Updated: January 30, 2026
Written by Dan Simms
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.
Learn moreReviewed by Laura Madrigal
Since 2022, shingle roof replacement costs are up 50% due to inflation and material shortages. Budget-friendly asphalt shingles, which have always been the most popular material, are in even higher demand now. The average cost to shingle a roof is $14,500, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $8,000 and $36,000. Costs can vary widely depending on home size, the shingle material, roof complexity, and more.
Your roof is one of the most crucial parts of your home, as it protects your home from the elements and plays an important role in energy efficiency. Understanding roof shingle prices and installation costs can help you plan out this major home improvement avoid surprises, and ensure you get a high-quality product and installation that will last for decades to come.
Shingle Roof Replacement Cost
Shingle Roof Cost by Size
Shingle roof costs per square foot average $4 to $18, or $400 to $1,800 per square (100 square feet), which is how many manufacturers and installers price out roofing.
Keep in mind that roof size is based on pitch and shape, not interior square footage, so your roof will almost always cover significantly more area than your home’s footprint. Your type of roof design, slope, and overhangs will all affect your roof square footage, independent of your living space, but we’ll include average costs based on home square footage below, as interior living space is much easier to measure than roof slopes.
House Size | Roof Size | Cost Range |
1,000 sq.ft. | 1,200 sq.ft. | $4,800 – $21,600 |
1,500 sq.ft. | 1,800 sq.ft. | $7,200 – $32,400 |
1,700 sq.ft. | 2,000 sq.ft. | $8,000 – $36,000 |
2,000 sq.ft. | 2,400 sq.ft. | $9,600 – $43,200 |
2,500 sq.ft. | 3,000 sq.ft. | $12,000 – $54,000 |
3,000 sq.ft. | 3,600 sq.ft. | $14,400 – $64,800 |
Shingle Roof Cost by Type
The shingle material you choose to install can swing your total price up or down by tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. Asphalt shingles are, by far, the most common and are also the most affordable, so prices go up from there for other materials.
Shingle Material | Cost (per Sq. Ft.) | Average Total Cost* |
$3 – $16 | $6,000 – $32,000 | |
Rubber | $4 – $15 | $8,000 – $30,000 |
$6 – $15 | $12,000 – $30,000 | |
Metal | $6 – $22 | $12,000 – $44,000 |
Composite | $7 – $14 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
Slate | $10 – $30 | $20,000 – $60,000 |
$21 – $25 | $42,000 – $50,000 |
*Note: The average total cost in the table above assumes an average 1,700-square-foot home with a 2,000-square-foot roof.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most affordable and the most popular, costing about $3 to $16 per square foot. They offer excellent value for the money and perform well in most climates.
3-tab shingles – Most affordable, but with the shortest lifespan and least protection.
Architectural shingles – Longer-lasting, more durable, and can withstand impacts better.
Luxury shingles – Highest curb appeal and premium quality, but also the most expensive.
Rubber Shingles
Rubber shingles cost around $4 to $15 per square foot. They’re an eco-friendly and affordable option, often made from recycled materials. Lightweight, durable, and easy to install, they provide a practical choice, though they don’t offer the same high-end aesthetic appeal as slate or wood.
Wood Shakes
Cedar shingles cost around $6 to $15 per square foot. They offer natural beauty and a traditional look, but they pose a major fire risk and aren’t ideal in areas where wildfires are a concern. They have some natural resistance to insects and rot, but they’re not the best option if your climate includes heavy rainfall or high humidity.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles typically cost $6 to $22 per square foot. They are lightweight, long-lasting, and energy-efficient, with options that can replicate the look of slate or tile. They’re the most resistant to water intrusion, and they can shed snow rapidly and reflect solar heat, making them solid options in extreme climates on both ends of the spectrum.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are priced at about $7 to $14 per square foot. They mimic wood or slate at a fraction of the cost, delivering good curb appeal and value. They’re also very durable and require minimal maintenance, although the use of plastic during manufacturing makes them a less sustainable option than natural materials, like metal.
