Roof Measurements
Roof Length
Roof Width
Roofing Material Cost
Labor Cost
Waste Percentage
Roof Slope Factor

This roofing cost calculator is for informational purposes only and provides estimates based on user input, which may not reflect actual project costs.

When should I use a roofing cost calculator? 

You should use a roofing cost calculator once you know the details of the job, like the roof measurements and what materials you’ll be using. You can plug in these numbers, along with your labor costs, to quickly figure out the right price to share with your customers. 

How does this roofing cost calculator work?

Our roofing cost calculator takes the guesswork out of pricing a roofing job.  

Just put in project details like the roofing dimensions and slope, the cost per square foot of the roofing material you’re using, your labor cost per square foot, and the waste percentage. 

We’ll use these details to calculate the roof area and the total material and labor costs. These numbers will help us figure out the total roofing cost. Then, we’ll factor in the waste percentage and roof slope factor to get you the final total cost of the entire project. 

While our roofing costs calculator tallies the final total cost for the project, you’ll also want to account for overhead, profit margin, and any other expenses when preparing an estimate to send to customers. Software like Joist can help you create quick, professional estimates that ensure all the necessary line items are included. 

Using these tools will help you accurately price roofing jobs and impress your clients. 

What are the expenses for a roofing project? 

The major expenses for a roofing project are materials and labor.  

The type and quality of the roofing materials you and your clients choose can be one of the biggest factors when it comes to costs. For example, the cost differences between asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and tile are significant. Your customers will need to consider their location, budget, and personal preferences in order to choose the best roofing material for them. 

As for labor, that’s another significant cost. You need to be highly skilled to replace or install a roof. What you charge here will depend on your experience, where you’re located, and how big and complex the job is.  

Our roof cost calculator helps you account for these two major expenses. Other expenses that might come into play include permits and inspections, unexpected repairs, and site cleanup.  

Roofing Cost FAQs 

How do I invoice my clients when the job’s done?

Once the roofing job is done, you just need to convert your estimate into an invoice. This is what you’ll send to your client in order to get paid. 

An invoice includes a lot of the same information as an estimate, like your business name and contact information, the client’s information, and the original estimate amount. But you’ll also need to add an invoice number and date, line items with detailed descriptions of the work, the final total cost, payment terms and instructions, and a payment due date.  

But you don’t have to do it all manually. When you use roof estimating and invoicing software like Joist, it’s easy to convert approved estimates/bids into invoices in seconds. 

Then, you’ll have a professional document that you know has all the necessary information to send to your clients. They can pay you directly from your invoice, so you get paid faster.  

How do I improve my profit margin?

Using a cost to replace a roof calculator is a great place to start for baseline costs. But when you’re estimating a roofing job, you want to make sure to account for your overhead costs and a healthy profit margin! There are a number of strategies you can try to improve your profit margin, including: 

  • Negotiating with your supplier and buying roofing materials in bulk 
  • Training your crews so they’re as productive as possible 
  • Offering roof maintenance packages to your customers 
  • Specializing in higher-end roofing materials installation, like metal roofing or slate 
  • Focusing on niche areas, like installing energy-efficient roofs or green roofing solutions 
  • Reducing admin costs by using software to accurately estimate, invoice, and manage projects 
  • Building your customer referral program 
How are these prices calculated?

Roofing material and labor prices are calculated through a combination of factors, including the size of the roof, the types of materials you’re using, your labor rate, and how complex the project is. 

Our roof replacement cost calculator makes sure you account for all of these factors when estimating a project.  

What factors affect the cost of a new roof?

The cost of a new roof is contingent on many factors, including: 

  • The size, shape, and pitch of the roof 
  • The condition of the existing roof, if applicable  
  • The waste factor 
  • The type, quality, and brand of roofing material used 
  • Additional materials needed, like roof underlayment, flashing, vents, etc.
How much does it cost to replace a roof on an average-sized home? 

The cost to replace a roof varies widely, depending on the size of the roof, the type of roofing materials you use, how complex the roof design is, and where you’re located.  

If we say an average-sized home in the U.S. is 1,500 to 2,500 square feet and we look at an asphalt shingle roof replacement (a popular choice because of its affordability), average costs are between $5,000 and $12,000.  

More high-end materials like metal, tile, or slate will cost considerably more

Is it more expensive to install a roof with a steep slope?

Yes, because steeper roofs are more labor-intensive and take more time to work on. They also require more safety measures, which adds to labor costs.  

What are the most common types of roofing materials, and how do their costs compare? 

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S., because they are comparatively affordable. They can run around $100 to $150 per square but don’t have the same durability as more expensive materials. 

Metal roofing is known for being durable and energy efficient. Upfront costs are much higher though, at $300 to $600 per square for materials. 

Tile roofing is another durable but even more expensive option. Materials costs can range from $600 to $1,200 per square.  

Slate roofing is one of the most durable roofing materials there is, but that comes with a hefty price tag. Materials costs can be between $1,000 and $2,000 per square. 

Wood shingles or shakes have a rustic look. They’re more expensive than asphalt shingles, at $400 to $700 per square, but can last a long time when cared for properly. 

Synthetic roofing materials are meant to look like natural materials like slate, wood, or tile, but are made from rubber, plastic, or polymer composites. This means they are less expensive and easier to install than the materials they are meant to mimic. At around $300 to $600 per square, they’re durable and a more cost-effective option than the high-end materials. 

Flat roofing is typically for commercial buildings but can also be used in residential homes with flat or low-sloop roofs, like row houses. Common materials are EPDM (rubber), TPO (thermoplastic), and PVC (vinyl), and they’re a cost-effective option for flat roofs at $200 to $400 per square.  

Are there any hidden costs in roofing projects that I should be aware of?

Yes, there are issues that can arise during a roof replacement that may have not been apparent when you prepared your estimate. So, it’s important you let your customers know upfront what kind of hidden costs might pop up when you get to work.  

Common hidden costs you might run into include: 

  • Structural repairs: Here, you might need to make roof deck repairs or reinforce the roof frame to handle the weight of new materials. 
  • Unforeseen damage: Once you start working, you could find yourself running into existing water damage or mold that will need to be addressed.  
  • Necessary upgrades: Upgraded insulation, flashing, roof ventilation systems, and/or roof underlayment might be needed to ensure the roof’s longevity and performance. 
  • Weather delays: This could lead to additional costs for rescheduling work or securing the site. 
  • Permit and inspection fees: These could be needed at different stages of the project, and will vary based on location. 

Ready to make estimating and invoicing roofing jobs the easiest part of your day?