Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in New Mexico 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, New Mexico labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual New Mexico 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 New Mexico tend to be somewhat lower than the national average. Labor rates and business operating expenses are generally lower, while material prices are similar to the rest of the country. (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 the most common residential roof covering in New Mexico, and alternatives like standing seam metal, clay and concrete tile, and synthetic composites are also relatively common. Commercial low-slope roofs in New Mexico most often use single-ply membranes such as EPDM, TPO, and PVC, along with modified bitumen and spray-applied polyurethane foam systems.
On average, New Mexico residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $5 per square foot for basic asphalt shingles to around $34 per square foot for high-end copper roofing. This means a typical 1,700-square-foot pitched roof can cost between about $8,500 and $58,000, depending on the material selected.
Commercial roofing typically costs more than people might think, due to insulation requirements. Board insulation is normally installed as a part of low-slope roof systems, and it 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 New Mexico range, on average, from around $4 per square foot for a ballasted TPO overlay with no additional insulation to around $15 per square foot for a multi-ply modified bitumen system with enough insulation to meet the R-25 or R-30 levels commonly required by New Mexico jurisdictions for roofs with above-deck insulation.
The tables below provide cost information for all roof types and systems.
Climate Considerations for New Mexico Roofs
New Mexico’s climate is highly varied, ranging from hot, arid desert in the south and west to cooler high-elevation plateaus and mountain ranges in the north and east. Much of the state, including Albuquerque and Las Cruces, experiences a semi-arid to desert climate with hot summers, mild winters, and relatively low annual precipitation. Northern and higher-elevation areas such as Santa Fe and Taos are cooler, with cold, snowy winters and summer thunderstorms related to the North American monsoon. Annual precipitation ranges from less than 10 inches in desert basins to more than 30 inches in some mountain regions.
Cooling degree days generally outweigh heating degree days in southern New Mexico, while northern and high-altitude regions can have significant winter heating demand. This means reflective white “cool roof” products are helpful in southern areas for reducing cooling costs.
Unlike in more humid states, roof algae and moss growth are not widespread problems in New Mexico. Instead, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, large daily temperature swings, and occasional severe storms are the most important environmental roof stressors. Roof coverings should be selected for durability against intense sun, thermal cycling, seasonal winds, hail in some regions, and short bursts of heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Attention to proper drainage design is especially important.
Homeowners and property managers in New Mexico should consider the following:
- Asphalt shingles are widely used and affordable, but they can weather more quickly under New Mexico’s strong UV exposure than in cooler climates. Choosing shingles with enhanced UV resistance is recommended.
- Ventilation and underlayment are critical statewide. Proper attic ventilation lowers heat buildup, protects shingles from heat damage, extends roof life, and helps reduce cooling costs. High-quality underlayment provides secondary moisture protection during heavy summer rains. Improper attic ventilation can void roofing warranties.
- Tile roofing (clay and concrete) is especially popular in New Mexico. Tile performs very well in hot, dry climates, offers excellent service life, and certain installation methods can create a natural airflow gap above the roof deck that reduces heat transfer.
- Metal roofing is another excellent material, particularly when finished with reflective “cool roof” coatings to lower summer cooling loads.
- Slate, cedar, and synthetic composites are less common but can be suitable in northern New Mexico’s cooler and wetter climates. In wildfire-prone regions, roofing systems should be Class A fire-rated.
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 New Mexico. 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 New Mexico
| Average Cost of a Residential Pitched Roof in New Mexico | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
$5.00 | $500 | $8,500 |
| Asphalt Shingles Architectural or Dimensional Shingles |
$5.50 | $550 | $9,350 |
| Asphalt Shingles Luxury or Premium Shingles |
$6.80 | $680 | $11,560 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shingles |
$12.40 | $1,240 | $21,080 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shingles Class A Fire Rated System |
$13.90 | $1,390 | $23,630 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shakes |
$12.00 | $1,200 | $20,400 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shakes Class A Fire Rated System |
$13.50 | $1,350 | $22,950 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$9.80 | $980 | $16,660 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$7.35 | $735 | $12,495 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$9.15 | $915 | $15,555 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$12.45 | $1,245 | $21,165 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$9.35 | $935 | $15,895 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$11.65 | $1,165 | $19,805 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$15.15 | $1,515 | $25,755 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$11.35 | $1,135 | $19,295 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$14.15 | $1,415 | $24,055 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Copper) |
$34.00 | $3,400 | $57,800 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Zinc) |
$20.45 | $2,045 | $34,765 |
| 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) |
$11.20 | $1,120 | $19,040 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Flat Profile (Shingle Style) |
$13.70 | $1,370 | $23,290 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Mission (2 Piece) |
$14.50 | $1,450 | $24,650 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile S-Profile (1 Piece) |
$13.10 | $1,310 | $22,270 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Premium Styles |
$16.45 | $1,645 | $27,965 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile Flat Profile (Shingle Style) |
$10.40 | $1,040 | $17,680 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile S-Profile (1 Piece) |
$10.00 | $1,000 | $17,000 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile Premium Styles |
$12.45 | $1,245 | $21,165 |
| Tile Roofing Lightweight Concrete Flat Tile (Shingle Style) |
$10.85 | $1,085 | $18,445 |
Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in New Mexico
For energy code purposes, New Mexico spans IECC climate zones 3, 4, and 5. New Mexico follows the 2021 New Mexico Commercial Energy Code, which is based on the 2021 IECC with state-specific amendments. This code took effect on July 30, 2024, and its minimum insulation requirements apply both to new construction and to roof replacements where insulation is installed entirely above the deck.
