How much does it cost to have roofing shingles installed?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

While there are many styles and ways to clad a roof, shingles are the most popular. Shingles come in several materials and styles, from the classic asphalt shingle to slate, metal, and wood. Each material has characteristics and a price point, impacting the roof’s cost. However, each protects your home and completes its curb appeal for years.

The cost of most roofing shingles has increased considerably in 2022, and costs are expected to continue climbing into 2023. Costs climbed nearly 20% in 2022, and further projections show increases of at least 10% to 12% expected in 2023. Because the most popular shingles - asphalt - are made of materials experiencing shortages and fluctuating costs, it is expected that shingle costs will continue to climb through the year.

The average cost to install shingles is $5,000 and $18,000, with the average homeowner paying $6,960 to install architectural asphalt shingles on a 1,500 sq.ft. roof. This project’s low cost is $4,782 to install 3-tab asphalt fiberglass shingles. The high cost is $24,788, using slate shingles on a 1,500 sq.ft. roof installed.

Roof Shingles Price

Roof Shingle Cost per Square Foot

Many materials can shingle a roof. Most are sold and installed by the square, equal to 100 sq.ft., with many retailers listing the square foot cost. The average cost to install shingles ranges from $4 to $30 per sq.ft., depending on the material. Asphalt shingles cost the least, while slate and copper shingles cost the most. The larger your home and the larger and more complex your roof, the more shingles you need and the higher the shingle roof installation cost. Your roof may have more square footage than your home, depending on the pitch and shape. While home square footage is calculated by the interior, your roof is calculated differently, so there is no correlation between the home and roof size.

Roof Shingles Cost per Square

Shingles are typically sold and installed by the square. A square of roof shingles is equivalent to 100 sq.ft. The cost per square depends on the shingle type and brand. They range between $400 and $3,000 installed. Like the costs per square foot, you can have a range depending on the materials. Asphalt shingles are the lowest-cost material, while copper shingles are the highest. Within each material, you can also have a range of costs depending on the quality and how easy or difficult they are to install. For example, 3-tab asphalt shingles are the least expensive material, but they are harder to install than architectural shingles, so costs for 3-tab shingles are similar to costs for architectural shingles, with the latter being more durable and common. Below are the average costs to install shingles on a home based on the number of squares.

Roof Shingles Cost by Material

Shingle refers to how the material is laid and installed on your roof. Shingles are generally made of individual pieces that are laid out side by side or overlapping. When most people say “shingle roof,” they think of an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingles come in several types, with the basic dimensional or architectural shingle being the most common. However, you can use older, less expensive asphalt and shingles in many other materials, including metal, wood, and slate. The material your roof is made from impacts several things, including the cost, appearance, durability, and function. Below are the various shingle roof types and their average costs installed.

Asphalt Shingles Roof

The average cost of an asphalt shingle roof is $4 to $15 per sq.ft. installed. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. They come in several types, from inexpensive 3-tab to costly designer architectural shingles. Most people install dimensional or standard architectural shingles, costing slightly more but outlasting and outperforming 3-tab shingles by years. Asphalt shingle roofs come in many colors and can have attributes like algae resistance, hail resistance, and cool roof options. The more features the shingle offers, the more it costs.

Wood Shingles Roof

The average cost of a wood shingle roof is $6 to $18 per sq.ft. installed. Wood shingle roofs are typically made of cedar, which is softwood with natural insect and rot resistance. Wood shingle roofs are popular in many areas, particularly on cottages, older homes, and homes in more rural areas. The shingles naturally fade and weather as the roof ages. They require more maintenance than some roofs because you need to watch for softening or rotting and replace shingles as this occurs. However, they can last 15 to 30 years with care and proper maintenance.

Composite Roof Shingles

Composite or composition shingles cost between $7.50 and $13 per sq.ft. installed. Composite shingles come in a range of materials, colors, styles, and options. Some architectural shingles fall under the composite umbrella because they contain various materials. Other composite shingles may contain rubber, plastic, fiberglass, bitumen, wood, and slate. They can resemble a range of roof types, including wood and slate shingles, but they tend to be lower maintenance and less expensive than the real thing. It is common to find composition shingles marketed under the material they resemble, such as synthetic wood shingles.

