Average Cost to Replace a Shed Roof by Size
Sheds come in many sizes. They can also have roofs with different pitches and dimensions. Unless your roof is flat, it most likely has more square footage than the shed’s footprint 1. Even flat roofs can be slightly larger in dimensions because they often overhang the building. The more complex the roof and the more slopes, the more square footage it requires. So, a hipped roof needs more roofing material and has a higher cost to replace than a gable roof on a shed of the same size.
Most roofers quote by the square (100 sq.ft.), with materials being purchased in bundles. So in most cases, if your roof falls between two squares in size, you round up to the nearest square to account for the extra material, waste, and other factors. While a few materials like rolled roofing may be applied to very small roofs without needing to round up, it is common for sheds to have costs rounding to the nearest full square. A 100-square feet shed roof replacement average cost is $200 to $2,000, depending on the material, with most people paying $350 to $500 per square. Below are the average costs per square foot for common shed roof sizes.
| Size | Cost (Installed) |
|---|
| 100 sq.ft. | $200 - $2,000 |
| 200 sq.ft. | $400 - $4,000 |
| 300 sq.ft. | $600 - $6,000 |
| 400 sq.ft. | $800 - $8,000 |
| 500 sq.ft. | $1,000 - $10,000 |
| 600 sq.ft. | $1,200 - $12,000 |
| 700 sq.ft. | $1,400 - $14,000 |
| 800 sq.ft. | $1,600 - $16,000 |
| 900 sq.ft. | $1,800 - $18,000 |
| 1,000 sq.ft. | $2,000 - $20,000 |
Cost of Replacing a Shed Roof by Material
Shed roofs can technically use the same materials you use on your home, in addition to materials like rolled roofing that are only used on outbuildings. Using the same material on your shed and home is common. This creates continuity for the entire property. However, if your shed has a different roof shape than your home and cannot support the same material, it is fine to mix and match. The most common materials to use on sheds include rolled roofing, asphalt and plastic shingles, metal sheet roofing, and flat roofing materials like bitumen 2 or spray foam. However, if you have clay tiles, cedar, or slate 3 on your home, you may want to use those on your shed. Each material has different costs and labor rates. So, a plastic shed roof replacement and a metal shed roof replacement can have very different costs than one with rolled roofing. Below are the average costs per square foot for the most common materials on sheds.
Price to Replace a Shed Roof by Pitch
Just like houses, sheds can have roofs of many shapes and pitches. The pitch of your roof is its slope or how fast it rises for every 12” it moves horizontally. Like homes, most roofs fall into an average pitch range of 4/12 to 7/12, but they can be lower, higher, or flat. The steeper the pitch, the more expensive it is to work on, so sheds with gambrel roofs and salt boxes with very steep pitches have higher costs per square foot to roof than sheds with conventional pitches.
Some styles of low-slope and flat roofs can use different materials for roofing than conventional or steep-pitched roofs. For this reason, these roofs may have different costs. Below are the average costs per square foot to replace the roof on a shed, using the most common materials for each type.
| Pitch | Cost per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
|---|
| Flat | $2 - $7 |
| Low Slope | $2 - $20 |
| Conventional Slope | $3.50 - $20 |
| Steep Slope | $5 - $25 |
Average Cost to Replace a Shed Roof by Shape
Sheds can also have roofs shaped like the roof on a house, meaning they can have many shapes and styles. Unlike houses, which may have different sections and wings creating complex roofs like cross gables or two-level skillions, most sheds are single rooms, so the roofs are much less complex.
The most common shed roofs include gables, including clipped gables, saltboxes, and dual-pitch gables. You can also find hipped roofs and “shed-style” roofs or skillion roofs, which are single-sloped roofs rather than ones with peaks in the middle. This last is a nice alternative to a flat roof because it lets water drain but is simple and easy to cover. For this reason, the “shed roof” has become a very popular addition to many houses.
Like on a home, the more complex the roof, the higher the cost. Roofs like the hipped roof have more square footage than gable roofs, while gables have more square footage than skillions, even if the shed is the same size. Below are the average costs per square foot to replace the roof on the various popular styles of shed roofs using the most common materials.
| Shape | Cost per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
|---|
| Flat | $2 - $7 |
| Skillion | $2 - $20 |
| Gable | $3.50 - $20 |
| Hipped | $3.50 - $20 |
| Saltbox | $3.50 - $22 |
| Gambrel | $5 - $25 |
Shed Roof Replacement Cost Breakdown
Like all roof replacements, a shed roof replacement can be broken into three parts. The first is the tear-off. This is not always necessary for sheds, depending on the material currently installed. For example, some flat roofing and asphalt shingle types can go over the existing layer. Metal roofing can also be applied over a single layer of many other materials. Heavy materials like slate and tiles require a tear-off. And, you need a tear-off if you already have two layers of asphalt shingles.
