Shingle Roofing Cost & Buyers Guide (2024)

How Much Does Shingle Roofing Cost?

The national average cost to install a new asphalt shingle roof is between $8,000 and $9,000. However, the cost to re-shingle your roof will vary depending on your location, choice of roofing materials, labor costs and your roof’s features. 

Below, we break down how each factor affects costs. 

Shingle Roofing Cost Factors

If you’re looking to re-roof your home with shingle roofing, there are many factors that will go into the final cost. Here’s what to look out for: 

Labor and Installation Costs

Labor costs typically account for more than half of your total roof installation costs, often making this the most significant consideration when getting a new roof. 

A rough labor cost estimate for a roofing square (100 square feet) is $150–$300, but your roof size, steepness and design features will significantly influence labor costs. 

Your Location

Where you live will play a role in the total cost of roofing materials and labor, as wages and material availability can differ based on location. The best way to know if you are getting a good deal in your area is to compare multiple quotes from several local roofing contractors.

Travel time will also influence your cost. If you live in a rural area and your roofing contractor has to travel a good distance to get to you, expect to be paying additional fees. 

To avoid unexpected costs, it’s best to ask your roofer about the possibility of additional fees before the roofing project begins.

Shingle Roofing Material Used

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material. It’s likely because asphalt shingles are widely available and cheaper than most other roofing options, but their lifespan also tends to be shorter.

On the other hand, metal shingles, especially aluminum and steel shingles, are relatively cost-friendly and tend to last longer than asphalt.

Take a look at the chart below to compare the average cost and lifespan of different roofing materials: 

Shingle Cost Based on Roof Size, Slope and Pitch

The cost to have new shingles installed by a professional will vary depending on your roof’s pitch, slope and size. Roof features like dormers, skylights and windows can also increase costs. 

Of course, the larger your roof is, the more roofing squares you will need, therefore increasing the cost of materials.

If your roof is very steep, roofers will need more safety equipment and time to install your shingles, which means you’ll pay more for labor.

Shingle Roofing Style

Many roofing materials come in a variety of shingle styles. For example, architectural shingles and three-tab shingles are styles of asphalt roofing that offer variety in roofing dimension, aesthetics and thickness.

Decorative roofing shingles offer more curb appeal but come with higher costs. 

Popular Types of Shingle Roofing

Asphalt, metal and clay are some of the most popular roofing materials. 

One of the most unique roofing options is solar shingles. Solar shingles are a newer roofing option that allows homeowners to enjoy the benefits of a new roof and the energy-saving benefits of residential solar panels.

Here’s what to expect with each of these popular shingle materials:  

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are made of asphalt (a semi-solid form of petroleum), fiberglass, stone granules, sealant and release film. Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material, constituting two-thirds of all new roof installations. 

Asphalt shingles come in many varieties, including 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. Three-tab asphalt shingles are typically the cheapest, starting at only $2–$3 per square foot.  

Metal Shingles

Metal roofs are popular because they’re long-lasting, easily recyclable and relatively low-cost. 

Steel and aluminum are the most popular metal roofing materials, with aluminum roofing starting at around $3 per square foot. 

Steel and zinc roofing starts at $6 per square foot, while copper, the most expensive metal roofing material, costs up to $25 per square foot. 

Clay Tile Shingles

Clay tile shingles add a unique, textured appearance to your home. Clay roofs are popular because of their longevity, durability and aesthetics. 

There are many types of clay shingles on the market, including terracotta and ceramic clay tiles. Clay and concrete tiles cost between $4 and $20 per square foot, depending on the type of tile. 

Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are a unique option that provides the protection of a traditional roof while also generating power for your home. Instead of traditional shingles, solar shingles have photovoltaic properties, which means they can convert sunlight into electricity for your home.

Installing solar shingles is like installing a new roof and solar panels at the same time. A full solar shingle roof installation can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000 or more. However, if you go this route, you’ll be eligible for the federal solar tax credit, which allows you to to claim a credit worth 30% of your solar roof installation cost.

Shingle Roof Maintenance Cost Expectations

Simple roof maintenance projects such as small leaks or missing nails can be solved with common roofing products like sealant or caulk. 

However, your roof maintenance cost expectations will vary depending on what type of roofing material you have. 

For instance, if you have an asphalt shingle roof, you can expect to occasionally replace missing shingles or fix cracked or curling shingles. Average costs for asphalt shingle roof repairs are between $450 and $800. 

