How much does roofing replacement cost in Scranton?
ZIP 18509 · Lackawanna County · Pennsylvania · Data updated May 2026
Scranton is genuinely affordable for roofing replacement. It's one of the better markets in the country to get this done.
On the return side, it's reasonable in Lackawanna County. Worth doing for the day-to-day improvement, with decent payback when you sell. September is busy season here, so start getting quotes soon if you want the better contractors.
Local Cost Estimate
$10,171 - $13,761
+12% seasonal adjustment (High season) · Base: $9,081 - $12,287
Moderate ROI
Equity Gain
$6,229
Added at resale
+3.1% of home value
Decent timing, moderate ROI
Normal demand and moderate return. Worth doing if the need is there.
On this page
- National average
- $11,500
- Local cost index
- 0.87×
- Pennsylvania median
- ROI score
- 52/100
- Lead time
- ~5 weeks
- High
Built from Zillow ZHVI home values, BLS construction wages (May 2024), Cost vs. Value 2026 benchmarks, and US Census housing data · how this estimate is made
How We Calculate Scranton Roofing Replacement Cost Estimates
What's driving the cost
Labor
$4,181
35% of total
Materials
$6,503
65% of total
Construction labor in Lackawanna County is 4% above the US median (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Over 25 years: approx. $479/yr
Best Time to Book Roofing Replacement in Scranton, Pennsylvania ( September 2026)
High SeasonLead time now
~5
weeks
Season adjustment
+ 12%
vs annual avg
September is a busy month for roofing replacement in this climate. Lead times are around 5 weeks, and rates are about 12% above the year-round average.
💡 Pricing eases in the off-season. Factor lead times into your project timeline.
Roofing Replacement Cost by ZIP Code in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Same project scope. Costs vary by ZIP based on local labor markets and home values.
Roofing Replacement Costs in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's remodeling market runs at or slightly above the national average on labor, with significant regional variation — Philadelphia's suburbs command premium rates driven by proximity to New York and DC wages, while Pittsburgh, Allentown, and rural central Pennsylvania run more competitively. The state's housing stock is predominantly older, creating strong demand for energy retrofits and exterior updates. Cold winters define the project calendar.
Roofing Replacement in this region
Roofing recoups 58% at resale in the Middle Atlantic region. Pennsylvania's cold winters create ice dam risk throughout the state, with the northeast corridor particularly vulnerable. Philadelphia's suburban markets — Main Line, Bucks County — have high installed costs; Pittsburgh and the Lehigh Valley offer more competitive pricing.
Roofing Replacement: Scope, Decisions & Permit Requirements in Pennsylvania
Scope of work
A full roofing replacement involves tearing off your existing shingles, inspecting and repairing the decking, installing an ice-and-water shield at the eaves and valleys, laying synthetic underlayment, then fastening new shingles and flashing around all penetrations. In Pennsylvania's cold climate, contractors extend the ice-and-water shield further up the roof deck (typically 24 inches past the interior wall line) to prevent ice dam damage. It's one of the most common causes of winter water intrusion in northern homes.
Key decisions
Asphalt architectural shingles (20-30 year lifespan) are the most common choice. Metal roofing lasts 40-70 years and costs significantly more upfront but reduces long-term maintenance. In Pennsylvania, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are worth the 15-20% premium. They handle hail and ice loads better and often qualify for a 10-25% homeowner's insurance discount. Check with your insurer before finalizing materials.
Timing & permits
In Pennsylvania, schedule for September-October at the latest. Asphalt shingles require temperatures above 40°F to seal properly, and most manufacturers void warranties on cold-weather installations. Spring (April-May) is the other reliable window. Most municipalities require a roofing permit. Your contractor should pull it. If the decking is rotten or there's a second layer to remove, budget an extra 10-15% for repairs discovered during tear-off. With Scranton's older housing stock, expect to find at least some decking deterioration once tear-off starts. A 10-15% contingency for decking repairs is worth building into your budget.
Complete guide
Everything you need to know about roofing replacement: materials, hiring, red flags, and what to expect.
How We Calculate Scranton Roofing Replacement Cost Estimates
Step 1
National benchmark
We start with the national average cost for roofing replacement from the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report. Base cost: $11,500.
