How Much Does a Shingle Roof Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $4,500 - $20,000
A shingle roof costs between $4,500 to $20,000. Expect an average cost of $9,000, depending on the type of shingles and your roof's design details.
For the average homeowner, a shingle roof costs about $9,000. That said, there is a massive range of prices. Some options are relatively affordable, clocking below $1,125 or soaring well past $51,000. These are outliers thought, and most shingle roofs cost between $4,500 to $20,000.
The largest factor when installing a shingle roof is your roof’s size. Something to keep in mind when pricing this project out is that sometimes quotes are given in “roofing squares”—it’s just a fancy way of saying 100 square feet. This guide breaks down the cost of a shingle roof so you know what to expect.
- Average
- $9,000
- Low end
- $1,125
- high end
- $51,000
Average Cost to Replace Roof Shingles
An average shingle roof covers around 1,800 square feet and costs about {{nationalAvgCost}}. While size is the single largest factor, the pitch of your roof, the type of shingles you use, whether or not they’re reinforced, and other factors all combine to determine your total project cost.
Remember that while some costs are negotiable, others are not. You may be able to cut a deal on labor, but materials are often competitively priced to begin with, so don’t expect much wiggle room.
Shingle Roof Cost Factors
Shingle roof costs are around $9,000 for the typical homeowner. Your total price can range from $4,500 to $20,000 or more, based on the size and pitch of your roof. The type of shingle you choose also influences the overall cost, as you will pay $150 to $1,500 per roofing square, or 100 square feet of shingle.
Size of Roof
The larger your roof, the more you can expect to spend on materials and labor. For example, it could take your contractor twice as long to install shingles on a 2,000-square-foot roof versus a 1,000-square-foot roof, though it depends on the materials.
Most roofing material costs $150 to $1,500 per roofing square. Shingles are typically sold in squares or bundles. One roofing square is equivalent to 100 square feet. A bundle is roughly 33.3 square feet. Three bundles make up one roofing square.
| Roof Size by Square Feet | Average Roof Price (Materials Only) | Average Roof Price (With Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| 750 | $1,125–$11,250 | $2,625–$12,750 |
| 1,000 | $1,500–$15,000 | $3,500–$17,000 |
| 1,500 | $2,250–$22,500 | $5,250–$25,500 |
| 1,750 | $2,625–$26,250 | $6,125–$29,750 |
| 2,000 | $3,000–$30,000 | $8,000–$34,000 |
| 2,500 | $3,750–$37,500 | $8,750–$42,500 |
| 3,000 | $4,500–$45,000 | $10,500–$51,000 |
Height and Pitch
A shingle roof replacement costs more if you have a high roof with a steep pitch. Not only is the work more challenging and dangerous, but your contractor will need to use special safety equipment. This can add $1,000 to $3,000 to your total labor cost.
Most residential roofs have a pitch between 4:12 and 9:12. Any roof with a pitch of 6:12 or below is considered walkable. Any roof with a pitch steeper than 6:12 is considered hazardous and likely subject to an upcharge. You can measure roof pitch if it is not already in your blueprints.
| Common Walkable Pitches | Common Steep Pitches |
|---|---|
| 3:12 | 8:12 |
| 4:12 | 9:12 |
| 6:12 | 12:12 |
Type of Shingles
Shingles cost anywhere from $80 to $2,300 per roofing square, depending on the type. Three-tab asphalt is the most common and affordable. You’ll shell out more for high-end options like slate.
Labor
Labor can make up 60% of your total project cost. Most contractors charge around $2 per square foot, but it depends on the complexity of your roof. The longer it takes, the more you will pay. A basic roof installation can take one or two days, while a complex roof installation can take three to five days.
Materials
Shingles are just one material used to make your roof. You will also need to budget for things like the cost of roof underlayment, flashing, moisture barriers, and fasteners. If you plan to install metal roofing, it is a good idea also to install furring strips, which can create ventilation and reduce condensation.
Shingle Removal
If you are replacing the roof, your contractor will have to remove the old shingles first. Roof removal usually costs between $1 and $5 per square foot, with the average homeowner spending $1,000 to $1,500. Some contractors charge hourly. If that is the case, expect to spend $50 to $80 per hour.
Reinforcement
If you are installing a heavy roofing material, like slate or clay, you will probably need to reinforce your roof. This can cost $1,000 to $2,000 per rafter. Reinforcing a roof across a whole house can cost upwards of $10,000.
Roof Repairs
Before you can install shingles, you may need to make other roof repairs. Most homeowners spend $400 to $2,000 on the cost of roof repairs, though it can cost significantly more to fix issues like sagging or to repair roof trusses, soffits, and fascia. If repairs cost more than a few thousand dollars, you may want to consider a roof replacement.