In addition to the optional tear-off costs, you have costs for the material and installation. Some materials have higher installation costs than others, and your roof’s complexity and pitch impact those costs. Below is the cost breakdown for shed roof replacements using the most common materials.
| Project Area | Cost per Sq.Ft. |
|---|
| Tear-Off (Optional) | $0.50 - $2 |
| Material | $0.30 - $15 |
| Installation | $1.20 - $3 |
Removing an Old Roof vs Roofing Over
It is common to roof over existing roof materials on a shed rather than a full replacement. If you have a flat or low-slope roof or are using asphalt shingles, it is very common to put one layer of material over another. It is also common when installing metal roofing to cover the existing roof rather than removing it first. Most roofs can support two layers of material, and while some states restrict roof overs on homes, sheds can sometimes be exempt, allowing three layers of material in some cases.
However, you need to remove the old roofing when installing a heavier material like tiles and slate. You should also remove the old roofing if you already have two or more layers because this can compromise the roof deck’s integrity. When you roof over, you risk missing some issues on the roof deck that may be hidden by the existing material. Sometimes, a roof that has been roofed over or has multiple layers may not last as long as a roof that has been fully replaced. While roofing over can save money, you may need to replace the roof again in a shorter time, increasing costs.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Gutters
Not all sheds have gutters, but installing them helps keep water away from your shed’s foundation. Your shed needs a slope for gutters to be effective, so they are not a good option for flat roofs. If you notice the area around your shed is muddy or experiencing soil erosion, gutters can help. It is common to replace or install gutters when replacing the roof because the area may be impacted by the roof replacement. The average cost of new gutters is $3 to $50 per linear foot.
Solar Panels
If your shed has electricity, you may want to consider adding one or more solar panels. Solar panels can power your shed, allowing you to disconnect from the grid. Because sheds are small and unlikely to use much power, you may only need one or two panels to meet your needs. If your shed is only wired for light or to charge tools, one panel may be enough. If you use tools in the shed or have heat or air conditioning, you may need more panels to meet your needs. The cost of installing a solar panel averages $250 to $600 per panel.
Insulation
Most sheds are not insulated, but if you use this space for work or purposes other than storage, consider insulating it to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Insulating the roof deck can also help the roof reach its full potential because it is less likely to overheat in the summer when the temperature climbs. An insulated roof deck prevents heat transfer between the roof and shed, keeping both areas cooler. The average cost to insulate the roof of a shed is $2 to $2.50 per square foot.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Permits. Permits are not required to replace the roof on a shed in most areas. In some locations, you may need a permit to change the shed’s roof structure. Speak to your local municipality for more information.
- Insurance. Your roof material can impact the cost of your homeowners insurance. While this is usually more of a concern for homes than sheds, you may want to speak to your insurance adjuster for more information.
- Hiring. Get at least three references when hiring a roofer for your shed. Ensure they are licensed and insured in your area.
- Dump fees. Depending on the material being removed from your shed and the area you live in, you may have additional fees for disposing of the material. This can be charged by the pound, ton, or load and typically ranges from $20 to $200. Speak to your roofer and local municipality or transfer station for more information.
- Codes. Some states may have building codes that impact your shed, but not all do. Some states’ building codes dictate the number of layers you can have on the roof or how it is built. In this case, your installer may need to make changes to bring your roof up to code, increasing the project’s cost.
- DIY. It is very common to replace your shed roof DIY. This is particularly true for rolled roofing and asphalt shingles. It is not advised to install materials like tiles and slate DIY, however. Always hire a professional if you are unsure of your ability to complete the project.
FAQs
- How long does it take to replace a shed roof?
Depending on the size, complexity, and roofing material, it may take anywhere from a few hours to two days. The more complex the roof, the longer the replacement takes.
- What wood is best for a shed roof?
Generally, plywood is best used for decking. For roofing material, cedar shingles can be used on shed roofs if the roof is not too low in pitch.
- Why is my shed roof leaking?
Most likely, there is damage to the roofing material, or it has been compromised. This can be due to age, weather damage, impact damage, or improper installation. Schedule an inspection with a roofer to find out more.
- Do I need underlayment for a shed roof?
Yes, you should use an underlayment appropriate for the roofing material. Some types of rolled roofing may not require an underlayment, but they are the exception.
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