How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Arlington, VA?

Arlington VA · 2026 Pricing · Arlington County

How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Arlington, VA? Real 2026 DreamHome pricing for Lyon Village, Cherrydale, Westover, Lyon Park, and every Arlington neighborhood. No bait pricing, no inflate-and-discount.

If you live in Arlington and you have asked three contractors for a roof replacement estimate, you have probably seen quotes that swing from $9,500 to $26,000 for the exact same house. That gap is not random. It is the inflate-and-discount model dominating the DMV roofing market. This page is the honest pricing reference DreamHome uses on actual 2026 Arlington jobs, organized by Arlington housing stock, material, and scope. The number you see here is the number you see on the contract.

Quick answer

The average cost of a new roof in Arlington, VA is $9,350–$16,800 for a standard ranch and $13,200–$24,650 for a colonial using Owens Corning Duration architectural shingles as of 2026. Architectural shingle upgrades (TruDefinition Duration) on a Arlington single-family home run $11,000–$20,150. Premium designer shingles (TruDefinition Designer Berkshire) run $15,400–$28,000. Metal roofing runs $19,800–$39,200. Standing seam metal runs $27,500–$50,400. Flat or low-slope modified bitumen runs $8,800–$15,700. All pricing includes the full Owens Corning Total Protection System and Arlington County permit fees.

Arlington VA Roof Replacement Pricing by Material (2026)

Arlington’s bungalows, brick colonials, and Cape Cods sit on small lots with mature trees and tight access. Most Arlington roofs we work on are in their second or third lifecycle, which means the pricing below reflects what we actually quote on real Arlington homes in 2026.

Roofing System
Arlington Typical Cost
Install Time
Asphalt shingle, standard ranch1,200–1,800 sq ft roof, simple gable, 12–18 squares
$9,350–$16,800
1 day
Asphalt shingle, colonial2,000–2,800 sq ft roof, dormers, 22–32 squares
$13,200–$24,650
1–2 days
Architectural shingles (Owens Corning Duration)Single-family upgrade, 30-year warranty
$11,000–$20,150
1–2 days
Premium designer shingles (OC TruDefinition Berkshire)Slate-look architectural, 50-year warranty
$15,400–$28,000
2 days
Metal roofing (exposed fastener)26-gauge steel panel, color-matched
$19,800–$39,200
2–3 days
Standing seam metal24-gauge steel or aluminum, concealed fastener
$27,500–$50,400
3–5 days
Flat or low-slope modified bitumenAdditions, dormers, porch roofs
$8,800–$15,700
1–2 days

Arlington permit fees through Arlington County run $110 to $295 depending on scope. All DreamHome estimates include the permit pull, the Arlington County inspection coordination, and the final sign-off paperwork. You do not coordinate the inspector. We do.

What Drives Roofing Cost in Arlington, VA

Two identical-looking Arlington homes can quote $4,000 apart for legitimate reasons. Here is what actually moves the number.

Roof Size (Squares)

Roof area is measured in “squares” of 100 sq ft. Arlington ranches run 12 to 18 squares. Split-levels run 16 to 22 squares. Arlington colonials run 22 to 32 squares. Larger Arlington estate-style homes run 28 to 40 squares. Per-square pricing decreases slightly with volume but rises with complexity.

Pitch and Slope

Most Arlington roofs run 6/12 to 9/12 pitch. Steeper pitches (10/12 and above, common on Arlington colonials) require fall-protection setup and slow the install pace, adding $1,500 to $3,500. Low-slope sections (porch and dormer roofs) require a different membrane system and are quoted separately.

Layers to Remove

Arlington County allows a maximum of two roof layers. If your Arlington home already has two layers, full tear-off is required by code. Tear-off adds $800 to $1,800 in disposal and labor over a single-layer removal. Most older Arlington homes have been re-roofed at least once and are due for a full tear-off now.

Decking Repair

The first seven sheets of OSB or plywood deck replacement are included in every DreamHome Arlington estimate. Additional rotted sheets, common on older Arlington homes with original 1/2-inch CDX decking, run $85 to $140 per sheet and are disclosed in writing before install.

