Roof Tear-Off Cost Calculator: What It Costs to Strip an Old Roof (2026)
Tearing off an old roof usually costs $1–$2.50 per sq ft. Here's the math behind layers, dumpsters and disposal.
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Tear-off is the first job on any reroof: stripping the old shingles, underlayment and nails down to the decking. In 2026 most homeowners pay $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot, or $100 to $250 per roofing square, including disposal.
What changes the tear-off price
- Number of layers — each extra layer adds roughly $50–$75 per square
- Heavy materials like clay tile or slate can double the cost
- Steep pitch adds about 20%; a second story adds about 10%
- Dumpster rental and landfill fees run $400–$600 per load
Debris weight and dumpsters
One square of asphalt shingles weighs about 225–250 lbs. A 22-square single-layer roof produces around 2.7 tons of debris — usually one 20-yard dumpster. Tile and slate weigh 800+ lbs per square, so plan on several loads.
Should you ever skip the tear-off?
Some codes allow a second layer over the first, saving $2,000–$4,000. But you can't inspect the decking, the roof won't last as long, and many shingle warranties won't cover it. For most homes, a full tear-off is the better value.
Estimate your tear-off
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Is tear-off included in a roof replacement quote?
Usually yes, but check that the number of layers and disposal are spelled out. Extra layers found mid-job are a common change order.
How long does a tear-off take?
A crew of five to six can strip a typical 20–25 square roof in half a day to one day.
Written by Javed Niamat
Javed Niamat is a home renovation cost analyst and the founder of RenoCalc Hub. He tracks US remodeling labor rates, material pricing and contractor bids across all 50 states, and builds the free calculators behind every guide on this site.
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