Roofing guides
What a new roof or a repair costs, how the materials compare, what to do after a storm and how to hire a roofer, for homeowners anywhere in the United States.
- 118 roofing guides
- Written for homeowners anywhere in the U.S.
- Updated October 2026
- Roof cost calculatorPick your roof’s size, pitch and material for an estimate in seconds.
- Metal roof cost calculatorPanels, metal shingles, stone-coated steel or standing seam.
- Shingle roof cost calculator3-tab, architectural or luxury, with one layer or two torn off.
- Bundles and squaresTurn your roof’s size and pitch into squares and a bundle count.
- Cost by house sizeWhat a new roof costs for a 1,000 to 3,500 square foot house.
Start here
How much does a roof replacement cost?$5,900 – $13,400A roof replacement typically costs $5,900 to $13,400, or $400 to $1,100 per square installed. How to measure your roof, what moves the price and how to compare estimates.
How much does a roof repair cost?$395 – $1,967Most roof repairs cost $395 to $1,967, about $1,173 on average. Prices by problem: shingles, flashing, leaks, decking, vents, fascia and sagging.
How much does a metal roof cost?$6,045 – $18,341A metal roof typically costs $6,045 to $18,341 installed, or $5 to $16 per square foot. Prices by metal and panel type, repair costs and lifespan.
How much does a roof inspection cost?$125 – $383A roof inspection typically costs $125 to $383, about $252 on average. Drone inspections run $150 to $400 and infrared $400 to $600. What each one checks.
What it costs
Do you need a permit to replace a roof?Usually yes, where your local code requires one. A roofing permit costs about $100 to $500, and up to $1,400 in some places. Who pulls it and what gets inspected.Updated 
Does a new roof add value to your home?A new asphalt roof recoups 67.5% of its cost at resale and metal 50.1% (Cost vs Value 2025). An old roof can also affect inspections, loans and insurance.Updated 
How can you pay for a new roof?Ways to pay for a roof: cash, contractor financing, personal loans, home equity loans and HELOCs, insurance, HUD Title I and FHA 203(k) loans, and what to check.Updated - How can you save money on a new roof?Compare estimates for the same scope, pick a simpler design and material, time the job and skip nothing that protects the deck. Federal home energy credits ended after 2025.Updated
- How many bundles of shingles are in a square?Most shingle lines take 3 bundles to cover a 100 square foot square, but some take 4, 5 or 6. How to read the bundle count and waste allowance on your estimate.Updated
- How much do 3-tab shingles cost?3-tab shingles cost about $3 to $5 a square foot installed, or $350 to $500 a square, the cheapest asphalt roof. Totals by roof size, and why they are fading.Updated
How much do gutter guards cost, and are they worth it?Gutter guards cost about $653 to $2,459 installed, or $6 to $13 a foot; professional systems run $3,000 to $9,000. Types, cleaning costs and payback.Updated - How much do shingles cost per bundle and per square?Shingles cost about $25 to $60 a bundle and $75 to $180 a square as material alone, and roughly $350 to $850 a square installed. Lines compared, with sources.Updated
How much does a flat roof replacement cost?A flat roof replacement typically costs $3,331 to $11,558, or $4 to $35 a square foot. Membranes, lifespans, drainage, and why shingles can't go on it.Updated 
How much does a new roof cost per square foot?A new roof costs $4 to $11 a square foot installed, or $400 to $1,100 a square, per HomeAdvisor. Prices by material and what raises the rate per foot.Updated - How much does a roof coating cost, and is it worth it?A roof coating typically costs $543 to $2,528, or $0.65 to $5 a square foot by type. Silicone, acrylic and urethane compared, and when a coating hides a problem.Updated
How much does a roof inspection cost?A roof inspection typically costs $125 to $383, about $252 on average. Drone inspections run $150 to $400 and infrared $400 to $600. What each one checks.Updated 
How much does a roof repair cost?Most roof repairs cost $395 to $1,967, about $1,173 on average. Prices by problem: shingles, flashing, leaks, decking, vents, fascia and sagging.Updated 
How much does a roof replacement cost?A roof replacement typically costs $5,900 to $13,400, or $400 to $1,100 per square installed. How to measure your roof, what moves the price and how to compare estimates.Updated 
