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Guide

Roofing Services and What They Cost

By Muhammad Tayyab Updated Published

Roofing companies sell a narrower set of services than most homeowners expect. Here is what each one covers, what it costs in 2026, and when it is the right call.

The core roofing services are inspection, repair, replacement, and maintenance such as cleaning and gutter work. Inspections run $150 to $400, repairs $400 to $1,700, and a full asphalt replacement $9,400 to $13,600 on an average home.

The core services

Almost every roofing contractor offers these four. Anything else is usually subcontracted.

How a roof is built up, in section A slice through a sloped roof at its lower edge. From the inside out the layers are Rafters or trusses, structural framing. Decking, plywood or osb sheathing. Underlayment, felt or synthetic. Shingles, the weather surface. At the eave the rafter ends are closed off by the fascia board, the soffit panel spans from the fascia back to the wall and carries the intake vents, a metal drip edge turns water off the deck, and the gutter hangs from the fascia to catch it. Wall Rafters or trussesDeckingUnderlaymentShingles Fascia Soffit Drip edge Gutter
Drawn at a 6/12 pitch. The order matters: every layer sheds water onto the one below it, which is why underlayment goes on before the covering and the drip edge tucks under the shingles but over the fascia.
Roof inspection
$150 to $400, and often free if tied to a quote. A proper inspection covers the covering, flashing, penetrations, ventilation and attic underside, and produces a written report with photographs.
Roof repair
$400 to $1,700 for most jobs. Covers leaks, damaged shingles, failed flashing and vent boots. Most roofers apply a $300 to $500 minimum, so tiny jobs cost more per square foot than large ones.
Roof replacement
$9,400 to $13,600 for asphalt on an average home. Includes tear-off, disposal, deck inspection, underlayment, new covering, flashing and permits.
Maintenance
Cleaning, moss removal, gutter clearing and sealant renewal. Typically $200 to $600 a visit, and the cheapest way to reach the full lifespan of a roof.

Choosing a contractor

Verify three things before anything else: an active state licence where your state requires one, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation cover. That last one matters more than people realise. Roofing has one of the highest injury rates in construction, and if an uninsured worker is hurt on your roof, the claim can land on your homeowner policy.

Get three written quotes with itemised material and labor. A quote that is only a single number cannot be compared to anything. If one bid is dramatically lower, the take-off will usually show why: thinner underlayment, no ice shield, or tear-off excluded.

Be cautious with anyone who knocks on your door after a storm, pressures you to sign immediately, or asks for full payment up front. A deposit of 10 to 30% is normal; paying in full before work starts is not.

Insurance and storm damage

Sudden accidental damage from wind, hail or a fallen tree is generally covered by homeowner insurance. Gradual wear, age and deferred maintenance are not, and this is where most claims are denied.

Photograph everything before any temporary repair, and file promptly, because most policies have a time limit. A reputable contractor will meet the adjuster on site, but be wary of anyone offering to waive or absorb your deductible; that is insurance fraud in most states and it puts you at risk, not just them.

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Frequently asked questions

What do roofing contractors do?

Inspection, repair, full replacement and maintenance such as cleaning and gutter work. Structural changes, skylight glazing and solar are typically subcontracted or handled by specialists.

How much does a roof inspection cost?

$150 to $400 for a standalone inspection, and frequently free when it accompanies a repair or replacement quote. Drone and infrared surveys cost more.

How do I choose a roofing contractor?

Confirm licensing, general liability and workers' compensation coverage, then get three itemised written quotes. Compare the take-offs rather than the totals, and be sceptical of post-storm door knockers.

How long does a roof replacement take?

One to three days for a typical asphalt roof on an average home. Metal, tile and slate take substantially longer, and weather delays are common in spring and autumn.

Should I pay a deposit?

A deposit of 10 to 30% is standard, often to cover material ordering. Never pay in full before work begins, and hold the final payment until you have inspected the finished job.

Does insurance cover a new roof?

Only when the damage is sudden and accidental: storm, hail or impact. Wear and age are excluded. Policies also differ between replacement cost and actual cash value, and the latter deducts depreciation.