# RoofAI — Full Reference

> Instant satellite-measured roof replacement cost estimates for any US address. Powered by Google Solar API measurements and localized pricing data.

## How It Works

1. **Enter your address**: RoofAI queries Google's Solar API to obtain satellite imagery and 3D roof modeling for your specific building.
2. **Satellite measurement**: The API returns your roof's total area (sq ft), number of facets/sections, estimated pitch, and imagery quality score.
3. **Choose your material**: Select from 5 roofing materials. Each has different cost ranges, lifespans, and climate suitability.
4. **Price calculation**: Your roof measurements are combined with city-specific labor rates (BLS data), material costs (distributor pricing), permit fees (municipal schedules), and a waste factor based on roof complexity.
5. **Instant result**: You see a cost range (low–high) that accounts for contractor variance, material grade, and seasonal pricing.

## Estimation Methodology

The cost formula: **(roof area × material cost per sqft × labor multiplier) + permit fees + waste factor**

- **Roof area**: Measured by Google Solar API from satellite/aerial imagery. Accuracy: ±5–8% vs manual measurement.
- **Material cost**: Per-sqft installed rate from national distributor data, adjusted by regional multiplier.
- **Labor multiplier**: City-specific factor derived from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for roofers (SOC 47-2181). Ranges from 0.92x (low-cost metros) to 1.40x (high-cost metros).
- **Permit fees**: From municipal fee schedules. Ranges $150–$450 depending on city.
- **Waste factor**: 10–15% added based on roof complexity (more facets = more cuts = more waste).
- **Range spread**: ±20% around the midpoint to account for contractor pricing variance, material grade choices, and seasonal demand.

## Material Options

| Material | Cost/sq ft | Lifespan | Best For |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Architectural Asphalt Shingles | $4.50–$7.00 | 25–30 years | Most homes. Best price-to-performance ratio. |
| Three-Tab Asphalt | $3.50–$5.50 | 15–20 years | Budget-friendly. Simple roof lines. |
| Standing Seam Metal | $8.00–$14.00 | 40–60 years | Storm-prone areas, energy efficiency, longevity. |
| Clay Tile | $10.00–$18.00 | 50–100 years | Mediterranean aesthetic, extreme durability. Requires reinforced framing. |
| Synthetic Slate | $9.00–$16.00 | 40–60 years | Slate appearance at half the weight and cost. Growing in popularity. |

## City-Specific Pricing (30 Metros)

| City | Asphalt/sq ft | Metal/sq ft | Labor Rate | Permit |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Houston, TX | $4.50–$7.00 | $8.00–$14.00 | 1.05x | $250 |
| Dallas, TX | $4.41–$6.86 | $7.84–$13.72 | 1.03x | $275 |
| San Antonio, TX | $4.27–$6.65 | $7.60–$13.30 | 0.98x | $225 |
| Austin, TX | $4.73–$7.35 | $8.40–$14.70 | 1.08x | $300 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $4.37–$6.79 | $7.76–$13.58 | 1.02x | $260 |
| Miami, FL | $5.40–$8.40 | $9.60–$16.80 | 1.18x | $450 |
| Tampa, FL | $5.18–$8.05 | $9.20–$16.10 | 1.12x | $400 |
| Orlando, FL | $4.95–$7.70 | $8.80–$15.40 | 1.08x | $375 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $4.86–$7.56 | $8.64–$15.12 | 1.05x | $350 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $4.14–$6.44 | $7.36–$12.88 | 0.95x | $200 |
| Tucson, AZ | $3.96–$6.16 | $7.04–$12.32 | 0.9x | $175 |
| Mesa, AZ | $4.10–$6.37 | $7.28–$12.74 | 0.94x | $195 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $4.41–$6.86 | $7.84–$13.72 | 1.02x | $250 |
| Atlanta, GA | $4.41–$6.86 | $7.84–$13.72 | 1x | $275 |
| Savannah, GA | $4.19–$6.51 | $7.44–$13.02 | 0.95x | $225 |
| Charlotte, NC | $4.46–$6.93 | $7.92–$13.86 | 1.02x | $275 |
| Raleigh, NC | $4.37–$6.79 | $7.76–$13.58 | 1x | $250 |
| Nashville, TN | $4.37–$6.79 | $7.76–$13.58 | 1.02x | $250 |
| Memphis, TN | $4.05–$6.30 | $7.20–$12.60 | 0.92x | $200 |
| Denver, CO | $4.95–$7.70 | $8.80–$15.40 | 1.12x | $325 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $4.77–$7.42 | $8.48–$14.84 | 1.08x | $300 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $4.59–$7.14 | $8.16–$14.28 | 1.05x | $275 |
| San Diego, CA | $5.63–$8.75 | $10.00–$17.50 | 1.22x | $500 |
| Sacramento, CA | $5.40–$8.40 | $9.60–$16.80 | 1.18x | $475 |
| San Jose, CA | $5.94–$9.24 | $10.56–$18.48 | 1.3x | $550 |
| New Orleans, LA | $4.59–$7.14 | $8.16–$14.28 | 1.05x | $300 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $4.05–$6.30 | $7.20–$12.60 | 0.92x | $200 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $4.05–$6.30 | $7.20–$12.60 | 0.92x | $200 |
| Charleston, SC | $4.73–$7.35 | $8.40–$14.70 | 1.05x | $325 |