How much does an architectural shingle roof cost?An architectural shingle roof costs about $4 to $6 a square foot installed per HomeAdvisor, and up to $15 for designer lines per Fixr. Totals by roof size.Updated 
How much does gutter replacement cost?New gutters for an average house cost about $2,200 to $5,000, or $4 to $40 a linear foot installed. Costs by material, house size, extras, and repair vs replace.Updated 
How much does it cost to replace a garage roof?Replacing a garage roof typically costs $1,500 to $8,000, or $4 to $12 a square foot. Garage sizes, roof area, materials, decking, permits and timing.Updated 
How much does it cost to replace a mobile home roof?A mobile home roof replacement typically costs $4,000 to $7,000, or $2.50 to $4.50 a square foot. Roof types, roof-overs, and the load limit on your data plate.Updated 
How much does it cost to replace a skylight?Replacing a skylight typically costs $1,000 to $3,000. Prices for fixed, venting and tubular types, doing it with a new roof, leak causes and lifespan.Updated - How much does roof tear-off and disposal cost?Tear-off and disposal usually add $1,500 to $4,500 to a roof job, or about $50 to $150 a square. What layers, dumpster size and recycling do to the line.Updated
How much does soffit and fascia repair cost?Soffit and fascia repair typically costs $1,050 to $3,300, or $6 to $20 a linear foot. Signs of rot and pests, costs by material, and doing it with a new roof.Updated - How much of a new roof's price is labor?Published sources put labor anywhere from 15% to 65% of a new roof's price, or $150 to $400 a square. Why they disagree and how to read the labor line.Updated
Is a new roof tax deductible?A new roof on your own home is not deductible but adds to your cost basis. Home office and rental rules differ; federal home energy credits ended after 2025.Updated 
Roof decking and underlayment: what they are and costReplacing roof decking costs $2 to $5 a square foot; a sheet of plywood or OSB runs $9 to $64. How the deck, underlayment and ice barrier work.Updated - What hidden costs come with a new roof?Rotted decking at $2 to $8 a square foot, permits of $100 to $1,400, code upgrades and disposal can add 15% to 20% to a roof estimate. How to cap them in writing.Updated
Materials
Are architectural shingles worth it over 3-tab shingles?Architectural shingles start near $3.50 a square foot against $1.50 for 3-tab, last about 30 years instead of 20, and carry longer warranties.Updated 
Are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles worth it?Class 4 shingles pass a 2-inch impact test under UL 2218 or FM 4473. IBHS found top-rated ones cost about 9% more per square. What the rating does not promise.Updated 
Asphalt vs fiberglass shingles: what's the difference?Fiberglass shingles are asphalt shingles. The old organic (felt) kind stopped being made around 2008, rated Class C for fire where fiberglass is usually Class A.Updated 
Clay vs concrete roof tiles: which is better?Concrete tile costs $9 to $18 a square foot installed and clay $8 to $25. Clay keeps its color and absorbs less water; concrete is cheaper and varies more.Updated 
Drip edge vs gutter apron: what's the difference?Drip edge is required at shingle eaves and rakes by the model code; a gutter apron reaches into the gutter. About $1.50 to $3 a foot during a reroof.Updated 
Felt vs synthetic roof underlayment: which is better?Synthetic underlayment costs about $17 to $55 a square against $5 to $20 for felt, but is lighter, stronger and safe to leave exposed longer.Updated 
Hip vs gable roof: cost, wind resistance and upkeepHip roofs cost more to build but see up to 50% lower peak wind pressures than gables in wind-tunnel tests. Cost, wind, insurance, attic and upkeep compared.Updated 
How do the major shingle brands compare?Shingle makers sell a standard warranty with every roof and longer system warranties only through credentialed roofers. How to compare lines on your estimate.Updated 
How do you choose a roof color?A light or cool-pigment roof stays much cooler in sun and can cut cooling costs 7% to 15%. How to weigh heat, siding and trim, neighborhood rules and metal finishes.Updated - How long do asphalt shingles last?3-tab shingles last about 15 to 20 years, architectural about 25 to 30, luxury 30 or more. What cuts that short, the signs of the end, and what a warranty means.Updated
