FAQ
Got Questions? We've Got Answers.
Everything homeowners ask before getting their first free quote.
Cost & Pricing
What homeowners pay, and why it varies.
How much does a new roof cost in 2026?
Most homeowners pay between $8,500 and $14,300 for a standard asphalt shingle replacement on a single-family home. Metal roofing runs $15,000 to $25,000. What actually moves the number: your roof size, pitch, local labor rates, and whether the old roof needs tearing off first. A roofer in Phoenix will quote very differently than one in Boston. Getting 3 quotes side by side is the only reliable way to know the real price in your ZIP code.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof replacement?
It depends on the cause. Storm damage, hail, fire, and falling trees are typically covered. Normal wear and tear, age, and poor maintenance are not. Most insurers in 2026 have also tightened roof age limits. If your roof is over 15 to 20 years old, coverage may be reduced or denied. If you have storm damage, get quotes before calling your insurer so you know the real scope of work.
How do I know if I'm getting a fair roofing quote?
You don't, unless you have something to compare it to. That's the entire problem. Contractors know most homeowners only call one or two companies, so pricing stays opaque. The fix is simple: get at least 3 quotes from licensed contractors for the exact same scope of work, then compare line by line. A $6,800 gap between two quotes for the same roof is not rare. It happens constantly.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a roof?
Repair is cheaper upfront. Replacement is cheaper long-term if your roof is over 15 years old or has widespread damage. A $1,500 repair on a roof that needs replacing in 2 years costs you more than just replacing now. The honest answer: it depends on the age of your roof, the extent of damage, and how long you plan to stay in the home. A licensed contractor inspection will tell you which makes more financial sense.
How much does a roof inspection cost?
A standard residential inspection runs $150 to $500. Drone or infrared inspections run $300 to $600. Most reputable roofers offer a free visual inspection if you are considering replacement, especially after a storm. If a contractor insists on a paid inspection before they will give you a quote, that is usually a sign of an upsell rather than diligence. A free visual is enough to tell you whether you need quotes. Knowing the early warning signs first helps you decide whether you even need an inspection, see 7 signs you need a new roof.
How do I get my insurance to pay for a new roof?
Storm or hail damage is the path that works. First, document everything: photos of every angle of the roof, dated, plus any ground-level debris. Second, get a licensed contractor's estimate before you call your insurer so you know the real scope of work. Third, file the claim within your policy's deadline (often 30 days from the storm). Fourth, meet the adjuster on-site with your contractor present. If the adjuster's estimate is low, your contractor can submit a supplement. The full claims walkthrough lives at Does insurance cover roof replacement.
How much does roof replacement cost by state?
Significantly. Florida homeowners typically pay more due to hurricane-grade requirements. Texas prices spike after hail seasons when contractor demand surges. California costs run high due to labor rates and fire-resistant material requirements. The Midwest tends to be the most affordable. Bottom line: your state, your city, and even your neighborhood affect the final number more than most people expect.
Signs & Timing
When to replace, and what to watch for.
How do I know if I need a new roof?
Seven signs that usually mean replacement, not repair: shingles curling at the edges, granules washing into your gutters, daylight visible through the attic, roof age over 20 years, sagging sections anywhere on the deck, persistent leaks after repairs, and moss or algae covering large areas. One or two of these can often be repaired. Multiple signs together usually mean replacement is coming soon whether you plan for it or not.
How long does a roof last?
Asphalt shingles: 20 to 30 years. Architectural shingles: 25 to 40 years. Metal roofing: 40 to 70 years. Slate or tile: 50 years or more. These are manufacturer estimates under normal conditions. Extreme heat, heavy hail, poor installation, and inadequate attic ventilation all shorten lifespan significantly. Most roofs in hail-prone states like Texas and Colorado see real-world lifespans 5 to 10 years shorter than the label suggests.
What does hail damage look like on a roof?
On asphalt shingles, hail damage shows as dark circular dents, often with the granule surface knocked off around the impact point. It can look random and inconsistent. Soft metals on the roof, such as gutters, flashing, and vent covers, will show clean round dents that are easier to spot. If a hailstorm passed through your area, check these metal surfaces first. If they are dented, your shingles likely are too.
Can I put a new roof over my old one?
