Nebraska Roof Replacement Cost Guide (2025 Update)

Introduction

In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Nebraska 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, Nebraska labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual Nebraska 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 Nebraska tend to be a little below the national average. Prices can run higher in metro areas such as Omaha and Lincoln. (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 common residential roof covering in Nebraska, 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, Nebraska residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $5.50 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 $9,000 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska energy code requirements for roofs with above-deck insulation.

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

Climate Considerations for Nebraska Roofs

Nebraska’s climate is classified as humid continental, with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and often humid, with frequent thunderstorms, while winters are cold and snowy, especially in the north and west. Average annual precipitation ranges from about 20 inches in the Panhandle to over 35 inches in the southeast. Severe weather is common, with hailstorms, high winds, and tornadoes occurring regularly in spring and summer. Snowfall is heavier in northern and western Nebraska, where cold air masses bring prolonged periods of snow cover, while southeastern areas generally experience lighter accumulations.

Heating degree days far exceed cooling degree days, reflecting the long, cold winters. This means that reflective “cool” roofing is not particularly beneficial for commercial roofs in Nebraska, and darker roofing materials may be preferable. For residential roofing, given the frequency of roof algae (Gloeocapsa magma) in humid parts of the state, black or dark gray shingles may be best because they make streaks and stains less noticeable.

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

• Asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable residential roofing material. In humid areas, algae-resistant shingles can help prevent black streaks caused by roof algae. Impact-resistant shingles are strongly recommended due to Nebraska’s frequent hailstorms.
• Ventilation and underlayment are critical. Proper attic ventilation minimizes condensation during cold winters and reduces roof heat stress in summer, extending roof life. Correctly installed ice and water shield underlayments are important for preventing damage from ice dams. Note that improper 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 hail and high winds. Standing seam metal is particularly effective in storm-prone and snow-heavy regions, as it sheds snow efficiently.
• Slate, tile, and cedar roofing performs well when properly installed. 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 materials.
• Insulation and air sealing should be attended to. A well-insulated attic reduces heating demand in winter and helps prevent ice dam formation.

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 Nebraska. 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 Nebraska

Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in Nebraska

The entire state of Nebraska falls into IECC Climate Zone 5 for energy code purposes. Under the Nebraska Energy Code, roofs with insulation installed entirely above the deck must include enough insulation to meet at least R-30.

Always verify current R-value requirements with your local building department, as code requirements can change.

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 cover board over the existing system to provide a sound substrate, followed by the new roof membrane.  Keep in mind that 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.