Maine Roof Replacement Cost Guide (2025 Update)

Introduction

In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Maine 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, Maine labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual Maine 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 Maine tend to run below the national average, with prices often varying between coastal communities, small inland towns, and the more urbanized southern part of the state near Portland. (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 Maine, but alternatives like standing seam metal, natural slate, synthetic composite, and cedar shakes are also fairly common. 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, Maine 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 the material chosen.

Commercial roofing typically costs more than many people expect, 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 Maine range, on average, from around $4 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 roof with enough insulation to satisfy the Maine R-30/R-35 energy code requirement for roofs with above-deck insulation.

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

Climate Considerations for Maine Roofs

Maine has a humid continental climate, with long, cold winters and short, mild to warm summers. Much of the state experiences heavy snow, especially in the western mountains and northern regions, while coastal areas are moderated somewhat by the Atlantic Ocean. Average annual precipitation ranges from about 40 to 50 inches statewide, with snowfall totals commonly exceeding 70 inches per year in inland and northern areas. Severe weather risks include heavy snow loads, ice storms, coastal nor’easters, strong winds, and occasional hail or summer thunderstorms. Because of the snow, roofs in Maine are often built with steeper pitches to shed accumulation more effectively, which can make replacement work more complicated (and slightly more expensive).

Heating degree days far outweigh cooling degree days across Maine, so winter performance and energy efficiency are the main priorities. Reflective “cool roof” materials are generally not needed in this climate, and darker roofing surfaces may even provide minor benefits by absorbing solar heat in winter. Algae growth (Gloeocapsa magma) can be an issue for asphalt shingles in Maine. Dark gray or black shingles help conceal the staining better than lighter colors.

Given these conditions, homeowners and property managers in Maine should consider the following:

• Asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable residential roofing material. Algae-resistant shingles can help prevent black streaks caused by roof algae
• Ventilation and underlayment are critical. Proper attic ventilation reduces condensation, minimizes ice dam formation, and extends roof life. Ice and water shield underlayment along eaves and valleys is essential in Maine’s snowy climate. Improper roof/attic ventilation can void your roof warranty.
• Metal roofing is an excellent choice statewide. Standing seam systems shed snow efficiently, resist high winds, and provide long-term durability. PVDF-coated aluminum panels are especially resistant to corrosion and color fading, making them a good material for roofs in coastal areas.
• Slate, tile, and cedar roofing perform well when installed correctly. Cedar should be used only in a Class A fire-rated system. Copper or zinc strips can help reduce moss and algae growth in damp or shaded locations.
• Insulation and air sealing are essential. A well-insulated attic reduces heating costs, helps prevent ice dams, and improves overall roof system performance.

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 Maine. 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 Maine

Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in Maine

For energy code purposes, Maine is divided between IECC Climate Zones 6 and 7. Most of the state falls into Zone 6, while Aroostook County is classified as Zone 7. In Zone 6, commercial low-slope roofs with insulation installed entirely above the deck must meet a minimum of R-30 continuous insulation (R-30ci). In Zone 7, the requirement is R-35ci. These standards are established by the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC), which is based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The minimum insulation requirements apply both to new construction and to roof replacements on existing buildings.

While R-30ci or R-35ci meet code, building owners may benefit from exceeding these levels to further reduce heating demand during Maine’s long, cold winters and to improve overall building performance.

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.

Many of the price estimates below are for roof systems that include R-30 insulation. For roofs in climate zone 7, add $1.25 to account for the added insulation you’ll need to go from R-30 to R-35.

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.