Technically yes, practically almost never a good idea. Most states allow a maximum of 2 layers of shingles. A second layer traps heat and moisture, shortens the new roof's lifespan, and hides existing damage under the new material. It also adds significant weight to your structure. Reputable contractors almost always recommend a full tear-off. If a contractor pushes a nail-over as the easy option, ask why.
When is the best time of year to replace a roof?
Late spring through early fall is the most popular window because dry, mild weather makes installation easier and shingles seal properly. But peak season also means longer wait times and higher prices, especially after hail or hurricane events. Off-season replacement (late fall, winter in mild climates) often gets faster scheduling and slightly lower quotes. The right answer depends more on your roof's urgency than the calendar. If your roof is leaking or has known damage, do it now regardless of season. In hail-belt states like Texas, scheduling outside of spring storm season is often the difference between two weeks and two months of waiting.
The Process
What happens after you request quotes.
How does quote-my-roof.com work?
Enter your ZIP code and answer 4 quick questions about your roof project, including type of work, roof material, timeline, and homeowner status. Then provide your property address and contact details. We match you with up to 3 licensed, pre-screened contractors in your area who specialize in your project type. Each one provides a free quote. You compare, decide, or walk away. The whole intake takes about 60 seconds.
How many contractors will contact me?
Up to 3. Never more. We set this limit deliberately. The last thing you need is 10 contractors calling you the same afternoon. You get enough to compare pricing without the spam.
How long does it take to get roofing quotes?
Most homeowners hear from contractors within 24 to 48 hours. Response times vary by location and contractor availability, but we only work with contractors who commit to responding promptly. Peak season after major storms can slow things slightly.
Do I need a permit for roof replacement?
In most US states, yes. A full roof replacement almost always requires a permit. Repairs under a certain square footage may not. Requirements vary by county and municipality. Any licensed contractor worth hiring will pull the permit for you as part of the job. If a contractor suggests skipping the permit to save money, that is a red flag.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most residential replacements take 1 to 3 days. A straightforward single-story home with asphalt shingles can often be done in one day by an experienced crew. Larger homes, steep pitches, complex roof lines, or premium materials like slate or metal add time. Weather delays happen. Your contractor should give you a clear timeline before work starts.
Contractors
Who shows up at your door.
How are contractors vetted?
Three checks, no exceptions. First, we verify their license against their state licensing database. Second, we confirm they carry general liability and workers compensation insurance, with certificates on file for every job. Third, we monitor their ongoing review ratings. Any contractor who drops below a 4-star average is removed. No warnings, no second chances.
What if I don't like any of my quotes?
Request new quotes, adjust your project requirements, or simply walk away. No calls, no pressure. There is never any obligation to hire anyone. Some homeowners use the quotes purely as a benchmark to negotiate with a contractor they already found. That is completely fine.
Are all contractors licensed and insured?
Yes. License verification and proof of insurance are non-negotiable requirements to join our network. We check at onboarding and re-verify annually. If a contractor's license lapses or insurance lapses, they are removed from the platform immediately.
What questions should I ask a roofer before hiring?
These five matter most: Are you licensed and insured in my state? Will you pull the permit? Who is the actual crew doing the work, your employees or subcontractors? What does the warranty cover and for how long? What is the payment schedule? A contractor who hesitates or gives vague answers on any of these should not be on your shortlist.
How do I avoid roofing scams?
Five red flags that mean walk away: no physical office address (only a phone number), pressure to sign on the same day they inspect, deposit demands above 10 to 25 percent upfront, no permit pulled, and door-to-door sales after a recent storm. Verify their license at your state's contractor licensing board. Verify insurance with their carrier directly, not through paperwork they hand you. Get the warranty in writing before any deposit. A legitimate roofer will encourage you to compare quotes; a scammer will discourage it. The full vetting checklist lives at How to find a trusted roofing contractor.
About the Service
How we stay free and handle your info.
Is quote-my-roof.com really free?
Yes, completely free for homeowners. We are paid a referral fee by contractors only if you choose to hire one. You never pay anything, ever, regardless of what you do with the quotes.
Will my information be sold or shared?
Your information is shared only with the contractors matched to your project, and no one else. We do not sell data to third parties, advertisers, or lead brokers. You can read the full details in our Privacy Policy.
Do you operate in my state?
We currently match homeowners with licensed contractors in California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. New states are being added throughout 2026. Enter your ZIP code on the homepage and we will instantly tell you if your area is covered. If it is not yet, leave your details and we will reach out the moment a vetted contractor in your area joins the network.
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