Warranties
Most major shingle brands offer product warranties that last between 20 and 50 years, but it does not always apply to workmanship. A good question to ask your roofing company is whether they offer a contractor warranty. This type of warranty often includes annual roof inspections and minor repairs, which can help preserve the life span of your roof and avoid the need for premature replacement.
Cleanup Fees
If you are getting a roof replacement, you may have to pay an additional fee for the disposal and cleanup of old roofing materials. This fee will cover the extra labor and the dumpster rental. A dumpster typically costs around $400 per week.
Cost of Roof Shingles by Material
The cost of shingles really depends on the material and can dramatically affect the overall cost of the project. High-end shingles can add thousands of dollars to your project budget compared to basic shingles. The choice depends on your budget and what you are looking for.
| Shingle Type | Typical Cost per Square Foot (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Asphalt | $1–$3 |
| Architectural Asphalt | $2–$4 |
| Aluminum | $4–$7 |
| Composite | $1–$15 |
| Slate | $8–$18 |
| Steel | $4–$7 |
| Wood Shakes or Shingles | $4–$6 |
| Solar | $20–$26 |
Asphalt
Three-tab asphalt shingles cost $1 to $3 per square foot. These are the standard asphalt shingle—and there is a reason why they are so popular. They are the perfect marriage of affordability, durability, and ease. Typically, asphalt shingles have a lightweight fiberglass base, which allows for simple and relatively inexpensive repairs and replacements.
Keep in mind that the price of all asphalt roofing—including architectural asphalt shingles and torch down roofing—fluctuates with oil prices. Nonetheless, three-tab asphalt shingles remain one of the most budget-friendly shingles on the market.
Architectural Asphalt
Expect to spend between $2 and $4 per square foot on architectural asphalt shingles. These shingles have an extra layer of ceramic lamination that adds durability, curb appeal, and higher cost.
Though architectural asphalt shingles are more durable than traditional three-tab shingles, they do not hold up well in wind, so they are not the best option for shallow roofs. They also cost more to install than three-tab asphalt shingles.
Aluminum
Aluminum shingles cost between $4 and $7 per square foot. Though metal roofing is not the most affordable, it does come with high durability. Aluminum roofing is lightweight and resistant to rust and corrosion and provides some protection against external fires. If well maintained, an aluminum roof can last for about 40 years (though it is so lightweight that it can damage more easily than steel).
Unfortunately, this type of roof does expand and contract depending on the weather. It is not a good fit for areas with large temperature fluctuations.
Composite
You could spend anywhere from $1 to $15 per square foot on composite shingles, though most homeowners spend at least $4 per square foot. It all depends on the grade. Bargain-grade shingles, which start at $1 per square foot, are the least durable. Architectural grade shingles, which start at $12 per square foot, are at the highest end.
Composite shingles are made from a bunch of different materials, including plastic, wood, laminate, and asphalt. As a result, they come in a lot of different colors and styles. You can even get composite shingles that mimic Spanish roofing or cedar shakes. Depending on the quality, a composite roof can last up to 50 years.
Slate
Natural slate shingles cost $8 to $18 per square foot. This high-end roofing option is notably more expensive than other types of shingles, but it can last for hundreds of years if well maintained—and maintenance is generally pretty easy. You can actually replace one shingle at a time, rather than splurging on a full roof replacement.
That said, slate shingles are heavy. You will need to take special care during the initial installation. Most homeowners need to reinforce the roof to carry the extra weight, which can add thousands to the cost of the project.
Steel
Most steel shingles cost $4 to $7 per square foot. Galvanized steel, which has a protective zinc coating, is the most popular. You can also find stone-coated steel shingles. These are on the high end of the price range, but typically have several protective coatings. You can even get a stone-coated steel textured to look more like traditional asphalt shingles.
Steel is a popular material for standing seam metal roofs, but it works well for shingles because it is more durable than aluminum and more affordable than other metals like copper. To choose the best metal roof for your home, ask a metal roof installer near you.
Wood Shakes or Shingles
Wood shingles typically cost $4 to $6 per square foot. You can either choose:
Traditional wood shingles: This type of shingle is made from a number of different woods. Aesthetically, wood shingles lie flat and have a uniform size and shape akin to a standard asphalt shingle.
Wood shakes: Shakes typically consist of cedar, spruce, or treated pine. They are irregular in size, thickness, and shape. This provides a rustic look ideal for cabins and beach homes.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles cost an average of $23 per square foot. This high price tag might seem alarming, but they do not cover your entire roof. Rather, this type of roofing is an alternative to traditional solar panels, which some homeowners think detract from curb appeal. Solar shingles are integrated into your existing shingles, allowing you to reap the benefits of energy efficiency without staring at a hunk of metal.
