How Much Does a New Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost?

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Asphalt Shingles Cost per Square

Several common measurements must be considered when looking at roofing materials. Asphalt shingle prices are often listed per square, which is the amount of materials needed to cover 100 sq.ft. The average asphalt shingles cost per square is $100 to $1,000 for the material, depending on the variety. The three-tab shingles price is significantly lower than architectural three-dimensional shingles. The below table highlights the average cost per square.

Asphalt Shingles Roof Cost per Square Foot

Many roofing companies and shingle manufacturers price asphalt shingles by the square foot. 100 sq.ft. make one square. The average price ranges from $1 to $10 per sq.ft. for material or $3 to $15 per sq.ft. installed. This depends on the variety, including whether you choose the more traditional three-tab shingles or the newer architectural shingles with a three-dimensional element that last longer. The higher the cost per square foot, the better quality they have, and the longer they last. Most average-sized American homes need between 1,700 and 3,000 sq.ft. or 17 to 30 squares to complete an asphalt roof installation.

Asphalt Shingle Cost per Bundle

Another option for purchasing asphalt shingles is to buy them in bundles. These packs contain enough roofing material to cover 33.3 sq.ft. of the roof or ⅓ of a square. The usual number of bundles needed to install a full roof depends on the home size and the roof slope and can be calculated by dividing the total roof square footage by 33.3. The table below shows how much bulk bundles cost for an asphalt roof installation. The average price per bundle is $33 to $330, depending on whether the shingles are three-tab or architectural.

Average Cost of Asphalt Shingles by Type

Depending on the shingle design, there are two main types of asphalt shingles: three-tab ($3 to $6 per sq.ft. installed) and architectural ($5 to $15 per sq.ft. installed). Three-tab shingles have a simpler design and are seen as the more traditional, basic shingle that is budget-friendly but not as strong or luxurious. In comparison, architectural shingles are a premium option that offer a thick three-dimensional appeal for residential roofing. Architectural shingles look thicker and stronger than three-tab shingles that are flatter.

Three-Tab Shingles Price

With an average cost of $3 to $6 per sq.ft., a 1,500 sq.ft. three-tab shingles roofing job costs $4,500 to $9,000. A slightly larger 2,000 sq.ft. roof costs $6,000 to $12,000. As the building industry’s basic strip shingles, the three-tab variety is made from fiberglass and small mineral granules in many colors. These lightweight pieces are made to last for 20 or more years with a flat one-dimensional look. These are found on many older homes and are used today, especially for budget roof upgrades.

They have three distinct tabs about 12” wide. The moisture-wicking material helps water slide off the roof. Three-tab options offer a simpler, less expensive installation process with a flat finish.

Architectural Shingles Cost

The average cost of $5 to $15 per sq.ft. means most homeowners spend around $7,500 to $22,500 to install a 1,500 sq.ft. architectural shingle roof. A 2,000 sq.ft. roof ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 when using architectural pieces. Many homeowners feel this newer style puts a fresh spin on their home’s appearance and is worth the higher cost.

Architectural shingles benefit curb appeal and are in demand for homebuyers. Two or more layers are combined for a richer, more prestigious look. These are laminated for extra durability and have a more three-dimensional look and a high-end finish. They can last 50 years and hold stronger during wind, hail, and tornadoes. Architectural shingles must be added directly to the roof and cannot be layered on previous shingles. Several styles are available for architectural shingles, such as single or multi-color. Some have additional sealing and weatherproofing features.

Asphalt Shingles Cost by Material

There are two main materials to consider when shopping for asphalt shingles, ranging from $3 to $12 per sq.ft. installed. Fiberglass shingles are less expensive and easier to find than the organic variety, but the final price varies based on the brand and style. Mild regions may be better for fiberglass shingles. Homes in areas with extreme cold or heat may get better results with organic asphalt shingles.

Fiberglass shingles cost less than organic, about $3 to $9 a sq.ft. installed. Organic shingles cost $9 to $12 per sq.ft. installed. Fiberglass shingles are more durable, with some architectural styles lasting 50 years. They are also less flammable. Organic shingles are less popular but do well in cold or harsh climates, so they may be found in those areas more often. Both materials have a layer of asphalt over a mat and stone granules on top. The material refers to the mat, giving the shingles integrity.

