South Dakota Roof Replacement Cost Guide (2025 Update)

Introduction

In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in South Dakota 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, South Dakota labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual South Dakota 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 South Dakota tend to run below the national average. Prices are often higher in growing metro areas such as Sioux Falls and Rapid City, and in parts of the Black Hills region, with lower pricing more common in smaller communities. (Compare with national average roof replacement costs.)

Actual roof prices will vary depending on location, roof size, roof slope, complexity, and the type of roof system installed. Asphalt shingles are by far the most common residential roof covering in South Dakota, but alternatives such as standing seam metal, synthetic composite, and cedar shakes are also relatively popular. Commercial low-slope roofs typically use single-ply membranes such as EPDM, TPO, and PVC, as well as modified bitumen or spray-applied polyurethane foam systems.

On average, South Dakota residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $5 per square foot for basic asphalt shingles to around $31 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 $53,000, depending on the material chosen.

Commercial roofing typically costs more than a lot of people think it will, due to the R-value/insulation requirements. Board insulation is normally installed as part of a low-slope roof system, and costs around $1 to $1.50 per square foot installed per inch of thickness while providing roughly R-4 to R-6 per inch.

Commercial roof replacement prices in South Dakota range, on average, from around $4.00 per square foot for a ballasted EPDM overlay system with no insulation included to around $15.00 per square foot for a 2-ply modified bitumen roof with enough insulation to meet South Dakota’s R-30 above-deck insulation requirements.

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

Climate Considerations for South Dakota Roofs

South Dakota’s climate is classified as continental, with cold winters and warm to hot summers. Conditions vary by region: the Black Hills in the west receive heavier snowfall and more precipitation, while the central and eastern plains are drier but prone to wide temperature swings and severe weather. Average annual precipitation ranges from about 15 inches in the northwest to more than 25 inches in the southeast. Severe weather risks include high winds, hail, tornadoes, ice storms, and heavy snow loads.

Because of all the snow, roofs in South Dakota are often built with steeper-than-average pitches to shed snow more easily to prevent heavy and dangerous accumulations. Steeper roofs can increase roof replacement labor costs due to the additional safety protocols that the roofers need to follow.

Heating degree days far exceed cooling degree days across the state, so winter energy efficiency is a major concern. Reflective white “cool roof” materials are of limited benefit, and darker roofing materials may provide a small benefit by absorbing solar heat in winter. Roof algae staining (Gloeocapsa magma) is less of a problem here than in more humid states, though it may still occur.

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

• Asphalt shingles are the most affordable and common residential roofing material. In hail-prone regions, impact-resistant shingles are strongly recommended to reduce storm damage.
• Ventilation and underlayment are important statewide. Adequate attic ventilation helps prevent condensation, reduces ice dam risk in the winter, and prolongs roof life. Correctly-installed ice and water shield underlayment at eaves and valleys is important. Note that improper roof/attic ventilation can void your roof warranty.
• Metal roofing performs very well in South Dakota’s climate. Standing seam systems resist wind, shed snow efficiently, and last for decades. PVDF-coated (Kynar) finishes resist color fading and corrosion better than cheaper coatings.
• Slate, tile, and cedar roofing perform well if properly installed. Cedar should only be used as part of a Class A fire-rated system.
• Insulation and air sealing are critical. A well-insulated and air-sealed attic lowers heating costs, improves comfort, and reduces the formation of ice dams in areas with long, snowy 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 South Dakota. 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 South Dakota

Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in South Dakota

South Dakota does not have a single, statewide building energy code. Energy codes are left to local jurisdictions, many of which enforce some version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Because of this, requirements may vary depending on location. Building owners should always verify current R-value requirements with the local code authority.

According to the IECC, South Dakota spans Climate Zones 5 and 6. In both zones, the IECC requires commercial low-slope roofs with insulation installed entirely above the deck to meet a minimum of R-30 continuous insulation (R-30ci). These requirements apply to both new construction and roof replacement projects.

Even where local codes may not mandate R-30ci, meeting or exceeding this standard is strongly recommended. Higher levels of above-deck insulation improve energy efficiency, reduce heating costs in South Dakota’s long winters, and enhance long-term roof performance.

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.

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.