Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Rhode Island 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, Rhode Island labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual Rhode Island 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.
Construction costs in Rhode Island tend to be a little higher than the national average. Prices are often most expensive in Providence and other densely populated areas, where labor and permitting costs are higher. (See 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 Rhode Island, but alternatives like standing seam metal, slate, and cedar shakes and shingles are also seen. 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, Rhode Island residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $6.00 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 about $10,000 and $68,000, depending on the material chosen.
Commercial roofing tends to cost more than most people expect, due to the insulation/R-value 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 Rhode Island range, on average, from around $5 per square foot for a ballasted EPDM overlay system with no insulation included to around $18 per square foot for a 2-ply modified bitumen roof with enough insulation to satisfy Rhode Island’s R-30 above-deck insulation requirement.
The tables below provide cost information for all roof types and systems.
Climate Considerations for Rhode Island Roofs
Rhode Island’s climate is classified as humid continental, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Conditions vary slightly by location: coastal areas experience milder winters but higher humidity and corrosive salt-laden air, while inland parts of the state see colder winters and more snow. Average annual precipitation is about 45 inches statewide, with snowfall ranging from 25 inches near the coast to more than 40 inches inland. Severe weather risks include nor’easters, coastal storms, hurricanes, heavy snowfall, and strong wind events.
The state building code classifies all of Rhode Island as a high-wind region, which means enhanced roofing attachment methods are required; for example, asphalt shingles must be fastened with six nails per shingle instead of the typical four. This does affect roof installation costs to a degree.
Heating degree days outweigh cooling degree days in Rhode Island, so the use of reflective “cool roof” materials is not particularly beneficial. Given the tendency for asphalt shingle roofs in Rhode Island to develop Gloeocapsa magma colonies (roof algae), black or dark gray shingles may be best because they don’t show the black streaks and stains as much as lighter colors do.
Coastal homeowners who want a metal roof should also account for environmental salt, which can accelerate corrosion of certain roofing metals. Aluminum roofing is preferable to steel in these areas, since it resists corrosion and holds up well in marine environments.
Given these conditions, homeowners and property managers in Rhode Island should consider the following:
- Asphalt shingles are the most common and cost-effective roofing option. In Rhode Island’s humid climate, algae-resistant shingles are strongly recommended to prevent black streaks caused by Gloeocapsa magma. Enhanced fastening with six nails per shingle, as required by code, improves wind resistance and overall performance during coastal storms. Impact-resistant shingles can also be worthwhile in areas prone to hail or wind damage.
- Proper ventilation and underlayment are critical. Adequate attic ventilation helps prevent condensation, reduces ice dam formation in winter, and prolongs shingle life. Ice and water shield underlayment should be properly installed along eaves and valleys. Note that improper roof/attic ventilation can void your roof warranty.
- Metal roofing performs very well in Rhode Island. Standing seam systems resist wind uplift, shed snow and rain efficiently, and offer long service life. PVDF-coated (Kynar) aluminum panels are especially resistant to corrosion in the salty coastal air.
- Slate, tile, and cedar roofing can provide excellent durability and curb appeal when installed correctly. Cedar should only be used as part of a Class A fire-rated system. Copper or zinc strips can help reduce moss and algae growth, which is common in shaded or damp areas.
- Insulation and air sealing are key to energy performance. A well-insulated attic or above-deck insulation system reduces heating demand, helps control moisture, and supports roof durability during Rhode Island’s cold, wet winters.
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 Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island
| Average Cost of a Residential Pitched Roof in Rhode Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
$6.00 | $600 | $10,200 |
| Asphalt Shingles Architectural or Dimensional Shingles |
$6.60 | $660 | $11,220 |
| Asphalt Shingles Luxury or Premium Shingles |
$8.20 | $820 | $13,940 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shingles |
$14.90 | $1,490 | $25,330 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shingles Class A Fire Rated System |
$16.75 | $1,675 | $28,475 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shakes |
$14.40 | $1,440 | $24,480 |
| Cedar Shake & Shingle Red Cedar Shakes Class A Fire Rated System |
$16.20 | $1,620 | $27,540 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$11.80 | $1,180 | $20,060 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$8.85 | $885 | $15,045 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$11.05 | $1,105 | $18,785 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$15.00 | $1,500 | $25,500 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$11.25 | $1,125 | $19,125 |
| Metal Roofing Metal Shingles (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$14.05 | $1,405 | $23,885 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Basic Coating) |
$18.20 | $1,820 | $30,940 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, Basic Coating) |
$13.65 | $1,365 | $23,205 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) |
$17.00 | $1,700 | $28,900 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Copper) |
$36.40 | $3,640 | $61,880 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Zinc) |
$24.60 | $2,460 | $41,820 |
| Metal Roofing Flat Seam Metal (Copper, Soldered Seams) |
$42.80 | $4,280 | $72,760 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Standard” 1/4″ Thick |
$25.75 | $2,575 | $43,775 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Rough Texture” 1/4″ to 3/8″ Thick |
$28.65 | $2,865 | $48,705 |
| Slate Roofing Hard Natural Slate (Grade S1) “Architectural” 3/8″ to 1/2″ Thick |
$33.45 | $3,345 | $56,865 |
| Synthetic Composite Synthetic Composite Shingles (Engineered Polymeric Tile) |
$13.50 | $1,350 | $22,950 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Flat Profile (Shingle Style) |
$16.50 | $1,650 | $28,050 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Mission (2 Piece) |
$17.45 | $1,745 | $29,665 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile S-Profile (1 Piece) |
$15.70 | $1,570 | $26,690 |
| Tile Roofing Clay Tile Premium Styles |
$19.80 | $1,980 | $33,660 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile Flat Profile (Shingle Style) |
$12.50 | $1,250 | $21,250 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile S-Profile (1 Piece) |
$12.00 | $1,200 | $20,400 |
| Tile Roofing Concrete Tile Premium Styles |
$15.00 | $1,500 | $25,500 |
| Tile Roofing Lightweight Concrete Flat Tile (Shingle Style) |
$13.05 | $1,305 | $22,185 |
Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in Rhode Island
For energy code purposes, all of Rhode Island is located in IECC Climate Zone 5. Commercial low-slope roofs with insulation installed entirely above the structural deck are required to meet a minimum of R-30 continuous insulation (R-30ci). These standards are established under the State of Rhode Island Energy Conservation Code (RISBC-8).