Slate Shingles
Slate roofing ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot. It offers unmatched elegance and longevity, with natural and synthetic options to fit different budgets. Slate is a heavy material that may require structural reinforcement prior to installation to ensure your home can support the added material weight.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are the priciest option, costing $21 to $25 per square foot. They generate clean energy while blending seamlessly into your roof, lowering utility costs without sacrificing curb appeal. They’re relatively expensive, but they can pay for themselves over time by reducing your electric bills.
A new roof is an expensive investment, but it’s important to consider more than just the upfront price. While durability and lifespan are key, you also need to understand typical costs. Choosing a higher-quality material may cost more initially but can save you money on repairs and replacements over time. See our roof replacement cost guide for more details.
Labor Cost to Install Roof Shingles
On average, labor will account for an average of 60% of your total roof replacement costs. However, labor costs come with a massive range based on the cost of the material you’re installing, how heavy the material is, how challenging the shingles are to move into place, the slope and complexity of your roof, your old roofing material, and more.
Labor costs usually include tearing off and hauling away your old roof, laying down new underlayment, and installing the new roof. Your labor costs will increase if you need repairs to your roof deck or new flashing installed. They can also go up if you have a particularly steep roof that requires additional safety precautions that make the job take longer, or if your existing roofing material is on the heavy side and makes removal more challenging.
Cost Factors for a Shingle Roof Installation
In addition to material and base labor costs, several other factors can influence your total shingle roof installation price.
Roof pitch: Steeper roofs increase surface area and require additional safety measures, which can raise labor costs.
Roof style and complexity: Complex designs with multiple slopes, valleys, or ridges take longer to install and require more materials.
Existing roofing material: The cost of removing your old roof is usually included in most roofing estimates, but removal fees can be higher if the existing material is especially heavy, such as slate, clay, or concrete tiles.
Unexpected damage: Hidden issues uncovered during tear-off, such as water damage or mold, can add $150 to $1,000 or more for roof deck repairs.
Permits: Most municipalities require permits for roof replacement, usually ranging from $150 to $600 depending on location. These fees are often included in your roofer’s estimate, but it’s best to confirm upfront.
Location: Labor rates, material pricing, climate conditions, and local sourcing all vary by region and affect overall cost.
Material brand and warranty: Higher-end brands and longer warranties generally increase material costs.
Local building codes and restrictions: Areas with strict building codes or disaster-resistant requirements may require more durable (and more expensive) materials.
Roof Shingle Repair vs. Replacement Cost
Before paying for a full roof shingle replacement, it’s worth confirming whether a repair could be the more cost-effective option.
A full roof replacement is usually the better choice if:
Your roof is near or past its expected lifespan
You’re dealing with major or recurring leaks
Repairs have become frequent or ongoing
The roof is visibly worn or discolored and hurting curb appeal
The roof suffered significant damage from a storm or other natural disaster
A roof repair may be sufficient if:
The roof is still relatively new
Damage is limited to a small area
There are no ongoing leaks or structural concerns
Curb appeal is still in good shape
Roof repairs typically cost $400 to $2,000, while a full shingle replacement averages around $14,500. Repairs are almost always cheaper upfront, but repeated fixes or hidden damage from leaks, such as wood rot or mold, can make replacement the more cost-effective option over time.
When in doubt, a professional inspection from a local roofer can help determine whether repair or replacement offers the best long-term value for your home.
Do New Shingles Increase Home Value?
Yes, new roof shingles will increase your home value, not only because they give buyers more confidence that they’re buying a home that’s properly protected from the elements but also because they boost your home’s curb appeal, which has a direct impact on perceived value.
On average, you can expect an ROI of between 60% and 70% if you go with asphalt shingles, which means a new roof will add an average of between $8,700 and $10,150 to your property value. That number could be much higher if you choose a longer-lasting, more appealing material, like copper or slate, but keep in mind that the total installation costs will also be higher.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
With labor costs for roof shingle installation averaging just under $9,000, a DIY roof replacement can seem like a good way to save money. In reality, replacing your own roof is rarely a smart choice.