Asphalt Shingles Prices by Warranty

A roof replacement is a major project that costs thousands of dollars, so it is in your best interest to invest in high-quality shingles that last a long time. Otherwise, you could end up paying $7,000 to $12,000 for reroofing. Extreme climates or areas with heavy precipitation may benefit from shingles with a longer lifespan. Many brands have a limited lifetime warranty. Generally, the longer the warranty, the higher the cost.

20-Year Warranty

Basic three-tab options usually have a 20-year warranty and cost between $3 and $6 per sq.ft. These are slightly lower quality. However, the low cost makes them a smart choice for homeowners who do not plan to stay in their home forever or want a more cost-effective option. Check building codes with 20-year shingles because they are usually only built to withstand 70 mph winds.

30-Year Warranty

The average cost of 30-year asphalt shingles is $8 to $12 per sq.ft. 30 years is usually the minimum warranty for architectural pieces. They add more depth instead of the flat three-tab shingle look. These are better for regions that see rainfall or storms because they have a durable design that suits long-term homeowners.

40-Year Warranty

Premium 40-year warranty options cost $9 to $15 per sq.ft. Some architectural or organic pieces fall into the 40-year range and resist cracking and warping. These hold up well in severe weather and changing temperatures. They also reflect heat better than less expensive shingles.

50-Year Warranty

You can invest in 50-year asphalt shingles that cost $10 to $15 per sq.ft. for better roof protection. This is the average warranty time that architectural options usually have. The warranty guarantees that this roofing lasts for half a century, even in areas where hurricanes, blizzards, and other severe weather wreak havoc.

Lifetime Warranty

If you want the added peace of mind of asphalt shingles with a lifetime warranty, expect to pay $12 to $20 per sq.ft. These are highly durable and well-made, so they are guaranteed to last. Read the lifetime warranty carefully to understand the replacement process in case of a storm or other damage. While the cost is higher upfront, many homeowners find the lifetime warranty a worthwhile investment, especially in areas with severe weather.

Asphalt Shingles Prices by Brand

Many leading roofing companies offer a wide selection of asphalt shingles at different price points. Prices range from $16 to $70 per bundle and $48 to $210 per square, depending on the brand. IKO is the least expensive shingle. They make primarily 3-tab shingles with varying warranties. Another affordable brand is Tamko, offering 3-tab and a signature line of architectural and laminated shingles. CertainTeed and GAF are well-known lines for tough, durable architectural shingles with several attributes. The CertainTeed Landmark line looks like cedar shingles. These and those produced by GAF are flame-retardant and resist algae.

Owens Corning is another brand that is well-known for durability. Their shingles are engineered for additional nailing strips, so they hold better in high winds. They also have an extensive line of different styles and colors. The table below shows average prices from the most popular brands in the building industry.

Labor Cost to Install Asphalt Shingles

The cost to install asphalt shingles ranges from $2 to $5 per sq.ft. Some installers charge $40 to $60 per hour, depending on the complexity. Asphalt shingles can be installed by most roofing contractors and are a common roof type. While asphalt shingles are common, this installation should always be done by a professional to ensure the roof is safe and stable. DIY installation jobs can leave the roof exposed to the elements and lead to even more expensive repairs in the future, not to mention serious safety concerns.

If your home has a single layer of asphalt shingles, you can install a second layer over them. However, your roof deck needs to be in good condition. Your roof must be torn off before the new shingles can be installed if your roof deck needs repair, you switch roof materials, or you already have two layers. Once the old roof is off, your roof deck is inspected and repaired as needed. The shingles are installed over a layer of underlayment, which varies depending on the roof and shingle type.

Roof protrusions, a high pitch, or a complex roof with dormers, valleys, or curves increases your installation cost. Installation costs can reach $7 per sq.ft. for very complex designs. Likewise, installation costs increase if your roof deck requires repair.

Cost to Replace Asphalt Shingle Roof

The average cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof is $3 to $6 per sq.ft. for a 3-tab shingle roof and $7 to $15 a sq.ft. for an architectural shingle roof. This includes tearing off the roof and installing new materials. This makes the average cost of roof replacement between $6,000 and $30,000, depending on the asphalt shingle.

