New York Roof Replacement Cost Guide (2025 Update)

Introduction

In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in New York State in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years researching roofing costs for my clients, and the roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, New York labor costs, and other relevant factors, including publicly-available roofing project cost 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 York tend to be higher than the national average due to a generally higher cost of living, a strong union presence, elevated labor rates, regional material markups, and higher business operating costs. Construction costs in much of New York are typically around 20% higher than the U.S. average, with the highest costs found in the New York City metro area, where construction costs can be more than 50% higher than the national average; prices also tend to be somewhat higher on Long Island and other downstate regions.

Actual roof costs 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 New York, but alternatives like standing seam metal, cedar shingles and shakes, and natural slate are also relatively common. Commercial “flat” (low-slope) roofs use single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, PVC), modified bitumen, or spray-applied polyurethane foam roofing systems.

On average, New York residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $7 per square foot for basic asphalt shingles to around $40 per square foot for high-end copper roofing. This means a typical 1,700-square-foot pitched roof may cost between $11,900 and $68,000 depending on what type of material you’re using.

Commercial roofing costs are typically lower per square foot, with commercial roof replacement prices ranging, on average, from around $6 per square foot for a ballasted EPDM overlay system with no insulation included to around $24 per square foot for a 3-ply modified bitumen system with enough insulation to meet the New York R-30 energy code requirement for roofs with above-deck insulation.

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

Climate Considerations for New York Roofs

New York’s climate varies from region to region, ranging from humid continental across most of the state to humid subtropical in parts of downstate and Long Island. Winters are cold and snowy in much of the state, with temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing, especially in upstate areas. Lake-effect snow can be a serious issue in western and northern New York. Summers are generally warm and humid, with occasional heatwaves and heavy rainfall. Annual precipitation averages between 30 and 60 inches depending on the location, with the higher amounts occurring in the Adirondacks and along the Great Lakes.

Heating degree days far exceed cooling degree days across most of New York, particularly in upstate regions. This means reflective “cool” roofing is generally less important, and darker roofing materials may actually help by absorbing solar heat in the winter instead of reflecting it. In the humid summers in the downstate/coastal areas, asphalt shingle roofs are prone to developing Gloeocapsa magma colonies (roof algae); black or dark gray shingles can help hide the dark algae stains better than lighter colors.

Given these conditions, homeowners in New York should consider the following:

• Asphalt shingles are a popular and cost-effective choice. In warm, humid areas, algae-resistant shingles are highly recommended to prevent unsightly black streaks and biological growth, especially on shaded roofs.
• Ventilation and underlayment are critical. Roof assemblies should include adequate ventilation and a high-quality synthetic underlayment and properly-installed ice-and-water shield to mitigate ice damming and moisture intrusion during freeze-thaw cycles. Failure to properly ventilate your roof/attic can void your roof warranty.
• Metal roofing performs well in New York’s varied climate, shedding snow easily in winter and resisting wind and moisture. Thick PVDF-coated steel or aluminum panels are durable, with long-lasting colors.
• Slate, tile, and cedar can perform very well when installed with proper flashing and drainage details to handle snow loads and ice dams. Class A fire-rated assemblies are advisable for cedar products, and copper strips can help control algae, moss, and mildew growth.
• Insulation and attic sealing should not be overlooked. A well-insulated and air-sealed attic can reduce heating costs and help prevent the formation of ice dams.

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 York. 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.

Table 1: Residential Roof Costs in New York

Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in New York

For energy code purposes, New York spans climate zones 4, 5, and 6, all of which need a minimum R-30 continuous insulation to meet the R-value code requirements for commercial roofs with above-deck insulation. When performing a roof recover (installing a new roof over an existing one), these insulation requirements typically do not apply. Recover projects generally involve adding a cover board over the existing system to provide a sound substrate, followed by the new membrane. Remember 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.