There’s a reason the saying “a roof over your head” means you have a safe place to live; the roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain, snow, debris, and pests, and it even helps improve energy efficiency and keeps your home more comfortable.
Unfortunately, homeowners are seeing higher and higher costs to maintain and replace their roofs. In 2024, roof repair and replacement costs in the U.S. totaled just under $31 billion, which marked a 30% increase since 2022. Roofing has always been expensive, but why have costs increased so much so quickly?
“Recent tariffs have affected prices for both roof replacements and repairs,” said Michael Casolaro, president and CEO of MCAS Roofing & Contracting, Inc. There’s no surprise there. Trump’s tariffs have affected the housing industry far and wide. But that’s just one of the factors at play.
“While tariffs play a part in the rising costs of the materials, they are not the only factor,” said Brandon Foote, president and CEO of Advanced Roofing & Construction. “We have seen rampant inflation over the past five years in America. This inflation has touched everything, from transportation costs, production costs, labor costs, [and] insurance costs. [Plus], the current immigration policies are likely to continue to decrease the supply of skilled roofers and overall labor supply. This will likely result in higher wages for skilled roofers and increase the cost of roofing services.”
We did some digging and crunched the numbers to see what, exactly, this all means for homeowners. How much more do roofing services cost today than they did in 2022? And are there still ways to save?
How Rising Roof Costs Are Affecting Homeowners in 2025
Since your roof is the unsung hero of keeping your home protected and safe, it will inevitably face wear and tear, meaning that at some point, you’re going to need roof repair or replacement. With rising roofing costs, those projects are going to cost you between 20% and 50% more than they would have just three years ago.
What does this mean for you? Thousands of extra dollars in as-needed repairs and replacements over time. The specific numbers vary based on the type of roof, local labor costs, and more, but you can expect to pay 20% more for repairs and 50% more for replacements in 2025.
We like to install metal roofs, and we have noticed an increase of 25%. Moreover, many of the materials like metal roofing panels nails, screws, gutters, flashing, and other metal materials also are more expensive compared to last year. Also, many of our suppliers have increased their prices by up to 10%.
The True Cost of Ignoring Your Roof
Your roof is what protects your home, and if you take care of it, your roof will take care of you.
An easy solution might be just to forgo those repairs or try to get a little more life out of your aging roof, but that will almost certainly cost you more over time.
“Putting a bandaid on now is just that: a bandaid,” said Chanelle Wright, owner of SMR Home Pros, “You’ll eventually need a real fix that will likely cost a lot more.”
An old, damaged roof with missing or broken shingles or damaged flashing detracts from curb appeal, but that’s often the least of your worries. Roof leaks that continue to allow water into your home can lead to wood rot, mold growth, a higher risk of pest infestation, structural damage, and even roof failure. Waiting for roofing costs to dip again could save you money upfront, but you may pave the way for much more expensive problems.
Here’s a look at what relatively minor roof issues can cost if you let them go.
Those higher repair prices are just the beginning. Your roof plays an important role in your home’s energy efficiency, so you could also see higher utility bills as a result of poor insulation, gaps, or water damage. You could even tank your home value if an inspector or appraiser discovers issues that have been festering when you go to sell.
It’s important to keep in mind that whether you pay for repairs now or later, paying those bills will almost always be your responsibility. Homeowner’s insurance usually doesn’t cover damage that results from neglect or deferred maintenance, so that $21,000+ you’d pay for roof replacement will need to come out of your own pocket.
Experts Reveal 9 Smart Ways to Save on Roof Repairs & Replacements
We asked contractors and roofing experts to share their best money-saving tips. Here are nine strategies you can use to protect your wallet when dealing with roof repair or replacement in 2025.
1. Don’t Skip Your Annual Roof Inspection
One of the best ways to save on roof repairs or replacements is with an annual roof inspection. That will help catch small problems early on, and prevent a $300 issue from turning into the need for a $10,000 roof replacement.
Michael Casolaro
Routine roof inspections cost between $300 and $570, adding to annual costs, but they’re one of the best ways to protect your biggest asset. A professional can find minor leaks and damages and recommend repairs before you start seeing irreparable damage to the sheathing, rafters, and insulation below, and they can even identify potential problem areas that could soon lead to major issues. Ultimately, catching problems early or before they even cause internal damage could save you thousands.
2. Get Multiple Bids
As far as roof replacements the best way to save is to get 2-3 quotes to see where the market is.
Brandon Foote
Some contractors upcharge for materials and charge more for their time and labor, and a good way to ensure you’re paying a fair price is to get multiple bids and compare them.
“There are some roofing companies out there that charge almost double and get away with it,” warned Vieyra.
Unless it’s a true emergency, sit down and compare the estimates to find the best value. Just keep in mind that going with the cheapest bid could leave you with a lower quality of work or materials, so compare more than just numbers. Look at the types and qualities of the materials, and pay attention to included warranty coverages.
“Also, avoid those who pressure for same-day decisions,” said Michael Feazel, CEO of Roof Maxx.