Roof work is dangerous and highly technical, and even small installation mistakes can lead to water damage, lower energy efficiency, mold growth, pest infestation, and increased vulnerability to wind and storm damage. In addition, most manufacturers will void their warranties if installation isn’t done by a licensed professional, and some municipalities don’t allow unlicensed roof replacements at all.
While hiring a professional roofing contractor to install your new shingle roof is expensive, it’s the safest way to protect your home, preserve your warranty, and maximize your roof’s lifespan, along with your peace of mind.
Ways to Save on Shingle Roof Costs
There are some ways to save on shingle roofing costs aside from DIYing the installation, so consider the following tips if you’re looking to keep your total as low as possible.
Choose the right material for your area: Shingle roofing materials range from about $3 to $30 per square foot installed. More affordable options can reduce upfront costs, but consider durability and replacement frequency when comparing long-term value.
Balance upfront cost with lifespan: Three-tab asphalt shingles are the cheapest option but may only last 10 to 15 years. Materials like metal shingles cost more initially but can last significantly longer, reducing replacement costs over time.
Factor in energy efficiency: In extreme climates, energy-efficient roofing materials, such as reflective or insulated shingles, may cost more upfront but can help lower heating and cooling bills over time.
Get multiple estimates: Request at least three quotes to understand average labor costs in your area and avoid unusually high or low pricing, which can be a red flag.
Schedule installation in the off-season: Roofers are busiest in summer and fall, so scheduling work in late winter or early spring may lead to lower labor costs or manufacturer discounts.
Consider repairs or overlays when appropriate: Minor shingle repairs are often much cheaper than full replacement. In some areas, roof overlays may also be allowed, helping you avoid removal and disposal fees, but full tear-offs are usually best if there’s existing damage.
Look into incentives and insurance coverage: Energy-efficient roofing materials may qualify for rebates, tax credits, or other incentives in certain climates. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) and the Department of Energy’s information on cool roofs for more information. Insurance may also cover part of the cost if your roof was damaged by a covered event.
FAQs
The most accurate way to measure a roof for shingles is to measure each roof plane individually, calculate the square footage for each one, and then add them together to get the total roof area. You can also estimate roof size based on your home’s square footage using an online roof calculator. If you’re hiring a roofer, your contractor should take precise measurements before providing an estimate.
Yes, it’s possible to paint asphalt, wood, and metal roof shingles, but it’s usually not recommended. While painting can temporarily improve appearance, paint tends to wear quickly due to weather exposure. More importantly, it can trap moisture in or under the shingles, leading to rot, mold growth, and roof damage. The main exception is metal shingles, which are less likely to be damaged by paint, though the finish may still not last long.
Roof shingles last about 20 years on average, but lifespan varies by material, maintenance, and climate. Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 40 years, metal shingles can last up to 70 years, wood shakes around 30 to 40 years, and slate shingles can last 75 to 100 years or more.
Start by removing debris with a roof rake or leaf blower. Then apply a roof-cleaning solution designed for your specific roofing material using a garden sprayer. After letting the solution sit as directed, gently rinse it off. For stubborn areas, use a soft-bristle, non-abrasive brush, taking care not to loosen shingle granules.
On average, replacing roof shingles costs about $14,500 for a standard asphalt shingle roof on a 1,700-square-foot home with a simple gable design. Costs vary widely based on size and materials, with installed prices ranging from around $3 per square foot for three-tab asphalt shingles to $25 or more per square foot for premium options like solar shingles.
Local building codes determine how many shingle layers are allowed. Some municipalities permit only one layer, while others allow two or even three layers before a full tear-off is required. Roof overlays are typically only an option for lightweight asphalt shingles, so it’s best to check with a local roofer or building department before deciding.