Metal Roof Shingles

A metal shingle roof typically costs between $10 and $35 per sq.ft. Not all metal roofing materials are available as shingles. The most common is an interlocking aluminum shingle, which is lightweight, easy to install, and fairly durable. However, you can also find zinc, copper, and terne roofing shingles. Metal roof shingles also come in a stone-coated variety, giving the roof the appearance of a slate or tile roof while being made of aluminum and steel. Metal roof shingles are durable and last 50 years or more, depending on the material.

Slate Shingle Installation

The average cost to install slate shingles is $15 to $30 per sq.ft. Slate shingles come in several types. They can be natural slate in hard and soft varieties and synthetic and hybrid shingles that combine natural and synthetic materials. Natural slate shingles are very heavy but last up to 200 years with proper installation and maintenance. Synthetic varieties are less expensive and lighter and can give you a similar appearance to real slate on your roof. Because of the weight of most slate installations, it is common to reinforce your roof deck before installing the material.

Solar Roof Shingles

Solar shingles cost between $21 and $25 per sq.ft. installed. Solar shingles are a good alternative to solar panels for people who want a subtle appearance. They are made of photovoltaic cells sandwiched between two glass layers. They are semi-transparent and blend in easily with your roof. You can cover your entire roof with solar shingles or use a mixture of photovoltaic and standard shingles to lower costs. In this case, you only install the photovoltaic shingles in areas that see regular sun and put the standard shingles in areas where there may be shade.

3-Tab vs Architectural Shingles Cost

Asphalt shingles come in two basic categories: 3-tab and architectural or dimensional. 3-tab shingles are flat and overlap on the edges. They are less costly but considerably more time-consuming to install, raising labor costs. They last around 20 years, and while they were once one of the most common shingles, now they are primarily used on outbuildings like sheds.

Architectural or dimensional shingles are laminated shingles built in layers. They use the same materials as the 3-tab but are thicker and more substantial. They can withstand hail and high winds, and many of them can also resist algae or offer cool roofing. Their costs start slightly more than 3-tab because they are much easier to install. They also have higher-end costs because you can get features like algae and hail resistance, increasing their durability and cost. Below are the average costs of both shingles installed.

Roof Shingles Prices by Brand

Many companies and brands make roofing shingles. Some offer specific features, such as Malarkey, that offer a range of options for hail resistance and better warranties on their high-end products. Others, such as Tamko, have different material lines for their shingles, including metal shingles and shingles that can appear like wood and slate. Companies like CertainTeed are well-known for their architectural shingles, which are laminated to be thicker and more durable than others. Nearly all carry a minimum 10-year warranty, but most companies, including GAF and Owens Corning, offer limited lifetime warranties on some materials. Tamko, IKO, and GAF offer lower-end materials, while other companies specialize in higher-end materials with better features. Below are the average costs per square and square foot for material costs from some of the most common brands.

Labor Cost to Install Roof Shingles

The labor cost to install roof shingles varies, depending on the shingle type. Most shingles, including asphalt (architectural and 3-tab), composite, and some lightweight metal shingles, cost between $2.50 and $6 per sq.ft. or $250 to $600 a square for labor. Time-consuming materials have higher costs, with copper costing between $7 and $13 per sq.ft. - $700 to $1,300 per square - in labor and between $5 and $10 a sq.ft. or $500 and $1,000 a square for slate shingles. Most roofers charge $50 to $120 per roofer per hour. Complicated and complex roofs take longer to install, increasing the labor. Most jobs require at least two roofers, but some complex or large roofs may require more workers. Hourly costs are per worker, but because more roofers can often complete the job more quickly, your total hours can be lower with more workers.

In some cases, shingles can be layered if there is only one layer on the roof, saving time and labor. Otherwise, the old roofing must be removed and new underlayment put down before the new roof material can be installed. The more complex your roof, with ridges, valleys, and protrusions, the higher the project cost because these areas require special attention and materials. For the average 1,500 sq.ft. roof, expect labor to cost roughly $4,500 to $7,500.

