How much does it cost to replace a 1,500 sq.ft. roof?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Your roof is one of the single most important things about your home. It keeps out the elements, protects your home from storms and damage, and plays a big role in its overall curb appeal. If your roof is old, leaking, damaged, or losing its integrity, it may be time to replace it.

The cost of a new roof varies tremendously based on the material, its complexity, and location. Some materials, such as asphalt shingles, can be relatively inexpensive to replace, while other materials like copper, slate, and clay tiles can be extremely expensive.

The national average cost range to replace a 1,500 sq.ft. roof is $7,125 to $15,000, with most people spending around $10,500 on a 1,500 sq.ft. roof replacement using architectural shingles on a cross gable roof. This project’s low cost is $4,500 for a 1,500 sq.ft. roof replacement using 3-tab shingles on a gable roof. The high cost is $37,500 for a 1,500 sq.ft. roof replacement using clay tiles with moderate modifications to the roof deck on a cross gable roof.

1,500 Sq.Ft. Roof Cost Calculator

The average cost to replace your roof varies depending on the material and roof complexity. Mansard and A-frame roofs cost more than the average to install the roofing on because of their steep pitch. Gable and hipped roofs have more average costs for installing the roofing. The calculator shows the average costs for material, labor, and total cost for installing roofing on a 1,500 sq.ft. roof, assuming a low-cost option like asphalt shingles, intermediate materials like architectural shingles and metal roofing, and high-quality materials like slate and clay tiles, installed on more complex roofs.

A 1,500 sq.ft. roof is the average size for a home that measures 1,000 sq.ft., but the roof size can change depending on the roof type. The same-size home with a hipped roof will have a larger roof and need more material to cover than a home with a gable roof, even if the home’s footprints are the same.

The biggest driving factor behind the cost of your new roof is the material. Asphalt shingles and plastic shingles are two of the least expensive roofing materials. Expensive materials like slate and clay often have additional costs that come from needing to reinforce your roof deck. This is due to the additional weight of these materials. While most people tend to use metal roofing or architectural shingles, which do not require reinforcement, expect higher overall costs if you go this route.​

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Materials. Your materials drive a great deal of your total cost. In addition, some complex roofs may need additional amounts of flashing, while some roof materials like clay may require additional underlayments, impacting total costs.
• Lifespan. The lifespan of your roof is impacted by the material you choose. 3-tab shingles tend to have the lowest lifespan at 15 to 20 years, while slate may last up to 200 years. Other materials average 30 to 100 years, depending on the maintenance.
• Maintenance. The maintenance of your roof is determined by your climate and the material. Metal roofs, concrete, and slate tend to be fairly low maintenance. Tile is much higher in maintenance, while asphalt and architectural shingles are generally moderate.
• Shape. The shape of your roof will impact your overall costs. Complex roofs have higher labor costs, while some roofs require additional material.
• Guttering. Having your roof replaced is also a good time to replace your gutters. The average cost of new gutters is $3 to $30 a linear foot installed.
• Permit. You need a permit to replace your roof in many states. Check with your contractor and local municipality to find out more.