Roofing · Cost Guide

Roofing Cost in Metro Detroit (2026)

A new asphalt roof in Metro Detroit generally runs $4.50–$8 per square foot installed, which puts a typical 1,800-square-foot roof somewhere around $8,000–$14,000. Metal lands higher. Where you fall depends on the material, the pitch and complexity of the roof, how many layers come off, and whether the deck needs repair once it is exposed.

What drives the price

Material sets the baseline — basic 3-tab shingles are cheapest, architectural shingles are the mid-range standard, and standing-seam metal costs two to three times as much. After material, the roof itself matters: a steep pitch needs staging and slows the crew, and lots of valleys, dormers, and penetrations add flashing labor. Tear-off is the next factor; removing two layers costs more than one. The wildcard is decking — rotted sheathing found during tear-off is replaced by the sheet and added to the bill.

Typical ranges by material

  • 3-tab asphalt: $4.50–$5.50 / sq ft installed
  • Architectural (dimensional) asphalt: $5.50–$7 / sq ft installed
  • Standing-seam metal: $10–$16+ / sq ft installed
  • Deck replacement: often $70–$120 per sheet of sheathing as needed

Chimney re-flashing, skylight work, and new ventilation are commonly separate line items.

Reading a roofing quote honestly

A trustworthy quote names the shingle line and warranty, states the underlayment and where ice-and-water shield goes, and spells out whether deck repair is included or billed as found. Beware a flat per-square number with no mention of flashing, ventilation, or tear-off layers — that is where surprise charges and skipped steps live. When we match you with a roofer, you get an itemized scope you can actually compare against another bid.


More on Roofing

Quick answers

Why do two roofing quotes differ by thousands?
Usually scope. One may include a full tear-off, new flashing, ice-and-water shield, and ventilation correction, while a cheaper one overlays the old roof and reuses flashing. Compare what is actually being done, not just the bottom line — the cheap bid often skips the parts that prevent leaks.
Does roof pitch change the cost?
Yes. Steep roofs require fall protection and staging and are slower and riskier to work on, so they cost more per square foot than a walkable low-slope roof. Complexity — valleys, dormers, multiple planes — adds labor on top of pitch.

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