Roofing

Your roof protects everything you own. Here's how to get it right.

What roofing work really involves, what moves the price, and what to expect once a crew shows up — so when you compare quotes, you know exactly what you're looking at.

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The short version

$6,000–$15,000

is where most full asphalt-shingle replacements land nationally — size, pitch, and material move it from there.

1–3 days

on the roof for most homes. A good crew tears off, replaces, and cleans up faster than most homeowners expect.

20–30 years

of life from a well-installed architectural-shingle roof. Metal and tile go decades further.

Three kinds of roofing jobs — and which one is yours.

Almost every roofing project is a repair, a replacement, or storm damage. Knowing which one you're facing tells you what the work involves, what it should cost, and what to ask the pros who quote it.

Repairs

A leak over the kitchen, a run of missing shingles, cracked flashing around the chimney. Most repairs run a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars and take a day or less. The catch: a cheap patch on a roof near end-of-life is money down the drain — an honest roofer will tell you which side of that line you're on.

Full replacement

The big one: tear-off down to the deck, new underlayment, new shingles or metal, new flashing and ventilation. It's the project most homeowners face once every 20–30 years — which is exactly why comparing multiple quotes matters. The spread between bids on the same roof routinely runs into the thousands.

Storm damage

Hail, wind, a fallen limb — sudden damage often runs through your homeowner's insurance, and timing matters for both tarps and claims. Local pros who work storm damage know the documentation adjusters want to see. Get eyes on the roof fast, before a small breach becomes interior water damage.

Cost

What moves the price of a roof.

Two houses on the same street can get quotes thousands of dollars apart — for good reasons. When a roofer prices your job, this is what they're weighing:

Size and pitch. Roofers price by the "square" (100 sq ft). Steeper roofs take more time, more safety gear, and more labor per square.
Material. Architectural asphalt is the American standard. Metal costs more upfront and lasts decades longer. Tile and slate are premium — in price and in weight.
Tear-off layers. Every existing layer of shingles has to come off and be hauled away. Two old layers cost more than one.
Decking condition. Soft or rotted plywood under the shingles gets replaced by the sheet. Nobody can see it until tear-off — good quotes state the per-sheet price upfront.
Flashing, vents, and extras. Chimneys, skylights, and valleys all need new flashing. Proper ridge ventilation protects the new roof — and your warranty.
Local labor and permits. Rates and permit fees vary by market — one more reason quotes from local pros beat national averages.

Roofer laying architectural asphalt shingles

Common roofing materials at a glance
Material	Typical lifespan	Relative cost
Architectural asphalt	20–30 years	$
Standing-seam metal	40–70 years	$$$
Clay or concrete tile	50+ years	$$$$
Cedar shake	25–35 years	$$$

Lifespans assume proper installation and ventilation. Your quotes will price your exact roof — these are national ballparks, not promises.

Roofing contractor walking homeowners through an estimate in their driveway

What to expect

How a roofing project actually goes.

From first look to final walkthrough, a well-run roof job follows the same four beats. Here's the rhythm, so nothing surprises you:

1

Inspection and quotes

Each pro looks at the roof — often with photos or a drone — and quotes the job. This is where comparing side by side pays for itself.
2

Proposal, materials, and dates

You pick the shingle line and color, sign a written scope, and get an install date. Materials usually arrive a day or two before the crew.
3

Install days

Loud, fast, and shorter than you'd think — most homes take one to three days. Move cars off the driveway and expect the yard to be protected with tarps.
4

Cleanup, walkthrough, warranty

Magnet sweep for nails, haul-away, and a final walkthrough. You get the manufacturer's warranty registration and the crew's workmanship warranty in writing.

Three Roofing quotes by dinner.

Tell us about your roof — about 30 seconds — and licensed local roofers come to you with real prices.

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Local guides

Roofing in your state.

Costs, permits, materials, and timing all change with your climate and your state's rules. Pick yours for guides written for exactly where you live.

Roofing FAQ

What homeowners ask about roofs.

Still weighing repair against replacement? Get free quotes for both and let the numbers decide. Start here.

Should I repair my roof or replace it? +

Age decides most of it. If the roof is under 15 years old and the damage is local — a leak, a few shingles — repair usually wins. Past 20 years, or with widespread curling, granule loss, or repeat leaks, replacement is almost always the better spend. A licensed roofer can tell you in one inspection; getting two or three opinions keeps everyone honest.

How long does a roof replacement take? +

Most single-family homes take one to three days on the roof: tear-off and dry-in the first day, shingles and detail work after. Large, steep, or complex roofs — and weather delays — can stretch it to a week. Your contract should state the expected duration.

Will insurance pay for my roof? +

If the damage came from a covered event — hail, wind, a fallen tree — homeowner's insurance often covers repair or replacement, minus your deductible. Normal wear and age are not covered. Document damage with photos and dates, get a roofer's inspection report, and file promptly; storm-experienced local pros know exactly what adjusters want to see.

What time of year is best for roofing? +

Roofers work year-round in most of the country. Late spring through fall is peak season — easier scheduling in winter can mean better pricing, while asphalt shingles seal best above roughly 40°F. If the roof is leaking, the best time is now; water damage compounds fast.

Do I need to be home during the work? +

No — the work happens outside. Be reachable by phone for decisions (like hidden decking damage), move vehicles out of the driveway, and plan around the noise if you work from home. Pets are usually happier elsewhere for a day or two.

How do I get roofing quotes here? +

Answer a few questions about your roof — about 30 seconds. We match you with licensed local roofing contractors, and their quotes are free quotes — no fee, no strings. You compare real prices side by side and hire when you're ready — or don't. There's no obligation, ever.

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Compare free quotes from licensed local roofers — matched to your exact roof in about 30 seconds.