In most jurisdictions, the requirements are:
- Climate Zone 3: R-25 continuous insulation (ci)
- Climate Zone 4: R-30ci
- Climate Zone 5: R-30ci
New Mexico’s amendments to the code reassign certain mountain communities to higher climate zones with stricter insulation requirements. For example, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Red River, Sandia Crest, and Taos Ski Valley are treated as Climate Zone 7, which requires R-35ci. Meanwhile, Mescalero (Zone 5) and Cloudcroft (Zone 6) must also meet higher minimums, with at least R-30ci. (Source: PIMA)
Always confirm current R-value requirements with your local code authority, since energy codes are updated periodically and requirements may vary by county or municipality.
When performing a roof recover (installing a new roof over an existing one), these insulation requirements typically do not apply. Roof recover projects generally involve installing a layer of cover board over the existing system to provide a suitable substrate, followed by the new membrane. Keep in mind that roof recovery is not always permitted or advisable.
Where the price estimates in the table include R-30 insulation, subtract $1.20 per square foot for roofs located in jurisdictions that require R-25, and add $1.20 for R-35.
| Average Cost of a Commercial Low-Slope Roof in New Mexico | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $9.50 | $950 | $237,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $9.95 | $995 | $248,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.30 | $430 | $107,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 90-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $10.30 | $1,030 | $257,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.35 | $1,235 | $308,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.75 | $1,275 | $318,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.75 | $475 | $118,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 75-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.00 | $1,300 | $325,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.55 | $1,255 | $313,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.95 | $1,295 | $323,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.00 | $500 | $125,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 90-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.30 | $1,330 | $332,500 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, Basic Coating) | $9.80 | $980 | $245,000 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $12.25 | $1,225 | $306,250 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, Basic Coating) | $7.35 | $735 | $183,750 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $9.15 | $915 | $228,750 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Basic Coating) | $15.15 | $1,515 | $378,750 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $18.95 | $1,895 | $473,750 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, Basic Coating) | $11.35 | $1,135 | $283,750 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $14.15 | $1,415 | $353,750 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $14.90 | $1,490 | $372,500 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System No Additional Insulation | $8.15 | $815 | $203,750 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 3-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $17.35 | $1,735 | $433,750 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $15.35 | $1,535 | $383,750 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System No Additional Insulation | $8.60 | $860 | $215,000 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 3-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $18.00 | $1,800 | $450,000 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 50-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.75 | $1,275 | $318,750 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.10 | $1,310 | $327,500 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.20 | $520 | $130,000 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.40 | $1,340 | $335,000 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 50-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.95 | $1,295 | $323,750 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.35 | $1,335 | $333,750 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.45 | $545 | $136,250 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.70 | $1,370 | $342,500 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $14.25 | $1,425 | $356,250 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $14.50 | $1,450 | $362,500 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $6.55 | $655 | $163,750 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $14.80 | $1,480 | $370,000 |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam SPF 5-Inch Thick Silicone Coating Light Prep | $10.25 | $1,025 | $256,250 |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam SPF 5-Inch Thick Silicone Coating Heavy Prep | $11.80 | $1,180 | $295,000 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $9.30 | $930 | $232,500 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $9.65 | $965 | $241,250 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.05 | $405 | $101,250 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $10.00 | $1,000 | $250,000 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.10 | $1,210 | $302,500 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.45 | $1,245 | $311,250 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.55 | $455 | $113,750 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.75 | $1,275 | $318,750 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.35 | $1,235 | $308,750 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.75 | $1,275 | $318,750 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.75 | $475 | $118,750 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $13.05 | $1,305 | $326,250 |
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.