Roof Shingles Cost by Warranty

Because replacing a roof is costly, consumers should weigh the cost of longer-lasting shingles with the potential for a need to replace them less often. If you live in a climate that is extremely hot or cold or prone to excessive rain or snow, purchasing shingles with a longer warranty is a wise decision. Most companies make a range of shingle qualities and offer different warranties as a result. Most basic architectural shingles start with a 20-year warranty, while most 3-tab only come with a 10-year warranty. You can pay more for a 30-year warranty on shingles with hail resistance and better wind resistance. You can also find many designer and architectural shingles with 40 and 50-year warranties. These typically offer superior durability against hail and wind and are good for stormy areas. Some also offer UV protection, making them a good choice for hot climates. 50 and 60-year warranties are available for many metal, synthetic slate, and composite shingles.

Many shingle companies also offer a limited lifetime warranty that covers the shingles. It is referred to as limited because the replacement of defective shingles is prorated based on how old the shingles are. Some shingle manufacturers guarantee the labor if you use a contractor certified by the shingle company to install their roof system. A roofing contractor may also offer a warranty based on their work. Below are the average costs per square foot for shingles with different warranties installed.

Shingle Roof Replacement Cost

Shingle roofs are the most common in the U.S., and when your roof is old, leaking, sagging, or compromised, you may need to replace it. The cost of a replacement typically averages $9,500 to $20,000, depending on the materials. A true replacement involves removing the existing roofing down to the deck, inspecting the deck and making necessary repairs, and installing the new underlayment and shingles. However, different shingles have various requirements. Replacing a slate roof is considerably more expensive because the material is heavy. Removing it from the roof and installing a new material can require additional labor.

Removing most shingles, including asphalt, composite, and cedar, is usually a fast project with costs of around $0.50 to $1 per sq.ft. However, in some cases, you can leave your existing roof on and do a roof over, meaning installing a layer of shingles on the existing layer. This can cut costs but may void warranties and shorten your roof’s lifespan.

Roof Shingle Repair Cost

One way to avoid replacing your shingle roof is to make repairs promptly. Shingle roofs may be damaged by various things, including wind, storms, hail, protrusions, and impacts, causing cracks and dents. The average cost to repair shingles on a roof ranges from $50 to $800, depending on the extent of the damage and roof material. In many cases, repairing a shingle roof often means replacing the impacted section of roofing. However, doing so often means you do not need to replace the entire roof if it is done quickly. A damaged roof can let in rain and moisture, causing further problems and leading to higher repair costs.

Cool Roof Shingles Cost

A cool roof is an energy-efficient roof that stays cool even in the hottest weather. Three key features characterize these asphalt shingles: thermal emittance (the roof’s ability to emit its absorbed heat), solar reflectance (how much solar energy the roof reflects), and solar reflectance index or SRI (a calculation of the thermal emittance and solar reflectance). The higher the SRI rating, the cooler the home will stay. Normally, cool roof shingles will be lighter colors. Many materials can be used in a cool roof, including asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Therefore, costs average $4 to $35 per sq.ft. installed for a cool roof.

Weight of Roofing Shingles

Roofing shingles come in several different weights based on the material. Standard asphalt shingles are the thinnest and can be layered on top of an existing layer of shingles to allow for faster, easier installation. Architectural shingles have been laminated to make them thicker. They do not weigh substantially more than standard shingles, but they look heavier, which can give your roof more visual substance. Metal shingles can be fairly lightweight, or they can begin to get heavier, if they are stone-coated, solid metal shingles. Slate shingles and tiles tend to weigh the most. These materials are more costly to install because of their weight and may also require roof reinforcement to allow your roof to hold them. Most shingles weigh between 150 and 400 pounds per square. However, some metal shingles weigh up to 600 pounds per square, and slate and tile may weigh 800 to 1,200 pounds per square.

Roof Pitch for Shingles

The pitch is the slope of your roof, which is the rise compared to the run or horizontal measurement of 12 inches. For example, a roof with a rise of 6 inches would be called 6-in-12 or 6-pitch. Roofs with a very high pitch are more difficult to install, increasing the installation cost. It is harder for the roofer to walk or remain safe on a roof with a steep pitch. So, staging and additional equipment are often involved, increasing the time for the setup before installation. While installation may cost from $2.50 to $5 per sq.ft. for a roof with an average pitch, these costs may be double or more for roofs with a higher pitch.

