This Old House puts a new roof in Pennsylvania at $5,740 to $19,078, with an average of $7,489 (its Pennsylvania roof cost guide, updated June 2026). What you’ll pay depends on the size and pitch of your roof, the shingle you choose and what we find under the old one.
Replacing the whole roof is a big job and a disruptive one, and if it isn’t done properly you’ll end up paying more than you expected. If your roof does need replacing, don’t put it off.
How Much Does a Roof Cost? Why New Roof Estimates Vary
You’ll be offered roofs at different price points. Bear in mind that the cheaper ones end up costing more over time, because they don’t last as long and start leaking sooner.
Average roof costs change from state to state across the US. Within Pennsylvania, your roof replacement price still varies with the size of your roof, the materials and the labor.
The Average Cost Of A New Roof In Pennsylvania
Your choice of roofing material is one of the biggest factors in any quote. Here are the average costs per square foot by material from This Old House’s Pennsylvania roof cost guide (updated June 2026).
Average Cost per Square Foot by Material:
- Asphalt shingles – about $4.42
- Metal – about $8.11
- Wood – about $11.77
- Clay tile – about $14.61
- Slate – about $14.68
How To Know When It’s Time For A Roof Replacement
Sometimes a repair is all a roof needs. But there comes a point where even the best repair won’t do the job, and that’s usually when it’s time to think about replacing the roof.
These signs will help you tell whether your home needs a new roof.
Water Leaks
Water damage is one of the clearest signs. Brown stains on the ceiling mean the roof isn’t doing its main job, which is keeping the weather out of your home.
One small leak can be fixed with a quick repair. If water is getting in at several different places, though, it’s important to deal with it by replacing the whole roof.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
Missing shingles or damaged patches are another sign that you need a roof replacement, and changing weather can do serious harm to a roof.
Rain can damage a roof, and you can lose parts of it too. So if you spot missing or damaged shingles, it’s time to call a roofing professional.
The Roof Is Getting Old
Different types of roofing have different lifespans. For instance, This Old House puts asphalt shingles in Pennsylvania at 15 to 30 years, while its national roof cost guide gives clay tile 50 to 100 years. Factor in a few damaging storms, and you may need a roof replacement even sooner.
If you know your roof is getting old, start thinking about hiring a professional roofing contractor such as In The Light Roofing.
Our service area covers
Allentown, Macungie, Bethlehem, Emmaus, Whitehall, Easton, Coplay, Schnecksville, Slatington, and Hellertown.
What Affects Roof Replacement Cost in PA?
Here are some of the variables that influence the new roof cost in Pennsylvania:
- Zip code – urban areas often cost more for contractors than rural locations.
- Choice of roofing materials.
- Whether this is a new roof or an overlay that avoids paying labor for tearing down and dump fees.
- The state of the roof deck when it is revealed – do you need any remedial work or repairs?
- Roof features – is the design of your roof complex or a simple ranch style?
- Are you adding skylights or dormers? This means extra materials and extra labor.
- How steep is the pitch? Steeper roof planes always take more work.
What Are Additional Costs For Roof Replacement?
Extra costs will include:
- Tearing down and dump fees unless you are opting for a roof overlay.
- Scaffolding hire.
- New skylights and dormer windows if you are replacing old fittings or adding in new features because you are also converting the roof space.
- Costs for an architect or surveyor if you need drawings and plans.
- Building permits.
- Building inspection fees.
What Other Factors Impact The Choice Of A New Roof?
Budget is one of the main things to weigh when you pick a roofing material. The look of your house matters too: you’ll want a material that suits its style.
Most people choose on looks first and then on how long the roof will last, because a new roof is a big outlay and you want it to last. Value for money and price come into it somewhere too, so the roof you’d love might come in over budget.
How a roof looks matters for your home’s value and curb appeal. Whether it keeps the weather and water out matters even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Roof Needs Replacing?
If you’re not sure what state your roof is in, ask a roofer to inspect it. Choose a reputable one who won’t try to sell you a new roof you don’t need.
You can look at the roof from the street, but you can’t see the condition of the deck underneath, because the shingles hide it.
A roof inspection every year can give you peace of mind, and small damage found that way can be fixed easily and affordably, so your current roof lasts longer.
What Is A Roof Square?
Many roofers and roofing suppliers work in roof squares. One roof square equals 100 square feet. To find how many squares your roof has, measure your roof and divide that number by 100.
Squares make it easy to compare what different roofing materials cost.
What Is The Best Choice Of Roofing Material For The Climate In Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s weather is mostly humid continental, so it’s important to pick a roofing material that suits that kind of weather.
Asphalt shingles are one of Pennsylvania’s most popular roof options because they last a long time on a well-kept roof. They’re very easy to fit, they handle the Pennsylvania climate well, and they come in a range of designs and prices.
Your Options for a New Roof
For a roof replacement in Pennsylvania you can choose from metal, asphalt, wood composite, tile and rubber, each in plenty of colors and styles. When you need a new roof, In The Light Roofing will work with you to find the best option for your home and your budget.