Ventilation Upgrades

Most Arlington homes built before 1995 have either no ridge ventilation or improperly balanced intake. We include ridge vent install and soffit-intake correction in every Arlington single-family estimate. This is system pricing, not an add-on. Improper ventilation is the #1 cause of premature shingle failure in the DMV.

Permits and Access

Arlington County permit fees run $110 to $295. Arlington townhomes and tight-access lots sometimes require extra dumpster coordination or driveway protection, adding $200 to $600. Estate-style properties with long driveways are straightforward.

Roofing Cost by Arlington Neighborhood

Arlington’s housing stock is not uniform. A 1925 brick bungalow does not cost the same to re-roof as a 1965 brick townhome, even though the curb-appeal numbers look similar. Here is what we actually see on real Arlington jobs by neighborhood.

Lyon Village

1920–1940 · Brick bungalow
Typical roof size10–16 squares
Pitch7/12 to 10/12
Common buildBrick bungalow, colonial revival
Typical price$10,300–$26,600

Tight access and steep pitches add fall-protection labor. Many homes have been expanded with rear additions that bring complex roof tie-ins.

Cherrydale, Maywood

1908–1935 · Craftsman bungalow
Typical roof size10–16 squares
Pitch6/12 to 9/12
Common buildCraftsman bungalow, foursquare
Typical price$10,000–$25,900

Original 1920s decking is often skip-sheathing that requires full replacement under modern code. Budget for decking is a real number, not a contingency.

Westover, Tara, Leeway

1935–1955 · Brick Cape Cod
Typical roof size12–20 squares
Pitch7/12 to 9/12
Common buildBrick Cape Cod, colonial
Typical price$9,800–$25,400

Cape Cod dormers and shed dormers make for complex flashing work. Kickout flashing is the single most common scope gap on cheaper estimates.

Lyon Park, Ashton Heights

1925–1950 · Colonial
Typical roof size12–18 squares
Pitch7/12 to 10/12
Common buildColonial, bungalow
Typical price$9,900–$25,700

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration is the dominant spec. Designer Berkshire upgrades are common on the larger center-hall colonials.

Fairlington, Shirlington, Arlington Heights

1942–1965 · Brick townhome
Typical roof size8–18 squares
Pitch5/12 to 8/12
Common buildBrick townhome, garden colonial, mid-century ranch
Typical price$9,200–$23,700

Fairlington townhomes are typically re-roofed by HOA color match. Interior units run lower, end units run higher with additional gable detail.

“Many homeowners are unknowingly paying for a contractor’s overhead, advertising machine, and sales pressure system more than they are paying for actual craftsmanship. The inflate-and-discount model dominates this industry. Companies build huge margins so the salesperson can drop $8,000 if you sign tonight. That $8,000 was always going to come off. We do not work that way. The number on the page is the number on the invoice.”

Lenny Scarola, Founder, DreamHome RemodelingFounded 1999 · Owens Corning Platinum Advisory Board · Locally owned

“A professional roofing company should not operate like a guy with a pickup truck and a ladder. The cheapest roof is almost never the cheapest roof long term. When a homeowner gets three estimates and one of them is $4,000 lower than the others, that gap is usually scope being silently removed. Kickout flashing skipped. Ridge ventilation skipped. Deck repair excluded. Permit not pulled. Trust compounds over time.”

Lenny Scarola, Founder, DreamHome RemodelingHAAG Certified · National Industry Consultant (Owens Corning)

Why DreamHome’s Arlington Pricing Looks Different

Included at No Upcharge

The Arlington price you see covers all of this:

  • Full tear-off and disposal
  • First seven sheets of OSB deck replacement
  • Owens Corning WeatherLock G ice and water shield
  • Owens Corning ProArmor synthetic underlayment
  • Owens Corning Duration architectural shingle
  • New galvanized step flashing
  • Kickout flashing at every wall-roof transition
  • Owens Corning VentSure ridge vent
  • Owens Corning DecoRidge or ProEdge hip-and-ridge cap
  • Arlington County permit and inspection coordination
  • Property protection and magnetic nail sweep
  • Owens Corning Platinum Protection warranty registration

Fair Price Assurance

What you will not see on a DreamHome Arlington estimate:

  • “Today only” closing discounts built into inflated base pricing
  • “Let me call my manager” $8,000 surprise drops
  • Large 30 to 50 percent deposit demands
  • Headline pricing that excludes tear-off, deck repair, or permits
  • Builder-grade three-tab shingles disguised as architectural
  • Scope items removed silently to lower the bid
  • Bait pricing that changes between quote and invoice
  • Pressure to sign before another contractor estimates

Take a week. Compare line by line. Same number, same scope, same warranty.