## Top 10 City Details

### Houston, TX
- Climate: Hot, humid subtropical with hurricane exposure. Heavy rainfall (50+ inches/year) demands water-resistant roofing with proper drainage.
- Common styles: Architectural asphalt dominates (65%+). Standing seam metal growing in popularity for storm resistance. Clay tile common in upscale neighborhoods.
- Building codes: IRC 2021 adopted. Wind uplift requirements in coastal zones. Hurricane clips/straps required within 100 miles of coast.
- Average home value: $295,000 | Population: 2,300,000

### Dallas, TX
- Climate: Hot semi-arid with severe hail corridor exposure. Large hail events (1-2x/year) drive frequent claims and replacements.
- Common styles: Impact-resistant shingles (Class 4) increasingly specified. Architectural asphalt with impact rating is the default recommendation.
- Building codes: IRC 2021. Many insurers require Class 4 impact-rated shingles for full coverage. UL 2218 compliance recommended.
- Average home value: $340,000 | Population: 1,340,000

### San Antonio, TX
- Climate: Hot semi-arid. Moderate hail risk. Extreme summer heat (100°F+) stresses roofing materials and increases attic temperatures.
- Common styles: Architectural asphalt and metal roofing. Clay tile popular in historic districts and Spanish Colonial-style homes.
- Building codes: IRC 2015 with local amendments. Standard wind resistance requirements. Energy code compliance for reflective roofing encouraged.
- Average home value: $255,000 | Population: 1,580,000

### Austin, TX
- Climate: Hot semi-arid with hail risk. Flash flooding common but less relevant to roofing. UV exposure is a primary degradation factor.
- Common styles: Metal roofing trending strongly in new construction. Standing seam popular for modern builds. Architectural asphalt remains dominant in existing homes.
- Building codes: IRC 2021. Austin Energy Green Building program encourages cool roofs and solar-ready designs. Permit process thorough but efficient.
- Average home value: $450,000 | Population: 1,020,000

### Fort Worth, TX
- Climate: Hot semi-arid. Shares DFW hail corridor exposure. Tornadoes are a secondary risk factor for roof damage.
- Common styles: Similar to Dallas — impact-resistant shingles strongly recommended. Architectural asphalt with Class 4 rating most common.
- Building codes: IRC 2021 with DFW amendments. Same hail/impact requirements as Dallas metro.
- Average home value: $290,000 | Population: 960,000

### Miami, FL
- Climate: Tropical with direct hurricane exposure. Extreme wind loads (Category 3-5 storms). Salt air accelerates corrosion on metal roofing.
- Common styles: Concrete and clay tile dominant (60%+). Standing seam metal for commercial/modern residential. Flat roofs common in Art Deco districts.
- Building codes: Florida Building Code (FBC) — strictest in the US. Miami-Dade High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requires specific product approvals. NOA (Notice of Acceptance) required for all roofing products.
- Average home value: $530,000 | Population: 440,000

### Tampa, FL
- Climate: Humid subtropical with hurricane exposure. Lightning capital of the US. Heavy seasonal rainfall demands excellent drainage.
- Common styles: Concrete tile, architectural asphalt with wind rating, and metal roofing. Flat roofs on coastal commercial properties.
- Building codes: FBC with wind-borne debris region requirements. 25-year permit history checks common. Re-roofing requires full code compliance (no grandfathering).
- Average home value: $380,000 | Population: 400,000

