How Much Does Shed Roof Replacement Cost?
Normal range: $200 - $6,000
The typical shed roof replacement cost is $2,100
. Most homeowners end up spending between $200
and $6,000
to replace a shed roof, but prices can jump to $20,000
, depending on the size.
The average cost to replace a shed roof is $2,100
, but you should budget between $200
and $6,000
for this type of project. Depending on the size and material of your shed roof, plus optional add-ons like skylights or solar panels, the cost of your new shed roof could reach up to $20,000
.
Whether you use your shed for storage, garden and construction projects, or as a home office, an old or leaky roof is less than ideal. You don’t want to compromise the integrity of the shed’s structure or end up with water-damaged tools or personal treasures, so prepare to replace it using this cost guide.
How Much Does Shed Roof Replacement Cost by Square Foot?
It costs an average of $3.75 per square foot to install a new shed roof, excluding labor. Costs can vary depending on the type of roofing and whether you need additional bracing or structural support. Since there are so many different material options available, there’s sure to be a material that fits your budget.
Shed Roof Material | Average Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Materials Only) |
---|---|
Rolled roofing | $0.50–$1 |
Asphalt shingles | $0.50–$3 |
Metal shingles | $3–$9 |
Cedar shingles | $4–$9 |
Clay tile shingles | $5–$15 |
Slate | $5–$20 |
Shed Roof Replacement Cost Factors
If your shed’s roof is looking a little lackluster, it’s a good idea to get it replaced. The main factors that affect the cost of a new shed roof are roofing materials and labor.
Materials
Materials to install a new shed roof usually cost about $300. In some cases, materials may cost $500 or more, particularly if you have a larger shed or it needs extensive repairs. There’s a wide range of roofing material, and the type you choose impacts the price.
Asphalt is sold as shingles or roofing felt, and is typically the most budget-friendly option. Metals like aluminum and steel are also affordable options, though stainless steel will cost more. Wood shakes or board-and-batten are considered higher-end and come with a premium price.
Labor
Labor typically costs around $75 per hour, with a standard shed roof taking about two hours to replace for a total of $150. Labor may cost extra if your shed needs additional bracing and support due to extreme damage.
Shed Size
When replacing a shed roof, size is the biggest cost factor. Larger roofs require more materials and more time to replace, so they tend to cost more. For example, a small shed roof of 100 square feet will cost significantly less than a new 450 square-foot roof, especially if you choose a more premium material.
It’s important to know that most roofers quote your cost of shed roof replacement by the square (which is 100 square feet) since materials are bought in bundles instead of singular pieces. Since material prices can vary so dramatically, you can expect to spend an average of $350 to $550 per square.
Shed Roof Size | Average Cost Installed |
---|---|
50 sq. ft. | $150–$1,500 |
100 sq. ft. | $250–$2,500 |
150 sq. ft. | $350–$3,500 |
200 sq. ft. | $450–$4,500 |
250 sq. ft. | $550–$5,500 |
300 sq. ft. | $650–$6,500 |
350 sq. ft. | $750–$7,500 |
400 sq. ft. | $850–$8,500 |
450 sq. ft. | $950–$9,500 |
Underlayment
Adding an underlayment isn’t necessary, but this second line of defense can extend the longevity of your shed and better protect its contents from the elements. Shed roofing underlayments range from around $1 to $5 per square foot for materials and labor. The price varies depending on the thickness and type. Asphalt-saturated felt is more economical than rubberized asphalt or synthetic materials and is the standard choice for standard shed roofs.
Ventilation
If you live in a region with humid summers or frigid winters, adding ventilation to your shed roof helps prevent a buildup of trapped air, moisture, and problematic mold.
You won’t need the type of complex vent additions you would on a large home roof. However, adding a static box vent for around $65 to $190 could be worthwhile, especially if your shed roof is flat.
Flashing
Costs to install flashing vary depending on the material, type of flashing and complexity of the roof. Expect to pay $15 to $25 per linear foot, depending on the type of flashing and material.
This thin metal overlay diverts rainwater away from joints where it’s more likely to seep through the roof. You’ll need flashing if you have vents or valleys on a multi-section roof or if your shed attaches to your home or another structure.
