How much does a shingle roof cost?
The national average cost of a shingle roof ranges from $12,129-$14,313 for a 2,500-square-foot roof. Average costs range from $12,980-$15,315 on the high end and $10,553-$12,452 on the low end.
Asphalt shingle roof cost:
|
National average cost |
$12,129-$14,313 |
|
Average low-end cost range |
$10,553-$12,452 |
|
Average high-end cost range |
$12,980-$15,315 |
*All figures above reflect pricing for 2,500-square-foot roofs. Figures include labor, material and cost increases due to market conditions.
The cost of your shingle roof will depend on many factors, including roof size, whether you need your old roof removed first, labor costs and more. The following guide will help you estimate your roofing costs, gather free estimates, hire the right roofing contractor and more.
What's in this cost guide?
- Why choose asphalt shingles?
- Asphalt shingle roof labor cost
- Material cost for shingle roof
- How much is a square of shingles?
- Shingle roof cost by size
- Asphalt shingle roof cost factors
- How to estimate shingle roofing costs
- Benefits of shingle roofs
- How long do shingle roofs last?
- How to hire roofing contractors near you
- Get free cost estimates from roofers near you
- FAQs
Asphalt roofs are a top choice among many homeowners, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). This is primarily because these shingles are one of the most affordable options on the market.
Here’s a look at how asphalt shingles compare to other roofing materials:
|
Roofing type |
Average total cost |
|
Asphalt shingles |
$12,129-$14,313 |
|
Cedar shake |
$43,526-$51,552 |
|
Copper |
$58,132-$101,631 |
|
Metal |
$19,570-$22,068 |
|
Rubber (EPDM) |
$2,833-$3,765 |
|
Slate |
$52,286-$79,148 |
|
Tile |
$21,914-$31,277 |
*All figures above reflect pricing for 2,500-square-foot roofs. Figures include labor, material and cost increases due to market conditions.
Buying guide: How to choose the best roof shingles.
On average, a square of shingles costs $200-$275 per square or $2-$2.75 per square foot in the U.S.. When estimating how much roofing materials you need (and how much it will cost), contractors use roofing squares as a measurement. 1 roofing square is equal to 100 feet.
Shingle roof cost per square foot:
|
Labor costs |
$2.84-$3.00 |
|
Material costs |
$2-$2.75 |
Average material costs start at $2 per square foot, and average labor costs start at $2.84 per square foot for shingle roofs. Based on these cost-per-foot estimates, here’s a look at the starting average costs for different roof sizes:
| Square feet | Starting average cost for materials | Starting average cost for labor |
| 750 | $1,500 | $2,130 |
| 1,000 | $2,000 | $2,840 |
| 1,250 | $2,500 | $3,550 |
| 1,500 | $2,300 | $4,260 |
| 1,750 | $3,500 | $4,970 |
| 2,000 | $4,000 | $5,580 |
| 2,250 | $4,500 | $6,390 |
| 2,500 | $5,000 | $7,100 |
*All figures above are estimates and represent starting costs of $2/sq. ft. for materials and $2.84/sq. ft. for labor.
There are numerous factors to consider when trying to price out the cost of a new roof. Take the following into consideration.
- Roof size. The size of your roof will play a large role in the cost of your project. The size will impact the cost of the shingles, plywood and underlayment.
- Material. Asphalt isn’t the only material you can use for roofing shingles. Metal, tile, slate and cedar shingles are also available at different price points — and often cost more than asphalt shingles.
- Scope of installation. Different roofing materials will require other installation techniques. The wrong installation techniques can compromise the entire system. For this reason, it’s critical to consider what your installation costs will be.
- Cost of specific brands. Finally, as is true with any product you purchase, your total roof replacement costs will be impacted by the brand you choose for materials. Always ask your roofing contractor what brands they offer and recommend based on price and quality.
- Additional work needed. If you’re repairing a shingle roof, your costs will be lower. But if you’re replacing your old roof with a new asphalt or metal roof, expect to pay more.
If you are looking to install a new roof, you will likely want to enter the project with at least an estimate of roof costs. Determining the average price for a new roof can help you make the right financial decisions before choosing materials and hiring roofing contractors for the work.
The following steps will help you estimate your roof installation costs:
- Know the size of your roof. The total roof cost will be dependent on the size of your home.
- Use the total square footage of your roof multiplied by the average material cost to estimate material expenses. For example, if you decide to use asphalt shingles, multiply your roof’s square footage against the average material cost.
- Ask for cost estimates from local roofing companies. Pull at least three to four estimates and add these labor costs to your material estimates.
Whether your existing roof is leaking or the last storm to pass through the area caused severe hail damage to your roof’s shingles, installing a new shingle roof may be worth the cost.
Here are some reasons why these roofs are beneficial:
- Aesthetic. You can purchase asphalt shingles in a variety of styles, colors, materials and designs to create a beautiful roof that increases your home’s curb appeal.
- Affordability. Compared to most roofing materials, asphalt shingles are an economical choice. For the homeowner on a budget, these shingles are an ideal fit.
- Reliability. Shingles have been around for decades, and they’ve proven to be durable.
3-tab asphalt shingles last 20 years, and architectural shingles last 30 years, according to InterNACHI.
Once you’ve decided on the right material for your new roof, it’s time to hire a roofing professional to tear off your old roof and install a new one. Hiring roofing contractors is a simple process, made even easier by the use of Thumbtack. The following steps will help ensure you hire the ideal roofing contractor for your needs.
- Start with a local search to find roofing contractors near you.
- Compare online ratings and reviews of each roofing professional you’re considering.
- Ask for estimates on installation costs and materials from multiple roofing contractors.
- Ask each contractor a few key questions, such as:
- What brands can I choose from for the asphalt shingles?
- Do you have examples of previous work you’ve performed?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you take care of property clean-up and haul away trash after the project is complete?
- How long will it take to install my shingle roof?
- Do you offer warranties?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
Weigh the total project cost estimates you receive against the services offered and the professional’s online reviews. It’s also important to choose a roofer that communicates well.
If you’re ready to hire a roofer to install a new roof or repair an old one, do a quick search for roofers near you. Once you find a list of roofing companies in your area, start pulling estimates.
Whether you decide to install an architectural shingle or a 3-tab asphalt shingle roof, Thumbtack makes it easy for you to locate a roofing contractor that offers the materials and re-roofing services you need.
Related: Metal roof vs. shingles – which one should you choose?
FAQs
Is roll roofing cheaper than shingles?
Roll roofing is a cheaper alternative to shingles. However, some believe roll roofing isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as asphalt shingles and it’s less durable. It’s generally installed on sheds, barns and other storage buildings.
Do you nail down roll roofing?
Yes, roll roofing is attached using nails.
What are the longest-lasting roof shingles?
Slate, concrete, clay and metal roofs tend to last the longest. Here’s a quick look at their life expectancy:
- Metal roof: 40-80 years
- Slate roof: 60-150 years
- Clay/concrete roof: 100+ years
*The project cost estimates included in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data. For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.