### Orlando, FL
- Climate: Humid subtropical. Hurricane risk slightly lower than coastal cities. Frequent afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rain.
- Common styles: Architectural asphalt leads. Concrete tile in newer subdivisions. Metal roofing growing in popularity.
- Building codes: FBC standard. Wind speed design requirements (130+ mph in some zones). Permit turnaround typically 1-2 weeks.
- Average home value: $365,000 | Population: 310,000

### Jacksonville, FL
- Climate: Humid subtropical with moderate hurricane risk. Nor'easters can cause wind damage. Salt air exposure in coastal zones.
- Common styles: Architectural asphalt most common. Metal roofing popular near the coast for salt resistance. Concrete tile in upscale communities.
- Building codes: FBC with coastal construction control line requirements. Wind speed design varies by zone (120-150 mph).
- Average home value: $310,000 | Population: 950,000

### Phoenix, AZ
- Climate: Desert. Extreme heat (115°F+) is the primary roofing challenge. UV degradation is severe — shingles can fail 5-10 years early without cool-roof technology.
- Common styles: Concrete and clay tile dominates (70%+). Cool-roof coatings common. Flat foam roofs on older homes. Metal growing for new construction.
- Building codes: IRC 2018. Energy code strongly encourages cool roofs (SRI 78+). Tile underlayment requirements specific to desert climate.
- Average home value: $410,000 | Population: 1,650,000

Full city pages with detailed breakdowns: https://tryroofai.com/roof-replacement-cost

## What Affects Roofing Cost

Factors that push cost **up**:
- Steep pitch (7/12+), multiple stories, complex roofline with many facets
- Deck/sheathing repair needed underneath
- Chimney flashing, skylight work, or vent boot replacement
- Peak season (spring/summer) and high local demand
- Premium material grades within a category

Factors that push cost **down**:
- Simple layout, single story, easy access
- Overlay (new layer over existing) vs full tear-off
- Off-season scheduling (November–February)
- Competitive market with many local roofers

## Common Questions

### How accurate are satellite-measured estimates?
Google's Solar API uses high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery to measure roof area within ±5–8% of manual measurements. Combined with localized pricing data, estimates give a reliable cost range — not a binding quote, but close enough to plan your budget.

### What does the estimate include?
Materials, labor, permit fees, and waste factor based on your roof's complexity. Accounts for roof pitch, number of facets (sections), and total area. Tearoff of existing material is included in the pricing range.

### Why do I see a range instead of one number?
Roofing costs vary based on the contractor, material grade within a category, time of year, and local demand. The low end reflects competitive pricing; the high end accounts for premium materials and peak-season labor. Most homeowners land somewhere in the middle.

### Is my information shared with contractors?
Only if you opt in. Getting an estimate is completely free and anonymous — no signup required. If you choose to request a detailed report, your contact information is used to connect you with vetted local professionals.

### Does this work for any US address?
Google's Solar API covers approximately 95% of US buildings. If satellite data isn't available for your address (common in very rural areas or new construction), you'll know immediately.

### How is this different from getting quotes from contractors?
Traditional quotes require scheduling 2–3 in-person visits, waiting days for each estimate, and dealing with high-pressure sales. RoofAI gives a data-driven cost range in 30 seconds so you know what to expect before making a single phone call.

## Data Sources

- **Roof measurements**: Google Solar API — satellite and aerial imagery with 3D roof modeling
- **Labor rates**: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics (SOC 47-2181: Roofers)
- **Material costs**: National distributor and supplier pricing surveys, updated regularly
- **Permit fees**: Municipal and county permit office fee schedules
- **Market data**: HomeAdvisor, Angi, and contractor surveys for regional adjustment factors

## About RoofAI

RoofAI is an independent roof cost estimation tool. We are not a licensed contractor and do not perform roofing work. Estimates are based on satellite measurements and market data — not contractor bids. Always get multiple quotes from licensed, insured professionals before committing to a roofing project.

## Get Started

- Website: https://tryroofai.com
- Get Your Free Estimate: https://tryroofai.com
- City-specific pricing: https://tryroofai.com/roof-replacement-cost
- Free · No signup required