What a new roof costs in Des Moines in 2026
Roofers price by the square, which is 100 square feet of roof surface. Around Des Moines in 2026, a full tear-off and new architectural shingles usually runs $475 to $750 a square. Here's how that turns into a number for your house.
Price per square
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural shingles, tear-off included | $475 – $750 per square | The most common new roof |
| Class 4 impact-rated shingles | $520 – $845 per square | About $45 – $95 more than architectural |
| Standing seam steel | $1,100 – $1,700 per square | See the metal cost guide |
| Extra layer torn off | + $40 – $80 per square | When a roof was laid over another |
| Decking replaced | $90 – $160 per sheet | Only sheets found soft |
Whole-house examples
Roof area isn't the same as floor area: overhangs, pitch and dormers add surface. A rough rule is that a home's roof is 1.2 to 1.6 times its footprint, more for steep roofs.
| House | Architectural shingles | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft one-story ranch, simple gable | $9,000 – $13,000 | Walkable pitch, few valleys |
| 1,600 sq ft split-level | $11,000 – $16,000 | Multiple roof planes |
| 2,200 sq ft two-story, several valleys | $14,000 – $21,000 | Height and complexity |
| Older foursquare, steep with dormers | $15,000 – $24,000 | Steep-slope labor, possible plank decking |
What's in a complete price
- Tear-off of every layer, disposal and dumpster
- Deck inspection and an allowance for replacing soft sheets
- Drip edge at eaves and rakes
- Ice and water shield at eaves and in valleys
- Synthetic underlayment over the rest of the deck
- New step and counter flashing, pipe boots and vents
- Balanced intake and exhaust ventilation
- Starter strip, shingles, hip and ridge caps
- The City of Des Moines permit, or your suburb's
- Clean-up with a magnetic sweep
If a quote is much lower than another, check this list. The usual gaps are ice barrier, ventilation, flashing reused instead of replaced, and a decking allowance that's missing.
When insurance is involved
For storm damage, your insurer's estimate sets what they'll pay, minus your deductible, often in two payments: actual cash value first, then recoverable depreciation after the work is done. See the claims guide.
Common questions
Why do prices go up after a hailstorm?
Demand jumps, crews are booked and material supply tightens. A replacement that isn't urgent is often easier to schedule outside the busiest weeks.
Is a cheaper roofer always a worse roofer?
Not always, but a low price usually means something on the list above is missing. Compare line by line.
Do you charge for the quote?
No. Inspections and written quotes are free.
