Louisiana Roof Replacement Cost Guide (2025 Update)

Introduction

In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Louisiana 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, Louisiana labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual Louisiana building permit data. The roof systems covered here include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, tile, synthetic composite, cedar shakes, and all of the common types of low-slope commercial roofing.

Roof replacement costs in Louisiana tend to be lower than the national average, with statewide construction costs averaging about 15% to 20% below the U.S. average. (Compare to 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 popular residential roof covering in Louisiana, but alternatives like standing seam metal and clay or concrete tile are also relatively common. Commercial “flat” (low-slope) roofs use single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, and PVC roofing), modified bitumen, or spray-applied polyurethane foam roofing systems.

On average, Louisiana residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $5 per square foot for basic asphalt shingles to around $30 per square foot for high-end copper roofing. This means a typical 1,700-square-foot pitched roof may cost between about $8,500 and $51,000 depending on what type of material you’re using.

Commercial roofing typically costs less per square foot, with commercial roof replacement prices ranging, on average, from around $4 per square foot for a ballasted EPDM overlay system with no insulation included to around $14 per square foot for a 2-ply modified bitumen system with enough insulation to meet the Louisiana R-25 energy code requirement for roofs with above-deck insulation.

The tables below provide cost information for all roof types and systems.

Climate Considerations for Louisiana Roofs

Louisiana’s climate is humid subtropical, with short, mild winters and long, hot, humid summers. Freezing temperatures are uncommon, though occasional cold snaps can bring frost or light freezes, mainly in northern parishes. Snowfall is rare statewide. The greater risks in Louisiana are heavy rainfall, high humidity, and storm events. Tropical storms and hurricanes pose significant risks, bringing destructive winds, driving rain, and storm surge to both coastal and inland regions. Annual precipitation is among the highest in the country, typically ranging from 50 to more than 70 inches, with the heaviest totals along the Gulf Coast.

Cooling degree days far outnumber heating degree days in Louisiana, so reducing summer heat gain is a top priority.  Reflective white “cool” roofing materials can help reduce cooling costs. Asphalt shingles in Louisiana are prone to algae growth from Gloeocapsa magma, which appears as dark streaks or stains, particularly on shaded or north-facing roof slopes. Note that lighter-colored shingles will absorb less heat but will show algae staining more obviously than dark shingles.

Given these conditions, homeowners in Louisiana should consider the following:

• Asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable roofing material. Algae-resistant shingles are strongly recommended to combat black streaks and stains. In hurricane-prone parishes, roofs should be installed to meet high wind-uplift ratings with enhanced fastening (such as six-nail attachment or the use of additional adhesive).
• Ventilation and underlayment are critical to roof performance. Proper attic ventilation reduces heat buildup and moisture, while enhanced underlayment is recommended in hurricane zones to provide a secondary water barrier in case shingles are compromised. Note that improper attic ventilation can void your roof warranty.
• Metal roofing performs well in Louisiana, offering superior wind resistance and longevity. PVDF-coated steel or aluminum panels are recommended, particularly in coastal areas where salt exposure accelerates corrosion.
• Tile, slate, and cedar all work well in Louisiana’s climate if installed correctly. In hurricane-prone areas, roofs should be properly attached to meet higher wind uplift standards.
• Impact- and wind-rated products are a good idea across southern Louisiana, especially near the Gulf Coast.
• Insulation and attic air sealing improve energy efficiency year-round. Radiant barriers or reflective coverings help reduce attic heat gain.

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 Louisiana. 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, 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 Louisiana

Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in Louisiana

For energy code purposes, even though Louisiana spans IECC climate zones 2 and 3, all parishes in Louisiana are classified as Climate Zone 2 under the amendments adopted by the state. The applicable standard is the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code, which is based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Under this code, commercial roofs with insulation installed entirely above the deck must meet a minimum of R-25 continuous insulation.

When performing a roof recover, this insulation requirement generally does not apply. Recover projects usually involve adding a layer of cover board over the existing system to provide a suitable substrate, followed by the new roof membrane. Roof recovery is not always permitted or advisable.

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.