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Metal Roofing Cost & Buyers Guide (2023)
By Kristina Zagame /
Architectural Shingles Cost (Homeowners Guide 2023)
Average Architectural Shingles Cost: $13,000 to $22,000
- Architectural shingles are durable, wind resistant and have a longer lifespan than other shingles
- Architectural shingles deflect heat and offer insulation to boost energy efficiency
- The average cost per square foot of architectural shingles ranges from $4 to $8
EcoWatch guides have helped thousands of homeowners like you find a roof that fits their needs, while saving time and money in the process. Let’s get started on this guide to architectural shingles.
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Architectural shingles, otherwise known as dimensional shingles or laminate shingles, take the traditional asphalt shingle to the next level. This roofing material is up to three times thicker than its asphalt counterpart, which makes it more durable, weather resistant and suitable for solar panel installation on your roof.
The most desirable feature of architectural shingles is their wide range of styles and colors — homeowners can choose from black, bronze, teal, orange, tan and more. Although these three-tab shingles start at a higher price point than regular asphalt shingles, the extra cost is worth the added protection they provide and their longer lifespan.
Cost of Installing Architectural Shingles
At $4 to $8 per square foot, an architectural shingle roof would come in at between $13,000 and $22,000 total for materials and labor — higher than the cost of a traditional asphalt shingle roof. Cost for materials alone for a 1,700-square-foot architectural shingle roof typically range between $6,800 and $13,600.
These estimates are national averages – the actual cost of an architectural shingle roof for your home will depend on your roof’s complexity, slope and local installation costs. A local contractor will be best positioned to give you an estimate that takes an inspection of your roof and local labor rates into account.
How to Calculate the Cost of Your New Architectural Shingles
While the cost to replace or install new architectural shingles will depend on a number of factors, you can do a ballpark materials cost estimate by multiplying the square footage of your roof by the cost of material:
Square footage of your roof x average cost per sq. ft. architectural shingles = roof estimate
This simple equation will only provide you with an estimate for your new roof. To get a more accurate cost for your new architectural shingles roof, contact a local roofing contractor.
To learn more about the cost to replace your roof with architectural shingles, contact a local roofing installer for an accurate quote.
Power Home
Best Overall
Average cost
Pros
- Positive industry reputation
- Lifetime or lengthy warranty
- 10+ years of experience
- Positive customer reviews
- Uses eco-friendly materials
- Well-trained, certified installers
- Variety of roofing styles available
Cons
- Limited variety of roofing materials
- Short or nonexistent warranty
- No financing information available
- Expensive
- Little information available on company website
Erie Metal Roofs
Best for New Roofs
Average cost
Pros
- Lifetime or lengthy warranty
- Widespread availability
- 10+ years of experience
- Positive customer reviews
- Uses eco-friendly materials
- Financing options available
- Well-trained, certified installers
- Uses durable materials meant to last
- Variety of roofing styles available
Cons
- Limited variety of roofing materials
- Expensive
Aspen Contracting
Most Eco-Friendly
Average cost
Pros
- Positive industry reputation
- Lifetime or lengthy warranty
- Widespread availability
- 10+ years of experience
- Positive customer reviews
- Financing options available
Cons
- Little information available on company website
Factors That Go Into Architectural Shingles Pricing
The cost of the shingles is only one part of the total cost of your new architectural shingle roof. When you get a quote from your local roofer, it will include the following cost factors, which take into account your roof’s size and complexity:
- Materials costs for the shingles and other needed supplies
- Basic labor rates and time to complete the project
- Removing your current roof and dump fees (if applicable)
Material Pricing for Architectural Shingles
The roofing material needed to install architectural shingles will include more than just the shingles themselves. The shingles range from $4 to around $8 per square foot, but the total cost of your roof will likely include the following roofing products:
- Underlayment
- Ventilation system equipment
- Ridge capping
- Roof flashing
- Drip edge
- Pipe boats
- Ice and water shield
- Starter shingles
Basic Labor Cost and Time to Complete Architectural Shingle Roof Installation
For professional roof installation, you’ll pay basic labor rates multiplied by the number of hours required to complete your project. Labor rates can vary based on the individual contractor, geographic location, and the experience and skill level of the workers involved. Generally, the more complex your roofing project, the more installation time it will take and the higher your total cost will be.
Removing Your Current Roof and Dump Fees
Unless your home is new construction, odds are you’ll have to remove your old roof before installing your new one. Old roof removal is critical if you already have two or more layers of roofing on your home. Your contractor will help you determine if old roof removal is necessary.
Roof removal will involve labor to do the removal work, a dump truck to transport the material, and dump fees. Be prepared for this to add $1,000 to $5,000 to your total cost.
Size and Complexity of Your Roof
Not all roofs are created equal — the size, accessibility and complexity of your roof impacts installation cost. If you have a larger roof, for example, you should be prepared to pay more than the national average simply because you require more material. The cost to replace your roof will also increase if you have roof features that add complexity such as dormer windows, skylights and ventilation systems.
Pros and Cons of Installing Architectural Roof Shingles
As you research different options for roof replacement, you’ll want to dive into some research on each type of roof to see if it’s a viable option for your region and your specific home. Once you’ve found the type of roof that suits you, check out our recommended roof replacement companies to find a local contractor near you.
Advantages of Architectural Shingles
- Huge range of colors and patterns to boost your home’s curb appeal
- 30-plus-year lifespan
- Thicker and more durable than traditional shingles
- Low maintenance
Disadvantages of Architectural Shingles
- More expensive than traditional asphalt shingles
- Architectural shingles weigh up to 50% more than traditional shingles
- Must tear off old shingles before installing new architectural shingles for best results
- Not environmentally friendly
Lifetime and Durability of Architectural Shingles
Unlike asphalt shingles that last between 15 and 20 years, architectural shingles have a long lifespan of 30 years or more. Manufacturers claim that architectural shingle material can withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour when properly attached to your roof, but consistent exposure to such extreme weather conditions can lower the shingles’ lifespan.
