How Much do Roofers Charge per Square

Keeping a roof over your head is pretty much rule number one when it comes to human longevity and well-being -so when your roof starts to show signs of disrepair or you are planning on constructing a whole new one, you will want to get started on that work right away. However, before you make a call and begin hiring roofers, you need to know what you should be expecting to pay. Having an accurate estimate in your head going into discussions with a roofer will help you better discern between quality contractors and those with dubious intentions, incapabilities, or merely attempting to overcharge you.

We will cover the basics of a roofing square (a metric with which roofing jobs are planned and estimated), as well as how much you can expect to pay per square of the most common roofing materials.

What is a Roofing Square?

A roofing square is a 10×10’ (100 square feet) area of roofing.
Roofers often package all of their costs and expenses on a per square basis.

Something many people are surprised to learn when they first begin looking into roofing needs is that roofers have their own unit of measurement — the roofing square. But what is a roofing square?

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A roofing square is a 10×10’ (100 square feet) area of roofing.

A roofing square refers to a 10×10’ (100 square feet) zone. So a 21,800 square foot roof will need an estimating for roughly 22 roofing squares. Most houses in the US have a roof around 20-24 roofing squares.

What Goes Into the Cost Per Roofing Square?

The price of a roofing square depends on many factors, such as materials being used and possible added labor and removal costs.
Asphalt shingles are very common and can cost between $100 and $400 per square. There is wide variety even within a single material.

Material costs are going to be the biggest decider in the price of a roofing square. For example, the cost to replace asphalt shingle roof will typically be between $80-$100 (though some can get as high as $400) while a square of standing seam copper squares can reach up to $1,200. The standard cost of a square of cedar shingles is around $140-$180.

When evaluating the material you wish to use, you remember that the expensive materials often have a much longer lifespan. An asphalt shingle may last three decades, but their are shingles now that can last for practically a lifetime or more. Roof repair costs over time will add up, so going for a better product up front will save you in the long run.

Materials are only the beginning though. The final cost of a roofing square cost is going to depend on many factors. Some factors that will affect roofing price may not be evident at the outset. The pitch, or angle, of the roof, features such as skylights, and the removal and disposal of old sections of the roof may have small to dramatic effects on the price.

Many roofers will package all of their costs and expenses on a per square basis. For example, labor and supplies are often included in the ‘per square’ quote. Some materials, like metal roofs, often have higher labor costs as well as higher material costs due to the difficulty and specialization needed for installation.

One other major factor to consider is local laws and codes. Price per roofing job is going to change a great deal depending on what region of the country you live in.

All in all, there is a multitude of factors that may affect the price of a roofing square. Major concerns typically include:

Materials Used
Labor Costs?
Removal Fees?
Local Code and Legal Requirements.
Plumping, Decks, Chimneys, Skylights and other home features.
Pitch of the Roof.

What You Can Expect Roofers to Charge Per Square

So how much will a new roof cost? Though many of those factors are going to depend on the contractor and their skill level, it will always help to have a rough estimate and understanding of the costs involved before you talk to a contractor. This avoids confusion and helps you in avoiding unnecessary costs.

You can expect to pay $350 to $550 per square of asphalt shingles in a roof replacement job.
The average cost per square for a wood shingle roof is between $637 and $877.
A standing seam metal roof can run you from $900 to $1200 per square.
These are assuming a gentle slope on a ranch-style home.

You will have to evaluate your building, the service you need, the area you are in, and what you think is a fair per hour cost for the labor. Once you have these, you can begin to formulate a price you think is fair before you even start to talk to contractors.