Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Idaho in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years reviewing contractor bids and researching roofing costs for my clients around the country. The roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Idaho labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual Idaho building permit data. The roof systems covered here include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, tile, synthetic composite, cedar shakes and shingles, and all of the common types of low-slope commercial roofing.
Roof replacement costs in Idaho tend to be a little below the national average. Prices can run higher in metro areas such as Boise and Idaho Falls. (Compare with national average roof replacement costs.)
Actual roof prices will vary depending on location, roof size, roof slope, complexity, and, of course, the type of roof system installed. Asphalt shingles are by far the most common residential roof covering in Idaho, but alternatives like standing seam metal, synthetic composite, and cedar shakes are also used. Commercial “flat” (low-slope) roofs typically use single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, and PVC), modified bitumen, or spray-applied polyurethane foam roofing systems.
On average, Idaho residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $5 per square foot for basic asphalt shingles to around $35 per square foot for high-end copper roofing. This means a typical 1,700-square-foot pitched roof may cost between about $8,000 and $60,000, depending on the material chosen.
Commercial roofing typically costs more than people might think, due to insulation requirements. Board insulation is normally installed as a part of a low-slope roof system, and costs around $1 to $1.50 per square foot (installed) per inch of thickness while providing an R-value of around R-4 to R-6 per inch.
Commercial roof replacement prices in Idaho range, on average, from around $4.50 per square foot for a ballasted EPDM overlay system with no insulation included to around $15 per square foot for a 2-ply modified bitumen system with enough insulation to satisfy the R-30 Idaho energy code requirements for roofs with above-deck insulation.
The tables below provide cost information for all roof types and systems.
Climate Considerations for Idaho Roofs
Idaho’s climate varies significantly by region, but most of the state is classified as continental, with cold winters and warm to hot summers. The northern panhandle is wetter and cooler, while southern Idaho, including the Snake River Plain, is much drier and experiences hotter summers. Average annual precipitation ranges from over 40 inches in the mountainous northern and central regions to less than 15 inches in parts of the south. Severe weather risks include heavy snowfall in the mountains, strong winds, and occasional hail or thunderstorms during summer months. Because of the snow, roofs in Idaho tend to be steeper than the average U.S. roof; replacing a steeper roof tends to cost a little more.
Heating degree days far exceed cooling degree days across most of Idaho. Reflective white “cool” roofing is generally not particularly beneficial for commercial buildings, and darker roofing materials may be more practical. Roof algae (Gloeocapsa magma) can be an issue throughout Idaho, so homeowners may want to consider algae-resistant shingles and darker shingle colors that make streaks less noticeable.
Given these conditions, homeowners and property managers in Idaho should consider the following:
- Asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable residential roofing material. Algae-resistant shingles are helpful. Impact-resistant shingles are also recommended in regions that experience hail.
- Ventilation and underlayment are critical. Proper attic ventilation minimizes condensation and ice dam formation during long winters and reduces roof heat stress in summer, extending roof life. Correctly installed ice and water shield underlayments are important in snowy regions to help prevent damage from ice dams. Note that improper roof/attic ventilation can void your roof warranty.
- Metal roofing is a good choice statewide. PVDF-coated steel and aluminum panels provide durability, color stability, and resistance to wind and hail. Standing seam metal is especially effective in Idaho’s snow-heavy mountain regions, as it sheds snow efficiently.
- Slate, tile, and cedar roofing perform well when installed properly. Cedar should only be used as part of a Class A fire-rated system. Copper or zinc strips can help limit moss and algae growth on natural roofing materials.
- Insulation and air sealing are very important. A well-insulated attic reduces heating demand in winter and helps prevent ice dam formation, especially in mountain areas with heavy snow loads.
Things to Keep in Mind
These roof cost estimates should be fairly accurate; I make an effort to update them regularly using current material prices and labor data specific to Idaho. Keep in mind that the costs listed below are averages, and actual costs can vary significantly depending on your specific location and the size, configuration, accessibility, and condition of your particular roof.
