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, including labor. Costs can vary depending on the type of roofing, the current roof’s level of damage, and whether you need additional bracing or structural support.
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 or your old roof is extremely damaged.
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, replacing the roof on a small 6 x 8-foot shed, the size required to house a lawn mower and basic garden tools, may cost around $180 (or the contractor minimum). Replacing the roof on an extra-large 14 x 36-foot shed, the size required to house a boat, may cost around $1,680 or more.
| Shed Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 48 square feet | $180 |
| 96 square feet | $360 |
| 240 square feet | $900 |
| 504 square feet | $1,890 |
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.
Asphalt Roof Shingles
Asphalt roof shingles cost about $1.25 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.
Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles are made from cedar wood and are an attractive, aesthetically pleasing roofing option. These shingles typically cost about $4.80 per square foot. Wood shingles will need to be treated with preservatives every two to five years to preserve their life.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles cost anywhere from $3 to $18 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.
Clay Tile Shingles
Clay tile roof shingles are a durable and attractive type of roofing material. They typically cost about $6 to $8 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 thus type of tile.
Slate Shingles
Slate is an elegant and extremely long-lasting choice for a roofing material. Slate shingles typically cost between $8 and $18 per square foot and can last for hundreds of years. Like clay tiles, slate shingles are heavy and require extra support.
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 $2 per square foot to install, compared to $3.75 per square foot for a conventional pitch. Steep-sloping gables may cost upwards of $5 per square foot to install.
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Shed Roof Yourself?
A new shed roof 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.
DIY 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 make any necessary repairs and determine the best course of action for replacing the roof.
Shed Repair Costs
When you replace your shed roof, you may want to do other shed repairs, including replacing or repairing the shed door, repairing cracks in the concrete foundation, replacing weatherproofing, or fixing broken or rotted windows.
Below are more details of some common shed repair costs to help you budget accordingly. Of course, the cost varies depending on the shed size and the materials.
Wall Straightening
Unless it relates to foundation issues, stabilizing or straightening wonky shed walls often involves bracing rotten or broken sections. Depending on the complexity of the repair, you might pay $100 for DIY bracing on a small shed or upwards of $1,000 for complex professional jacking and bracing on a large construction.
Siding Damage
The cost to replace siding on your shed averages between $2 and $13.50 per square foot, depending on the material, but it’s money well spent to keep the building weatherproof. Materials like wood and aluminum siding are the most inexpensive to replace, while brick and fiber cement are the priciest.
Interior Damage
Moisture damage is a common headache in sheds, especially those with poor ventilation. It can lead to things like rotten drywall or wood. The average cost of mold remediation is $10 to $25 per square foot. You may also need to replace sections of drywall or wood suffering from rot.
Foundation Issues
The foundation repair cost of resolving worrisome cracks or other problems with your home’s foundation is $2,150 to $7,750, but it will likely cost less to fix your shed’s foundation due to decreased square footage. For a large shed with extensive damage, the cost could be higher.
Leaks and Weatherproofing
Roof replacement might not be necessary if a leak relates to a simple problem with flashing or missing shingles. These types of repairs typically cost less than $200.
Insulation
If you need to replace or add insulation to a shed, budget $0.50 to $1.25 per square foot for this work. It’s a similar process to adding insulation to a garage, and it’s typically a budget-friendly upgrade.
Windows
The cost to repair a window in your shed depends on the extent of the damage, size of the window, and materials. You might pay around $50 to fix a cracked pane or $300 to replace the glass in a large shed window.
Shed Door Repairs
It’s often possible to replace a shed door without the help of a professional. Shed doors could cost anywhere from $60 to $600, depending on size, style, and material.
Shed Repair Cost Factors
Your shed repair project costs depend on various elements, so keep these factors in mind when calculating your costs.
Size
In this case, size matters. For example, making repairs on a tiny tool shed typically costs considerably less than restoring a 504-square-foot shed. Once you determine the type of repairs needed, you can calculate your material costs based on the square footage of the shed and the affected area.
Extent of Damage
As with other home repair projects, the more extensive the damage, the higher the cost. Replacing one split wooden panel is easier and more wallet-friendly than repairing an entire rotten shed side. In some cases, major structural damage might merit shed replacement rather than repair, depending on the size, age, and quality of the construction.
Age
The older the shed is, the greater the chance of extensive and expensive repairs. If you’re hit with a hefty repair bill to a modest shed that’s been in your yard for more than 10 years, it might make more sense to invest in a new one. Weigh the cost-benefit analysis of making major repairs to an older shed structure.
Materials
If you want to upgrade the sagging siding on your shed to brick veneer when giving your yard a makeover, it will stretch your budget more than plain lumber. It’s often a compromise getting the balance right between durable and aesthetically pleasing materials and a figure that fits the bill. Keep your costs down by choosing less-expensive materials to repair your shed.
Labor
Understandably, labor-intensive, highly-skilled shed foundation repairs cost much more than repairing a window or replacing a couple of missing roof shingles. However, you can expect hiring an electrician or plumber to cost $65 to $85 per hour, and about $70 per hour for a carpenter.
Location
If you live in a hard-to-reach rural location or the heart of an expensive city, expect labor bills for shed repairs to be higher than those you pay in an average suburb. Additionally, if you live in an area with a high cost of living, your shed repair labor costs will likely be higher than a less-expensive area.
Mariel Loveland contributed to this piece.