How much does a cedar shake roof cost?A cedar shake roof typically costs $15,800 to $30,000, or $5.50 to $13.50 a square foot installed. Shakes vs shingles, upkeep, fire ratings and insurance.Updated 
How much does a metal roof cost?A metal roof typically costs $6,045 to $18,341 installed, or $5 to $16 per square foot. Prices by metal and panel type, repair costs and lifespan.Updated 
How much does a slate roof cost?A slate roof typically costs $4,389 to $22,377, and natural slate $20 to $30 a square foot installed. Lifespan by grade, weight, and repair vs replace.Updated 
How much does a tile roof cost? Clay vs concreteA tile roof typically costs $8,476 to $26,223, or $7 to $25 a square foot installed. Clay vs concrete, weight, underlayment and repair costs compared.Updated 
Is a cool roof worth it, and does it lower energy bills?A cool roof reflects sun and can cut cooling costs, most in hot climates. The ENERGY STAR roof label ended in 2022; the federal credit ended after 2025.Updated 
Is a metal roof worth it over asphalt shingles?A standing-seam metal roof costs about 1.6 times as much as asphalt shingles ($51,865 against $31,871) but is rated to last 40 to 80 years instead of 20 to 30.Updated 
Is synthetic slate or shake roofing worth it?Synthetic slate costs $9 to $15 per square foot installed, against $10 to $30 for natural slate, and weighs about a third as much. Costs, lifespan and ratings.Updated 
Metal roof vs tile roof: which is better for your home?Metal averages $11,765 installed and tile $17,349 (HomeAdvisor). Tile weighs several times more and can last 100 years; metal is light and needs no bracing.Updated 
Metal shingles vs standing seam: which is right for you?Metal shingles cost $6 to $14 per square foot installed, standing seam $9 to $16. Shingles need a 3 in 12 pitch; standing seam suits low slopes.Updated 
Slate vs tile roof: cost, weight and lifespan comparedNatural slate costs $20 to $30 a square foot installed and tile $7 to $25. Both weigh several times as much as shingles. Lifespan, repairs and ratings compared.Updated 
Solar shingles vs solar panels: which fits a new roof?Solar shingles cost $3.50 to $8 per watt installed against $2.50 to $3.50 for panels, and make less power per square foot. When each fits a new roof.Updated 
Standing seam vs exposed-fastener metal roofsStanding seam costs $9 to $16 per square foot installed against $5 to $12 for exposed-fastener panels. It hides its screws, needs less upkeep and lasts longer.Updated 
Tile roof vs asphalt shingles: is tile worth it?A tile roof typically costs $8,476 to $26,223 against $6,137 to $13,992 for shingles. It can outlast two shingle roofs but weighs about three times as much.Updated 
TPO vs EPDM vs PVC: which flat roof membrane is best?TPO, EPDM and PVC all cost about $4 to $16 a sq ft installed. EPDM is rubber, taped and usually black; TPO and PVC are white and welded. How they differ.Updated 
Types of roofing materials, and how they compareRoofing materials compared: asphalt costs $3 to $7 a square foot installed and lasts 20 to 30 years; slate $15 to $30 and 60 to 150 years.Updated - What are the types of roof shingles?Roof shingles come as 3-tab, architectural and luxury asphalt, plus wood, slate, metal, composite and solar. Cost, life and fit for each, in one table.Updated
- What do shingle wind ratings mean?Shingle wind ratings come from two ASTM tests: D3161 Class A, D or F (60, 90, 110 mph) and D7158 Class D, G or H. What they do and do not promise.Updated
- What is a composition roof?A composition roof is an asphalt shingle roof: a glass-fiber mat, asphalt and granules. Composite and rubber roofs are different. How to word your estimate.Updated
- What is an asphalt shingle roof, and is it right for you?Asphalt shingles are the most common home roof. 3-tab starts near $1.50 a square foot, architectural near $3.50. Life, wind, hail and warranty compared.Updated
What makes a roof fire-resistant?Roofs are rated Class A, B or C for fire under ASTM E108 and UL 790. Asphalt shingles, tile, slate and metal can rate Class A. Why embers and vents matter.Updated - What size and weight are roof shingles?Common shingles are 12 x 36 or 13¼ x 39⅜ inches with 5 to 5⅝ inches showing, and weigh about 190 to 225 lb per square; premium lines run 350 to 465 lb.Updated
Repairs and problems
Are black streaks and moss bad for your roof?Black roof streaks are algae and mostly cosmetic; moss can lift shingles. Never pressure wash. Pro cleaning costs about $300 to $1,050 for a typical roof.Updated 
Can you put new shingles over old ones?Often yes, once: the building code bars a layover on a roof with two or more layers. What a roof-over saves, what it adds in weight, and what it hides.Updated 
How long does a roof last?Architectural shingles last about 30 years, 3-tab about 20, metal 40 to 80, slate 60 to 150. What shortens a roof's life, and why a warranty isn't a lifespan.Updated 
How much attic ventilation does a roof need?Code calls for 1 square foot of net free vent area per 150 square feet of attic, split between intake and exhaust. How vents work, warning signs and costs.Updated 
How much does it cost to repair a flat roof?Most flat roof repairs cost $300 to $1,100, about $700 on average. Ponding, blisters, seams and flashing, costs by membrane, coatings, and when to replace.Updated 
How much does it cost to repair roof rafters or trusses?Repairing a roof rafter costs $300 to $5,000 and a truss $500 to $5,000. Rafters vs trusses, common damage, repair methods and when you need an engineer.Updated 
How much does it cost to replace missing shingles?Replacing a few missing or damaged shingles usually costs $150 to $700. A bundle costs $25 to $40. When a patch becomes a section or a new roof.Updated - How much does metal roof repair cost?Metal roof repair typically costs $640 to $3,198, about $1,919 on average, or $500 to $2,000 by Fixr's count. Costs by problem, and when to repair, coat or replace.Updated
How much does roof vent replacement cost?Installing or replacing a roof vent typically costs $382 to $1,388. Prices by vent type, from ridge vents to attic fans and pipe boots, and signs of failure.Updated - How much does slate roof repair cost?Slate roof repair averages $900 to $2,014 depending on the source, from about $50 to $200 a slate. What fails first, and when repair stops making sense.Updated
- How much does tile roof repair cost?Tile roof repair averages $1,000 to $1,800, typically $900 to $2,300. Prices by problem, what re-felting the underlayment costs, and why walking on tile breaks it.Updated
How to find and fix a roof leak, and what it costsA roof leak repair typically costs $350 to $1,500, about $800 on average. How to trace a leak from the attic, what to do first and what each fix costs.Updated - Is granule loss on your shingles a problem?Granules in the gutters are normal on a new roof and slow wear on an old one. Bare asphalt patches are the problem. How to tell normal, worn and hail damage.Updated
Roofing emergency: what to do and who should tarp itAn open roof or active leak needs a tarp, not a repair. Emergency tarping costs $150 to $3,300, about $450 on average (HomeAdvisor). Safety, receipts, the fix.Updated 
Should you repair or replace your roof?Most roof repairs cost $395 to $1,967; a replacement typically costs $5,900 to $13,400. How age, damage, layers and repair history decide which one you need.Updated 
Skylight and chimney flashing repair: what it costsReplacing roof flashing costs $150 to $1,000; reflashing a skylight, $300 to $500. Step, counter, apron and cricket flashing, and signs it's failing.Updated - What are ridge cap shingles, and what does repair cost?Ridge cap shingles cover the peak and hips of a roof. Fixr puts a ridge cap repair at $200 to $750. How caps are fastened, why they blow off, and what to ask.Updated
What are the signs you need a new roof?The signs a roof needs replacing, outside and in: age past 20 to 30 years for shingles, bald or curling shingles, repeat leaks, a sagging line. What each means.Updated 
What causes ice dams, and how do you stop them?Ice dams form when attic heat melts roof snow that refreezes at the eaves. How to remove one safely, what not to do, and how to stop them coming back.Updated 
What does a sagging roof mean, and how serious is it?A sagging roof points to water damage, rot, too much weight or undersized framing. Repairs typically cost $750 to $3,000; when to call a structural engineer.Updated - Why are your new shingles buckling or popping nails?New shingles that ripple or show raised nails usually point to a wet or moving deck, wrinkled underlayment or poor nailing. What causes each, and who pays.Updated
