How much to shingle a roof per square foot

Roof Shingle Cost Calculator

Roof Shingle Cost Calculator

Costs to install roof shingles vary greatly by region. Let’s calculate the cost for your zip code.

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The cost of roof shingles varies by the type and the size of the shingle. Whether you choose asphalt, wood, clay, or another material, determines the pricing per square foot. For the purposes of the cost per square foot, we will use asphalt shingles as an example. Most general contracting roofers charge between $3.50 - $5.50 per square foot. Keep in mind there are other costs involved, such as sealers, flashing 1, or replacing decking. These items can add $1,000+ to the cost of the shingles.

Roof Shingles Cost by Material

Many different materials can make up a roofing shingle, and each has its own costs, lifespan, style, and characteristics. Keep in mind that installation is included in this pricing but may vary according to additional materials needed or teardown expenses.

Metal Shingles Cost

When most people think of a metal roof, they envision a standing seam 2 roof, but there are metal shingles as well. These durable roofs are generally designed to look more like tile or slate roofs than typical shingle roofs and are very durable, lasting up to 100 years when cared for properly. Although these shingles cannot be layered over existing shingles 3, they come in lots of styles. The cost for this is $2.5 - $15 per square foot.

Asphalt Shingles Cost

Several different types of asphalt 4 shingles exist. They come in a range of colors and are fast and easy to install. They last roughly 20 to 30 years. Asphalt shingles can be installed over existing shingles. An asphalt shingle 3 roof cost per square foot installed is $3 - $12 per square ft. The most common asphalt shingle is made with a fiberglass mat with asphalt and a layer of stone granules on top. Another choice is organic asphalt shingles, which consist of a mat made of paper or felt. While fiberglass shingles cost between $3 and $9 per square foot, organic shingles are a bit more pricey, around $9-$12 per square foot.

Plastic Roof Shingles Cost

Plastic roofing may sound kind of flimsy but rest assured these shingles are just as strong as standard asphalt shingles. They are actually made of a composite or synthetic material that is resistant to mold, mildew, insects, fungus, and rot. Plastic shingles are easy to install, as they have an interlocking system. They also look just like a more expensive roofing product like slate or cedar wood. Plastic roof shingles cost $4 - $6 per square ft.

Cedar Shingles Cost

Cedar shingles are a nice addition to any home. These charming shingles are naturally pest-resistant, provide great insulation to your home, and are long-lasting. The shingles should be treated with bleaching oil every 4-7 years to prevent the common blackening look that occurs. Cedar shingles cost $4.5 - $9 per square ft.

Roofing Tiles Cost

Tile roofs are not really shingles but are frequently compared with shingle roofs because they are made out of individual pieces. Tile roofs are traditionally made out of clay but are more commonly being made out of other materials like composites and metal. They come in a wide range of colors and styles and can last up to 100 years with the proper care. You should pay $5 - $16 per square foot to install roofing tiles.

Rubber Shingles Cost

A rubber roof will last about 40 to 45 years, is virtually maintenance-free, and is a green choice. These highly energy-efficient roofs are fire-resistant and can withstand high winds. On the downside, a rubber roof is not aesthetically pleasing, will require painting after 10 to 12 years, and is usually used for flat or slightly sloped roofs. Rubber shingles 3 cost an average of $5.5 - $12.5 per square ft.

Composition Shingles Cost

Another option for shingles is composition. These shingles are made from fiberglass or organic materials. Seen as a combination of the two kinds, composition shingles are formed from a mixture of recycled paper products, fiberglass, and asphalt to create a shingle solution resistant to fire, moisture, and mold. While composition shingles may not last as long as architectural or fiber cement shingles, it can be reinforced and treated. These treatments help if the shingles expand and contract during cold, icy conditions or heavy rain. The average cost per sq. ft. of composition shingle is $7.50 to $13 per sq. ft.