The residential roof cost estimates provided here are for roof replacements on roofs with a 6/12 pitch and include all standard roof components (underlayment, ice & water shield, batten systems, fasteners, flashing, etc.). Steeper roofs or roofs with complex designs can increase costs by as much as 30%.
Removal of an existing commercial or residential roof typically adds between $1 and $3 per square foot. For the estimates in the tables below, $1.50 per square foot for tear-off and disposal has been included in all pricing except for the “no additional insulation” commercial roof pricing, which generally indicates a roof recover project.
Table 1: Residential Roof Costs in Idaho
| Average Cost of a Residential Pitched Roof in Idaho | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Type | Average Installed Cost Per Square Foot |
Average Installed Cost Per Square (100 sq. ft.) |
Average Installed Cost Typical Residential Roof (1,700 sq. ft.) |
| Asphalt Shingles 3-Tab or Strip Shingles |
$5.05 | $505 | $8,585 |
| Asphalt Shingles Architectural or Dimensional Shingles |
$5.55 | $555 | $9,435 |
| Asphalt Shingles Luxury or Premium Shingles |
$6.90 | $690 | $11,730 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shingles |
$12.55 | $1,255 | $21,335 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shingles Class A Fire Rated System |
$14.10 | $1,410 | $23,970 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shakes |
$12.10 | $1,210 | $20,570 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shakes Class A Fire Rated System |
$13.65 | $1,365 | $23,205 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$9.90 | $990 | $16,830 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$7.45 | $745 | $12,665 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$9.30 | $930 | $15,810 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$12.60 | $1,260 | $21,420 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$9.45 | $945 | $16,065 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$11.80 | $1,180 | $20,060 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$15.30 | $1,530 | $26,010 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$11.50 | $1,150 | $19,550 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$14.35 | $1,435 | $24,395 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Copper) |
$34.00 | $3,400 | $57,800 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Zinc) |
$20.70 | $2,070 | $35,190 |
| Metal Roofing Flat Seam Metal (Copper, Soldered Seams) |
$40.00 | $4,000 | $68,000 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Standard” 1/4″ Thick |
$24.05 | $2,405 | $40,885 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Rough Texture” 1/4″ to 3/8″ Thick |
$26.75 | $2,675 | $45,475 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Architectural” 3/8″ to 1/2″ Thick |
$31.25 | $3,125 | $53,125 |
| Synthetic Composite Synthetic Composite Shingles (Engineered Polymeric Tile) |
$11.35 | $1,135 | $19,295 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Flat Profile (Shingle Style) |
$13.85 | $1,385 | $23,545 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Mission (2 Piece) |
$14.65 | $1,465 | $24,905 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile S-Profile (1 Piece) |
$13.25 | $1,325 | $22,525 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Premium Styles |
$16.65 | $1,665 | $28,305 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile Flat Profile (Shingle Style) |
$10.55 | $1,055 | $17,935 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile S-Profile (1 Piece) |
$10.10 | $1,010 | $17,170 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile Premium Styles |
$12.60 | $1,260 | $21,420 |
| Tile Roofing Lightweight Concrete Flat Tile (Shingle Style) |
$11.00 | $1,100 | $18,700 |
Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in Idaho
For energy code purposes, Idaho spans IECC Climate Zones 5 and 6, both of which require commercial roofs with insulation entirely above the deck to meet a minimum of R-30 continuous insulation (R-30ci). These requirements are established by the Idaho Energy Conservation Code, which is based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with state-specific amendments. The minimum R-value requirements apply both to new construction and to roof replacements on existing buildings.
Always verify current R-value requirements with your local code authority, as energy codes are periodically updated.
