How much does it cost to install an a-frame roof?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

A-frame roofs have a unique appearance and style that have surprising benefits. People who live in very snowy climates can find that an A-frame home eliminates many issues with the weight of snow, ice dams, and water damage. This roofing style often has a fairly steep pitch, making it a challenge to roof. While the lower sections of the roof are easily accessible from the ground, roofing the peak can be more difficult. In addition, you may be more limited in the material types that can be used on the roof due to its pitch. Many roofing materials can be used on an A-frame, including asphalt, architectural shingles, metal roofing, wood shakes, and slate tile.

The national average cost to roof an A-frame is $10,000 to $20,000, with most people paying around $15,000 to install architectural shingles on a 1,500 sq.ft. A-frame roof. This project’s low cost is $7,000 to install 3-tab shingles on a 1,500 sq.ft. A-frame roof. The high cost is $30,000 for an installed 1,500 sq.ft. wood shake A-frame roof.

A-Frame Roof Cost Calculator

A-frame roofs often have higher labor costs than other roofs but the same material costs. This is due to the extreme pitch of the roof and its length and size. A-frame roofs extend to the ground or very close to it in many cases and have a sharp peak at the top. While your material costs per square foot may be similar to a gable or hip roof, your labor costs will be higher.

A-frame roofs can use many of the same materials as other roofs. The lowest cost is a 3-tab asphalt shingle. This and architectural shingles, a mid-cost option, are two of the most common materials used on this roof. However, you can also use metal roofing as another mid-cost option or wood shakes and slate shingles as the highest quality and cost option. Labor costs can become very high with this roof type because of the high pitch, particularly for more difficult-to-install materials.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Lifespan. A-frame roofs can last slightly longer than some other roofs because they are not impacted by things like snow, water, and ice dams. However, the longevity depends on the material used. This can range from 30 to 200 years.
• Maintenance. A-frame roofs may require slightly less maintenance because you do not need to worry about removing ice dams and snow. However, they should still be inspected annually and cleaned as needed. The roofing material determines the amount of maintenance.
• Flashing. If you have any protrusions in your A-frame roof, such as a skylight, you will need to install flashing around it. This costs $10 to $25 a linear foot.
• Roof deck. The roof deck on an A-frame roof extends to the ground and is built on top of rafters. If you need it replaced or reinforced, expect additional costs of up to $8 a sq.ft.