How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof in 2026?

If you've spotted a leak, curling shingles, or a roof that's simply getting old, the first question is always the same: what's this going to cost? The honest answer is that a new roof is one of the widest price ranges in home ownership — but the number isn't random. Once you know what roofers are actually pricing, you can read a quote with confidence.

The short answer

Nationally, replacing an asphalt-shingle roof runs anywhere from about $6,000 for a small, simple roof to $30,000+ for a large or complex one. For a typical single-family home in Green Bay and the surrounding Brown County towns, most projects land somewhere in the $9,000 to $18,000 range. Premium materials — metal, cedar, or high-end architectural shingles — push higher.

How roofers actually price the job

Roofing is priced by the 'square,' which is 100 square feet of roof surface. Installed asphalt shingles commonly run about $400 to $700 per square. A roofer measures your roof's squares, then adjusts for the details below.

• Size and pitch: A bigger, steeper roof takes more material and more labor — steep pitches also require extra safety setup.
• Tear-off and layers: Removing old shingles costs more than going over them, and stripping two or three existing layers adds disposal fees.
• Material: Basic 3-tab shingles are cheapest; architectural shingles are the popular mid-tier; metal and cedar cost significantly more but last longer.
• Decking and structure: If the plywood underneath is rotted, that gets replaced — a common surprise on older or previously-leaking roofs.
• Complexity: Valleys, dormers, skylights, chimneys, and multiple facets all add labor and flashing work.

What Wisconsin winters add to the bill

A roof in Northeast Wisconsin isn't just shedding rain — it's handling snow load, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice dams. A quality local roof includes ice-and-water shield along the eaves and valleys, proper attic ventilation to keep the roof deck cold and prevent ice dams, and correctly sized drip edge and flashing. Skimping on these is how a cheap roof becomes an expensive leak two winters later. When you compare quotes, make sure these details are actually in the scope.

Repair or replace?

Not every roof problem is a full replacement. A handful of missing shingles, a single failed flashing, or storm damage to one slope can often be repaired. Replacement makes more sense when the roof is near the end of its life (20-25 years for asphalt), leaks show up in more than one spot, or granules are filling your gutters. The right move is an honest inspection first — not a sales pitch.

How ReThink helps

Roofing is one of the trades where a padded or vague quote costs you the most. ReThink coordinates a vetted, insured roofing pro to inspect your roof, tells you straight whether you're looking at a repair or a replacement, and gets you an itemized, documented quote — with a certificate of insurance on file before anyone climbs a ladder. One form, one call back, no chasing five companies.