If you live in a hot and humid climate that experiences hurricanes and storms such as Florida and other Southern states, your architectural shingles roof will likely not last an entire 30 years. UV damage is another factor that can degrade architectural shingles. Especially if you have darker or colorful shingles, the color may deteriorate over time.
Are Architectural Shingles Environmentally Friendly?
Architectural shingles contain fiberglass, which makes them more energy efficient than traditional asphalt shingles. Fiberglass has better insulative properties than other roofing materials because it prevents excess heat exchange.
Even though architectural shingles can be made to look like wood or slate shingles, they are not considered environmentally friendly. They’re not recyclable, and old shingles continue to add millions of tons of waste to landfills each year.
Some leading roofing companies such as GAF are working on new ways to recycle shingles.1 But for now, eco-conscious homeowners can consider more environmentally friendly roofing options or can install solar panels on their roofs to boost the overall sustainability of their homes.
Financing Your New Architectural Roof Shingles
Architectural shingle roofs are expensive, so many homeowners opt to finance their roofing projects. If you don’t want to pay with cash up front, you have plenty of other options, including:
- Home equity loan
- Home equity line of credit
- Cash-out refinance
- FHA loan
- Personal loan
- Credit card
Depending on your contractor, you may get a discount if you pay up front in all or primarily cash. It’s also not uncommon to finance your roof through your contractor, so if this option interests you make sure you reach out to your roofing company before making any decisions.
Low-income households may also have access to government programs that offer roofing assistance, such as:
- Weatherization assistance programs
- Single-family home repair schemes
- House preservation programs
- Weatherization assistance for qualifying homeowners2
The ROI of Your Architectural Shingles
Dimensional shingles have a projected lifespan of 30 years, but in some cases they can last for more than 50 years. Due to their extended lifespan, architectural shingles have an excellent return on investment (ROI) — 60% to 70%3.
Architectural shingle roofs last a long time and have a high return on investment, and the addition of a new roof can increase your property value. If you plan to sell your home and have an older roof, it may be worth replacing it as a new roof is a major selling point for a home.
Costs of Maintenance and Repairs for Architectural Shingles
The cost to repair your architectural shingle roof depends on the damage. Repairing limited damage can cost you as little as $150. Significant damage can set you back thousands or even necessitate a total roof replacement.
Some roofs require extensive maintenance to ensure they remain in tip-top condition, but for architectural shingles the only required maintenance is periodic washing and regularly inspecting for missing or cracked shingles, missing flashing and water stains on the underside of your roof.
If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, you may need to have snow removal from your roof performed as heavy snow can compromise your roof structure. In addition, to preserve the integrity of your architectural shingle roof, make sure to regularly clean your gutters. If you notice any shingle granules in your gutter, that could be a sign of a deteriorating roof.
Roof Painting Prices for Architectural Shingles
If the color of your architectural shingles has faded and you don’t want to replace your roof, painting architectural shingles is absolutely an option. This budget-friendly alternative can cost as little as $1,000 to $3,000 — much less if you do it as a DIY project.
The downside to painting your shingles is that a coat of paint is not a substitute for repairs. If your roof is damaged, then simply updating the paint color will do nothing to protect your roof and home from damage. Before you commit to painting, check with a local roofing company to identify any potential challenges.
Costs of Cleaning Your Architectural Shingles
The cost to clean your shingles depends on your roof’s size and complexity, local labor costs and the extent of the cleaning you plan to do. The good news is that you don’t need to pressure wash your architectural shingles — a soft wash or chemical wash will do the trick.
Chemical washes range from $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot and soft washes come in at around $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot. Gutters are necessary to maintaining a healthy roof so clear these of debris as you clean your roof.
You can wash your architectural shingle roof yourself, but keep in mind that these roofs often require a chemical wash. You’ll need to have some necessary supplies on hand including a hose, a pump/sprayer, and safety gear, and you may be working with toxic chemicals. Vinegar is a non-toxic choice you can use.
Are Architectural Shingles Worth the Cost?
If homeowners want to replace their old shingles with ones that are more durable and modern, architectural shingles are an excellent option. Because these shingles come in so many colors and patterns, homeowners have lots of choices for customizing the look of their roofs. You can even choose architectural shingles that mimic the look of other types of shingles, such as wood shakes.
Architectural shingles are more costly than some asphalt shingles, but they offer more durability and a longer lifespan. Although they may not be the most environmentally friendly option, new technologies are in development to make these shingles more recyclable.
FAQ: Architectural Shingles
Because an architectural shingle roof can last for more than 30 years, it is absolutely a good investment. Architectural shingles are durable, come in a wide variety of colors and styles, and add curb appeal to any home.
Architectural shingles make great roofs for solar panels as they’re both strong and durable enough to support the weight of a solar panel system. However, homeowners who are concerned about excess weight on their roofs should get a professional opinion because architectural shingles are much heavier than regular asphalt shingles and may not be suitable for all homes.
Architectural shingles are made from the same material as asphalt shingles, but they are two to three times thicker. This added thickness makes architectural shingles more durable and better able to withstand extreme weather. They are also more customizable and come in a much wider range of colors and designs.
The warranties offered by roofing companies can range from 30 to 50 years — some provide a lifetime warranty. The warranty length depends on the brand, price, manufacturer and expected durability of your shingles.
