Roofing Articles
Cost Guides
Roof Replacement Cost
$9,000-$15,000 for most homes in 2026. Where your money goes and how to get the best price.
Roof Repair Cost
Most repairs cost $300-$1,500. Major repairs run up to $5,000. Costs for leaks, shingles, flashing, and more.
Shingle Roof Cost
$7,000-$16,000 for most homes. 3-tab vs architectural prices, brand costs, and how to save.
Metal Roof Cost
$6-$14 per sq ft installed. Standing seam vs metal shingles. Full breakdown inside.
Tile Roof Cost
$8-$18 per sq ft installed. Clay vs concrete compared, plus structural costs.
Flat Roof Cost
$4-$7 per sq ft. TPO and EPDM compared with full cost breakdown.
Cost Per Square Foot
All 10 materials compared from $3.50-$30 per sq ft with installed prices and lifespans.
Roofing Costs in 2026
Prices rose 15-25% from 2024. See why and how to get the best deal this year.
Roofing Material Prices: Q1 2026
Shingles $3.50-$8.00/sq ft, metal $6-$14, tile $8-$18. Tariff impacts and what changed.
Shingle Price Index
Architectural shingles average $475/square in Q1 2026. Quarterly price history and brand comparisons.
Material Comparisons
Shingles vs Metal Roof
Shingles cost $7,000-$16,000 vs metal at $14,000-$28,000. Over 50 years metal can save you $5,000+.
3-Tab vs Architectural Shingles
Architectural costs $1-$2 more per sq ft but lasts 10 years longer. The math favors architectural.
Clay vs Concrete Tile
Clay at $10-$18/sq ft vs concrete at $8-$16. Clay lasts 50-100 years. Full comparison.
TPO vs EPDM
TPO wins on energy efficiency. EPDM wins on budget. Both cost $4-$7/sq ft.
Cheapest Roofing Material
3-tab asphalt shingles at $3.50-$6/sq ft. All materials ranked by price and value.
Product Reviews
GAF Timberline HDZ Review
The best-selling shingle in America. $4.50-$7.00/sq ft. What a fourth-generation roofer actually thinks.
Owens Corning Duration Review
$5.00-$7.50/sq ft installed. SureNail technology and a strong warranty. Our honest take.
CertainTeed Landmark Review
$4.50-$6.50/sq ft. The third option most homeowners never hear about.
Hiring & Estimates
How to Hire a Roofer
8 steps to hire right. Verify insurance, check certifications, and spot red flags.
How to Read a Roofing Estimate
Learn to read an estimate line by line. Know what each charge means and compare quotes like a pro.
Anatomy of a Roofing Quote
A real $12,860 estimate broken down line by line. What is fair, what is high, and what is missing.
How to Negotiate Your Roof Price
Get 3+ quotes, understand line items, and know what roofers mark up 20-40%.
Roof Replacement Checklist
27-point checklist for before, during, and after your replacement. Print it.
Scams & Protection
Roofing Scams to Watch For
Storm chasers, lowball quotes, and the free roof scam. 7 scams and how to verify a contractor.
7 Rip-Offs Hiding in Your Quote
Inflated tear-off charges, phantom waste fees, and 5 more line items roofers hope you skip.
Storm Chasers
After a storm, prices spike 20-40% and out-of-state contractors flood your market. Protect yourself.
What Roofers Won't Tell You
The material markup, the licensing loophole, and the private equity wave.
Who Owns Your Roofer?
Over 150 roofing companies are now PE-owned. Search our tracker.
The True Cost of a Cheap Roof
A $7,000 roof that fails in 12 years costs more than a $12,000 roof that lasts 30.
Insurance & Financing
Does Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
Storm and hail damage yes. Wear and tear no. What is covered and how to file a claim.
Storm Damage Roof Claim
Step-by-step: document damage, avoid storm chasers, and get your full settlement.
Roof Financing Options
Personal loans, HELOC, contractor financing, and insurance claims compared for 2026.
Maintenance & Lifespan
How Long Does a Roof Last?
Shingles: 15-30 years. Metal: 40-70 years. Slate: 150 years. Every material's lifespan.
When to Replace Your Roof
8 warning signs your roof needs replacing. Know when to repair vs replace and save thousands.
Repair vs. Replace
Repair costs $300-$5,000. Replacement costs $9,000-$15,000. Use the 50% rule.
Best Time to Replace Your Roof
March or November. Avoid peak-season markups and storm surge pricing.
Roof Inspection Guide
Inspections cost $150-$400. What they check and how to use the report.
Roof Ventilation
Bad ventilation voids warranties and kills shingles early. Costs and what to do.
Roofing Warranties Explained
Manufacturer vs workmanship. GAF, OC, CertainTeed compared. What voids them.
Industry & Market
Who Controls What You Pay
Three shingle makers. Three distributors. The supply chain behind your quote.
How Tariffs Make Your Roof More Expensive
25% on steel, 272% on fire retardants. How trade policy adds $1,000-$3,000 to your roof.
How Much Do Roofers Make?
NC roofers average $47,320/year. The company owner on a $12,000 job nets $1,200-$2,400.
NC vs SC Roof Cost
Same roof, different state, different price. Building codes and labor create a 20% swing.
Does a New Roof Increase Home Value?
A new roof adds ~60-70% ROI. How much value each material adds and when to replace before selling.
Roofing Glossary
Every roofing term explained like you are talking to a friend. No jargon. No BS.
Prices by City
Raleigh, NC
$9,000-$15,000 for most homes. Local labor rates and Wake County permits explained.
Durham, NC
$9,000-$15,000. Part of the Triangle market with good supply access.
Charlotte, NC
$9,450-$15,750. Population growth drives prices 5% above average.
Greensboro, NC
$8,300-$13,800. Competitive market keeps prices 8% below state average.
Asheville, NC
$8,550-$14,250. Mountain climate and steep pitches shape pricing.
Wilmington, NC
$9,700-$16,200. Coastal wind codes push prices 8% above average.
Fayetteville, NC
$7,900-$13,200. Lowest cost NC metro, 12% below average.
Outer Banks, NC
$10,800-$18,000. Extreme wind codes make OBX the most expensive NC market.
Charleston, SC
$9,700-$16,200. Hurricane code requirements push prices 8% above average.
Greenville, SC
$9,000-$15,000. Growing market with moderate costs at the national baseline.
Columbia, SC
$8,550-$14,250. Moderate demand and labor rates around $42/hr.