Shingles are the most common roof type for U.S. homeowners. They’re easy to customize and come at various price points, so they work for many budgets. The national average cost to install a new shingle roof on a 2,000-square-foot home is $8,500 to $20,500*, but you could pay significantly more or less depending on the material and your home’s size. Learn more about the factors that affect shingle roof cost below.
*Cost figures are based on averages from multiple sources, including Roofing Calculator and Remodeling Calculator.
Average Shingle Roof Cost
A shingle roof’s cost depends primarily on the type of material used and your roof’s size.
Cost by Roof Size
The bigger your roof, the higher material and installation costs will be. Asphalt shingles are the most common type of material used. These cost an average of $6.25 per shingle for basic shingles. Using that figure, the table below shows roughly how much you can expect to pay to cover various roof sizes. Note that most other materials cost more.
| Roof Size (Square Footage) | Average Cost of Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $6,250 |
| 1,500 | $9,375 |
| 2,000 | $12,500 |
| 2,500 | $15,625 |
| 3,000 | $18,750 |
Cost by Shingle Type
Shingle materials fluctuate greatly in price, even between different types of asphalt shingles. Here are some of the most common shingle types and their average prices:
| Shingle Material | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Aluminum shingles | $8.50 to $13.75 |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | $4.50 to $12.25 |
| Basic asphalt shingles | $4.25 to $8.25 |
| Clay or ceramic shingles | $12 to $24.75 |
| Composite shingles | $7.50 to $13 |
| Slate shingles | $12 to $22 |
| Steel shingles | $8 to $12.65 |
| Wood shingles or shakes | $8 to $14.30 |
Asphalt Shingles Cost
Many homeowners opt for asphalt shingle roofs because they’re affordable, lightweight, and customizable. Asphalt three-tab shingles have a life span of 15 to 20 years, though they can last longer if well taken care of. Basic asphalt shingles cost $4.25 to $8.25 per square foot on average, while premium asphalt shingles are a bit higher at $4.50 to $12.25.
Aluminum Shingles Cost
Aluminum is the most affordable metal shingle you can get at around $8.50 to $13.75 per square foot. Aluminum shingles are durable, lightweight, and low-maintenance. They also have a long life span of 50 to 80 years.
Clay or Ceramic Shingles Cost
Clay or ceramic shingles are one of the most expensive roofing options, averaging $12 to $24.75 per square foot. They’re durable and insulative, but keep in mind that repair and replacement costs will also be on the higher end.
Composite Shingles Cost
Composite or synthetic shingles are made from a mixture of asphalt, fiberglass, and recycled paper materials. They’re fire- and moisture-resistant and have a life span of at least 50 years. They’re priced midrange at around $7.50 to $13 per square foot.
Slate Shingles Cost
Slate shingles are incredibly durable and stand the test of time. If properly maintained, they can last over 100 years, which is a good return on investment considering their $12 to $22 per square foot cost. Natural slate is heavy, so you may have to pay for additional roof reinforcement.
Steel Shingles Cost
Steel is one of the most expensive metal roofing options. Though it costs roughly $8 to $12.65 per square foot, the result is a long-lasting, energy-efficient, and durable roof.
Wood Shingles Cost
Wood shingles have great curb appeal and midrange pricing at $8 to $14.30 per square foot. Be aware that they’re not appropriate for all climates, though. Wood is prone to pest infestation as well as mold and mildew, so expect more regular maintenance.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Beyond roof size and shingle material, here are some additional costs to consider.
- Brand: As with any product, different brands have different price points. Do your research on brand reputation and price ranges before purchasing.
- Labor: Labor often accounts for over half of a roofing project’s total price. Prices fluctuate based on your location as well as your roof’s size, pitch, and accessibility. Scheduling roof installation during summer when demand is high will be more expensive.
- Location: The higher the cost of living in your area, the higher you’ll likely pay for materials and labor.
- Roof pitch: It’s more difficult and dangerous to work on steeper roofs, so expect higher labor costs.
- Roof removal: Some roofing materials can be installed over an existing roof. If yours can’t, you’ll have to pay to have the old roof torn out.
- Material disposal: You’ll also have to pay to have the old shingles and materials properly discarded, which most roofing companies will factor into labor costs.
- Inspections: Your roof will be inspected at least once to make sure it’s up to code. Some municipalities require multiple inspections throughout the installation process.
- Underlayment and coating: Underlayment and coating aren’t always required, but having them applied at installation can add valuable protection for your roof.
- Warranty coverage: It’s wise to get warranty coverage, both to protect your investment and increase your home’s resale value if the warranty is transferable to a new owner. Most workmanship warranties include minor repairs for a certain amount of time.
Replacing Shingles vs. Getting a New Roof
If you already have a shingle roof and notice damage, you may not need to pay for an entire roof replacement. Roof repair may be more cost-effective, depending on your roof’s age and the type and severity of damage. If your roof is less than ten years old and the damage is restricted to one or two smaller areas, a roofing contractor may tell you that repair is preferable to shelling out for a new roof.
When To Replace Roof Shingles
If your roof is older and the damage is more widespread or severe, it’s likely time for a full roof replacement. Here are some signs you need to replace your roof shingles:
- A high number of broken, bent, or cracked shingles
- Buckling or dark spots on the roof
- Extensive water damage
- Mildew, mold, or moss
- Missing granules or granule buildup in gutters
- Rust or wear around chimneys, pipes, or vents
Professional vs. DIY Shingle Replacement
If you’re handy with home improvement, you may be able to replace a few loose shingles here and there. If you’re doing a larger roofing project, we recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor. Installing an entire roof is a lot of work and time, not to mention dangerous. Professional roofers have the skill and gear to do the job safely and properly. A roof is too big of an investment to attempt on your own if you’re not experienced.
Contact a Roofing Professional
Installing any type of roof is expensive, and if not done correctly, you may end up with even costlier problems and repairs. Avoid the hassle and danger by contacting a licensed roofing professional who will ensure a quality job from start to finish, as well as offer a warranty to cover future repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shingle Roof Costs
Consider a Broader Home Inspection
When purchasing or selling a home, it is critical to complete a thorough inspection to understand the condition of the property. A standard home inspection includes an assessment of a home’s systems and physical structure. After the process, the inspector will provide a report detailing their findings and recommendations.
If you are thinking about buying a home or putting your home on the market, we strongly recommend finding an ASHI home inspector in your area.