Bitumen Shingles Price

Bitumen is an unprocessed form of asphalt and comes from distilled crude oil. This type of roofing material is mainly used for industrial, commercial, or low pitch residential roofs. The cost is around $9 - $50 per square ft.

Slate Shingles Cost

Slate roofs are made up of individual shingles or pieces of slate layered on top of one another. They have a distinctive appearance and are extremely heavy, so the roof must be reinforced to hold them. They can last for well over 100 years when properly maintained, however, and some roofs with original slate shingles are more than 200 years old. You will pay an average of $10 - $16 per square foot for slate shingles.

Solar Shingles Cost

Solar shingles 3 are designed to capture the sun’s energy to run your home efficiently. These sun-stealing shingles are lightweight, easy to install, and have the appearance of ordinary asphalt shingles. They are strong and flexible, just like a regular shingle. Solar shingles cost around $21 - $25 per square ft.

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Roof Shingles Prices by Style

The appearance of your shingle roof will depend on many factors, including the type of material. Some materials like cedar will give your roof a rustic look, others will make your roof look like a cottage roof. The style and material that you choose depends on your needs and your budget.

Victorian Roof Shingles

Victorian roof shingles made of metal come with a Victorian stamp on them. Some Victorian homeowners may want slate, shake, or tile roofing depending on the type used on the original house. They are long-lasting at a cost of $3 - $16 per square ft., depending on the material you buy.​

Rustic Cedar Shingles

Wood shingles are also distinctive and often have a rustic appearance. They come in only one color, however, which darkens as it ages. Pricing is around $4 - $9 per square ft. installed.

Cottage Style Shingles

For a cottage style roof, the best choice is a cedar or wood shingle. Check with local ordinances as some areas where fires are prevalent will not allow cedar as it is too flammable. The cost for these shingles is $4 - $6 per sq. ft.

Shake Style Shingles

You can purchase cedar or wood shake style shingles. While these lend a rustic, traditional look, they require maintenance. A wood preservative must be reapplied as often as every 2 to 5 years to prevent algae and moss growth. Wood shingles also burn quickly, so shake 5 style shingles are not recommended for areas where fires are common. The cost is $4.8 - $9 per square ft.

Spanish Style Roof Shingles

A tile roof is perhaps the most expensive roof but also the longest lasting. Pricing may vary, but the typical cost for a Spanish style roof shingle is $12.5 - $25 per square ft.

Roof Shingles Prices by Brand

Roof shingle pricing variances are more by brand or the type of shingle 3. In researching brands, common differences are in quality, customer satisfaction, and warranty.

Tamko Shingles Price

Although Tamko offers a wide variety of building and roofing products, its signature shingle is the asphalt shingle. Using architectural aesthetics coupled with a wide variety of colors and styles, Tamko shingles are versatile as well as hardy. The cost for these shingles is $55 - $200 per square or $20 - $70 per bundle.

Certainteed Shingles Price

Certainteed’s landmark is a laminated roofing material that mimics cedar shake shingles. It carries a Class A fire-resistant rating and a Streakfighter algae-free warranty of 10 years. They also come with a limited lifetime warranty backed by Certainteed. The cost for Landmark shingles is $75 - $150 per square or $30 - $50 per bundle.

Owens Corning Shingles Price

A global leader in the building industry, Owens Corning is a well-known name the world over. The company was awarded the 2020 Women’s Choice Award for roofing products most recommended by women. The Owens Corning shingles price is $80-$120 per square or $30-$40 per bundle.

GAF Timberline Shingles Price

GAF Timberline shingles have been around since the early 19th century. GAF Smart Choice Shingle Limited Warranty lasts for 10 years. They offer a myriad of styles, materials, and colors to outfit your home. The GAF Timberline shingles price is $80 - $120 per square or $30 - $40 per bundle.

Malarkey Shingles Price

Malarkey shingles have been around since 1956. All of their shingles feature a 10-year warranty or a limited lifetime warranty. The cost for Malarkey shingles is $120 - $200 per square or $40 - $50 per bundle.