In some cases, homeowners can replace several damaged sections of their roof rather than the entire thing. Consult with your roofer for their input on how extensive the damage is. The repair process must be done meticulously with extra caution to ensure the roof is unaffected. Roofers recommend repairs or a full replacement, depending on how much work is involved in the repairs and if it is cheaper to install a brand-new roof. They can evaluate how long they think the existing roof will last and if the timing is right for a replacement.

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

Some architectural shingles are considered luxury asphalt shingles. These shingles can resemble cedar or slate for less money than the real material. In some cases, it costs ten times as much to install real slate as it does to install laminated architectural roofing. In addition to the impressive cost savings, luxury pieces provide considerable depth with a distinctive look in different colors. You can get a multi-colored roof with long-lasting shingles that keep the roof cool and free from serious damage.

Premium options are at the high end of the price range. Some of the most popular luxury pieces cost $9 to $15 per sq.ft. The total price varies by company, warranty, and special features, such as nailing and weatherproofing technology. Some luxury shingles are classified as cool-roof, meaning they have special solar-reflective granules that minimize heat transfer. This cutting-edge technology makes for a more comfortable residence in hot and sunny regions and is even a requirement in some areas.

Asphalt Shingles Pros and Cons

Many homeowners choose this material for affordability and durability. It is one of the most economical roofing types with a decent return on investment, especially with 30 or 40-year shingles. Many colors and textured designs are available and advanced technology to protect against storms, algae, and cracking. Laminated and luxury architectural pieces cost more than the traditional three-tab version. Even the most basic ones should last 10 to 20 years.

While this material has many advantages, some downsides, such as the shorter lifespan and inefficient recycling opportunities, exist. Asphalt shingles are difficult to recycle once you are done with them and contribute to toxic fumes in landfills, with millions of tons of asphalt discarded yearly. An annual inspection is recommended. Curled, cracked, or missing shingles can lead to irreparable damage that requires an expensive roof replacement.

Weight of Asphalt Shingles

The average weight of asphalt shingles per square foot is 1 to 3 pounds. The weight of a bundle of asphalt shingles is 50 to 80 pounds. Bundles of three-tab asphalt shingles are generally at least 50 pounds. Architectural asphalt shingles may be closer to 65 pounds. The asphalt shingle weight per square is 230 to 430 pounds, depending on the type. Three-tab shingles squares are 230 to 250 pounds. Architectural shingle squares most commonly weigh 400 to 430 pounds.

It is important to know the weight to understand the replacement and reinforcement requirements and the project costs. Your roof’s home deck may require replacement or reinforcement if the new shingles are significantly heavier than the previous roofing material. The cost of professional teardown depends on how heavy they are and how much material requires disposal. Many dumpster providers charge per pound, with an overweight fee if the dumpster weighs more than expected.

Weight and thickness vary depending on the material design. Standard asphalt shingles are the least thick and can be layered across existing roofing for fast installation. Architectural options are thicker due to the lamination. While they do not weigh much more than standard shingles, they appear heavier for greater visual substance. In comparison, slate, metal, and tile are heavier and need a reinforced roof deck before use. Asphalt and wood shingles do not need reinforcement.

Asphalt Shingle Colors

One of the key advantages of installing asphalt shingles is the extensive color options. While some roofing types have limited color selection, that is not the case with asphalt. These pieces come in traditional and modern trendy styles. You can select from a range of light and dark tones, including pale, medium, dark gray, and brown. Beige, red, blue, green, and polychromatic with multiple colors are also popular.

To ensure long-lasting results, choose the right color. They are expensive to replace, so pick a color you will enjoy for years. It is also a good idea to invest in a shingle color that matches the house for curb appeal and resale value if you plan on selling.

Fixr.com created a tool for you to see the most recommended roof colors for each siding type and how they look with recommendations.

Energy Star Asphalt Shingles Cost

Energy-efficient asphalt shingles come with an Energy Star rating, similar to many other home building products. These reflect the sun better for adequate temperature control. Depending on the shingle, they can reduce the roof temperature by as much as 50º, leading to less heat transfer. Energy Star pieces reduce air conditioning requirements by 10% to 15%. Most brands offer some form of Energy Star shingles that cost $25 to $60 per bundle. They are worth the extra money for many homeowners, especially for cost savings.

