Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for American homes due to their durability and affordability. An asphalt shingle roof for a 2,000-square-foot home with a 7/12 slope costs an average of $6,000–$9,800, though your rate may differ. However, there are various types of shingles to choose from. If you’re looking for a more durable and corrosion-resistant material, you can opt for steel or aluminum shingles. Or, if you’re interested in an old-world aesthetic, you can opt for wood-shake or slate shingles.
We’ve detailed each type to help you decide what’s right for your home. Below, we’ll look at each shingle’s price, benefits, drawbacks, and everything else you need to know before installing your next roof.
Key Takeaways
- The cost to install new asphalt shingles is between $4.50–$12.25 per square foot but can vary depending on materials, roof size, and location.
- Square footage and type of shingle primarily determine your total price, but brand, labor, shingle removal, and the roof pitch can also be cost factors.
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How Much Does a Shingle Roof Cost?
The cost to install new shingles is between $4.50–$12.25 per square foot but can vary depending on materials, roof size, and location. Where your roof costs fall within the given price range depends on two main factors:
- Square footage: Your roof’s size determines the material and labor costs for applying new shingles.
- Shingle material: Shingles are most commonly made from asphalt but can be made of higher-quality, more expensive materials.
Cost by Square Foot
The square footage of your home isn’t the only thing that determines how complex a roofing job is, but it has the biggest impact on cost. Note that asphalt shingles are only a small part of the total price.
| Roof Size | Cost of Asphalt Shingles | Cost of Shingles + Installation |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 sq ft | $1,700 – $3,000 | $3,652 – $5,373 |
| 1200 sq ft | $2,040 – $3,600 | $4,382 – $6,447 |
| 1500 sq ft | $2,500 – $4,500 | $5,478 – $8,059 |
| 2000 sq ft | $3,400 – $5,600 | $5,994 – $9,791 |
| 2500 sq ft | $4,250 – $7,500 | $8,544 – $12,537 |
| 3000 sq ft | $5,100 – $9,000 | $10,112 – $14,830 |
| 3500 sq ft | $5,950 – $10,500 | $11,756 – $16,969 |
Cost by Type of Shingles
There are several types of roof shingles, including basic, premium architectural, and composite shingles. Shingles may also be made from metal, wood, stone, or other materials, which are typically more expensive than asphalt.
| Material | Cost per Sq. Ft | Life Span in Years |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | $2.08–$3.50 | 20–30 |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | $4.50–$12.25 | 20–30 |
| Composite shingles | $7.50–$13 | 40–50 |
| Steel shingles | $8–$12.65 | 40–70 |
| Wood shakes/shingles | $8–$14.30 | 15–30 |
| Aluminum shingles | $8.50–$13.75 | 50–80 |
| Slate shingles | $12–$22 | Over 100 |
| Solar shingles | $20–$30 | 20* |
*Solar shingles’ lifespan is a general estimate due to the technology only being 10 years old.
Your roof’s lifespan may vary depending on how well you maintain it and various weather and locational conditions. If not maintained properly, your roof may need replacement sooner rather than later.
Cost by Location
As with other home improvement projects, shingle roof costs vary by location. Areas with a higher cost of living have higher prices. Typically, roof replacement costs are lower in rural locations than in coastal and urban areas.
Below is a breakdown of the average cost of shingle installation in various states:
What Factors Affect the Cost of Shingled Roofs?
Square footage and roofing material primarily determine your total price, but here are some additional costs to consider.
Height and Pitch
Your roof’s height and pitch—aka its slope—determine how many shingles your roof needs, how difficult it will be for roofers to install them, and which type of shingle will fit best. The higher the pitch and height, the more expensive labor will be due to the challenge and danger of working on the roof.
Labor
Installation usually makes up about 60% of new roof costs, and anything that makes the job more time-consuming or difficult will increase the total price. Roofs with a steep slope or limited accessibility cost more to replace or fix. Working around features such as skylights and dormers can also make the project take longer and increase costs.
Brand
The shingles’ quality and material affect price more than the brand, but there are lower-end and higher-end brands. Owens Corning and GAF are on the affordable end, while IKO and Tamko have slightly higher prices.
Repair
Installing a new roof involves more than laying new shingles. It usually requires repairing or replacing the existing decking and underlayment in addition to the outer layer of shingles. Roof repair costs vary substantially based on what needs repairing or replacing. Vents and ridge capping are some of the least expensive aspects, while repairing or reinforcing eaves, rafter tails, and trusses are more costly.
Shingle Removal
If you’re replacing your roof, someone will need to tear off the old shingles and any damaged roofing structures before new shingles are installed. Any debris will also need to be disposed of. This usually costs $1–$5 per square foot of old materials.
Warranty Coverage
Most major shingle brands offer a limited lifetime warranty on their roofing products. These warranties are prorated based on the age of the shingles and apply to materials only, though some manufacturers may cover labor if you work with one of their approved roofing contractors.