IKO Shingles Price

IKO is a 4 generation, family-owned company that originated in Canada. In 1951, they expanded to North America. They offer a limited warranty, but certain products carry a lifetime warranty. IKO shingles’ price is $300 - $600 per square or $100 - $200 per bundle.

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Labor Cost to Shingle a Roof

Labor costs vary depending on the roofing material, the pitch of the roof, and the complexity of the roof design. Roofs with many openings for skylights and chimneys or numerous valleys and dormers will have higher labor costs than simpler roofs.

Typical labor costs are around $1.00 to $1.50 a square foot on average for most roofs using asphalt or architectural shingles, making the labor costs for a 1,500-square-foot roof around $1,500 to $2,250 out of the $6,960 total.

Roof shingles are also installed by square size. The typical square size is 100 square feet. Roof shingles cost per square is $350 - $550. You can also purchase some shingles in bundles. These are smaller than a square and cover about 33 square feet or ⅓ of a square. Roofing shingles prices per bundle average $116 - $183.

Roof Shingles Cost per Square

Whichever type of shingles you choose, they are usually available for purchase by the square or bundle. This is an economical way to purchase roofing materials in the appropriate quantity for a large residential roofing project, such as a new installation or complete replacement. A square of roof shingles is equivalent to 100 sq. ft. The cost per square depends on the type of shingles and the brand. They generally range between $55 on the low end and $600 on the high end, with an average of $100 to $250 per square of architectural shingles. The roofing labor cost per square is $100 to $250. The table below shows common square measurements for home roofing projects and the average cost for materials and labor.

3-Tab vs Architectural Shingles Cost

Asphalt shingles can be categorized by type, with 3-tab being the older, more traditional type, and architectural being the newer choice in the construction industry. Generally, 3-tab shingles prices are much lower than architectural shingle roof costs.

A 3-tab shingle is made of an asphalt product and consists of 3 distinct tabs usually 12 inches wide each. The material is naturally moisture-wicking to move the water off of the shingles and down the roof. A considerable cost difference can be noted between 3-tab and architectural shingles. The 3 tab is cheaper and easier to install, with a completely flat finish once placed on the roof. The 3-tab shingle cost per square foot is about $3 to $6.

Architectural shingles are asphalt shingles that have been laminated to give them a thicker profile. They appear 3-dimensional and are highly durable, with many lasting roughly 50 years. Architectural shingles are better able to withstand the impact of storms and hail without cracking. You need to take into account that architectural shingles cannot be layered over existing shingles. Architectural shingles cost per square foot is $5 to $15.

Many homeowners are willing to pay the higher architectural shingles cost because they are in high demand in the home market and boost curb appeal. Widely considered a high-end roofing product used on modern, luxury homes, architectural shingles pricing is based on its better durability and availability in many different colors and designs. Meanwhile, the 3-tab asphalt shingle cost is lower as it’s been around for a while and has fewer style options than the architectural type. Budget-conscious home buyers often get more bang for their buck with 3-tab shingles, while those who consider a high-end finish their top priority may opt for architectural shingles.

Installing Roof Shingles

In most cases, installation starts with the removal of the old roof. While some asphalt shingles can be installed over an existing shingle roof, this can only happen one time. After that, both layers must come off. The old shingles are scraped off, along with the underlayment. The roof deck is examined to make sure that it is in good enough condition to hold the new roof, and any repairs or reinforcement needed will be carried out at this time.

A new underlayment 6 of felt paper will be installed over the roof. This gives the shingles something to adhere to and helps waterproof the roof. Flashing 1 is installed around any openings, gutters, or valleys in the roof and along the edges to make things watertight.

The new shingles are installed in overlapping layers from the ridge downward, with each course being nailed into the course before it. Edging shingles and ridge caps are installed last to complete the roof and give it a finished appearance.

Shingle Roof Replacement Cost

A leaking roof can cost you more than just repairing or replacing the roof. If neglected, water damage can occur to beams, decking, attic area, items stored, ceilings, drywall 7, etc. Mold and mildew can also grow in all these areas due to moisture. It is vital to fix the problem as soon as possible. The cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof may be less expensive in the long run.

