For an average single family home in Scranton, a new asphalt shingle roof commonly lands somewhere between about $8,000 and $20,000 in total. Slate, metal and complex roofs cost more. These are rough guides based on widely reported US market ranges, not quotes from this business. Your price depends on the size of the roof, the material, the shape and what the crew finds under the old shingles.
What does a new roof cost in Scranton in 2026?
Across the United States, a full replacement with asphalt shingles on a typical house is often reported in the range of $8,000 to $20,000. Smaller, simple roofs tend to sit at the lower end. Larger homes with steep pitches and several roof planes sit at the upper end or above it.
Other materials move the number up. Metal roofing commonly costs noticeably more than shingles. Natural slate can run well beyond the shingle range, and it needs a contractor who really knows slate. Flat rubber roofs on a row home porch or rear section are usually a smaller job, but the work is specialist work and is priced on its own.
Treat every online figure as a starting point. Only a written quote after someone has looked at your roof is a real price. Two houses on the same street can have very different bills, because one may have rotted decking and the other may not.
What drives the price of a roof in Northeast Pennsylvania?
Several things set the final figure, and most of them are visible in your written quote.
- Roof size. Roofers measure in squares, where one square is 100 square feet. More squares means more material and more labor.
- Pitch and shape. Steep slopes need extra safety gear and slow the work. Dormers, valleys, chimneys and skylights add detail work.
- Material grade. Basic three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, metal and slate all sit in different price tiers.
- Old layers. Removing two layers takes longer than one, and disposal costs go up.
- Deck repairs. If the plywood or boards underneath are rotted, they have to be replaced.
- Underlayment and ice barrier. Better underlayment and a full ice and water membrane add material cost.
- Ventilation, flashing and gutters. New vents and flashing are usually part of a proper job.
Why do Scranton roofs cost what they do?
The local climate and housing both play a part. Winters here bring snow, ice and repeated freezing and thawing. In snow country, building codes commonly call for an ice barrier membrane along the eaves, and good roofers add extra protection in valleys and around chimneys. Ask your contractor to confirm what your local code office requires.
Many Scranton homes are older. That means more chance of two old layers, rotted deck boards, brick chimneys that need new flashing, and attics with weak ventilation. Hilly streets and narrow lots can also make it harder to place a dumpster or unload materials, and that time is part of the bill.
Weather also affects timing. Roofers book up in the dry months, so waiting until a leak appears in October can mean a longer wait or a rushed decision. Planning ahead gives you time to compare quotes calmly.
Row homes and twins often share walls with neighbors, so roofers have to take care with the party wall flashing and drainage. That extra care is worth paying for.
How can you compare quotes properly?
Three quotes are enough. What matters is that they describe the same job. Compare these points side by side:
- The exact material and shingle line, not just the word shingle.
- Whether the price is for a full tear-off.
- What happens if rotted wood is found, and how it is priced.
- Whether the ice barrier, underlayment, flashing and vents are included.
- Cleanup, magnet sweep and disposal.
- Start date, expected duration and payment schedule.
A very low price often means something has been left out, such as the ice barrier, the new flashing or the disposal of old material. Ask what is not included, and get the answers in writing. Also ask how long the work is expected to take and what happens if rain interrupts it.
What should you check before you hire a roofer?
Pennsylvania requires home improvement contractors to register with the state Attorney General, and written contracts are required for jobs above a set amount. Ask for the registration details, proof of insurance and a clear written contract. A good contractor will not mind. Be careful with anyone who asks for a large payment up front or pushes you to sign on the spot.
Ask whether a permit is needed. Rules differ between the city and neighboring townships, so check with your local code office. If your home is in a historic district, there may be rules about materials and appearance.
When does a repair make more sense than a new roof?
A new roof is the right call when shingles are curling or bald across a whole slope, when leaks appear in several places or when the roof is near the end of its life. If the problem is one leaky flashing or a handful of missing shingles on an otherwise sound roof, a repair costs much less and can buy you several more years.
If you are unsure, a roof inspection is a small cost that can save you from a large one. It gives you a written opinion on the roof condition and a plain recommendation.
Ways to keep the cost reasonable
- Book in late spring or early fall when schedules are easier to plan.
- Fix small leaks early before wet wood spreads the damage.
- Keep gutters clear so ice dams are less likely.
- Get attic ventilation and insulation checked during the job.
What is the next step if you need a roof?
Start by getting a written quote from a roofer who has actually looked at your roof. Read it line by line and ask about anything that is unclear. When you are ready, see how a full job works on our roof replacement page in Scranton, or call (570) 555-0192 to book a visit. We will tell you honestly whether you need a new roof or a repair.