3. Look Into Financing or Payment Plans
Many roofing companies now offer 0% interest promotional financing to help ease the upfront burden.
Michael Feazel
Roof repair and replacement costs are up 30% since 2022, but that doesn’t mean the price needs to scare you away from getting the work done. There are a number of financing options you probably have at your disposal to spread the cost over the years instead of paying upfront.
Many roofers offer in-house promotional financing, with 0% APR promotional financing, sometimes for up to a year. If you can pay $1,750 a month within that time frame, you’ll pay no interest and won’t be on the hook for that massive $21,000 replacement bill all at once. Just be wary of roofers offering financing through third parties. “Most contractors partner with 3rd party lenders to offer financing for the homeowner,” said Foote. “Just be cautious of promotional deals with this type of financing, as most of these lenders charge dealer fees that get baked into the pricing.”
Another common option is a home equity line of credit or HELOC, which lets you use the equity you have in your home to cover the cost with a lower APR than with a private loan. “While [HELOC] rates are higher than they were ten years ago, they're still relatively low when compared to history,” said Casolaro. However, Foote added that homeowners using a HELOC may “have a longer lending process and may need to factor in fees associated with this route as well as tying up equity in the home.”
There are other, more creative financing options, too. “One client [recently] was able to finance a portion of their roof by borrowing from their life insurance,” said Vieyra. “Another client was able to get a loan against their 401 (k). What's great about the 401 (k) is that the interest she is paying goes back into her 401 (k) account.”
4. Work With Certified Contractors
Check for licensing, insurance, and local experience. Read reviews, ask for references, and trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.
Brendan Anderson, Founder of Brix Systems
The roofing professional you hire and the workmanship they provide are just as important as the roof itself. Hiring a certified contractor could mean paying a bit more, but they’re more likely to meet industry standards, leave you with a roof that doesn’t cause any other issues for decades to come, and carry the proper insurance. “Make sure your roofer provides a Certificate of Insurance listing you as a certificate holder,” advised Casolaro.
It’s also a good idea to work with local companies with a long work history. “Choosing a company that’s a part of the community and locally based means that, if you run into any issues down the road, they’ll still be around to do repairs,” said Wright.
Doing a bit of research before you put pen to paper can save you time, money, and frustration. Read through your contract to make sure it matches your proposal, and look for the following red flags that could suggest you’re not dealing with an above-board contractor:
Check the deposit requirement, and pass if it seems unusually high. “If the contract asks for a deposit of more than 10%, that's unusual,” says Erin Shields, CEO of Apex Roofing and Restoration.
Make sure your roofer includes permit fees, and make sure they plan on pulling the permit themselves. No indication of permitting is a sign that they may be planning on doing the work illegally. Additionally, “a contractor asking you to pull the permit is a huge red flag, as it usually means they are not licensed properly to pull it,” advised Foote.
Read through online reviews if they’re available and look for patterns of bad business. “Most reputable contractors will have over 100 Google reviews with at least a 4.8 rating or higher,” said Foote.
5. Invest in Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Bigger Costs Later
Remember that tip on how annual roof inspections can save you thousands of dollars by catching issues before they become major? The same is true for preventative maintenance.
Inspecting your attic once a year and after severe weather or impact is a great way to identify problems quickly. Check for water stains on the sheathing, visible mold growth, musty odors, and evidence of pests, all of which can suggest you have water getting through or under the roofing material.
You should also clean your gutters at least once a year to prevent overflows that can pour water back behind your fascia boards.
“We also recommend clearing any trees that are near your roof,” said Vieyra. “Trees that hang over your [home] will gradually damage your roof due to the moisture.”
6. Choose Cost-Effective Materials With Long Lifespans
Make sure the material the roofer is using has certifications from companies like GAF.
Erin Shields
Roof repair and replacement costs vary widely based on materials. When you’re paying for repairs, make sure to go with certified products that can stand up to the weather conditions in your area, and consider those with longer warranty coverage, as this suggests greater durability. Roofing rated for hail or strong winds and those that are fire-resistant can help reduce insurance premiums if you live in areas where severe weather and wildfires are common.
For replacements, choose your material based on upfront cost, ongoing maintenance needs, and aesthetic preferences. Asphalt shingles and metal roofing both provide excellent value for the money and are more affordable upfront than clay tiles and slate.
“There is no need to get expensive roofing materials if you don't plan to live in the house very long,” said Vieyra. “However, if you plan to live in the house for a long time, then it might be worth the investment to buy roofing materials that will last a lifetime.”
7. Explore Government Programs
Especially if you opt for energy-efficient roofing materials, you may be eligible for government programs, tax incentives, and financing options. These can reduce your upfront costs and financing charges.
“For example, we had a client get an energy-efficient roof, and they qualified for an energy-efficient home improvement credit,” said Vieyra. “This allowed them to claim 30% of their qualified expenses. There are other government programs like weather assistance programs, USDA rural repair and rehabilitation grants, HUD community development block grants, housing preservation grants, and home improvement loans for Native Americans. There is a lot of help out there.”
Some incentives are only available in certain areas. Shields reports that “there are energy-efficiency incentives through the government in some areas. [For example], Florida has the PACE program.”
Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to see if there are programs available for your roof work.
8. Schedule Repairs in the Off-Season
Schedule a project during early spring, demand is lower and there are sometimes discounts.
Erin Shields
If you’re not dealing with a roof emergency, strategically waiting a short amount of time can sometimes lead to savings. Most homeowners wait until the summer or fall to get roof work done. You may see lower demand and lower prices in the late winter or early spring.
Just be sure not to wait too long if you’re seeing leaks and other major damages, as they will worsen with time and could end up costing more if you delay too much.
9. Use Insurance Strategically
Finally, understanding how and when your homeowner’s insurance will cover necessary roof work could end up saving you money.
“Some homeowners we talked to didn't even know that their insurance might cover the roof damage done by vandalism, hailstorms, fire, falling trees, and other disasters,” said Vieyra. That could mean paying thousands of dollars that you don’t have to.
Insurance will often pay out up to your coverage limit for roof damage caused by natural disasters and anything that’s deemed to be out of your control. Problems caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy snow accumulation, blown debris, hail, and tornadoes usually won’t require out-of-pocket repair costs. If your adjuster finds that the damage could have been avoided with proper maintenance, though, you will be on the hook for the cost.
If you live in an area where natural disasters are a threat, it’s a good idea to invest in products that are rated to withstand local weather patterns. “In areas where there are major storms or wildfires, the use of shingles that resist impact and fire could help reduce insurance premiums,” advised Shields.
Should You Repair Your Roof Now or Wait for Prices to Drop?
Finally, we asked our experts the big question: Is it smarter to repair or replace your roof now, or wait for prices to come down?
Here are their opinions:
Vieyra: “If the roof needs to be replaced, then it needs to be replaced. A homeowner can wait for the cost of materials to come down, but there is no guarantee that prices will come down. If people think that it's better to wait to fix their roof, then they might be in for a big, unwanted surprise.”
Foote: “It is always better to repair now as traditional prices go up and never come back down. Also, the longer you wait to get a repair done the more damages that may happen adding to the repair costs.”
Wright: “Getting a repair or replacement done now means locking in the current prices and taking advantage of the energy savings a new roof can bring.”
Anderson: “Don’t wait until it’s urgent. Get your roof checked now and make a plan — that alone can save you a lot of money and stress.”
Casolaro: “If you have an issue with your roof, it's always best to act right away. Minor roof problems can quickly become bigger issues if you don't fix them quickly. Plus, prices overall have been rising on both materials and labor, and there is no guarantee when that might reverse.”
Feazel: “Rather than waiting for prices to drop (which may not happen), homeowners should act early and explore lower-cost alternatives or partial repairs.”
Shields: “If the roof has structural issues, don't wait.
If you're in the aftermath of a major event, like a hurricane, prices may be exorbitant, so waiting, if you can arrange alternate housing, would see prices drop.”
Bottom line
Roof repairs and full replacements are 20% and 50% more expensive, respectively, in 2025 than they were just three years ago. That means two important things for you as a homeowner.
First, prioritize maintenance and inspections. Paying for preventative maintenance and annual inspections can help stop problems from worsening and causing more severe damage. You’ll pay a few hundred dollars a year for these services in most cases, but you could save thousands in the long run, not to mention the peace of mind you’ll get from keeping your home and your family safe.
Second, high prices don’t mean that waiting for them to come down is a good idea. According to roofing experts, prices may not come back down any time soon. Plus, getting those repairs or even a full replacement done could mean savings if that small, seemingly minor leak turns into mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage.
FAQ: Roofing Cost Increase
Yes, over the past three years, the cost of a new roof has gone up 50%, and the cost of roof repairs has increased by 20%, on average. Inflation has certainly played an important role in that trend, but the recent tariffs on imported products and the dip in available skilled roofing workers have also contributed.
Asphalt shingles provide the best value for your money. They typically last for 15 to 30 years and cost an average of just $476 per 100 square feet. They also provide good curb appeal and decent energy efficiency in most climates. Metal roofs are another good option for value. They cost $1,419 per 100 square feet, but they can last for 40 to 70 years with minimal maintenance.
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is often the best option for a new roof. These give you flexibility in terms of when you use the money, and they come with lower interest rates because they’re secured by the equity you already have in your home.
Late winter and early spring are the cheapest times to replace your roof, as this is when it’s still safe to do roof work, but also when roofing contractors are the least busy. That lower demand can often mean lower labor prices.
Most homeowners spend between $15,159 and $27,580 on the cost of a full roof replacement in 2025. This is a good benchmark to use, but you may want to consider more expensive materials if you live in an area prone to severe weather or if you want a high-end roofing material like clay tiles or slate to boost your home value more.
Irena is an industry analyst and financial content specialist at Fixr.com, where she transforms complex data into clear insights to help homeowners make smarter financial decisions. With a background in personal finance research and writing since 2018, she brings years of experience in helping readers understand how to maximize their home investments. Her work has been featured on reputable websites, including Washington Examiner, Yahoo Finance, Fox40, and Forbes.