Repairing a roof comes with some concerns, even though it may save you money over replacing it. If the existing shingles are lifted or deteriorated, a repair may not be sufficient. Because all parts of a roofing system are connected, repairs are often only a temporary fix. Shingles 3 are typically overlapped, so a repair may result in further problems with other shingles. An older roof will be faded, and new shingles will stand out as well.

A sagging roof, the presence of granules (the asphalt or stone coming loose from the shingles) in your gutters or on the ground around the house, curling, or buckling shingles, are all good reasons to replace rather than repair your roof. The average cost to replace roof shingles is $7,500.

Part of a roof replacement project is disposing of the old shingles. Your roofer can help you with this part of the project. Sometimes roofers take care of the old shingles first to make way for the new ones. Other times, they may wait to take the old shingles away with the rest of the project debris after installing the new roof. The average shingle disposal cost is $25 to $150, depending on the disposal method. Some roofers may arrange a dumpster to dispose of the materials on site, while others may manually transport the old shingles to the landfill or recycling center. A dumpster rental might be more expensive up front, but if you have a complete roof replacement with several truckloads of shingles to dispose of, your roofer may charge extra for multiple trips to the junkyard.

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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 less often. If you live in a climate that is extremely hot or cold, prone to excessive rain or snow, purchasing shingles that have a longer warranty is a wise decision. Pricing may vary according to brand, and many of the major brands now offer a limited lifetime warranty on their shingles. You can buy shingles with the following warranty expectations (includes installation):

20-year Shingles

While lower in quality, 20-year shingles may be a better choice if you don’t plan to stay in your home for a long time. Twenty-year shingles are typically 3-tab and are less expensive than more premium products. However, check your building codes as 20-year shingles are generally only able to withstand winds of 70 mph. The cost for installing 20-year, 3-tab shingles is $4 per square ft.

30-year Roof Shingles

Most 30-year roof shingles are either an architectural or asphalt shingle. These shingles provide more depth to your roof while 3-tab shingles look flat. The cost for installing 30-year asphalt roof shingles is $8 per square ft.

40-year Roof Shingles

A premium cedar shake is typically a 40-year shingle. These shingles are thicker than traditional wood shingles and are resistant to insects, weathering, and UV rays. The general cost is about $9 per square ft.

50-year Roof Shingles

Owens-Corning manufactures a 50-year architectural shingle at a cost of around $10 per square ft. These premium shingles come in a variety of colors, including teak, sand dune, quarry gray, and chateau green. Many roofing contractors believe that offering 50-year shingles is a marketing gimmick, as no asphalt roof will last that long.

Limited Lifetime Shingles

Many shingle companies offer a limited lifetime warranty that covers the shingles themselves. It is referred to as limited because the replacement of defective shingles will be prorated based on how old the shingles are. Some shingle manufacturers will also guarantee the labor portion of the work if you use a contractor that is certified by the shingle company to install their roof system. In addition, a roofing contractor may offer a warranty based on his/her work. The cost for limited lifetime shingles is $10 per square ft.

60-year Roof Shingles

About the only 60-year shingle you can buy is metal. Metal is by far the longest-lasting type of roof and may even last as long as 75 years. It is well-known for its non-flammable surface, so it is popular on the West Coast. The pricing for 60-year roof shingles is $12 per square ft.

Weight of Roofing Shingles

There are two reasons to look at the weight of your shingles. The first one is based on the roof deck of your home. If your new shingles will be much heavier than the previous shingles, you may need to replace or reinforce your decking. The second one is going to affect how much your contractor will charge for a roof teardown. Dumpsters are used to dispose of old roofing materials, and most companies charge by the pound. If the weight of the dumpster goes over the designated amount, an overweight fee is added to the charges.

