If you’re a homeowner in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., Eastern West Virginia, or Southern Pennsylvania, and you’re starting to think about replacing your roof, the first question on your mind is probably: “How much is this going to cost me?”
It’s a fair question — and one we hear every single day at American Custom Contractors. After 54 years in the exterior renovation business, we believe every homeowner deserves a straight answer before they ever pick up the phone.
So let’s get into it.
The Short Answer: How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
In the Mid-Atlantic region, most homeowners can expect to pay somewhere in the following ranges, depending on material:
| Roofing Material | Typical Cost Range (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Composite Roofing | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Metal Roofing | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Cedar Shake | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Slate Roofing | $30,000 – $75,000+ |
These are general ranges. Your actual cost will depend on a number of factors we’ll walk through below. The goal of this article isn’t to give you a number to hold us to — it’s to help you understand why roofing costs what it does, so you can make a confident, informed decision.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a New Roof?
1. Roof Size
Roofing is priced by the “square” — one roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. The larger your home’s footprint and the more complex the roofline, the more material and labor is required.
2. Roofing Material
This is the biggest cost variable. Asphalt shingles are the most affordable and most common. Slate and cedar are premium materials with significantly longer lifespans but higher upfront costs. We’ll break down each material in detail below.
3. Roof Pitch & Complexity
A steep or complex roof with multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, or chimneys takes more time and skill to install safely. Steeper pitches also require additional safety equipment and slow production — both of which affect labor costs.
4. Decking Condition
Once your old shingles are removed, we inspect the plywood or OSB decking underneath. If sections are rotted or damaged (common in older homes), they’ll need to be replaced before new roofing is installed. This is an additional cost that can’t always be predicted until tear-off begins.
5. Tear-Off & Disposal
Most installations require removing the old roof before installing the new one. Labor, dumpster rental, and disposal fees are part of the overall project cost.
6. Ventilation & Flashing
Proper attic ventilation and metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof penetrations are critical to the longevity of any roofing system. These are not places to cut corners.
A Closer Look at Each Roofing Material
Asphalt Shingles — $8,000 to $20,000
Asphalt is the most popular roofing material in the country for good reason — it’s durable, cost-effective, and available in dozens of styles and colors. Modern architectural shingles are far superior to the three-tab shingles of decades past.
Best for: Homeowners looking for reliable protection, a clean look, and the best value for their dollar. Lifespan: 20–30 years with proper installation and ventilation.
Composite Roofing — $15,000 to $30,000
Composite (Cedar & Slate) roofing products are engineered to mimic the look of natural materials like slate or cedar shake — without the weight, maintenance, or cost. Brands like BRAVA, DaVinci, and EcoStar offer Class 4 impact-rated options that can qualify for insurance discounts.
Best for: Homeowners who love the look of slate or cedar but want lower long-term maintenance. Lifespan: 30–50 years.
Metal Roofing — $20,000 to $45,000
Metal roofing has come a long way from the corrugated barn roofs of the past. Standing seam metal and metal shingles are increasingly popular in the Mid-Atlantic region for their longevity, energy efficiency, and sleek aesthetic.
Best for: Homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term and wanting minimal maintenance. Lifespan: 40–70 years.
Cedar Shake — $25,000 to $50,000
Cedar shake roofing offers a natural, rustic beauty that no synthetic product fully replicates. It’s common on craftsman-style and historic homes throughout Maryland and Virginia. Cedar does require more ongoing maintenance than other materials.
Best for: Homeowners with historic or traditional-style homes who value natural aesthetics. Lifespan: 20–40 years with proper maintenance.
Slate Roofing — $30,000 to $75,000+
Slate is the gold standard of roofing. It’s been used on homes in the Mid-Atlantic for well over 100 years — and many of those original slate roofs are still performing today. It’s heavy, requires specialized installation, and is a significant investment. But nothing lasts longer or looks more distinguished.
Best for: Historic homes, high-end properties, and homeowners who want a roof they’ll never replace again. Lifespan: 75–150+ years.
What’s NOT Included in a Roofing Estimate
Be cautious of any estimate that seems unusually low. Here are costs that are sometimes left out of initial quotes — but shouldn’t be:
- Decking repair or replacement if rot or damage is found at tear-off
- New flashing around chimneys, skylights, and pipe boots
- Ventilation upgrades if your current system is inadequate
- Permits — required in most Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. jurisdictions
- Gutter reattachment or replacement after roofing is complete
At American Custom Contractors, we include a thorough inspection of all of these items in our estimate and communicate any unknowns before work begins. No surprises.
Why Does Roofing Cost Vary So Much Between Contractors?
You may get quotes that vary by thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — of dollars. Here’s why:
- Material quality varies significantly even within the same product category
- Labor experience — an experienced crew installs faster and makes fewer mistakes
- Warranty coverage — manufacturer warranties are only valid when installed by certified contractors
- Business legitimacy — licensed, insured contractors carry overhead that unlicensed operators don’t
A low bid often means corners are being cut somewhere. After 54 years in business, we’ve re-roofed many homes that were done cheaply just a few years prior.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Home
The only way to get a truly accurate number is to have a professional measure your roof, inspect its current condition, and discuss your material options with you in person.
At American Custom Contractors, our estimates are:
- Free and no obligation
- Detailed and itemized — you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for
- Backed by 54 years of experience serving Maryland, D.C., Northern Virginia, Eastern West Virginia, and Southern Pennsylvania
Not ready for an inspection yet? Try out our free estimating tool below.
Every home is different. Use our free estimator below to get a tailored price range based on your home’s size, location, materials, and project scope. It takes under 2 minutes.
American Custom Contractors is a family-owned and operated exterior renovation company serving the greater Mid-Atlantic region since 1972. We specialize in roofing, siding, windows, and gutters.
