How much are roofing labor costs per square? What are the roofing labor costs in Boise? Wait, what is a “Square” anyway? A new roof factors in labor costs but is always priced per square! Let’s dive in below
How Much are Roofing Labor Costs in Boise?
If you’ve ever gotten a roof quote in Boise and wondered, “Why does the labor cost so much?” — you’re not alone.
As a local roofing contractor here in Boise, I get this question almost every week. And it’s a fair one — after all, labor is one of the most significant parts of your roof replacement investment. That said, you can’t skimp on the labor of a new roof or you will risk losing your warranty and roof leaks.
Roofing labor costs are factored into the pricing model, and while they do consist of the majority of expenses, a roof is not something you can tackle on your own! Let’s break down what roof labor costs really include, how we calculate labor cost per square, and what a “square” even means in the first place.
What Is a Roofing “Square”?
In roofing, we measure everything in squares.
One “square” equals 100 square feet of roof area. So if your home’s roof covers 2,000 square feet, that’s a 20-square roof.
Most Boise-area roofers (including us) price jobs by the square — this keeps estimates consistent and transparent. To give an example, a new roof that is 1,800 square feet would be priced based on “18 Square.” The price per square varies depending on the type of shingles, but typically ranges between $400 and $750 for asphalt shingles.
In this example, the price would be between $7,200 and $13,500. This price varies based on shingle selection, the contractor you use, and a few other factors like location.
Average Roof Labor Costs per Square (2025 Update)
Roof labor costs vary depending on the pitch, accessibility, number of layers to remove, and material type.
In the Treasure Valley, here’s what you can expect in 2025 for roofing labor costs per square:
| Roof Type / Project | Average Labor Cost per Square | Total Installed (Labor + Materials) |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles (Standard) | $225 – $350 | $450 – $750 |
| Architectural Shingles (Most Common in Boise) | $275 – $400 | $500 – $850 |
| Metal Roofing | $375 – $600 | $800 – $1,200 |
| Tile Roofing | $450 – $700 | $950 – $1,400 |
These ranges reflect typical Boise-area conditions, including removal of old shingles, adding new underlayment, vents, flashing, shingle replacement, ridge vent installation, and cleanup.
Keep in mind: complex roofs, steep pitches, rotten wood decking, or multiple layers of old roofing can increase labor time and dumping fees, which are factored into the price and communicated upfront (at least by us —we can’t speak for all Boise roofers).
What’s Included in Roofing Labor
When you see a roof quote from Legacy Roofing Idaho, labor is more than just “installation.”
It’s a complete process that covers every step needed to ensure your new roof is durable, weather-tight, and warrantied.
Here’s what’s included in our roofing labor:
- Tear-off and disposal of old shingles
- Roof decking inspection and minor repair
- Installation of underlayment, ice, and water shield
- Laying and nailing shingles or metal panels
- Flashing, pipe collars, and drip edge installation
- Ridge vent installation for proper attic ventilation
- Final cleanup and magnetic nail sweep
These tasks require skill, precision, and safety equipment — which is why quality labor is the backbone of every roofing quote.
Labor Is Built into the Roof Price
Every roofing estimate you receive from Legacy Roofing Idaho already includes labor.
When you see a total price (for example, $650 per square), that price combines both:
- Material cost (shingles, underlayment, nails, ridge vents, etc.)
- Labor cost (tear-off, installation, finishing, and cleanup)
That’s why comparing “labor only” quotes across different roofers can be misleading — not every contractor includes the same scope of work, materials, or warranty protection.
Other Roofing Costs to Factor In
Even though labor makes up a big part of your total cost, a few additional items can influence your final price:
- Ridge vents and ventilation upgrades (priced per linear foot)
- Flashing and pipe collars (for chimneys and plumbing vents)
- Roof decking replacement (if the plywood is soft or damaged)
- Skylight re-flashing or replacement
- Ice and water shield upgrades
These extras ensure your roof performs in Boise’s harsh seasonal swings — from freezing winters to triple-digit summers.
The Bottom Line on Roof Labor Costs in Boise
When you invest in a roof replacement, labor isn’t just the crew swinging hammers — it’s everything that ensures your home stays protected for decades.
At Legacy Roofing Idaho, we believe in honest, transparent pricing that includes every step — tear-off to ridge cap — so you’re never hit with surprise charges halfway through the job.
If you’d like a precise estimate tailored to your home, you can use our free Roof Cost Calculator above or schedule a free roof inspection today.
We’ll walk you through your options, explain every cost line by line, and help you choose a roofing system built for Boise’s unique climate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Labor Costs in Boise
1. How much should I expect to pay for roof labor in Boise?
In Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley, most homeowners can expect roof labor costs to range from $250–$400 per square for asphalt shingles. This includes tearing off old shingles, preparing the roof deck, installing underlayment, and laying new shingles. Steeper roofs or multiple layers of old material may raise costs slightly. At Legacy Roofing Idaho, we provide upfront pricing that includes labor, materials, and cleanup — no hidden fees.
2. What does roof labor cost per square actually include?
When we calculate roof labor cost per square, it covers everything from tear-off to installation — including underlayment, flashing, ridge vents, and final cleanup. You’re not just paying for a few hours of labor; you’re investing in experienced roofers, safety equipment, and workmanship that meets local building codes. Our labor also includes quality assurance steps, so your roof is watertight and built to handle Boise’s hot summers and snowy winters.
3. Why is roofing labor more expensive than it used to be?
Roof labor costs have increased in recent years due to rising material prices, stricter safety regulations, and higher demand for skilled labor. In Boise, where we experience seasonal weather swings and storm activity, roofing work must meet specific durability standards. Quality labor ensures your roof won’t fail prematurely. Hiring a licensed, insured roofing company like Legacy Roofing Idaho protects your home — and your warranty — in the long run.
4. Can I save money by doing part of the roofing work myself?
It’s not recommended. Roofing is one of the most dangerous and technically demanding home projects. DIY attempts often lead to leaks, voided warranties, or injuries. Because labor costs already include tear-off, installation, and safety, hiring a professional roofer is the most cost-effective choice in the end. At Legacy Roofing Idaho, we handle everything safely, efficiently, and according to manufacturer standards so your warranty stays valid and your roof lasts.
5. Do roof labor costs include ridge vents, flashing, and cleanup?
Yes — when you work with Legacy Roofing Idaho, labor includes all the essentials. Our crews handle tear-off, underlayment, shingle installation, ridge vent installation, flashing replacement, and complete site cleanup. The only time additional labor charges might apply is if the roof decking is damaged or there’s a second layer of old shingles to remove. Otherwise, everything is built into your all-inclusive roofing quote for complete transparency.
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