Low-to-medium-pitched roofs are the preferred standard for easier walkability for repairs and maintenance. A flat roof is prone to standing water and leaks, while a high-pitch roof creates issues with installation, repairs, and maintenance. Another aspect of knowing the roof pitch is understanding the right roofing material for your particular roof and which roofing supplies will be needed. Some roofing materials are better suited to high-pitch roofs. A pitched roof is any roof slope greater than a 3-pitch. A-frame houses have a 12-pitch, but some roofs are even more pitched. Most pitched roofs in today’s construction industry are built using asphalt shingles.

Metal Roof vs Shingles Cost

While shingle roofs are the most popular and frequently used in the U.S., metal roofs have been gaining in popularity. While shingles come in a wide range of materials, asphalt is the most commonly used material. Asphalt roofs range in durability, depending on the thickness and manufacturer, with most averaging around 30 years. In comparison, metal roofs start at around 50 years, and some copper and zinc roofs can last up to 200 years when well maintained. Metal roofs are available in shingle form, as well as different types, such as standing seam and rolled roofing.

Shingles are generally less expensive on average than a metal roof and come in more options for appearance. However, metal roofs come in more colors, are lightweight and easy to install, and materials like copper and zinc can develop a natural patina as they age that can protect them even more. The average shingle roof costs $5,000 to $18,000, while the average metal roof costs $18,000 to $30,000.

Tile Roof Cost vs Shingles

Depending on where in the country you live, a shingle roof may not be the best choice for your home. A tile roof may be a better choice in areas with high winds, humidity, and lots of sun. Tiles can withstand hurricane-force winds and humidity better than most shingle roofs, which is why it is a natural choice for some states. Tiles come in many shapes, colors, and styles that can complement the architecture of homes often seen in these areas. However, tile roofs are more costly than shingle roofs. They are also higher in maintenance because the tiles must be removed periodically for the underlayment to be replaced. This can lead to higher costs over the lifetime of the roof, depending on the shingle type and its lifespan. The average tile roof costs $19,000 to $35,000 compared with the average shingle roof of $5,000 to $18,000.

Shingles vs Shakes Price

While wood roofs are available as shingles, they are also available as shakes. Most people use the two terms interchangeably, but they are two different products. Cedar shingles are uniform, meaning the same size, shape, and thickness. They are usually machined or milled to get this appearance, reducing costs. Shakes are hand-split, meaning they have a more rustic appearance. They are thicker than shingles and uneven in appearance. They may have longer or shorter lengths and may require more work to install. This typically makes them more costly for purchase and installation than shingles. The average cedar shingle costs between $6 and $18 a sq.ft., while shakes start at $12.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Skylight Replacement

If your roof has a skylight that also needs replacing, a good time to do it is during the roof replacement. This is because the roofing must be removed from around the skylight for the installation, so it makes sense to combine the projects and replace the skylight when the roof is removed. The average cost of a new skylight is $1,300 to $3,000.

Gutters Installation

It is also common to replace your gutters at the same time you replace your roof. Your gutters help protect your home from water damage by funneling water away from your foundation. Because the two areas are close together, updating your gutters when you update your roof can help keep the two areas working well together while also improving the appearance of your home. The average cost to install new gutters is $900 to $5,000.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Algae. Algae can discolor your roof, and in some tropical areas, fungus may cause damage. You can invest in an algae-resistant roof that contains zinc particles to prevent its growth.
• Storm damage. If your roof was damaged in a storm, have your insurance company send out an inspector to check the damage. If they and your roofer agree on the scope of the work, your worker will contract with the insurance company to pay for the new roof.
• Home value. A new roof can increase the value of your home. The amount varies depending on the roof type and area you live in.
• Permit. Depending on where you live, you may need a permit to install or replace a new roof. This has a range of costs depending on the area, roof, and work done.
• DIY. It is not recommended that you work on your roof yourself. Pitch, proper installation, and safety are all considerations that need to be made before work should be done, and this project is best left to the professionals.
• Maintenance. The type and amount of maintenance your roof will require varies depending on the location and material. At a minimum, you should inspect your roof twice yearly for damage. Depending on where you live, you may also want to have your roof cleaned periodically. Tile roofs require regular replacement of the underlayment.
• Recycled material. Some roofs contain recycled material that can make them a greener choice. Others can be recycled after use, such as most metal roofs. Speak to your roofer if you want to use recycled materials on your roof.