The R-30ci requirement applies not only to new construction but also to roof replacements on existing buildings. This means building owners planning a reroof must ensure that the finished assembly includes sufficient above-deck insulation to comply with the code.
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.
| Average Cost of a Commercial Low-Slope Roof in Rhode Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $11.45 | $1,145 | $286,250 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $11.95 | $1,195 | $298,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.20 | $520 | $130,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Ballasted EPDM 90-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.35 | $1,235 | $308,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $14.80 | $1,480 | $370,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.30 | $1,530 | $382,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.70 | $570 | $142,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Mechanically-Attached EPDM 75-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.65 | $1,565 | $391,250 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.10 | $1,510 | $377,500 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.55 | $1,555 | $388,750 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $6.00 | $600 | $150,000 |
| EPDM Roofing Fully-Adhered EPDM 90-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $16.00 | $1,600 | $400,000 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, Basic Coating) | $11.80 | $1,180 | $295,000 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Aluminum, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $14.70 | $1,470 | $367,500 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, Basic Coating) | $8.85 | $885 | $221,250 |
| Metal Roofing Exposed Fastener Panels (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $11.05 | $1,105 | $276,250 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Basic Coating) | $18.20 | $1,820 | $455,000 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $22.75 | $2,275 | $568,750 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, Basic Coating) | $13.65 | $1,365 | $341,250 |
| Metal Roofing Standing Seam Metal (Steel, PVDF/Kynar Coated) | $17.00 | $1,700 | $425,000 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $17.95 | $1,795 | $448,750 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System No Additional Insulation | $9.80 | $980 | $245,000 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing APP-Modified Bitumen 3-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $20.85 | $2,085 | $521,250 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $18.45 | $1,845 | $461,250 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 2-Ply System No Additional Insulation | $10.35 | $1,035 | $258,750 |
| Modified Bitumen Roofing SBS-Modified Bitumen 3-Ply System With R-30 Insulation | $21.65 | $2,165 | $541,250 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 50-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.35 | $1,535 | $383,750 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.80 | $1,580 | $395,000 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $6.25 | $625 | $156,250 |
| PVC Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $16.10 | $1,610 | $402,500 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 50-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.60 | $1,560 | $390,000 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $16.05 | $1,605 | $401,250 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $6.55 | $655 | $163,750 |
| PVC Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $16.50 | $1,650 | $412,500 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Mechanically-Attached PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $17.10 | $1,710 | $427,500 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $17.40 | $1,740 | $435,000 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $7.85 | $785 | $196,250 |
| PVC KEE Roofing Fully-Adhered PVC KEE 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $17.80 | $1,780 | $445,000 |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam SPF 5-Inch Thick Silicone Coating Light Prep | $12.30 | $1,230 | $307,500 |
| Spray Polyurethane Foam SPF 5-Inch Thick Silicone Coating Heavy Prep | $14.20 | $1,420 | $355,000 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $11.20 | $1,120 | $280,000 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $11.60 | $1,160 | $290,000 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $4.85 | $485 | $121,250 |
| TPO Roofing Ballasted TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $12.05 | $1,205 | $301,250 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $14.55 | $1,455 | $363,750 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.00 | $1,500 | $375,000 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.45 | $545 | $136,250 |
| TPO Roofing Mechanically-Attached TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.35 | $1,535 | $383,750 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 45-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $14.80 | $1,480 | $370,000 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 60-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.30 | $1,530 | $382,500 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 60-mil Membrane No Additional Insulation | $5.70 | $570 | $142,500 |
| TPO Roofing Fully-Adhered TPO 80-mil Membrane With R-30 Insulation | $15.70 | $1,570 | $392,500 |
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.