How Much Does a New Roof Cost in 2024?
Most people's biggest concern before any purchase is how much it’ll cost. Getting a new roof is no different.
The truth is that a new roof is an expensive investment. Unfortunately, honest and transparent pricing information about the roofing industry is hard to find.
I want to change that.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in answering the hard questions the rest of the industry avoids. That’s why I’ll answer the cost question head-on by giving you up-to-date roofing prices in 2024.
This article covers the following:
- What’s the average cost of a new roof in 2024?
- How much does a new roof cost in 2024 per square foot?
- How do you calculate the square footage of your roof?
- What factors impact the cost of your new roof?
What’s the average cost of a new roof in 2024?
According to the 2024 COST VS VALUE REPORT, the average cost for a new asphalt shingle roof (the most common type) in the United States is $30,680. This is a very general price that doesn’t account for area-specific pricing, roof size/complexity, or other cost factors (more on this later).
So, the price could be lower or higher depending on where you live. For example, the average cost for a new asphalt shingle roof is $24,533 in our area of Nashville, Tennessee.
Even with the averages, a new asphalt roof should cost around $20,000 for a standard middle-class home. Unfortunately, due to price increases for roofing materials, roofing costs will continue to rise in 2024.
How much does a new roof cost in 2024 per square foot?
Knowing the average cost of a new asphalt shingle is a great starting point, but every roof is different, and there are multiple roofing materials to choose from. In fact, there are even different types of asphalt shingles with their own price points.
So, to get more specific on how much your new roof will cost, the price per square foot is more realistic. Below is a table with the cost per square foot of the top roofing materials for a full roof replacement, including all labor, material, and overhead costs.
Roofing Material |
2024 Cost Per Square Foot |
$4.00 |
|
$5.86 |
|
$8.50 |
|
$4.50 |
|
$16.00 |
|
$30.00 - $50.00 |
|
$15.00 - $20.00 |
|
$25.00 |
|
$25.00 - $30.00 |
|
$14.00 |
|
$14.00 |
|
$14.00 |
(Click the link on an individual roofing material to learn more)
The numbers in the tables aren’t exact because every area and roofer has different pricing, plus no two roofs are the exact same. However, your new roof’s cost should be around the prices above for a full roof replacement based on the material.
How do you calculate the square footage of your roof?
With the table above, you can use the per square foot pricing to get an idea of the budget you’ll need for your new roof. However, your roof’s square footage isn’t the same as your home.
So, you need to know how to calculate the size of your roof for a more specific cost number. Just keep in mind that the only way to accurately measure your roof is to have a local roofing contractor inspect it and give you a quote.
However, I help you calculate a rough measurement of your roof’s square footage.
Figure out your home’s footprint
First, you need to determine your home’s footprint. A person of average height has a stride somewhere around 2 to 3 feet.
For this example, we’ll use 3 feet as our baseline. To find your home's footprint, simply step off the dimensions of your roof by counting the steps you take to get the length and width of your home.
Length x width = Home Footprint |
After that, multiply the length and width to get your home’s footprint. Your calculations will be off, but measuring this way can give you a basic idea of your home’s footprint.
Add the pitch and complexity multiplier
Next, you need to factor in the steepness and complexity of your roof to get the number you will multiply the footprint by. Once you determine which one to add, you’re ready to put it all together.
Pitch and Complexity | Multiplier |
Up and over, walkable roof | Footprint x 1.3 = Roof’s Square Footage |
Roof with some complexity and a 5/12 - 8/12 roof pitch | Footprint x 1.4 = Roof’s Square Footage |
Complex and steep roof (8/12 or steeper) | Footprint x 1.6 = Roof’s Square Footage |
Calculate the square footage of your roof
Now that you added in the multiplier let’s calculate the square footage of your roof. To get a rough estimate of your roof’s square footage, you’ll use this two-step equation:
(length of home) x (width of home) = (footprint of your home) |
(footprint of your home) x (slope and complexity multiplier)=(square feet of roof area) |
Let’s see it in action using the example above to find out how much a new architectural asphalt shingle roof is based on the square footage we calculate in the graphic.
Now, this does not guarantee 100% accuracy. However, it will give you a more realistic idea of how much your new roof will cost after finding out the square footage of your roof.
What factors impact the cost of your new roof?
As I said in the beginning, exact pricing is impossible because a lot goes into estimating a roof replacement. These factors directly impact the cost based on your specific roof, home, and roofer.
The main factors that impact the cost of your new roof are:
- Roof size
- Roof accessibility and complexity
- Roofing material and roof system components
- Number of stories off the ground
- Labor and time
- Number of penetrations
- Number of layers being torn off
- Dump-fees
- Roofing contractor’s operating costs
As I said, the factors above are completely dependent on your roof and the roofing contractor you hire. Because every roof and company is different, you’ll never know the true cost of your roof replacement until after an inspection.
What should you consider before getting a new roof in 2024?
Now you know the average cost and cost per square foot of a new roof in 2024. You also learned how to calculate your roof’s square footage and the factors that directly impact a new roof’s cost.
At this point, you have an idea of the budget you’ll need for a new roof in 2024. Pricing and budget are always huge considerations when getting a roof replacement, but there’s much more to consider than just cost.
In fact, considering some simple things can help you avoid the bad reputation the roofing industry is known for. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the main things every homeowner must consider before getting a new roof.
Check out The 5 Things to Consider When Replacing Your Roof to learn what you should think about before starting the roof replacement process.