Maintenance

Routine roof maintenance makes a big difference to the quality and protection of asphalt roofs, but this roof is generally more low-maintenance than others. Take care of these roofs to ensure they last for 20 to 30 years or more. One of the biggest parts of roof maintenance is regularly inspecting the roof for damage, such as cracks or leaks. This is especially important after a big storm with high winds and hail because these weather events can wreak havoc on the strongest roofs. Roof inspections cost between $100 and $600, depending on the company and required certifications.

Cleaning your roof can be done by yourself or professionally and is a good idea after bad weather or at least 1 or 2 times a year. You can clean these roofs with a 50:50 mix of water and high-strength liquid chlorine bleach. This prevents algae and moss growth. While someone is up there cleaning, it is best to clear the downspouts and gutters at least twice a year. This keeps the entire roofing system functioning optimally, especially if you live in an area with heavy rain or leaves that get trapped in the gutter or conceal obvious roof damage.

Metal vs Asphalt Shingles

You can use many materials on your roof, including metal and asphalt shingles. While metal roofing is available in shingles, it is also available in several other styles. Like asphalt shingles, which can be found in fiberglass and organic materials and different styles, metal shingles can also be found in different materials. These include steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. Aluminum interlocking shingles and stone-coated steel shingles are the most common. All metal roofing lasts 50 years or more, with copper and zinc lasting more than 100. While some asphalts, such as premium architectural shingles, last 50 years, many only last 20 to 30 years, so while asphalt shingles are generally less expensive, these roofs need to be replaced more frequently. Below are the average costs per square foot installed for both materials.

Composition vs Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are composite or composition roofing. Composite roofing means the material is made of various components. This can include asphalt and architectural shingles and synthetic tiles. Composite shingles commonly refer to architectural shingles, but there are other composite roofing types. Composite roofing lasts 30 to 50 years like architectural shingles. They are durable, long-lasting, flame-retardant, and algae-resistant. Some types mimic cedar shingles or slate tiles. Their overall costs are higher than asphalt shingles. Below are the average costs for installing both materials.

Synthetic Slate Roof Cost vs Asphalt

The cost of installing a synthetic slate roof is $7 to $12 per sq.ft., compared to $3 to $15 per sq.ft. for asphalt shingles. While there is a much broader range of price points with a synthetic slate roof, it offers advantages, such as greater durability as a more eco-friendly roofing option. While asphalt shingles are less expensive and can still last 20 to 30 years, synthetic slate is likely to last 30 to 50 years when properly maintained.

Repair costs may be slightly more expensive for asphalt than synthetic slate, especially in warm climates with sun and heat. Prolonged sunlight and extreme temperatures can leave asphalt exposed to cracking, requiring repairs. Synthetic slate is less likely to crack. Asphalt has an environmental concern with the toxic fumes it releases during recycling. Synthetic slate does not have that issue and is often made of recycled materials.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Roof Shingles Sealant

Sealing roof shingles is great for improving the roof’s quality, appearance, and performance. Depending on the sealant brand and contractor, this can be a relatively cost-effective upgrade, with the average price ranging from $400 to $2,000. Sealing adds another layer of protection to improve longevity and increases fire and water resistance. Asphalt sealant keeps AC costs down by reflecting heat from the roof. Professional roofers charge between $0.60 and $5 per sq.ft. for sealing services to protect against physical damage and chemical corrosion.

Recycled Asphalt Shingles

The average cost of recycled asphalt shingles is similar to non-recycled ones, around $3 to $10 per sq.ft. Recycled shingles are better for the environment because they are not polluting a landfill but getting a second life as high-strength, durable roofing materials. However, they are still not as common or popular in the mainstream homebuilding market as other recycled materials. Yet, their usage may continue to increase in the coming years. When completing a new installation or roof replacement, you can recycle asphalt shingles for much cheaper than you can dump them. Putting discarded shingles in a landfill averages $35 to $50 per ton, while recycling is only $18 to $20 per ton.