How Much Does a Gable Roof Installation Cost?

Reviewed by Carol J Alexander remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

On average, homeowners spend between $8,476 to $30,890 to replace a gable roofing system, with most spending an average of $19,683.

The low end of this range would cover a modest-sized home with standard three-tab shingles. However, a gable roof replacement can cost as much as $144,447 for a copper roof on a 4,000-square-foot home. The total project cost depends on the roofing material, the pitch and size of the roof, and whether you have any damage in need of repair.

In this guide, we’ll look at the different factors that influence the cost of a roof replacement to give you an idea of the potential cost for your home. Then, contact a local roofing contractor for an inspection and a more accurate estimate.

Gable roof costs

What is a gable roof?

A gable roof is the most common roofing style, constructed of two planes that run the length of the home with a peak, or ridge, in the middle. Unlike with a hip roof, when you look at the house from the side, the triangular shape in the peak is the gable. You’ll find gable roofs on many different architectural styles of homes built using trusses or rafters, with or without eaves. A gable roof’s pitch is calculated by the number of inches it raises vertically for every 12 inches of horizontal length. The most common roofs measure 4/12 to 9/12, with steeper measurements of 18/12 or higher reserved for A-frame style homes.

Factors that influence the cost of a gable roof

The factors that most significantly affect the price of a new roof include the size, pitch, and complexity of the roof and the materials used. Below, we break them down so you can see how each affects the overall cost.

Material type 

The most critical cost factor for a roof is material. The costs of slate, tile, and metal roofing are higher than asphalt or composite shingles. This is because they last longer and require special skills to install.

Larger homes with more complex rooflines require more materials, but when calculating how much material you need, don't just rely on your home's square footage. Home and roof sizes are different, as the roof's pitch and shape will typically add to the overall size of your roof. Here is a breakdown of the most popular roofing materials and their costs.

Asphalt shingles

The average price range to install an asphalt shingle roof is $8,476 to $15,421, depending on the roof size and where you live.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular material used on roofs because they are the most affordable. However, they’re also less durable than other roofing options and susceptible to algae growth, high winds, and hail damage. They come in the traditional, budget-friendly three-tab shingle and in an architectural style generally found on luxury homes because it is thicker, stronger, and more costly.

Metal

The price range to install a metal roof is $13,607 to $24,758, depending on the roof size and where you live.

Metal roofs can be made of aluminum, galvanized steel, a combination called galvalume, copper, and even stainless steel. They also come in various styles, such as standing seam, corrugated sheets, insulated panels, and shingles.

Clay tiles

The average cost to install a clay tile roof is $16,741 to $30,459, depending on the size of the roof and where you live.

Most often seen in the southwest or south coastal communities, clay tiles are one of the oldest roofing materials still used. They come in several styles, shades, and colors to complement your home. Clay tile is heat-resistant and long-lasting, but it’s an expensive, high-end material.

Wood shingles or shakes

The average cost to install a wood shingle roof is $19,358 to $39,151, depending on the roof size and where you live.

Wood shingles or shakes are traditionally made of cedar or another rot-resistant wood. They’re an attractive addition to several home styles and increase curb appeal. However, they’re more expensive than metal and asphalt roofs.

Slate

The average cost to install a clay tile roof is $31,587 to $57,471, depending on the size of the roof and where you live.

A slate roof is extremely heavy and requires a roof structure that can bear the weight. If you’re replacing another type of roof with slate, you must either reinforce the roof structure or choose a synthetic slate that is lighter in weight. However, nothing compares to the luxurious look it gives a home, particularly a historic one. 

Cost of gable roof by popular materials

Data as of January 2024. Average roof replacement costs are based on the average U.S. roof size of 1,700 square feet. 

Unsure what type of roof you want? See our comparison of metal roof vs. asphalt shingles.

Type of underlayment

Underlayment (or sheathing) lies between the plywood roof deck and the roof covering. It provides a water barrier and insulating properties. The average cost per square foot of underlayment for a gable roof ranges from $.08 to $3.44, depending on its composition.

Typically, underlayment comes in felt or synthetic material. Felt is the least expensive but is heavy and has a shorter lifespan. Synthetic underlayment is more durable, recyclable, withstands higher temperatures, and can last up to 40 years.

Roof size and pitch

The larger and more complex the roof design, the more material you’ll need. And, the steeper the pitch, the more time it takes because the roofers have to take special safety precautions. Therefore, roofs with a lower pitch will cost less to replace because they’re safer to walk on.

