Roof installation and replacement costs $3 to $6 per square foot on average or $5,700 to $16,000 total, depending on the material, roof size and pitch, and whether your old roof needs removing or the new surface will be installed on top of the old roof. Popular choices include asphalt shingles, metal, or tile:

• An asphalt shingle roof costs $3 to $5 per square foot installed.
• A metal roof costs $5 to $16 per square foot installed.
• A tile roof costs $7 to $25 per square foot installed.

Yes, a new roof increases home value and provides a 60% to 85% average return on investment (ROI), depending on the material. Replacing an extremely old, worn roof may even provide a 100%+ ROI.

Most homeowners insurance policies only cover roof replacement for damage resulting from an accident or natural disaster. Homeowners insurance does not cover normal wear and tear due to age. 

Beware of roofing companies that claim your project will be covered by homeowners insurance, as this is a popular scam.

Replacing a roof takes 1 to 9 days, depending on the material, roof size, pitch, and complexity. Installation takes the longest for large roofs with multiple different angles. Rain, snow, or heavy winds will delay the installation process.

• Asphalt shingle roof replacement takes 1 to 3 days.
• Metal roof replacement takes 1 to 5 days.
• Replacing a tile roof takes 7 to 9 days.

How often your roof needs replacing depends on the climate, how much weather and sun exposure your roof gets, and the roofing material. Average roof lifespans are:

• Asphalt shingles – 15 to 20 years
• Architectural shingles – 20 to 30 years
• Metal – 30 to 80+ years
• Tile – 30 to 100+ years
• Wood shakes – 25 to 30 years

Some roofs can be replaced in the winter, depending on the temperature, weather, and roofing material. Asphalt shingles can become brittle in cold temperatures, and reputable roofing companies recommend only installing them when the temperature is at least 40° F. Metal roofing can be installed year-round.

You do not need to be home for roof replacement, but you can remain in your house during the project if you prefer. The roofers may need to access the attic from indoors. However, this is typically done before work begins.

Keep in mind, roof replacement is a noisy project involving hammers, drills, and buzz saws. If you work from home, consider finding an alternate worksite during the project.

Take these steps to prepare for your roof installation:

• Clear the area around the house of debris and remove obstacles like vehicles, outdoor furniture, or children's toys to ensure the roof is easily accessible.
• Cover outdoor furniture, grills, or décor that could be damaged during the installation.
• Clear out the attic to give the roofers easy access.
• Arrange with a handyperson or satellite provider to reinstall your antenna or satellite dish on the roof after the project is complete.
• Keep doors and windows closed during the installation to keep out dust and debris.
• Keep all pets secured throughout the project so they are not injured.

Follow these tips when searching for roof installation and replacement companies:

• Get at least 3 estimates from licensed roofing companies to compare.
• Choose a contractor who is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Let the company know in advance if the roof replacement is related to an insurance claim.
• Get a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before work begins.
• Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
• Don’t pay in full before work begins. Follow a payment plan instead and request receipts.

Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best roof installer for your home:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many roofs have you installed in the past year?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Are you NCRA-certified?
• Can you provide references from past work?
• Do you provide a free estimate?
• Does the estimate include tearing off the old roof?
• What additional costs might come up during the project?
• Will you obtain the necessary permits?
• How long will the job take?
• Can I stay in my home during the project?
• What will you do in the event of unexpected bad weather?
• What does the warranty include?