Roofing Statistics (2023)

Providing shelter from the elements, a roof stands as a fundamental component of every household.

In this article, we'll delve into key roofing statistics, including the most common roof types, average roof lifespan, annual roof replacements in the U.S., repair and replacement costs, and insights into the demographics of roofing professionals.

• How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?
• Why Are Roofs Replaced?
• How Many Roofs Are Replaced Each Year?
• What Are the Most Common Types of Roofs?
• How Long Does a Roof Last?
• Roofer Demographics

Key Roofing Statistics

• Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, used in roughly 75% of roofing projects.
• An average roof lasts between 25 and 50 years depending on the type of roof and material quality.
• On average, it costs $9,191 to replace a roof.

• An estimated 5 million roofs are installed each year.
• There are an estimated 131,980 roofers in the U.S.
• The national median wage for a roofer was $47,920 in 2022.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?

Roof replacement costs $9,191 on average. The range of costs is $5,000 to $15,000, with some pricier options going up as high as $80,000.

A new roof is one of the few exterior home remodeling projects with a 100% cost revovery.

Here are the factors that affect the cost of replacing a roof:

• Roof size and complexity
• Material
• Removal of the existing roof
• Labor costs
• Roof pitch and accessibility
• Underlayment and ventilation
• Contractor reputation and quality
• Warranty

Roofing Material Costs

Depending on materials and labor, prices to install a new roof can range from $4 to $40 per square foot. Given that the average roof size in America is roughly 1700 square feet, one with an average-sized home could expect to pay anywhere between $6,800 and $68,000 based on a variety of factors.

Here is a breakdown of the typical price ranges per square foot for different types of materials. These prices include the cost of installation:

People who would prefer to replace their roofs themselves can typically save about 50% of the total cost. However, DIYers are prone to making mistakes.

Why Are Roofs Replaced?

• 33% of homeowners replace their roofs due to leaking.
• 33% due to storm damage.
• 25% anticipate roof failure soon.
• 3% want to improve the appearance of their home.

How Many Roofs Are Replaced Each Year?

As existing buildings age, demand for new roofs is constant:

• 5 million new roofs are installed each year.
• 85% of the roofing business in the U.S. is dominated by replacing roofs on existing homes.
• The U.S. roofing market reached a value of $21.9 billion in 2022.
• The roofing industry is expected to grow between 5%-7% per year in the coming years.

What Are the Most Common Types of Roofs?

Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common type of roof in the U.S., used in roughly 3 out of 4 roofing projects.

The two most common types of asphalt shingle roofs are three-tab (42% of all roofs) and architectural (33% of all roofs).

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of roofs in the U.S.:

Architectural shingles tend to be more popular with new homes while three-tab roofs are the most popular choice for replacements.

Metal roofs have gradually become more popular over time, but still only account for roughly 1 in 10 roofing projects.

How Long Does a Roof Last?

The average lifespan of a roof is 25 and 50 years.

The longevity of a roof depends on it type and quality. Thus, the average roof being replaced was slightly over 19 years old.

Here are the average life spans of roofs based on materials:

Additional Factors Roof Durability Factors

Aside from material, the following factors can impact the lifespan of a roof.

Workmanship: Proper installation by experienced professionals is crucial for a roof's longevity. Underlayment is also a factor, which is the roof’s waterproof layer underneath that protects the interior if the outside gets damaged.

Climate and Weather: The local climate, including temperature fluctuations, precipitation, and sunlight exposure, can impact a roof's durability. Light-colored roofs are favorable in sunny climates because dark-colored roofs absorb more heat from the sun. This means dark shingles in warm climates are more likely to wear and tear.

Maintenance: Regular upkeep, including cleaning gutters, removing debris, and addressing minor repairs promptly, can extend a roof's lifespan.

Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and humidity, reducing stress on the roof and extending its life.

Roof Pitch: Steeper roofs tend to shed water and snow more effectively, potentially prolonging the roof's life.

Exposure to Trees and Debris: Overhanging branches and falling debris can damage a roof over time.

Roofer Demographics

There are approximately 131,980 roofers in the U.S. earning a median wage of $47,920 in 2022. Here are some additional insights into the roofing profession:

• 97.9% of roofers male.
• 56.8% of roofers are white, followed by 28.9% Hispanic and 8.3% black.
• 61% of roofers are between the ages of 20 and 40.
• 37% are over the age of 40.
• Most roofers have either a high school diploma (28%) or an associate degree (28%) and 25% have bachelor's degrees.
• Only 12% of roofers have been in the industry for 11 years or more.

Roughly two-thirds of roofers are employed by a company with between 50 and 500 employees. 16% of roofers work at a company with less than 50 employees.

Conclusion

Roughly 75% of roofing projects in the U.S. using asphalt shingles and an estimated 5 million roofs are installed annually, thus the roofing industry is a significant part of the construction industry.

The average cost of roof replacement, at $9,191, reflects the financial aspect, while the typical roof lifespan of 25 to 50 years underscores the importance of long-term planning and maintenance.

We hope homeowners and professionals find our roofing statistics round-up insightful.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Angi

Home Innovation Research Labs

Zippia

BCC Research

ExpertMarketResearch

This Old House