If you have slate or tile shingles, the most common maintenance costs will come from replacing broken or chipped shingles. For slate roofs, average repair costs are between $575 and $1,750, while tile roof repairs generally run between $350 and $450. 

For metal roofs, common maintenance needs are fixing leaks, corrosion or discoloration, with repairs typically costing between $550 and $1,350. 

Additional Shingle Roof Costs and Considerations

Replacing or upgrading your roofing system can come with some unexpected costs. Here are some additional costs and considerations that you should be aware of before you begin your project: 

Shingle Roof Painting or Coating

Some homeowners choose to paint or coat their roof to update the appearance of their home, protect against roof leaks and extend the lifespan of their roof. 

Roof coating costs about $1–$4 per square foot, but can vary depending on your roof material, labor cost, type of paint and prep work required. 

Shingle Roof Cleaning

Hiring a professional to clean your shingle roof with a power washer will typically cost $300–$600. And can be essential in keeping the durability of your roof in working order, especially with common issues like moss removal. 

You can clean your roof yourself if you have the right tools. Look for a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for your roof. Never use harsh chemicals: Not only can they damage your roof, but they are also bad for the environment, and the runoff can kill the soil and plants around your home. 

Always take safety precautions and never climb on a ladder or your roof if you are not completely comfortable. 

Be sure to wear gloves, safety goggles and non-slip shoes when on your roof or a ladder. We also recommend wearing a roof safety harness for extra protection. 

Cost to Remove

If you are getting a new roof, you’ll have to consider the cost of removing your old roof. 

Some roofs, called overlay roofs, are installed on top of your existing roof. Overlays can be less wasteful and cheaper than a complete roof removal and replacement.

However, a tear-off roof is still the most common type of roof replacement. With a tear-off replacement, your roofer will remove your old shingles and install the new shingles onto your roof deck.

Choosing a tear-off shingle roof replacement will resolve damage and deterioration to your roof’s underlayment or decking, allowing your new roof to be more long-lasting and better protected against leaks, mold and rot.

If you hire a contractor to remove your old roof for you, this can add anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 to your total roof replacement cost. It is possible to remove your own roof, but we recommend talking to a roofing professional before starting a DIY roofing project.

You should also establish who will be responsible for disposing of your old roof with your roofing contractor. Call your local solid waste management center to discuss your options regarding roof disposal. The good news is that most roofing materials are recyclable.

If your local waste management center comes to collect your old roofing materials, this will incur an additional cost. It may also be necessary to rent a truck or dumpster to haul your roofing scraps.

Is an Asphalt Shingle Roof Worth It?

Although an asphalt shingle roof costs less than other roofing options, the quality and durability of asphalt don’t always stand the test of time. 

Here are some points to consider when deciding if a new asphalt shingle roof is right for you: 

Pros of an Asphalt Shingle Roof

• Low material costs: Asphalt shingles are generally the cheapest roofing option, meaning that your initial replacement cost will be low. 

• Popular material: Because asphalt shingles are so popular, almost every roofing company will be able to install and maintain this type of roof. Plus, they come in a number of different styles and colors to match your home’s aesthetic.

• Recyclable: Most composite shingles like asphalt can be recycled. That being said, not every area has asphalt recycling facilities. 

Cons of an Asphalt Shingle Roof

• Less durable: The cheapest asphalt shingles will only last you about 10 years, making them the least durable roofing material. However, a high-end, quality asphalt roof can last up to 35 years.

• Requires more maintenance: Asphalt shingles are known to crack or curl with age, so you’ll likely have to spend time repairing or replacing shingles. 

• Less sustainable: Although asphalt shingles are usually recyclable, asphalt roofs are made from petroleum-based materials and retain heat, making your home less energy efficient.

Finding the Right Shingle Roofing Contractor

Finding the right shingle roofing contractor to complete your home improvement project can feel like a daunting task. To ensure that you will get the best service at a fair price, we recommend looking for a contractor that: 

• Operates locally in your area
• Has positive online customer reviews 
• Offers a quality guarantee or warranty on work
• Has multiple years of experience in the roofing industry

We always recommend calling around and getting multiple quotes for your roofing project so that you can feel confident that you made the right choice. 

Take a look at our picks for the best roofing companies in the U.S.