Roof Tear-Off Cost in 2026
$1 – $3 nationally — most projects land around $2 (per sq ft).
| Low | National average | High |
|---|---|---|
| $1 | $2 | $3 |
| per sq ft | ||
Tearing off an old asphalt roof costs $1.00–$2.00 per square foot for the first layer — roughly $1,700–$3,400 on an average home — including disposal. A second layer, tile, or wood shake removal costs more.
What drives the price
- Layers: each additional existing layer adds $0.75–$1.25/sq ft.
- Material being removed: tile and cedar cost 50–100% more to strip than asphalt.
- Disposal: dumpster and landfill fees vary widely by metro and are usually bundled in the rate.
- Deck surprises: tear-off is when rotten decking appears — budget a $500–$2,000 contingency.
Want a number for your home? Run the free roofing cost calculator — it adjusts for your metro's labor rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is tear-off included in roof replacement quotes?
Usually yes, but verify the line item — some low quotes assume an overlay. Ask explicitly: how many layers are you removing, and is disposal included?
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