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.
- 72 roofing guides
- Written for homeowners anywhere in the U.S.
- Updated September 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.
- 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 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 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 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 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 
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
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 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 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
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 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 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 
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 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
Storms and insurance
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 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 
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
Planning and hiring
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 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 
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 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 
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 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 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 
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