How Much Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost?

Cost of Asphalt Shingles per Square Foot

Most homeowners pay between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot for asphalt shingle installation. Costs can be as low as $0.80 per square foot for very basic materials.

Cost of One Square of Asphalt Roof Shingles

One square of asphalt roof shingles covers 100 square feet and ranges in price from $80 to $550 per square (including installation). Prices depend on the type of shingles you choose; three-tab is the least expensive, and architectural costs the most.

Asphalt Shingle Costs by Type

The type of asphalt shingle you choose impacts how much you'll pay for your roof. Standard three-tab models are the most budget-friendly, while architectural models can cost up to five times as much.

Three-Tab

Three-tab shingles cost around $305 per square. So, to cover a standard 1,500-square-foot roof, you'll pay $4,050 to $5,100. These are the standard strip shingles, usually with a lightweight fiberglass base, and are the most common type. They have a flat, one-dimensional appearance once in situ. Three-tab shingles have a lifespan of around 20 years. 

Architectural

Architectural shingles cost an average of $900 per square. So, for a 1,500-square-foot roof, you can pay anywhere from $4,500 to $22,500. These shingles have a more three-dimensional look, so boost curb appeal with their contemporary, striking appearance. 

Note that, unlike regular strip shingles, architectural shingles cannot lay over existing shingles. Instead, you’ll need to remove the old layer, adding to your cost. However, aside from their enhanced appearance, they last for around 50 years. 

Energy-Efficient

Energy-efficient shingles cost around $400 per square, meaning a $1,500-square-foot roof will set you back approximately $6,000. Offered by Owens Corning™, these shingles are ENERGY STAR®️ rated and help reduce energy bills by keeping the house cooler. 

Composite

On average, installing composite roofing costs $22,060. Depending on the type and size of the roof, costs typically range from $10,100 to $41,850.

While many people use composite roofing shingles and asphalt shingles interchangeably, they’re actually different. Asphalt has two layers: a paper or fiberglass mat, then asphalt on top. Composite comes from many different materials, such as wood and laminate.

Asphalt Roof Costs by Brand

Different brands offer asphalt shingles at a wide range of price points, based on material base and quality. While GAF Timberline's models cost as little as $100 per square, installed, other brands, such as IKO, offer high-end architectural shingles in slate or cedar-look finishes that cost up to $400 per square, installed.

Asphalt Roofing Cost Factors

Keep several cost factors in mind when installing asphalt roofing, as they impact your project’s price. 

Removal

Removing asphalt typically costs between $3 and $5 per square foot. One benefit of asphalt shingles is that they can go directly on top of your old shingles, provided the roof deck is in good condition.

If the roof deck is in bad shape, you have two or more shingle layers, or if your current roof is shake-shingled, roofers will need to remove all the old materials and roofing. Ask a roofing specialist near you to include this step in the estimate so the added costs won't surprise you later on.

Labor

Labor for installing asphalt roofing shingles totals between 50 and 70% of the project price. Hiring roofers costs $40 to $80 per hour. Be sure to get quotes from several local roofing companies before you sign a contract.  

Roof Repairs or Replacement

On average, the cost to replace a roof is $7,930. You might want to consider hiring a roof inspector; they’ll tell you the condition of your roof and determine whether repairs or a full replacement is best. Hiring a roof inspector costs between $120 and $300. If you only need repair, you'll save considerably over having a full or even partial replacement, as roof repair costs between $380 to $1,700, depending on the issue. 

You'll know it's time to replace your asphalt shingles when you regularly have to make repairs and notice multiple missing shingles, loose shingles, or exposed nail heads. Excessively dark or dirty areas may also appear. Your roof could even start sagging in places. If you find granules in your gutter, or you notice your shingles are curling, cracking, dry, or blistering, or you have areas of missing or damaged flashing, you probably need to replace your shingles. 

Other signs that it's time to replace your asphalt shingles include:

• Water damage in the attic

• Mold and mildew buildup

• Inexplicably higher heating and cooling costs.

Additional Projects

To give your roof a full facelift and to save time and money, consider having other jobs bundled into the same shingle project. For example, get your gutters inspected, cleaned, and repaired. Have fascias cleaned or replaced, organize any necessary pest control services, and consider having large, overhanging trees trimmed. 

Each of these services adds to the cost of your roofing project, but also helps increase your new roof's lifespan and helps eliminate potential threats before they become major and expensive issues.

Other Factors

Other services that can increase your project total include: 

• Removal/Disposal of Old Roof: $3–$5 per square foot. Costs can increase depending on location and the difficulty of the removal process.

• Roof Rafters or Trusses: $1,000–$10,000. Roof rafters or trusses need to support the roof; damaged trusses will need replacing.

• Algae and Fungus: extra 10%–15% of materials budget. You might want to consider algae-resistant shingles if you live in a location with high humidity or precipitation.

• Steep Pitch. A house with a steep pitch increases the physical risk for anyone installing asphalt shingles on the roof (thus increasing the price as well).

DIY Asphalt Shingle Installation vs. Hiring a Professional

While it costs more to hire a roofing company, the benefits are priceless. You eliminate personal risk by hiring a roofer (a professional is experienced and comes equipped with any necessary harnesses or other materials to perform the job).

Hiring a pro also means you get warranty protection, not to mention expertise that ensures a long-lasting roof. Call a roofing contractor for a quote.

FAQs

How much does an asphalt fiberglass shingle roof cost?

Fiberglass shingles cost anywhere from $120 to $400 per square, installed. For a basic 1,500-square-foot roof, expect to pay between $1,800 and $6,000.

How much does it cost to replace a roof on a 900-square-foot house?

Expect to pay anywhere between $3,500 and $5,500 to replace the roof on a 900-square foot house.

How do you install asphalt shingles?

A professional roofer will examine the pitch and overall roof before getting started. They’ll check to see that the roof deck is in good shape and that the roof remains secured to the roof trusses. Once you select your materials, the roofer will lay down the drip edge to protect it from water damage.

Next, a roofer attaches an ice and water protector over the drip edge, followed by an underlayment for added protection. The roofer will complete valley flashing to prevent leaks before beginning to nail in the shingles.

We strongly recommend hiring a professional roofer and not taking on a roofing DIY project. 

What are the benefits of asphalt shingles?

Asphalt shingles are durable and often the most economical. Depending on where you live, you can expect your asphalt shingle roof to last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Of all the shingle materials, asphalt shingles are also the easiest to install.