Shingles have varying thicknesses and weights, depending 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, tile, and slate roofs can have a significant weight. While they have dimension and distinctive looks, you may need to have the roof deck reinforced to use them. Asphalt, architectural, and wood shingles do not require reinforcement.

Shingle Weight per Square Comparison

The weight of the bundle is decided by the type and quality of the shingle 3. Three-tab shingles are lighter than architectural shingles, and slate tiles are usually the heaviest type. The quality of the shingle can also influence its weight--a 30-year shingle is heavier than a 20-year shingle. A square of shingles is 100 square feet, and we will use the weight for a 1500 square ft. roof.

Roof Pitch for Shingles

The pitch is the slope of your roof--the rise compared to the run or horizontal measurement of 12. For example, a roof that has a rise of 6 would be referred to as 6-in-12 or just 6-pitch.

Roofs with a very high pitch are more difficult to install, which increases the installation cost. It is harder for the roofer to walk or remain safe on a roof with a steep pitch 8. So, there is often staging and additional equipment involved, which increases the length of time for the set up prior to installation. While installation may cost anywhere from $1.50 to $5.00 a square foot 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 to know the right type of roofing material to use for your particular roof, as well as what 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 than that. Most pitched roofs in today’s construction industry are built using asphalt shingles.

Cost to Reshingle Roof

A complete roof replacement includes tearing off the existing roof, replacing any damaged decking, installing new felt, and applying new shingles. However, reshingling is a popular alternative to full replacements for homeowners who need roofing upgrades but still have a solid roofing foundation.

A roof reshingle is done by putting new shingles over the existing shingles without a complete teardown of the product that is already on the roof. This is called an up and over job. For a reshingle project, a roofer may also choose a rip off job, where they pry the old shingles up before installing new roofing shingles and paper on the bare sheathing.

It may be difficult to find a contractor to do a reshingle as shingle warranties may be voided. In addition, reshingling may not meet current building codes. However, there are situations where a reshingle may be appropriate. If the existing shingles are flat and there is no damage to them or the decking, a reshingle may be less expensive than an entire replacement/new installation. If your roof is eligible for a reshingle, it could save you $500 - $1,000 with the average cost to reshingle a house at $6,500 - $7,000.

Buyer beware--make sure your contractor is licensed and insured if they are willing to do a reshingle. Also, check out warranty requirements for the shingles and the labor. If you save a little on the average cost to reshingle a roof, it could cost you more in the long run.

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. The cool roof shingles cost about $2.50 per square ft.

Roof Shingle Repair Cost

The most common type of roof shingle repair is needed when shingles have lifted or have fallen off entirely. This usually occurs due to wind damage. Homeowners may not realize this has happened until a leak starts inside the house. The cost to repair missing shingles depends on how many shingles need to be replaced. For a smaller area, you should expect to pay $150 - $300. If the area is larger or you have damage to the decking underneath, the shingle 3 repair cost can run $500 - $800.

Shingles vs. Tin Roof Cost

Comparing shingles vs. tin roof, many differences can be noted. A metal roof is more eco-friendly as its materials can be recycled. In addition, a metal roof reflects heat better, so it keeps your house cooler. Special coatings may be applied that reflect heat as well.

One of the best things about asphalt shingles is that they are easy to apply, and the job is done quickly, sometimes within a day or two. Asphalt shingle roofs are less expensive at $4 per square ft. while a metal roof runs around $10 per square ft.

Metal roofs are longer-lasting, sometimes as long as 40 to 70 years. They are vulnerable to denting when hit by hail or tree branches. A shingle roof will typically last 15 to 20 years.

While a metal roof is more expensive, consumers may find that they save money on utility bills. Also, they may receive a discount on home insurance and may receive a tax credit when the roof is installed.

Shingles vs. Shakes

Wood shingles have a smoother look than cedar shakes. Shakes are split on one side as they are cut from the wood. This difference makes cedar shakes a better choice for a more rugged style home. A shake is also a thicker material than a shingle.