Common Cost of Shingle Roofing Add-Ons
While you are installing a shingle roof, you may want to add on some other roofing services. This can range from roof certification, which helps prove the quality of your roof to potential buyers and mortgage lenders, to additional features like skylights and gutters. Here are some common additional services and costs:
Roof sealing costs: $500–$2,200
Flashing installation costs: $300–$1,500
Gutter installation costs: $550–$1,900
Skylight installation costs: $1,100–$2,800
Roof inspection costs: $125–$350
Roof certification costs: $75–$200
Chimney repair costs: $100–$1,800
Installing a Shingle Roof Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a shingle roof is much more involved than simply installing the shingles. Roofs have layers, including decking, underlayment, soffits, rafters, ties, and beams. Then, there is the potential hazard of climbing onto a roof to work. The average homeowner—even the really handy kind—should absolutely leave this job to a roofing pro.
A DIY shingle roof installation can cost 60% less than hiring a pro, but it can be dangerous and void your home warranty. In some cases, it can even void your homeowner’s insurance. It is best to take the safe route and hire a roofing company near you.
Signs Your Roof Shingles Need to Be Replaced
You may already have a shingle roof installed and just need to know when to replace it. The obvious and easiest answer is to call a local roofer, but you are the first line of defense for any damage to your home. Some of the signs that your roof shingles need replacing are:
Constant leaks in the attic or upper floors of the house.
Obvious damage from fallen tree limbs.
Any torn or blown-off shingles from severe storms.
Shingles that are cracked or peeling.
You notice granules from the shingles on the roof, in the gutters, or on the ground.
How to Save on the Cost of a Shingle Roof
It can be hard to budget for a new roof. This is not a small renovation, but there are some ways you can save. The best way is to choose your shingle materials carefully. Budget-friendly options are not always best; you need to look at the bigger picture. Consider the following:
Budget
Durability
Roof pitch
Climate
Cost of future repairs
Overall life span
The truth is that some shingles perform poorly on roofs with certain pitches. Others cannot hold up to extreme weather. You will not save money if you choose an affordable shingle that wears down prematurely.
That said, you should still keep budget in mind. If you love the look of high-end shingles but do not have deep enough pockets, you may be able to cut costs by mixing and matching shingles. This works best on certain types of roofing, like mansard roofs, which are broken up into sections without all shingles visible from the street.
Lastly, always get quotes from at least three different roofing pros. This will give you insight into how much a shingle roofing project costs in your area. It will let you compare services and help you find the right pro for the job.
Ben Kissam and Stacey L. Nash contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stripping existing shingles and installing a new shingle roof takes at least three days. Both demolition and installation take a significant amount of time due to the height aspect—multiply this if your roof is pitched severely. On average, consider a time horizon between two and five days for a simple install. This timeline extends if there is damage to the roofing structure underneath the shingles.
Shingle roofing can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years. It depends on the type of shingle and how well you maintain your roof. If you live in a humid climate, you can increase the life span of your roof by installing anti-mold shingles or adding a roof coating. Here’s what you can expect:
Asphalt shingles: 10–30 years
Wood shingles: 20–25 years
Composite singles: 30–50 years
Metal shingles: 40–75 years
Slate shingles: 60–125 years
You should remove your old shingles before you install new shingles. Shingling over shingles can create a bumpy surface (goodbye curb appeal) or hide crucial issues that would otherwise be found during an inspection. It also can open the window for potential roof leaks, void your roof warranty, violate building code, and decrease your home’s energy efficiency. In a worst case scenario, your roof can collapse under the added weight of extra shingles.
Composite shingles aren’t necessarily better than asphalt shingles. It just depends on what you’re looking for. Asphalt shingles cost less to install, but an asphalt roof can cost more to repair. You might also need more frequent repairs or replacements. The average life span of an asphalt roof is 10 to 20 years, while a composite roof can last 30 to 50 years. Composite roofs are also more sustainable. They typically consist of recycled materials, whereas asphalt is made from petroleum.
To figure out how many shingles you’ll need, you should calculate your roof’s square footage. This is not the same thing as your floor plan. It depends on the overall size of your home and style of your roof.
Once you know the square footage, you can determine the number of roofing squares. Shingles are sold in squares and bundles. A square is equivalent to 100 square feet, and there are three bundles in a square. To do the math, simply divide your square footage by 100. For example, a 2,000-square-foot roof needs 20 squares of shingles.