When performing a roof recover (installing a new roof membrane over an existing one), these insulation requirements generally do not apply. Roof recover projects usually involve adding a layer of cover board over the existing roof system to provide a suitable substrate, followed by the new roof membrane. Keep in mind that roof recovery is not always permitted or advisable.
| Average Cost of a Commercial Low-Slope Roof in Idaho | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Type | Average Installed Cost Per Square Foot |
Average Installed Cost Per Square (100 sq. ft.) |
Average Installed Cost Typical Commercial Roof (25,000 sq. ft.) |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $9.65 | $965 | $241,250 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $10.05 | $1,005 | $251,250 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.40 | $440 | $110,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 90-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $10.40 | $1,040 | $260,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.45 | $1,245 | $311,250 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.90 | $1,290 | $322,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.80 | $480 | $120,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 75-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.15 | $1,315 | $328,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.70 | $1,270 | $317,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.10 | $1,310 | $327,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.05 | $505 | $126,250 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 90-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.45 | $1,345 | $336,250 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, Basic Coating) | $9.90 | $990 | $247,500 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $12.40 | $1,240 | $310,000 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, Basic Coating) | $7.45 | $745 | $186,250 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $9.25 | $925 | $231,250 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Basic Coating) | $15.30 | $1,530 | $382,500 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $19.15 | $1,915 | $478,750 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, Basic Coating) | $11.50 | $1,150 | $287,500 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $14.30 | $1,430 | $357,500 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $15.10 | $1,510 | $377,500 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System No Additional Insulation | $8.25 | $825 | $206,250 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 3-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $17.55 | $1,755 | $438,750 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $15.50 | $1,550 | $387,500 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System No Additional Insulation | $8.70 | $870 | $217,500 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 3-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $18.25 | $1,825 | $456,250 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 50-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.90 | $1,290 | $322,500 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.30 | $1,330 | $332,500 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.25 | $525 | $131,250 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.55 | $1,355 | $338,750 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 50-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.15 | $1,315 | $328,750 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.50 | $1,350 | $337,500 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.50 | $550 | $137,500 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.85 | $1,385 | $346,250 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $14.40 | $1,440 | $360,000 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $14.65 | $1,465 | $366,250 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $6.60 | $660 | $165,000 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.00 | $1,500 | $375,000 |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam SPF 5-Inch Thick Silicone Coating Light Prep | $10.35 | $1,035 | $258,750 |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam SPF 5-Inch Thick Silicone Coating Heavy Prep | $11.95 | $1,195 | $298,750 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $9.40 | $940 | $235,000 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $9.75 | $975 | $243,750 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.10 | $410 | $102,500 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $10.10 | $1,010 | $252,500 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.25 | $1,225 | $306,250 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.60 | $1,260 | $315,000 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.60 | $460 | $115,000 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.90 | $1,290 | $322,500 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.45 | $1,245 | $311,250 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.90 | $1,290 | $322,500 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.80 | $480 | $120,000 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.20 | $1,320 | $330,000 |
Further Reading: Roof Cost Details by Roofing Type
- Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost Guide
- Cedar Shake & Shingle Roof Cost Guide
- Copper Roof Cost Guide
- EPDM Rubber Roof Cost Guide
- Metal Roof Cost Guide
- Modified Bitumen Roof Cost Guide
- PVC Membrane Roof Cost Guide
- Shingle Roof Cost Guide
- Single-Ply Roofing Cost Guide (EPDM, PVC, TPO)
- Slate Roof Cost Guide
- Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Cost Guide
- Standing Seam Metal Roofing Cost Guide
- Tile Roof Cost Guide
- TPO Membrane Roof Cost Guide
About the Author
Jack Gray spent 20 years as a principal roof consultant with the Moriarty Corporation, an award-winning building enclosure consultant firm founded in 1967. Mr. Gray has worked in the roofing industry for over 25 years, with training and practical experience in roof installation, roof inspection, roof safety, roof condition assessment, construction estimating, roof design & specification, quality assurance, roof maintenance & repair, and roof asset management. He was awarded the Registered Roof Observer (RRO) professional credential in 2009. He also served as an infantry paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and has a B.A. from Cornell University.