How Much Does a Shingle Roof Cost? (2023 Guide)

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-inch slope costs an average of $5,994–$9,791. However, there are various types of shingles to choose from. We’ve detailed each type to help you decide what’s right for your home.

The cost to install new shingles varies widely. Where your roof costs fall within the given price range depends on two main factors:

• Square footage: Your roof’s size determines 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 figures in this article are based on 2023 reports from multiple sources, including Roofing Calculator and Remodeling Calculator.

Cost by Square Foot

Home size 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.

Cost by Type of Shingles

There are several types of asphalt 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.

Aluminum Shingles Cost

Aluminum singles are one the most expensive options, costing roughly $8.50–$13.75 per square foot. These shingles are highly durable and incredibly lightweight, making them easy to maintain. They have a long life span of 50–80 years. 

Architectural Asphalt Shingles Cost

Architectural roofing shingles use a heavy fiberglass base with ceramic-coated mineral granules. They’re higher-quality and more water-resistant than basic asphalt shingles. Architectural asphalt shingles cost around $4.50–$12.25 per square foot, though this fluctuates based on oil prices, as asphalt is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process. 

Basic Asphalt Shingles Cost

These are the shingles you’re most likely used to seeing. They come in many standard colors, such as gray, brown, and black. Basic three-tab asphalt shingles cost an average of $4.25–$8.25 per square foot. They’re inexpensive, durable, and easy to maintain, lasting 15–20 years.

Composite Shingles Cost

Composite shingles, also called synthetic shingles, are made from a mixture of fiberglass, recycled paper products, and asphalt. This design makes them resistant to fire and moisture. Composite shingles have an average life span of 50 years and cost $7.50–$13 per square foot.

Slate Shingles Cost

Slate is an incredibly durable roofing material, often lasting over 100 years. Slate roofs are made from a natural rock that’s cut into a shingle. This material is heavy, so you may have to install additional support for your roof. However, the result is a beautiful natural stone roof that will last over a century and add tons of curb appeal. Slate shingles cost an average of $12–$22 per square foot. 

Steel Shingles Cost

Steel shingles bring industrial-strength durability to your home. They often mimic the appearance of concrete or clay tile but provide better energy efficiency and longevity, with an average life span of 40–70 years. Steel shingles cost around $8–$12.65 per square foot. 

Wood Shakes/Shingles Cost

Wooden roofs are made from either wood shingles or wood shakes, a basic wooden shingle made from split logs. Both options cost approximately $8.00–$14.30 per square foot. The difference is primarily a style preference. Wood shakes look more rustic and natural, while wood shingles mimic the appearance of other roof styles with clean, thinner cuts. Both wood shakes and shingles last 40–50 years.

Solar shingles are an emerging alternative to traditional solar panels. Whereas traditional solar panels are placed on top of your existing roof and are typically noticeable from the ground, solar shingles are small solar panels that function the same but mimic the appearance of roofing so you don’t have to sacrifice curb appeal.

Solar roofs last up to 20 years and cost roughly $20–$30 per square foot. They’re made by reputable brands such as Tesla. Though solar shingles are more expensive than other roofing options, you can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, which provides a tax reduction equal to 30% of your solar installation costs. You’ll also save money on your energy bills by converting to solar.

Square footage and roofing material primarily determine your total price, but here are some additional costs to consider.

Additional Services

While you’re having your new roof 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: $300–$900
• Flashing replacement: $200–$500
• New gutters: $1,000–$6,500
• Skylight installation: $1,600–$4,200

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.

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.

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 cost varies 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.

Shingle Material

Shingle prices vary by material because some materials are more available and easy to install than others. For example, asphalt shingles are common and thus easier to find and more affordable. On the other hand, metal roofing is pricier because it’s harder to find and more complicated to install. This also applies to unique roofing materials, such as slate shingles and wood shingles.

Height and Pitch

Your roof’s height and pitch—aka its slope—determine how many shingles your roof needs and how difficult it will be for roofers to install them. The higher the pitch and height, the more expensive labor will be due to the challenge and danger of working on the roof. 

As with other home improvement projects, shingle roof costs vary by location. Areas with a higher cost of living have higher pricing. Typically, roof replacement costs are lower in rural locations than coastal and urban areas.

Below is a breakdown of the average cost of shingle installation in various states:

• Arizona: $5,500–$10,000
• California: $6,000–$16,000
• Colorado: $6,000–$13,000
• Florida: $8,000–$16,500
• Georgia: $6,500–$10,000
• Maryland: $4,500–$10,000
• Michigan: $6,500–$12,000
• Ohio: $6,000-$15,000
• Texas: $5,800–$10,600
• Washington: $7,000–$14,500

Use our tool below to see what installing shingles in your state might cost.

Replacing a full roof is expensive. In some cases, it may be possible to replace only the damaged part of the existing roof. Repair is often preferable if your roof is less than 10 years old and the damage is limited to one part of the roof. However, replacing the whole roof may be more cost-effective if your roof is older, there are widespread structural problems, or you’re planning to sell your home soon. Replacing large sections of an old roof in phases will be more expensive than one-time replacement costs.

Here are some signs that your roof shingles might need replacing:

• 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

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.

Professional Shingle Installation

A professional roofing company has the right tools, expertise, and workers to do the job quickly and correctly. A high percentage of roof installation 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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Cut 6 inches off the edge of a shingle for the second row, following any manufacturer’s instructions to stagger the tabs. Cut off 12 inches for the third row, and so on.
4. 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.
5. Apply cap shingles at the top of any peaks, or create your own from standard shingles.

Shingle roofs are versatile and affordable, making them a popular choice for most homeowners.

We’ve researched and vetted roofing companies state and country-wide. Find top-recommended roofers near you in our guides below.

Here are some steps you can take to save money on a new shingle roof, even if you hire a professional to do the installation.

• 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.

Shop Within Your Budget

Shopping for a new shingle roof with a budget in mind can be a huge help. This will help you review quotes and understand which materials you should seek out. Here’s a breakdown of what type of shingles you should shop for based on certain budgets: 

• Less than $5,000 budget: If you want cheap, easy-to-find shingles for an average-sized roof, look for basic asphalt shingles. Three-tab asphalt shingles can also be installed as an overlay, meaning you won’t have to pay for removal and disposal of your old shingles. Keep in mind that overlays add weight to your roof and may void your manufacturer’s warranty.
• $5,000–$15,000 budget: This budget gives you a lot of flexibility with the type of roof you purchase. You can opt for higher-quality asphalt shingles or purchase a metal roof for an average-sized home.
• $15,000+ budget: Beyond the $15,000 price point, you can choose from many high-end shingle materials, such as wood shakes, slate shingles, and solar roofing.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. Though they’re less durable than other materials, they’re the best option for homeowners on a budget. Opting for higher-quality shingles and professional installation will ensure they last as long as possible. For roof replacement and repairs involving more than a few shingles, we recommend getting multiple professional estimates and hiring a trusted contractor.

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