Average installed roofing costs per square (100 sq ft) in 2026, broken down by material type, labor, tear-off, and region.
A "roofing square" equals 100 square feet of roof area. Here's what makes up the total installed cost per square.
Material cost is the largest variable. A square of 3-tab shingles costs $90 – $120 at wholesale, while architectural shingles run $100 – $170. Metal panels range from $250 – $600 per square depending on gauge and profile. Tile can exceed $500 – $1,000 per square for premium clay.
Basic shingle installation runs $50 – $65 per square on a walkable roof (6/12 pitch or less). Steep roofs (8/12+) add 20-40% to labor costs due to safety harnesses, staging, and slower production. Metal and tile installation is significantly more labor-intensive: $80 – $150+ per square.
Removing old shingles typically costs $100 – $150 per square. A second layer tear-off (removing two layers) runs $150 – $200 per square. Most codes allow a maximum of two layers before tear-off is mandatory.
Roofing debris disposal runs $15 – $50 per square depending on local landfill rates. A typical 25-square roof generates 4,000 – 6,000 lbs of debris. Budget for a 20-yard dumpster rental ($350 – $500) for most residential roofs.
| Material | Cost / Square | Lifespan | Weight / Square | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt | $350 – $500 | 15 – 25 years | 200 – 240 lbs | Budget, rentals |
| Architectural | $400 – $700 | 30 – 50 years | 250 – 350 lbs | Most homes |
| Standing Seam Metal | $800 – $1,200 | 40 – 70 years | 100 – 150 lbs | Longevity, energy |
| Corrugated Metal | $700 – $900 | 30 – 50 years | 80 – 120 lbs | Agricultural, modern |
| Concrete Tile | $1,000 – $1,500 | 50 – 75 years | 900 – 1,100 lbs | Hot climates |
| Clay Tile | $1,200 – $1,800 | 75 – 100+ years | 800 – 1,000 lbs | Mediterranean style |
| Slate | $1,500 – $3,000 | 75 – 150 years | 800 – 1,500 lbs | Historic, premium |
Note: Tile, slate, and some metal roofs may require structural reinforcement to handle the additional weight — budget $2 – $5/sq ft extra for sistering rafters if needed.
Insurance premiums, storm frequency, and local labor markets create significant regional price differences for roofing.
| Region | Architectural Shingles | Standing Seam Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $500 – $700 | $900 – $1,200 |
| Southeast | $400 – $600 | $800 – $1,100 |
| Midwest | $400 – $650 | $750 – $1,050 |
| Southwest | $450 – $650 | $800 – $1,100 |
| West Coast | $550 – $750 | $1,000 – $1,300 |
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