Evan Greene, sales manager of Northeast Exteriors for the New England Branch of Long Home Products, advises checking the warranty for specific exclusions such as proration, labor and workmanship components, and whether the manufacturer certifies the installer doing the work. Home warranties don’t cover roof replacement, but many offer limited roof-leak coverage.
Additional Services
While your new roof is being installed, you can tackle other related home improvement projects that would ordinarily require you to tear up some or all of your roof.
- Attic fan installation cost: $300–$900
- Flashing replacement cost: $200–$500
- Gutter Installation cost: $1,000–$6,500
- Skylight installation cost: $1,600–$4,200
How to Estimate the Cost of Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
1. Take the square footage of your home
2. Multiply it by pitch multiplier for a typical roof of 1.12
3. This gives you the estimated square footage of your roof
4. Multiply this by the average cost per square foot of an asphalt shingle roof of $6
5. This gives you an estimated cost of what you would pay for a new asphalt shingle roof
How To Save on Shingle Roof Costs
Here are some steps you can take to save money on a new shingle roof, even if you hire a professional to install it.
- Choose roofing materials that are less expensive or on sale. However, make sure you don’t cost yourself in the long run by choosing poor-quality materials.
- If it’s allowed in your state and your roof’s foundation is solid, you can sometimes apply a new layer of shingles without having to remove the old one, saving on removal and disposal costs.
- Hire professionals in the off-season—typically late fall or early spring—when they’re less in demand.
- Get quotes from at least three roofing contractors before making your choice.
- Extend your new roof’s life span by performing regular inspections and maintenance.
What Are Signs You Need To Replace Your Roof Shingles?
Here are some warning signs that it might be time to replace your roof shingles:
- Broken, bent, or cracked shingles
- Missing granules or granule buildup in gutters
- Water damage in attics or ceilings
- Moss growing on the roof
- Rust or wear around vents, pipes, or chimneys
- Buckling or dark spots on the roof
Can You Install Shingle Roofing Yourself?
Most do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) can replace a few shingles, but applying shingles to an entire roof is far more difficult and dangerous. Poorly laid shingles can create leaks that will seriously damage your roof’s structure. Here’s an overview of professional installation versus DIY.
DIY Shingle Installation
If you want to lay shingles yourself, you’ll need a chalk line, hammer, utility knife, roof harness, roofing nails, and fasteners in addition to the shingles. Note that these steps apply to shingle installation only and assume that the roof’s decking is in good condition and the flashing, underlayment, vents, and drip edge are already in place.
- Measure up from the bottom of the eave and snap a chalk line where you want to put your starter row, ensuring it covers the drip edge completely.
- Start applying shingles at the outer edge. Butt each shingle tight against the next one with no gaps, and use a minimum of four nails per three-tab shingle.
- For the second row, cut 6 inches off the edge of a shingle, following any manufacturer’s instructions to stagger the tabs. Cut 12 inches off for the third row, and so on.
- Start your rows away from any roof valleys and work toward them. When you’ve worked all the rows, snap a chalk line down the center of the valley, carefully cut the shingles up the chalk line, and seal them with roofing cement.
- Apply cap shingles at the top of any peaks, or create your own from standard shingles.
Professional Shingle Installation
A professional roofing company has the right tools, expertise, and workers to do the job quickly and correctly. We observed Erie Home installing an asphalt shingle roof and were surprised at how complicated the job can become. A high percentage of roof installation and roof repair costs goes to labor because this is a specialized job. Professional roofers know how to adjust for roof pitch and meet all necessary building codes. Additionally, most roofing contractors offer guarantees on their work.
At the installation, we also learned that various tools are needed, such as specialized ladders, tear-off shovels, and air compressors. Additionally, you must know how to secure yourself on a steep roof using ropes and pulleys and use magnetic tools to clean up your yard. Not knowing how to use the proper tools or navigate a roof can make attempting a DIY job dangerous.
Are Shingles Right for Your Home?
Shingles are one of the most common and versatile roof types. There is a shingle material and design for just about every budget and preference. Homeowners looking for a more economical option can choose asphalt shingles, while those aiming for a long-term investment can choose steel or aluminum.
Ultimately, we recommend speaking with a roofing company to find the best roofing option for your home and budget. Getting at least three quotes from different contractors or companies is also a good idea. By shopping for multiple free quotes, you can find the best installer for the most reasonable price.
FAQ About Shingle Roof Cost
How long does it take to shingle a roof?
Asphalt shingles are usually relatively quick to apply. A professional contractor can shingle a medium-sized roof in about two to three days. Larger, more complicated, or steeper roofs will take longer.
What is the cost of a shingle roof?
The average cost of a shingle roof for a 2,000-square-foot home is between $8,500 and $24,500. These prices apply to asphalt shingles, the most common and budget-friendly variety. Other materials, such as wood, stone, and metal, cost more.
How does a shingle roof affect the value of my home?
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a roof replacement with asphalt shingles has a 61.1% return on investment (ROI).
What are the cheapest roof shingles?
Three-tab asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing shingle, but quality and prices can vary widely.