Ice and Water Shield
Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $125 per 100 square feet to install an ice and water shield on your shed roof. The shield is a waterproof, self-adhesive layer of material. It’s added to the lower edges of the shed roof to provide extra protection against ice dams that can build up there. You might want to add this alongside the underlayment if you live in a region prone to freezing winters.
Permits
For large, complex sheds, expect to pay between $250 and $500 in building permit costs.
However, unless you have a large shed with a structurally complex roof, it’s unlikely you’ll need a permit to complete the work. Always double-check with your local planning office before making major roof changes.
Insurance
While expensive roofing materials can increase your home insurance premiums, it mainly relates to large home roofs with high-end finishes. But it’s worth checking with your insurance company if you have a large, structurally complex shed roof to ensure your costs won’t skyrocket.
Warranties
Again, roof warranties are typically something to consider when replacing a more costly home roof. However, if you have a top-of-the-range shed and make a big investment in a new roof, a warranty might be worth considering to protect it.
Painting
Repainting a roof will add an additional cost, mostly because it requires more labor. The cost of exterior painting is anywhere from $1.50 to $4 per square foot.
Old Roof Disposal
The cost of a dumpster rental is typically between $300 to $500 per week, whereas a trash removal service may charge more than $360 depending on the volume of garbage. A contractor will most likely include demolition and disposal service into their price, but ask for an itemized bill to confirm.
New Shed Roof Cost by Material Type
Different types of materials affect the cost of your shed roof. Roofing materials are typically sold by the bundle, which is about 30 square feet worth, or the square, which is about 100 square feet worth.
Rolled Roofing
Rolled roofing is a cost-effective way to replace your shed roof both quickly and inexpensively. This roofing material is—you guessed it—sold in rolls instead of shingles. This is generally less durable, thinner, and more cost-effective than asphalt shingles, so it’s best to be installed on unoccupied structures like a shed. And be wary—while this option is the most inexpensive for replacing your shed roof, rolled roofing material only lasts about five to eight years. You can expect to pay between $0.50 and $1 per square foot for rolled roofing material.
Asphalt Roof Shingles
Asphalt roof shingles cost about $0.50 to $3 per square foot. These shingles are one of the most popular and common types of shed roofing materials and are an affordable option for your shed roof. Since many homeowners have asphalt shingles on the roofs of their homes, it can be easy to match your new shed roof to your home, creating an eye-catching aesthetic.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles cost anywhere from $3 to $9 per square foot, depending on the type of metal. While pricier, unique metals like copper can make your shed roof stand out. Metal shingles are also extremely durable and long-lasting.
Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles are made from cedar wood and are an attractive, aesthetically pleasing roofing option. These shingles typically cost between $4 and $9 per square foot. Wood shingles will need to be treated with preservatives every two to five years to preserve their life.
Clay Tile Shingles
Clay tile roof shingles are a durable and attractive type of roofing material. They typically cost about $5 to $15 per square foot. Clay tiles are sturdy and fire-resistant. However, they’re also very heavy, so your shed may need extra support if you choose this type of tile.
Slate Shingles
Slate is an elegant and extremely long-lasting choice for roofing material. Slate shingles typically cost between $5 and $20 per square foot and can last for hundreds of years. Like clay tiles, slate shingles are heavy and require extra support.
Shed Roof Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Rolled roofing | Fast installation | Lack of durability |
Asphalt shingles | Easy to match shed roof with home’s roof | Not an eco-friendly option |
Metal shingles | Resistant to weathering | Can be easily dented or scratched |
Cedar shingles | Durable against weather | Regular maintenance needed |
Clay tile shingles | Low maintenance | Prone to cracking in freezing temps |
Slate | Fire-resistant | Difficult installation |
New Shed Roof Cost by Roof Type
Standard sheds typically have flat or gable roofs (one with two sloping sections that meet and form a central ridge). You can save money by installing a flat roof because the build isn’t as complex, plus you can use budget materials. However, they don’t last as long, and you might face drainage dilemmas.
The steeper the pitch on a gable roof, the more costly. A flat roof may cost as low as $3 per square foot to install, compared to $5 per square foot for a conventional pitch. Steep-sloping gables may cost upwards of $8 per square foot to install.
