Roofers Charge Per Square: What You Really Pay for Roofing Jobs

When roofers charge per square, they’re not talking about a 10x10 foot area—they’re using the industry term for 100 square feet, a standard unit roofers use to price materials and labor across the U.S. and UK. This unit, called a "square," is the baseline for estimating everything from shingles to labor hours. If a roofer says your roof is 20 squares, that’s 2,000 square feet of surface to cover. Knowing this helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid being overcharged for simple math. The price per square isn’t fixed—it swings based on materials, roof complexity, location, and even the time of year. Asphalt shingles might run $350–$700 per square, while metal or tile can hit $1,000 or more. That’s why two homes with the same square footage can have wildly different quotes.

What drives those price differences? Roofing materials, the physical layers applied to protect your home, from basic asphalt to premium slate or synthetic options are the biggest factor. Then there’s roof pitch, how steep your roof is, which affects how hard and dangerous it is to work on. A flat or low-slope roof is easier and cheaper. A steep, multi-gabled roof? That adds labor time, safety gear, and risk—so the price jumps. You also pay for removal of old materials, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation upgrades. Some roofers bundle it all; others charge extra for each step. Always ask: Does the quote include tear-off? Disposal? New drip edges? Warranty?

Location matters too. Roofers in urban areas or high-cost states like Massachusetts or California charge more due to higher wages, insurance, and permit fees. In the UK, regional differences are just as sharp—London roofers often charge 30% more than those in rural Yorkshire. And don’t assume a lower quote is a better deal. Cheap labor can mean skipped steps, thin underlayment, or unlicensed workers. Look for licensed, insured roofers with reviews that mention cleanup, communication, and follow-up. A $5,000 job that leaks in two years costs more than a $9,000 job that lasts 30.

There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but you can estimate. For a standard 2,000 sq ft home with asphalt shingles, expect $7,000–$15,000 total. That’s 20 squares at $350–$750 each. If you’re replacing a tile roof or going with metal, double that. Always get three written quotes. Compare line by line—not just the total. Ask which brand of shingles they’re using, what kind of underlayment, and whether they’ll inspect your attic for ventilation issues. A good roofer will explain why they recommend one material over another, not just give you a number.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world breakdowns from homeowners and contractors who’ve been through this. You’ll see exact pricing for different materials, how roof pitch affects labor, why some quotes are misleading, and how to spot a fair deal. No guesswork. Just what works.