What you'll pay by material
Roofing is priced per "square" — one square equals 100 square feet of roof. These are typical installed price ranges in the Houston market:
| Material | Installed cost / sq ft | Lifespan (Houston) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingle | $3.50 – $5.50 | 15–20 years |
| Architectural shingle | $4.50 – $7.00 | 25–30 years |
| Standing-seam metal | $8.00 – $14.00 | 40–70 years |
What drives the price up or down
- Roof size & pitch — bigger and steeper roofs cost more to cover and are harder to walk.
- Material — the single biggest lever, as the table shows.
- Tear-off & decking — removing old layers and replacing rotted wood decking adds cost.
- Complexity — valleys, dormers, skylights, and chimneys all add labor and flashing.
- Upgrades — impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles cost more but can lower your insurance.
Does insurance cover it?
If your roof was damaged by a sudden storm or hail event, your homeowners policy usually covers repair or replacement minus your deductible. It will not pay to replace a roof that's simply old or worn out, and older roofs may only be covered at actual cash value. We break this down in our Texas roof insurance claim guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a roof per square in Houston?
Expect roughly $350–$700 per square ($3.50–$7.00/sq ft) for asphalt shingles installed, and more for metal. A "square" is 100 sq ft of roof area.
How big is a typical roof?
Most single-family roofs are about 18–26 squares — larger than the home's floor area because of roof pitch and overhangs.
Is a metal roof worth the extra cost?
For many Houston homeowners, yes: metal lasts 40–70 years versus 15–30 for asphalt, resists hail, and reflects heat — but the upfront cost is roughly double.