roof, or one with multiple valleys, dormers, or skylights, takes longer to work on and needs more safety equipment, which HomeAdvisor notes drives labor cost up.
- Tear-off scope. Removing multiple existing layers of shingles adds to the $1,500-$4,500 tear-off range HomeAdvisor reports.
- Roof features. Skylights, chimneys, and other penetrations each need their own flashing work, adding $1,900 to $15,000 depending on how many there are, per HomeAdvisor.
Common mistakes to avoid
Roof replacement is not a do-it-yourself project for most homeowners — it involves working at height, structural decking inspection, and local building code compliance, which is why the cost above includes licensed labor rather than materials alone. Get at least three quotes, and confirm each one covers tear-off and disposal, not just the new roofing material, since HomeAdvisor lists that step separately at $1,500 to $4,500.
Also confirm what warranty covers labor versus material. A roofer's workmanship warranty is separate from the shingle or metal manufacturer's product warranty, and the terms of each affect what a future leak actually costs you to fix.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install a roof on average?
The average cost to install a roof is $9,608, with most homeowners paying between $5,902 and $13,376, according to HomeAdvisor (updated June 17-19, 2026). Cost typically runs $4 to $11 per square foot, averaging around $7.
How much does a roof cost per square foot by material?
Per HomeAdvisor: asphalt shingle runs $3 to $7 per square foot, metal $7 to $13, flat/membrane roofing (EPDM, TPO, PVC) $4 to $13, and slate $15 to $30. Homewyse independently prices asphalt shingle roofing at $5.09 to $6.66 per square foot (May 2026), corroborating the upper half of HomeAdvisor's asphalt range.
What is a roofing "square"?
A square is the roofing industry's standard unit of measurement, equal to 100 square feet of roof area. Roofers and suppliers price both materials and labor by the square rather than by the individual square foot.
How much does old roof removal and permits cost?
HomeAdvisor prices tear-off and disposal of an old roof at $1,500 to $4,500, and roofing permits at $100 to $1,400 depending on location and project size.
How much of a roofing quote is labor versus material?
HomeAdvisor estimates labor at $200 to $300 per square, which works out to roughly 15% to 25% of total project cost on a typical job.
How long does a roof last by material?
HomeAdvisor reports asphalt shingle roofs lasting 20 to 30 years and metal roofs lasting 40 to 70 years, more than double the lifespan for roughly double the material cost.
Do skylights or chimneys add to roofing cost?
Yes. HomeAdvisor prices additional roof features such as skylights and chimney flashing at $1,900 to $15,000 depending on complexity, on top of the base roof installation.
Related projects
Have a specific roofing question, or think one of these numbers is out of date? Contact us and we'll look into it.