- Why are your shingles curling, and can you fix them?Curling shingles are usually old, wet-and-dry cycled or poorly vented. A few can be replaced; widespread curling on a worn roof usually means replacement.Updated
- Why is your new roof leaking?A new roof leak usually traces to flashing, nailing or underlayment, not the shingles. How to tell a leak from attic condensation, what to record and who to call.Updated
Storms and insurance
- Does home insurance cover roof replacement?Home insurance usually pays for a roof replaced after sudden damage from wind, hail or a falling tree, not for age or wear. What decides whether you get a new roof.Updated
Hail damage vs blistering: how to tell them apartHail leaves random, shallow dents with granules pressed in and matching dents on soft metal. Blisters are small steep-sided pits, usually 1/4 inch or less.Updated 
How do you know if hail damaged your roof?Quarter-size (1 inch) hail can start to damage older 3-tab shingles, laminated ones at 1.25 inches. How to spot real damage and when to call your insurer.Updated - How do you make a roof ready for high winds?Wind-ready roofs start with the deck, the nails and the edges, not the shingle alone. What FEMA and IBHS advise, what to ask a roofer, and what to do before a storm.Updated
How do you spot a roofing scam or a storm chaser?Storm chasers knock unasked, want money up front, offer to cover your deductible or ask you to sign over your claim. How to check a roofer and report one.Updated 
How does a roof insurance claim work after a storm?Insurance usually pays for sudden wind or hail damage, not wear. Wind/hail deductibles often run 1% to 5% of your home's insured value. How a claim works.Updated 
How does your roof's age affect your homeowners insurance?Many insurers inspect or decline roofs over 20 years old, and older roofs are often paid at depreciated value. What to check in your policy and at renewal.Updated - Should you file a roof claim or pay yourself?If the repair costs about your deductible or less, paying yourself is usually simpler. How to compare the estimate with your deductible, and what filing leaves on record.Updated
- Should you hire a public adjuster for a roof claim?A public adjuster works for you, not the insurer, and is paid a fee, often a percentage of the settlement. When it can make sense, what to check, and the alternatives.Updated
Storm damage to your roof: how to tell and what to doWind damage usually starts at a roof's edges. How to spot lifted, creased and missing shingles and debris damage, and what to do in the first 72 hours.Updated - What do wind-damaged shingles look like and cost to fix?Wind-damaged shingles are lifted, creased or missing. A few usually cost $150 to $700 to fix; here is how to spot the damage and when it is an insurance claim.Updated
- What do you do when a tree falls on your roof?Get people out, stay 35 feet from downed lines, call 911 or your utility, then your insurer. Who removes the tree, the usual $500 removal limit and tarping.Updated
- What help is there for a storm-damaged roof?After a declared disaster, insurance pays first. FEMA home repair aid, Operation Blue Roof tarping and SBA disaster loans can fill gaps. What each is and how to apply.Updated
- What if your roof insurance claim is denied?A denial is not always final. Ask for it in writing, check the policy clause it cites, use appraisal for amount disputes, and complain to your state's insurance department.Updated
- What is a roof claim supplement?A supplement asks your insurer for more money after the first estimate. How recoverable depreciation, hidden damage and the mortgage company on the check work.Updated
- What is an IBHS FORTIFIED roof?A FORTIFIED Roof is a voluntary storm standard: sealed deck, ring-shank nails, stronger edges and a rated covering. It adds about $1,000 to $3,000 to a re-roof.Updated
Planning and hiring
- Do you need a lien waiver when you pay a roofer?Paying your roofer in full may not end the matter: unpaid suppliers can lien your home. What a lien waiver is, conditional vs unconditional, and what to collect.Updated
- Do you need HOA approval to replace your roof?If you live in a homeowners association, almost certainly yes. Your governing documents set the colors, materials and timeline; guides put review at 30 to 90 days.Updated
