Roof Replacement Cost in Los Angeles: Price per Square Foot by Roof Type
Roof replacement cost in Los Angeles depends mostly on three things: the size of the roof, the roof type and how hard the roof is to work on. Roofers price by the square foot of roof surface, or by the square, which is 100 square feet.
This guide gives the price ranges our Instant Quote uses for each roof type, works through an example, explains why your roof’s size is not your home’s square footage, and shows what to check when you compare bids.
Roof Replacement Cost per Square Foot in Los Angeles
These are the ranges our Instant Quote uses, per square foot of roof surface, for a full roof replacement with tear-off. Where your roof lands depends on its size, pitch, height, access and details.
| Roof type | Per square foot of roof | Per square (100 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle | $6.50 to $8.00 | $650 to $800 |
| Tile (new tile roof) | $12 to $16 | $1,200 to $1,600 |
| Tile lift and relay (your tiles reused) | $8 to $11 | $800 to $1,100 |
| Flat roof | $7.50 to $10 | $750 to $1,000 |
Minimum job: $3,500. Small jobs still need setup, permits and cleanup.
Example: What a 2,000 Square Foot Roof Costs
Take a roof that measures 2,000 square feet. Roofers order about 10% extra material for cuts, starter rows, hips and ridges, so the job is priced on about 2,200 square feet.
| Roof type | 2,200 sq ft at the range above |
|---|---|
| Asphalt shingle | about $14,300 to $17,600 |
| Tile (new tile roof) | about $26,400 to $35,200 |
| Tile lift and relay | about $17,600 to $24,200 |
| Flat roof | about $16,500 to $22,000 |
A steep roof or a two- or three-story home adds to these numbers, because the work takes longer and needs more safety equipment. The Instant Quote asks for both and adjusts the range.
Your Roof Is Not Your Home’s Square Footage
Listing sites show a home’s living area, added up across every floor. A roof covers the footprint of the house plus the overhangs, and a sloped roof has more surface than the flat area under it.
- A one-story home usually has a roof a little larger than its living area, because of the overhangs and the slope.
- A two-story home can have a roof about half its living area, because two floors sit under one roof.
- Slope adds area. A 4/12 roof has about 5% more surface than the ground it covers, a 6/12 roof about 12% more and an 8/12 roof about 20% more.
That is why we measure the roof itself, from satellite imagery for a quick range and on the roof before a final price.
What Changes the Price of a New Roof
- Roof type and material. Tile costs more than shingles to install; a lift and relay saves the cost of new tile when the tiles are still sound.
- Size and shape. Every hip, valley and extra roof plane adds cutting and flashing.
- Pitch and height. Steeper roofs and taller homes take longer and need more safety work.
- What comes off. More than one layer of old roofing means more tear-off and disposal.
- The roof deck. Soft or damaged decking found under the old roof has to be replaced. A good written scope says how that will be handled before work starts.
- Penetrations and details. Skylights, chimneys, vents, equipment and parapet walls each need flashing and time.
- Flat roof drainage. Low spots, drains and scuppers may need extra work so water clears the roof.
Repair, Lift and Relay, or Replace?
Not every old roof needs a full replacement. A local problem can often be repaired. On a tile roof whose tiles are still sound, a tile lift and relay replaces the worn underlayment and puts your own tiles back, for less than a new tile roof.
When wear is spread across the whole roof, repairs buy less time each round. Our guide to roof restoration vs. replacement walks through how to tell the difference.
How to Compare Roofing Bids
Two bids with different totals often describe different jobs. Put them side by side and compare the scope, not just the price.
- Is it a full tear-off down to the deck, or an overlay?
- How is damaged decking handled, and at what price?
- Which underlayment, and which flashings are replaced rather than reused?
- Are vents and ventilation included?
- Who pulls the permit?
- What is the workmanship warranty, and what does the manufacturer’s warranty cover?
- Is the price written down before any work starts?
- How is the site protected and cleaned up each day?
At QRS you get a written scope and price before any work starts, we pull the permits, and our installs carry a 10-year workmanship warranty. We price it right the first time; if you have a written bid from another licensed roofer, show it to us and we can match it.
Paying for a New Roof
Most homeowners spread the cost of a new roof over time. See roof financing for monthly payment options; the Instant Quote shows an example monthly payment next to each price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new roof cost in Los Angeles?
Per square foot of roof, our Instant Quote ranges are $6.50 to $8.00 for asphalt shingles, $12 to $16 for a new tile roof, $8 to $11 for a tile lift and relay and $7.50 to $10 for a flat roof, with a $3,500 minimum. A 2,000 square foot shingle roof works out to about $14,300 to $17,600 before adjustments for pitch and height.
How much is a roof per square?
A square is 100 square feet of roof. At our ranges that is about $650 to $800 a square for shingles, $1,200 to $1,600 for a new tile roof, $800 to $1,100 for a tile lift and relay and $750 to $1,000 for a flat roof.
Is a tile lift and relay cheaper than a new tile roof?
Usually, yes. A lift and relay reuses your tiles and replaces the underlayment beneath them, so you pay for labor and underlayment rather than new tile: $8 to $11 per square foot at our ranges, against $12 to $16 for a new tile roof.
Why is my roof size different from my home’s square footage?
Square footage counts the living area on every floor. A roof covers the footprint plus the overhangs, and slope adds surface. A two-story home can have a roof about half its living area; a one-story home usually has a roof a little larger than its living area.
Is the roof estimate free?
For homes, yes. The roof evaluation is free, and you get a written scope and price before any work starts.
Get a Price for Your Roof
For a quick range, the Instant Quote measures your roof from satellite imagery in about a minute. For a firm price, book a free roof evaluation: a roofer looks at your roof and gives you a written scope and price before any work.