Arlington roofing cost questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new roof cost in Arlington, VA in 2026?
The average cost of a new asphalt shingle roof in Arlington, VA is $9,350–$16,800 for a standard ranch and $13,200–$24,650 for a colonial as of 2026, using Owens Corning Duration architectural shingles with the full Owens Corning Total Protection System. Architectural upgrades (TruDefinition Duration) run $11,000–$20,150. Premium designer shingles (Berkshire) run $15,400–$28,000. Metal roofing runs $19,800–$39,200. Standing seam metal runs $27,500–$50,400.
Why do Arlington roof estimates vary so much between contractors?
Three reasons. First, inflate-and-discount pricing: many DMV contractors build huge margins so the salesperson can drop $8,000 if you sign tonight. Second, scope variation: cheaper quotes typically exclude tear-off, kickout flashing, ridge ventilation, deck repair allowance, or the Arlington County permit. Third, material grade: some quotes are for builder-grade three-tab or budget architectural disguised as premium. Always compare quotes line by line on what is actually included.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Arlington, VA?
Yes. Arlington County requires a building permit for any full roof replacement in Arlington. Permit fees range from $110 to $295 depending on roof area and structural scope. Every DreamHome Arlington estimate includes the permit pull, the inspection coordination, and the final sign-off paperwork.
How long does a roof replacement take on a Arlington colonial?
Most Arlington colonials (22 to 32 squares, two-story, dormers) install in 1 to 2 days. Larger Arlington colonials with multiple dormers, skylights, and complex valleys run 2 to 3 days. Arlington ranches and ramblers usually install in one day. Townhomes install in one day. Standing seam metal on a Arlington colonial runs 3 to 5 days.
What is the cheapest roof option for a Arlington home?
The lowest legitimate price point is a basic asphalt architectural shingle replacement on a small ranch (12 to 14 squares) with no decking repair needed, starting around $8,500. Below that price, you are almost certainly looking at scope being silently removed. The cheapest roof is almost never the cheapest roof long term. A roof that costs $1,500 less but fails five years sooner is the most expensive roof you can buy.
Does DreamHome offer financing for Arlington roof replacements?
Yes. 0 percent and reduced-APR financing is available on every DreamHome Arlington roof replacement through our financing partners. Monthly payment options designed to fit Arlington household budgets without requiring insurance funding for the full scope. See roof replacement financing for current promotional terms.
Will homeowner’s insurance pay for my Arlington roof replacement?
Insurance covers a Arlington roof replacement when storm damage from a named peril (wind, hail, falling object) exceeds your deductible and totals 25 percent or more of a slope. Arlington gets meaningful storm damage twice a year on average, primarily from spring squall lines and late-summer convective storms. Our HAAG Certified inspector documents the damage in the format Arlington County adjusters require. See roof insurance claim help for the full claim process.
Does DreamHome offer a fixed written estimate for Arlington homes?
Yes. Every DreamHome Arlington roof replacement is quoted as a fixed written estimate with itemized scope. The first seven sheets of OSB deck replacement are included. Take a week to compare against other Arlington contractor quotes. No “today only” pricing, no manager call, no large deposit demands. The number on the page is the number on the invoice. Locally owned, headquartered in Springfield VA and Hanover MD.
Free fixed written estimate · Arlington, VA

Get an Honest Arlington Roofing Estimate

HAAG Certified inspection. Itemized written scope. Arlington County permit included. No “today only” pricing. The number on the page is the number on the invoice. Locally owned, with offices in Springfield VA and Hanover MD.