How do you compare roofing estimates?Compare roofing estimates line by line: squares, price per square, product lines, tear-off, decking, underlayment, flashing, permit, warranties and payment terms.Updated - How do you file a roof warranty claim?Report a shingle defect within 30 days, send proof of purchase and ownership, and leave the roof alone until the maker decides. Workmanship claims go to your roofer.Updated
- How do you hire a roofer?Hire a roofer in seven steps: find candidates, check license and insurance, compare written estimates, call references, sign a full contract, pay in stages, walk the job.Updated
- How do you prepare your home for a roof replacement?Clear the driveway and a 15-foot ring around the house, cover the attic floor, take down wall hangings and plan for pets. A checklist from shingle maker guidance.Updated
How do you replace a roof that has solar panels?The panels come off, the roof is replaced, and the panels go back on. Removing and reinstalling them costs about $2,800 to $4,800 by one estimate, more by another.Updated - How much deposit should a roofer ask for?Roofers' own guides put a deposit at 10% to 33% of the price; some states cap it far lower. A stage-payment schedule, final payment rules and how to pay.Updated
- Is a free roof inspection really free?A free roof inspection costs nothing up front, but it is a sales visit. What an honest one covers, how storm chasers use it, and how many estimates to collect.Updated
Seamless vs sectional gutters: which should you get?Seamless gutters cost about $6 to $50 a linear foot installed, sectional about $3 to $35. Fewer joints means fewer leaks. Materials, sizes and what to ask.Updated - Should you buy a house with an old roof?An old roof is not a dealbreaker if you price it in. Check its remaining life, your loan and insurance, then ask for a credit, a repair or a lower price. Costs inside.Updated
Should you replace gutters with a new roof?Often, if they are old or sagging. New gutters cost about $3 to $45 a linear foot by material, and guards $6 to $45. Sizing, fascia, and when to keep yours.Updated - Should you replace your roof before selling your house?Replace if the roof is near the end of its life or will block a buyer's loan or insurance. Otherwise repair, offer a credit or sell as is. How to decide, with costs.Updated
Signs of a bad roofing job, and what to do about itWavy shingle rows, high or exposed nails, missing flashing or drip edge and first-year blisters point to poor work. How to document it and use your warranty.Updated - What do roofer certifications actually mean?A roofer's manufacturer certification unlocks enhanced warranties. It does not prove a license, insurance or good work. What programs require and how to verify one.Updated
What does a roof warranty actually cover?A shingle warranty covers manufacturing defects, a contractor's warranty covers installation. How prorating, wind, algae, transfers and voiding work.Updated 
What happens during a roof replacement, step by step?An asphalt shingle roof usually goes on in one to three days. What happens before, during and after, from tear-off and deck repair to flashing and cleanup.Updated - What if your roofer stops work or closes?Document the job, put your demand in writing, dispute a card deposit within 60 days of the statement, and check who is unpaid. What happens to the warranty.Updated
- What is a roof certification and what does it cost?A roof certification states your roof's condition and expected remaining life. HomeAdvisor puts it at $75 to $200; warranty-style programs charge $250 and up.Updated
- What maintenance does a shingle roof need?Look at your roof from the ground each spring and fall and after storms, keep it and the gutters clear, and book a pro to inspect it. Inspections cost about $230.Updated
What questions should you ask a roofer before you sign?The roofing questions to ask before you sign: tear-off, decking, ice barrier, ventilation, permit, crew, cleanup, payment and warranty papers, plus red flags.Updated - What should a roofing contract include?A roofing contract should name the work line by line, the dates, payments, who pays for damage, the warranties and your right to cancel. A checklist, not a template.Updated
When is the best time to replace a roof?Asphalt shingles seal best in warm, dry weather; below 40°F makers call for hand-sealing. How weather, contractor demand and storm season shape your timing.Updated