Stonebridge Blog
Post
How Much Does a New Roof Cost? A Homeowner’s Guide to Roof Replacement Pricing
May 6, 2025
Every homeowner eventually faces the big question: how much does a new roof cost? A roof protects your most valuable asset—your home—and replacing it is a major investment. The total cost depends on several key details, from the size of your roof to the type of roofing materials you choose. Before starting a roof replacement project, it’s important to understand what factors drive up prices, how to estimate your costs, and why picking the right contractor matters.
Key Factors That Influence the Cost of a New Roof
Several main variables shape roof replacement costs for homeowners. The cost of a new roof is never one-size-fits-all. Material, labor, and roof size all come into play, but so do the specifics of your home and your region.
Roof Size and Complexity
One of the biggest cost drivers is the size of your roof. Roofing contractors calculate your price by “roof square”—one square equals 100 sq. ft. The larger your roof, the higher the overall cost. But it’s not just square footage; complex roofs with steep pitches, multiple valleys, or features like skylights and dormers increase labor costs and waste, resulting in higher costs.
Material Choices and Their Impact on Price
The type of roofing material you select is another factor with a major impact. Asphalt shingles are the most common, and they’re usually the lowest cost choice. Architectural shingles, wood shakes, metal roofing, slate roof, cedar shake, and tile roofs all come with their own price points. Each offers different lifespans, appearances, and installation needs, so homeowners should consider what fits both their budget and style.
- Asphalt shingles: Cost-effective, easy to install, and popular for most homes.
- Metal roofing: Longer lifespan and energy efficiency, but with a higher initial cost.
- Slate and tile: Long-lasting and attractive, with premium price tags.
Wood shake/cedar shake: Natural look and good insulation, but require more maintenance.
Labor, Installation Methods, and Regional Variation
Labor costs can account for 40%-60% of the total roof replacement cost. Rates vary by area, but additional factors like building codes, the complexity of roof installation, and accessibility all affect the final price. High-end homes or unique roof shapes may need special installation methods or extra layers of underlayment. Your region also affects the cost—urban areas or those with higher demand may see a higher average cost.
Comparing Roof Replacement to Repairs
Sometimes, fixing a roof makes more sense than a full replacement, especially after storm damage or localized water damage. But ongoing repair costs on an old roof can add up fast. If your roof inspection shows deep damage or the roof has reached the end of its lifespan, a full replacement often brings a better return on your home improvement investment. To make the right choice, consider the difference between roof repair and roof replacement.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost: Typical Price Ranges and What to Expect
Understanding typical price ranges helps you budget and plan for your new roof. Costs shift based on roofing material, home size, and labor rates in your area.
Average Cost Breakdown by Roofing Material
Based on real market data and resources like NerdWallet’s guide on roof replacement cost in 2025, here’s a snapshot:
- Asphalt Shingles: $3.50-$5.50 per square foot installed
- Architectural Shingles: $5.00-$7.00 per sq. ft
- Metal Roofing: $7.00-$14.00 per sq. ft and up
- Slate or Tile: $10.00-$30.00 per sq. ft
- Wood or Cedar Shake: $6.00-$10.00 per sq. ft
For a 2,000 sq. ft roof, the average cost of a new roof could range from $7,000 for basic shingles to $40,000 or more for high-end slate. Larger roofs or those with steep roof pitch and lots of valleys push the cost even higher.
You can use online resources like a roof cost calculator to get a ballpark estimate, but always ask for a written roof estimate from a reputable roofing company to avoid surprises.
What’s Included in a Roof Replacement Estimate
A good roof estimate should break down:
- Material costs (shingles, underlayment, flashing)
- Labor costs (tear-off, installation, cleanup)
- Disposal fees for your old roof
- New gutters or other elements
- Fees for permits or meeting building codes
The best roofing contractors are transparent about what’s included, so ask questions and get details before signing.
Hidden Costs Homeowners Should Know
While replacing your roof, some expenses aren’t obvious at first:
- Repairing water damage to roof decking
- Replacing damaged underlayment
- Upgrading ventilation or adding insulation
- Fixing flashing around chimneys or skylights
Roofs with multiple layers or older homes may reveal surprises during tear-off. Setting aside an extra 10–20% in your budget helps cover unexpected repairs.
Choosing the Right Contractor and the Value of Professional Installation
Picking a trusted, skilled roofing contractor is as important as the roofing material you choose. The right team ensures high-quality installation, a valid warranty, and long-term peace of mind.
What to Look For in a Roofing Contractor
The best roofers offer:
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Written warranties on materials and workmanship
- Reputation for honesty and reliable service
- Experience working with your roof type and local building codes
- Clear communication about pricing, timeline, and steps of the roof replacement project
Don’t be swayed by the lowest cost alone—focus on value, experience, and quality roofing.
Why Stonebridge Roofing Is the Right Choice for Your Roof Replacement
If you live in St. Louis or the surrounding area, Stonebridge Roofing stands out as a trusted local roofing company. We value transparency, safety, and quality at every step. Our roofers are fully licensed and insured, and we back our work with strong warranties.
With Stonebridge, you get honest roof estimates, expert advice on the right roofing system for your home, and clear answers about material and installation costs. We help you make informed decisions and protect your home for decades to come.
Contact Us!
Replacing your roof isn’t a small expense, but it adds value, security, and peace of mind to your home. Knowing how much a new roof costs—and what shapes those costs—helps you plan your budget, choose the right roofing material, and pick the best roofing contractor for your project.
Protect your investment by working with a reputable company that prioritizes high-quality products, skilled labor, and a strong warranty. For a personalized cost estimate or answers to your roofing questions, contact Stonebridge Roofing today and get the expert guidance you deserve.
