Replacement Cost Estimator

1. Enter the roof squares. If you know the exact square count from a measurement or satellite report, enter it directly. If not, take the home's footprint square footage, multiply by a pitch factor (1.05 for low, 1.15 for medium, 1.30 for steep), and divide by 100.

2. Select the pitch. Steeper roofs require more safety equipment, slower work speeds, and sometimes specialized staging. This significantly affects labor cost per square. Steep roofs also use more material due to the increased surface area.

3. Choose the roofing material. 3-tab shingles are the most affordable. Architectural shingles are the current standard and offer better wind resistance and aesthetics. Standing seam metal is a premium option with a 40-50 year lifespan. Tile is the most expensive and heaviest, often requiring structural verification.

4. Set layers and complexity. Removing two layers of old roofing takes more labor and generates more dump fees than one layer. Complex roofs with multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, and penetrations require more flashing, cutting, and detail work per square.

Material is the biggest line item. 3-tab shingles run $80-$100 per square for materials. Architectural shingles are $100-$150. Standing seam metal is $300-$600 per square for panels and trim. Tile ranges from $400 to $1,000+ per square. Material costs fluctuate with supply chain conditions, so check current pricing before every bid.

Pitch and access. Low-slope roofs are the fastest and safest to work on. Medium-pitch roofs are standard production work. Steep roofs (9/12 and above) require roof jacks, harnesses, or scaffolding, and production drops 30-50% compared to walkable roofs. Always price steep work significantly higher per square.

Roof complexity and flashings. A simple gable roof has minimal waste and few flashing details. A cut-up roof with multiple valleys, dormers, pipe boots, vents, and skylights requires significantly more flashing, cutting, and detail work. Flashings and penetrations are where most roof leaks start, so this detail work is critical.

Tear-off and disposal. One layer of asphalt shingles weighs about 2-3 tons for a 25-square roof. Two layers doubles the tear-off labor and dump fees. Dumpster rentals run $400-$800 depending on size and location. Dump fees vary widely by region. Factor these costs into every bid.

Deck repairs. You will not know the full deck condition until the old roofing is removed. Rotted or damaged plywood adds $50-$75 per sheet to replace. Budget a contingency of $500-$1,500 for typical deck repairs and communicate this to the homeowner upfront so there are no surprises.

Phone and satellite pre-estimates. Use satellite measurement tools to get the square count, then run it through this calculator to give the homeowner a range before you even visit the property. This pre-qualifies the lead and sets pricing expectations.

On-site quick pricing. After inspecting a roof, plug in the specifics and show the homeowner a range on the spot. Same-day pricing closes more deals than following up days later with a formal proposal.

Insurance supplement work. When working insurance claims, run the numbers through this calculator to compare against the insurance adjuster's estimate. If there is a significant gap, it helps you identify where supplements are needed — steeper pitch, more complexity, or additional layers that the adjuster may have missed.