If you are looking for a more durable product, cedar shakes are your best choice because of the thickness and quality of the wood. However, both are long-lasting materials that should last 50 years or more if maintained properly.

As far as installation goes, cedar shakes take more time since they require layers of felt between the shake and the decking. Cedar or wood shingles need only a thin piece of wood attached to the thick ends of the shingle. The price difference is slight at $4 for wood shingles and $4.80 cedar shakes 5.

Shingle Roof Maintenance

All roofs require some maintenance to look their best. For the homeowner, this means doing twice-yearly visual checks of the roof to look for cracked, broken, or missing shingles on the outside and water stains or signs of water infiltration inside the attic. Any of these signs means that the roof needs repairing, usually in the form of replacing shingles.

Otherwise, the only other real maintenance that should be done is if the roof begins to grow moss. Moss keeps moisture on the roof, which can cause it to deteriorate more quickly. The moss should be gently removed from the roof with a long-handled brush and a mixture of detergent and water. Never use a pressure washer on a shingle roof because this can dislodge the granules that protect it.

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Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Roof Shingles Sealant

Roof sealants are available that can help waterproof a roof and stop or prevent leaks. They are not designed for every roof but can help prolong a roof’s life after a leak starts. They cost around $100 for 5 gallons.

Remove Shingles

In some cases, you can shingle 3 over the old roof, but in most cases, the roof must be removed. Normally, the cost to remove shingles is factored into the cost of the new roof, but some roofers charge an additional amount, about $50 per 100 square feet.

Recycled Shingles Cost

Rubber shingles are made of recycled materials. In fact, rubber roofing is one of the most energy-efficient and green ways to roof your home. Also, when the roof needs replacing, in 20 to 40 years, all of the materials you remove are recyclable. The cost is $9 per square ft.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Roofs may have more square footage than your home, due to pitch and shape. This means you might need more materials to cover it than the total square footage of your house.
• 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.
• An asphalt 4 roof will last between 15 and 30 years on average, but if you live in an area with very high temperatures, it will be closer to 15 years.
• 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.
• You can install a single layer of asphalt shingles over another layer of asphalt shingles one time without removing them. After this, both layers must be removed.
• A new roof can increase the value of your home. The amount varies depending on the type of roof and the area you live in.
• You need a permit to have a new roof installed. Your roofer should take care of this for you.
• Architectural shingles cannot be roofed over because they are too thick.

FAQs

• What is the labor cost to install a shingle roof?

Typical labor costs for a standard asphalt roof are between $1.00 and $1.50/sq.ft.

• How much does a roofer charge per square?

Labor costs per square range from $100 to $600, depending on the roofing material.​

• Can a metal roof be installed over shingles?

A standing seam metal roof can be installed over shingles if the roof deck is in good condition. ​

• How long do asphalt roof shingles last?

A standard asphalt shingle roof will last 15 to 30 years in most areas.

• Is there asbestos in asphalt shingles?

In very old asphalt shingles, you may find some asbestos fibers, but there is no asbestos in today’s asphalt shingles.

• Which is better light or dark roof shingles?​

In most cases, this is a personal preference, but in very hot climates, a white-colored roof may provide better energy performance.​

• How much does it cost to replace a roof on a 1200 square foot house?

Replacing a roof on a 1,200-square foot house with asphalt shingles is about $4,200 - $6,600.

• What is the average cost to replace 1,900 sq. ft. of roof with shingles?

Replacing a 1,900 sq. ft. roof with shingles costs between $6,650 and $10,450 on average, depending on the quality of the shingles and the price per square foot.

• Are architectural shingles worth extra cost?

While this depends on personal preference, many homeowners find that architectural shingles are worth the extra cost due to the added aesthetic appeal. Architectural shingles can enhance the home’s exterior and impress prospective buyers if homeowners decide to sell.

How much do most roofers charge per square?

How much does it cost to replace a roof on a 1500 square foot house in Florida?

How much does it cost to replace a roof on a 2500 square foot house in Florida?

How much is a new 2022 roof?