Shed Roof Type | Average Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Installed) |
---|---|
Flat | $3–$15 |
Low slope | $4–$25 |
Conventional slope | $5–$30 |
Steep slope | $8–$30 |
Shed Add-Ons
Once you have a plan for your shed roof repair or replacement, decide whether it’s a good time to make fun additions to the structure. But you’ll likely need to also consider practical roof add-ons like those below.
Dormer
Perfect for adding extra usable space by offering more headroom, dormers also flood dingy sheds with light. The cost to add a dormer to your shed runs around $115 per square foot.
Gable Vent
Want to minimize the moisture in your musty shed? Adding unobtrusive gable vents could be the way to go. These economical options cost between $130 and $220, including installation.
Ridge Vent
The cost to install roof ridge vents is higher than gable vents, starting at around $300 and costing up to $650. However, because they run the roof length, they offer more efficient ventilation. These might be the better choice if you live in a humid southern state.
Solar Panels
Are you looking for a sustainable way to run the electricity in your shed? Consider adding solar panels to the roof, which won’t need to be as powerful as whole-home models. Simple shed solar panels to power the lights while you find your tools might set you back around $100. But you could pay as much as $3,000 for dynamic kits, depending on your needs.
Skylight or Sun Tunnel
The average cost of installing a skylight is $1,900. But to let the sun stream into your shed this way, you can pick up a basic tubular kit and install it for less than $300.
Green Roof
Installing a green roof costs between $25 and $30 per square foot. Overlaying a traditional flat shed roof with soil and vegetation isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. They can also offer habitat for wildlife, reduce the flow of stormwater, and, when properly installed, increase the roof’s longevity.
Cool Roof
If you plan to use your shed as additional living space, consider installing a reflective cool roof. They use light-colored materials to bounce the sun’s heat back to the sky, keeping it out of your shed. Applying a cool roof coating will set you back around $0.15 to $2.50 per square foot.
DIY Shed Roof Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro
Because a poor roof installation job can result in leaks, mold, and other damage, it’s often a good idea to seek professional help. Working on a ladder with heavy materials can also be a dangerous DIY project for inexperienced homeowners. Instead, hire a local roofer to determine the best course of action for replacing the roof.
If you are looking to DIY your own shed roof replacement, it can cost about $300 if you roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. You’ll save around $150 in labor costs, depending on where you live and the size of the project. However, you should be sure you’re up to the task before taking on a significant home improvement project like replacing a shed roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a new outdoor shed is $2,500 on average, but prices can range up to $30,000 for high-end models with significant square footage. Your new shed cost will depend on size, material, labor, and extra features. Depending on the quality of your existing shed, it might be worth it to replace the whole shed when considering replacing the shed roof.
Signs that you need a new shed roof include curling or buckling shingles, saggy or droopy spots, or plant life growing on your roof. Likewise, if you notice wet spots inside your shed, you most likely have a leak problem that won’t go away on its own. It’s a good idea to replace your shed roof if it’s showing signs of wear before your entire shed becomes damaged.
Whether you should choose a flat roof or a sloped roof depends on your particular situation. Flat roofs tend to be more energy-efficient and are less expensive to install. However, sloped roofs have longer lifespans and stand up better to heavy snow and other inclement weather.
Keep in mind that even a flat roof needs to have a slope of at least 3 inches for every foot. If it is completely flat, water will pond and and cause damage, either because of the weight or due to water rot.
Inspecting a shed roof is a simple process and only takes a few minutes. You should walk around your shed and look at the exterior of the roof, keeping an eye out for any damaged shingles or sagging spots.
You should also look for areas with mold, algae, moss, or other plant growth. Inside your shed, you should look for water penetration under the roof. If you see signs of damage, you should get in touch with a roofing professional to discuss your options.
Choosing durable, waterproof roofing materials that can stand up to weather and the elements will help your shed roof last for years to come. Besides the noticeable signs that your shed roof needs to be replaced, it might also be worth replacing if it’s near the end of its life span. Most shed roofs can last between 25 and 60 years, depending on the material and the slope of the roof.