Step 2
Local cost index
We apply a ZIP-level cost multiplier. Labor is derived from BLS construction wage data by metro area; materials from Zillow home value data. Scranton's effective multiplier is 0.87× the Pennsylvania median.
Step 3
Regional ROI
The Cost vs. Value report shows that roofing replacement recoups 58% of its cost at resale in this US Census region. That's an equity gain of $6,229, not counting seasonal adjustment.
Step 4
Seasonal adjustment
September is high season for roofing replacement in cold-climate markets. Demand is running +12% vs. the annual average. Base $9,081 - $12,287 → $10,171 - $13,761.
Base estimate
$9,081 - $12,287
High season
$10,171 - $13,761
All estimates carry a ±15% range to reflect real-world contractor variance in labor, materials, and project scope. Always get 2-3 quotes before committing.
Is a roofing replacement worth it in Scranton?
Moderate ROIWith an ROI score of 52/100, a roofing replacement in Scranton recoups an estimated $6,229 at resale. It's a real improvement to how the house looks and feels, and that shows up in the sale price.
You invest
$11,966
Recouped at resale
$6,229
Cost per year
$479
over 25 yrs
Finding Roofing Replacement contractors in Scranton
When you're getting quotes in the 18509 area, expect labor rates to reflect the 0.87× local cost index. Labor rates in Scranton are on the competitive side for Pennsylvania. Always verify your contractor is licensed to work in Lackawanna County and ask whether your project scope requires local building permits.
Median home value in Scranton: $199,716. This project adds 3.1% to your home's value.
More cost estimates for 18509
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a roofing replacement cost in Scranton, PA?
Based on 2026 data, a roofing replacement in Scranton (18509) currently runs $10,171 - $13,761, which includes a +12% seasonal factor for September (High season). Without that, the base range is $9,081 - $12,287. That's using a 0.87× local cost index applied to the national benchmark from the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report.
Is a roofing replacement worth it in Scranton?
With an ROI score of 58/100, a roofing replacement in Scranton is expected to add about $6,229 back at resale. A lot of that depends on Lackawanna County's local market, where median home values sit at $199,716.
How do Scranton remodeling costs compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?
Scranton remodeling costs are running at 87% of the Pennsylvania state median. Local home values of $199,716 are the main driver. Higher home values generally track with higher local wages and material costs.
What roofing material lasts the longest?
Metal roofing lasts 40-70 years and is the longest-lasting option for most climates. Architectural asphalt shingles (the most common choice) last 25-30 years with proper ventilation. In Scranton, PA, factor in hail frequency, temperature swings, and snowfall load when picking your material.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Pennsylvania?
Most municipalities in Pennsylvania require a roofing permit, though some exempt straightforward shingle replacements. Your contractor should pull and post the permit. If they suggest skipping it, that's a red flag. Unpermitted work can complicate home sales and void your homeowner's insurance if a leak occurs.
How do I prevent ice dams on my roof in Scranton?
Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof, melts snow near the ridge, and refreezes at the eaves. The root cause is usually inadequate attic insulation or ventilation, not the roof itself. A replacement is a good time to add an ice-and-water shield extending 24 inches past the interior wall line, which is the code minimum in most northern Pennsylvania jurisdictions.
Why is roofing ROI lower in Scranton?
ROI scores reflect what buyers pay for the improvement at resale relative to replacement cost. In markets like Lackawanna County where home values are $199,716, a new roof is largely expected by buyers. It's a maintenance cost, not a value-add. That doesn't change whether you should replace it. A failing roof is still a priority. It just means the financial return is modest.
How far out should I book a roofing contractor in Scranton?
In 2026's high season for Lackawanna County, most experienced roofing contractors are booking 4-8 weeks out. Getting three quotes now rather than waiting improves both your options and your pricing leverage. The best crews fill up first.
What should I check before replacing a roof on an older home in Scranton?
Homes built before 1940 often have skip sheathing (boards spaced apart) rather than solid plywood decking underneath the shingles. Modern shingles require solid decking, which means full sheathing installation as part of the project. This typically adds $1,500-$4,000 depending on roof size. Have your contractor inspect the decking type before finalizing the bid.
You have the numbers. Now get the quotes.
Most homeowners go into contractor conversations blind. You know what roofing replacement should cost in Scranton, what drives the price, and whether now is a good time to move. Use that.