Roofing cost and planning guides

Use these guides to understand the costs, trade-offs and assumptions behind our calculators. Each guide is written for a specific market and links to the tools used to test your own project.

Read how we select sources, localise data and correct errors in our editorial standards.

• Asphalt vs Metal Roof Cost — 2026 US Comparison
  Side-by-side cost comparison of asphalt shingles and standing-seam metal in 2026 US dollars. Per-square pricing, lifecycle math, insurance discounts, resale recoupment, and the break-even hold period.
• How Much Does a New Roof Cost in 2026?
  Real 2026 US roof replacement costs by material, region, and home size. Asphalt, metal, slate, tile, TPO, and EPDM pricing with labour, tear-off, and permit breakdowns.
• How to Calculate Roof Pitch
  Three reliable methods to calculate roof pitch — level-and-tape on the rafter, attic measurement, and trigonometric conversion. Includes IRC minimums, slope factors, and worked examples.
• How to Measure Roof Square Footage
  Three reliable methods to measure roof square footage from the ground, the attic, or aerial imagery. Includes pitch slope-factor multipliers, waste allowances, and worked examples for gable, hip, and complex roofs.
• Roof Replacement Cost by Region — 2026 US Pricing
  2026 roof replacement cost ranges across every US region. State-by-state labour, hail-belt insurance dynamics, hurricane code uplift, and the cities running 25-35% above national.