A complex roof includes multiple planes. For example, you may have a gable roof, but if your home has a perpendicular wing, creating multiple planes, ridges, and valleys will increase the replacement cost. The same holds for other design elements like dormers, skylights, and chimneys. 

Labor

Since most homeowners don’t DIY a roof installation, you’ll want to know how much labor costs contribute to the project's total cost. Typically, labor rates for a roofer are $64 per hour for the demolition of the existing roof and $194 per hour for the installation. But, of course, those rates depend on the region of the country where you live and the type of roof you’re installing.

The cost of replacing a gable roof

Replacing a gable roof on a budget

The average cost for a budget-friendly gable roof is from $8,476 to $15,421, depending on where you live and the quality of the shingles you use.

A low-cost gable roof would cover a modest-sized home with a low pitch and a single ridge. A skilled DIYer will do the work to save money, possibly even opting for repairs over a new roof. Included in this category, you’ll find the following features and materials.

• Home up to 1,700 square feet
• A single ridge line with gable ends
• 4/12 pitch or below
• Standard, three-tab shingles

Mid-range budget for replacing a gable roof

The average cost for an average-priced gable roof is from $8,476 to $30,890, depending on where you live and the quality of materials you use.

A mid-range gable roof would cover an average-sized home with few hips and valleys. With more money in the budget, this homeowner can afford to hire a roofing contractor to perform the work. In this category, you may find the following features and materials.

• Home from 1,700 to 2,500 square feet
• An L-shaped roof with one valley
• Architectural shingles or galvanized metal roofing material

High-end gable roof installation

The average cost for a luxury gable roof is from $30,890 to $144,447, depending on where you live and the quality of materials you use.

A high-end gable roof covers a large home of complex design. The roof has multiple planes that result in several hips and valleys, requiring a professional installation. The roof also includes numerous places that need flashing, like around chimneys and skylights. The pitch may be steeper than average. You may find the following features on a gable roof for a luxury home.

• Large home, from 2,500 to 4,000 square feet or more
• Multiple sides with hips, valleys, dormers, and skylights
• A steep pitch 
• High-end materials like copper, wood, and slate

Can I DIY a gable roof installation?

If you have no roofing experience, it’s best not to risk a DIY project. The job requires specific skills, know-how, and tools that most DIY enthusiasts don’t have. Not to mention, warranties for product and workmanship won’t protect you if you do it yourself. So, if you have the means to hire the pros, do it.

Budgeting for your new gable-style roof

Roof replacement is often the most costly home repair you will ever have to do. But according to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, a roof replacement brings a 49-61 percent ROI, depending on the type of material used. It can still be a hardship if you haven’t saved for the inevitable. In that case, a few financing options are available to every homeowner.

If you don’t already have a home equity line of credit (HELOC), now is a great time to open one. Or, if you don’t think you’ll use the line of credit for other projects, you could take out another type of home equity loan to pay for your new roof. First, contact a local roofing contractor for an inspection and estimate. Then, once you know how much it will cost, meet with a lender to apply for the loan. 

Ways to save money on a new gable roof

Besides an old-timey roof-raising, there are several ways to have a new roof on a budget. Here are a few of them.

• Ask the roofing contractor if you can
  • roof over the existing material,
  • get away with a roof repair until you save more money,
  • or not do the entire roof.
• Choose less costly materials. 
• Don’t wait until it’s an emergency. Schedule the job for a slow season could save you a few dollars and eliminate the inevitable placement of water buckets around the house.
• If a storm damaged your roof, contact your insurance agent to see if your coverage will handle the cost.

Other considerations

A few other things could impact the cost of your gable roof. 

• Location – All home improvement costs vary by region; roofing is no exception. For instance, the cost to install a roof in New York differs from Tampa, which differs from Cleveland. 
• Hidden damage — Unfortunately, some homeowners find damage on the roof deck when removing the old roof material. The damage most likely came from water that leaked through broken or loose shingles or flashing. Repairing the damage will add to the overall budget.
• HOA – Homeowners’ associations often have strict guidelines regarding the type of roofing materials and colors they allow in a community. Always consult the HOA before making any selections.
• Building permits — If you plan to DIY your roof, ask the local building official about local building codes, required inspections, and fees. Otherwise, the roofing contractor will take care of it for you.
• Warranties – Ensure you receive copies of all warranties for materials, coatings, and workmanship. 

Installing your gable roof

Roofing is a big job. But, the National Association of Realtors 2022 Remodeling Impact Report gives replacing a roof a Joy Score of 9.2 out of 10. So, bring joy to your roof and face by partnering with a local roofing contractor to do the job.