How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Michigan?

Average Cost to Replace a Roof in Michigan

Cost of Roof Replacement per Square Foot in Michigan

How much does a new roof cost in Michigan? That depends on several factors, including the size of your roof. To get a more accurate estimate, think of the project in terms of square feet: The average roof replacement cost in Michigan is $5.50 per square foot, including labor and materials, though it ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot. 

Because many manufacturers sell roofing materials in squares (100 square feet), it’s also helpful to think of cost in terms of how many total squares you’ll need, understanding that there may be wasted materials from each square.

Michigan Roofing Costs by Material Type

The material you choose for your roof can have a major impact on your overall costs. Some roofing materials are more popular in Michigan than others:

• Asphalt shingles are a common choice in Michigan because of their low price point (asphalt shingle prices range from $170 to $480 per square), but they aren’t the best choice for Michigan’s high winds and cold temperatures. Wood shakes cost more but offer more durability.

• Metal roofs are a long-lasting roof option for Michigan homeowners, but costs can vary tremendously. For example, tin roofs cost as little as $7,500, while copper roof prices can go as high as $53,000.

• Slate roofs are another optimal choice for Michigan’s severe weather; they’re among the most durable roofs available but also among the most expensive.

• Clay tile roofs are also an option in Michigan. Some homeowners opt for concrete tiles, but like slate, they’re very heavy and may require additional reinforcement.

How do these roofing materials affect the average cost of a new roof in Michigan? Let’s break it down:

Roof Replacement Cost Factors in Michigan

Beyond the size and type of roof you’re having installed, additional factors can impact your overall roof replacement cost in Michigan, including the roof’s pitch and shape and local labor rates.

Roof Pitch

How steep your roof is can impact overall labor costs. A steeper slope (also called roof pitch) may result in local roofers upping their estimates—steeper roofs require slower and more careful work for their safety, which add to the project time.

It’s rare to find flat roofs on Michigan homes because flat roofs don’t fare well in the snow. Flat roofs are more common on commercial property; thus, business owners may need to work with local flat roof contractors when replacing roofs on their buildings.

On the other hand, it’s also rare to find steep roof pitches in Michigan; most Michigan roofs have a conventional slope—not too steep but steep enough to work against Michigan’s winds.

Roof Shape

The most common roof shapes in Michigan are gable, hipped, Dutch, and saltbox. Dormer and gambrel are less common and more expensive to install per square foot.

Labor

Labor rates for roof installation range between $1.50 and $3 per square foot, though prices can increase if you have a steep or difficult-to-access roof or if you contract a roofer during the winter. Whether you’re hiring a local metal roofer, tile roofer, or slate roofer, get multiple quotes before selecting a contractor.

Inspection

Michigan roof inspection prices range between $125 and $450. While we often hire roof inspectors when buying or selling a home, it could make sense to have a roof inspector near you check out your roof after a particularly bad storm or if your roof is nearing the end of its life.

An inspector can advise on whether replacing or repairing the roof makes more sense. Roof repair costs in Michigan range between $250 and $2,450, depending on the extent of the damage.

Asbestos Removal

If your existing roof contains asbestos, the roofing company you hire will have to take extra care in removing it because of the danger involved. Roof asbestos removal costs can vary between $5 and $20 per square foot; in some cases, they can go as high as $150 per square foot.

Weatherproofing

Most Michigan homeowners should have a water and ice shield installed along with their roofs to protect against rain and snow. This may cost $100 per square, adding roughly $2,000 to a 2,000-square-foot roof installation.

Some homeowners may opt to replace other exterior elements like the fascia, eaves, drip edge, and gutters at the same time as the roof. This can add to overall project costs.

Michigan Roof Replacement Costs by City

The average cost of a new roof in Michigan is $11,100, but that average changes depending on where in Michigan you live. Detroit and Ann Arbor are among the most affordable cities for a roof replacement, while less populated areas, like Traverse City, can cost more. The state’s capital, Lansing, sits in the middle.

Note: Due to limited cost data for the Upper Peninsula, HomeAdvisor cannot confidently provide new roof costs in this part of the state. However, given the UP’s relative remoteness and harsher weather, anticipate higher prices.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

The average cost of a new roof in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is $8,300, but homeowners may spend anywhere between $6,150 and $10,475.

Detroit, Michigan

In Detroit, the typical roof replacement cost ranges between $5,775 and $11,550, making Detroit the most affordable city in Michigan for roof installation. On average, Detroit residents pay $8,700 for a new roof.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

The typical roof replacement cost in Grand Rapids ranges from $6,400 to $12,250. The average homeowner can expect to spend $9,300 on a new roof installation in Grand Rapids.

Lansing, Michigan

In the state’s capital, you’ll spend an average of $9,800 on a new roof. Lansing roof replacement costs may range between $7,250 and $12,375.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is the most expensive major city in Michigan to get a new roof, though costs are likely higher in the Upper Peninsula region. The average Traverse City resident should expect to spend from $9,075 to $16,125 on a roof replacement, though costs average out to $12,600.

Signs You Need a New Roof

Michigan’s cold and wet temperatures can cause a lot of problems with roofs. If you live in a wooded area farther north, you may also deal with roof problems caused by animals. Some common signs that you need a new roof in the Great Lake State include:

• Leaks: Over time, excess water from snow and rain, damage from windstorms, and even holes created by animals can lead to leaks in your roof. While a local roofing repair contractor can easily patch a small leak, you should consider replacing your roof if it has multiple leaks leading to major water damage in your home.

• Damaged shingles: Replacing a few shingles after a heavy Michigan windstorm isn’t too expensive, but if you have cracked, curled, or faded roof shingles from years of weathering, it might be more cost-effective to replace the whole roof in one go.

• Sagging or drooping: Excess water damage can lead to more structural issues to your roof’s support beams, rafters, and joists. If you see your home’s roof sagging or drooping, this indicates severe water damage. Prioritize replacing the roof and fixing the structural issues as soon as possible. In Michigan, this can commonly happen when you don’t clear tree debris from your roof, which allows water to “pond” on the rooftop. If the pond sits there through winter, it’ll freeze and become an “ice dam,” which can be even more damaging to your roof.

• Age of the roof: Pay attention to how old your roof is. As it nears the end of its lifespan, hire an inspector to check out its status and advise if it’s time to replace it or if it can last a few more years.

How Long Will a Roof Last in Michigan?

Roof lifespans in Michigan will vary depending on the roof type and where you live in Michigan. The farther north or more remote you travel, the more elements that roofs are up against, meaning they may not last as long.

Generally, you can expect the following lifespans from these common Michigan roofing materials: