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They cost an average of $5,000 to $18,000* for a 1,500-square-foot roof, though this price varies by material. There are many roofing options available, but most homes use some type of shingle roof. Shingle-style roofs are easy to install, cost-effective, and can last up to 30 years. We’ll detail the various factors that impact shingle roof costs so you can prepare for your project.
*We averaged cost data in this article from multiple home improvement reports, including Fixr and Home Advisor.
Shingle Roof Cost Factors
The type of shingles you choose as well as your roof’s pitch, size, and height have the biggest impact on cost.
Cost by Material
Roofing shingles can be made of several materials, each with their own price points and pros and cons. Here are some typical roofing materials and their costs per square foot.
- Asphalt: Asphalt shingle roofs are by far the most common, but they vary in quality. Basic three-tab shingles are the most cost-effective but the least durable. Architectural asphalt shingles are more expensive but last longer.
- Wood: In terms of tree species, redwood and cedar shakes and shingles are the most common. Wood shakes are hand-split and have a rougher, textured look, whereas wood shingles are smoother. Both look elegant but require substantial maintenance and are susceptible to rot.
- Composite: Composite shingles are a mixture of fiberglass, asphalt, recycled plastics, and other materials. They’re pricier than asphalt roofs, but they’re also eco-friendly and provide more insulation, improving your home’s energy efficiency.
- Metal: A metal roof may be made of panels or shingles. Lightweight aluminum is the most common material for metal shingles, but high-end varieties may be made of zinc or copper. Metal is highly durable and fire-resistant, but it’s prone to denting.
- Slate: A slate roof may be made entirely out of natural slate or slate combined with synthetic materials. Slate shingles are one of the most durable roofing materials, lasting up to 200 years. However, they’re very heavy and may require you to reinforce your roof before installation.
- Solar: Solar shingles are essentially mini-solar panels that double as roofing. They blend in better with your home than traditional solar panels. They’re typically the most expensive shingle type, though they can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency.
| Shingle Material | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
Asphalt |
$4–$15 |
|
Wood |
$6–$18 |
|
Composite |
$7.50–$13 |
|
Metal |
$10–$35 |
|
Slate |
$15–$30 |
|
Solar |
$21–$25 |
Cost by Roof Size
The larger your roof, the more materials you’ll need to cover it. We calculated the cost of various shingle roof sizes using a low end of $4 per square foot for three-tab asphalt shingles and a high end of $30 for premium slate shingles. Note that your roof’s square footage is a bit larger than your home’s square footage.
| Roof Square Footage | Cost Range |
|---|---|
|
1,200 |
$4,800–36,000 |
|
1,500 |
$6,000–$45,000 |
|
1,700 |
$6,800–$51,000 |
|
2,000 |
$8,000–$60,000 |
|
2,500 |
$10,000–$75,000 |
|
3,000 |
$12,000–$90,000 |
Cost by Height and Pitch
If your roof is more than two stories up or has a particularly steep pitch, roofers may charge extra due to increased safety concerns. Additionally, roofs with complex designs—for example, if there are many levels, eaves, or faces—will increase labor costs because they take longer to work on. Shingles have to be cut to fit the specific dimensions of your roof, and any peaks, valleys, or features such as skylights require extra lining and waterproofing.
Cost by Labor
In addition to material costs, you’ll need to pay for professional installation. Most contractors charge based on square footage, but some may charge $50 to $120 per hour. Note that some types of roof shingles cost more to install if they require extra time or skill, such as slate and solar shingles. Also, anything that limits roof accessibility may increase the project time and thus the cost. Overall, be prepared to pay $4,500 to $7,500 for labor.
Additional Factors Affecting Shingle Roof Cost
Depending on the specifics of your roofing project, you may encounter the following additional costs.
Additional Repairs
Particularly if you’re replacing your roof, you may find that it needs structural repairs before new shingles can be laid. Roof replacement usually includes a new deck and underlayment, but if the underlying structure is damaged, you’ll need a major repair job. The cost to replace soffits, fascia, and rafters can range from $500 to $6,000. We recommend keeping some extra room in your budget for unexpected repairs, especially if you have an older home.
Shingle Brand
Most shingle manufacturers offer shingles at a range of price points. However, some brands generally cost more than others. Tamko tends to be the most budget-friendly, GAF and CertainTeed are in the middle, and Owens Corning is on the high end.
| Brand | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
Tamko |
$0.90–$2.30 |
|
IKO |
$1.00–$1.20 |
|
GAF |
$1.15–1.25 |
|
CertainTeed |
$1.20–$1.70 |
|
Malarkey |
$1.30–$2.00 |
|
Owens Corning |
$1.37–$2.81 |
Shingle Removal and Disposal
If your roofing project requires removing and disposing of a substantial number of shingles, this will add to the total cost. You’ll typically pay between $0.50 and $1.00 per square foot for this service, depending on the pitch and type of roof. In some circumstances, you may be able to apply a layer of new shingles over the old ones to save on tear-off costs, but this isn’t usually recommended.
Location
Your home’s location can affect your roofing project cost in several ways. First, the price of both materials and labor is higher in areas where the cost of living is higher. Homes in inner cities also cost more, but if you live in a rural area far from the roofing company, you may be charged an extra travel fee. Finally, roofing contractors will likely be in higher demand in locations with a booming housing market, so they may charge more.
Repair vs. Replacement
Repairing old shingles is less expensive than replacing an entire roof. Roof replacement costs include old roof removal and disposal as well as roof deck and underlayment repair. The cost for roof repair is typically between $50 and $800, whereas the cost of a new roof is typically $9,500 to $20,000.
Professional vs. DIY Shingle Roof Installation
In nearly all cases, homeowners should hire a professional contractor to install their shingle roof.
Professional Shingle Roof Installation
Roofing is a specialty trade that requires specific licensure, and a licensed roofer will have the skills, experience, and equipment needed to install shingles quickly and efficiently. Most roofing contractors also offer a workmanship warranty in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty on the materials. You should always hire a professional roofing company if you need a full roof replacement.
DIY Shingle Roof Installation
Some homeowners may be able to replace a few missing or damaged shingles with the proper safety precautions and equipment. However, you should hire a professional for any larger repairs and certainly for roof replacement. Roof replacement has a fairly high return on investment, but an improperly installed roof that’s not up to code may harm your home’s value in addition to increasing the potential for water damage.
How to Hire a Professional
When comparing local roofing companies, keep the following in mind.
- Any roofing contractor you consider should be licensed, bonded, and insured.
- If you choose a specialty material such as solar shingles, make sure the contractor has experience installing it.
- Look at the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) page to check its rating and accreditation status as well as how it handles customer complaints.
- Ask for references from previous customers, and check customer reviews on reputable sites such as Trustpilot.
- Ask about any guarantees or warranties on workmanship.
- Get estimates—including project timelines—from at least three contractors to get a good idea of the cost range in your area.
How to Reduce Shingle Roof Costs
Even when you hire a pro roofer, you can still save on the total cost of shingle installation with these tips.
- Roofers are busiest during spring and fall and tend to charge more during this time. If possible, wait for the off-season for large roofing projects. Homeowners in Florida and other warm climates may even be able to wait for winter.
- Look for tax incentives or rebates on eco-friendly roofing solutions such as composite or solar shingles.
- Balance up-front costs with durability and life span. Premium shingles may cost more now, but they can last for decades.
- The best home warranty plans cover roof leaks and simple repairs, but be aware that no home warranty covers total roof replacement.
- Keep up with roof maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters and inspecting the roof after storms to catch problems early.
Our Recommendation
Part of owning a home means keeping the roof in good condition, and that includes repairing or replacing it when necessary. Shingles are one of the most cost-effective and versatile roof types, allowing you to choose from several materials. The best shingles depend on your needs, budget, and desired look. Whatever you choose, make sure to hire an experienced professional to install your new roof.
Shingle Roof Cost FAQ
How long does it take to shingle a roof?
It usually takes two to three days to install simple three-tab shingles. Certain roofing materials, such as slate or solar shingles, may take longer.
How does a shingle roof affect the value of my home?
A new shingle roof will increase the value of your home. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2023 Cost Versus Value report, a new asphalt shingle roof had an average return on investment of 61.1%.
What are the least expensive roof shingles?
Basic, three-tab asphalt shingles are the least expensive type of shingle. However, they’re also the least durable.
Where can I buy roof shingles?
You can buy roof shingles from most home improvement stores, though you may be able to get better prices on bulk orders if you go through a roofing contractor.
What time of year is best to buy shingles?
Shingle prices themselves are typically not seasonal, but installation costs can vary. In most climates, fall is the ideal time to replace a roof, but it’s also the busiest and roofers will charge the most. If the temperatures where you live aren’t too extreme, it’s usually the least expensive to install shingles in winter or summer.