How Much Do Roof Shingles Cost?

2022 Notice: Material Prices are Surging 

Demand for roofing has grown over the past year. And, as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you’re planning a roofing project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials. 

Shingle Prices by Bundle, Square, and Square Foot

Shingles are sold two ways—by the bundle, and by the square. A square of shingles is 100 square feet. A bundle is approximately 1/3 of a square.

Asphalt

Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years, depending on climate, material quality and other factors. They come in three varieties: 3 tab, architectural, and 3D or dimensional shingles. 

Three tab shingles cost an average $100 per square; $30 per bundle and feature three separate cut outs on the bottom half of the shingle. When layered, the tabs of these shingles create the appearance of three separate pieces. They are a popular, low-cost choice for roofing.

Architectural shingles cost between $100 and $150 per square or $30 to $50 per bundle. They feature an extra layer of lamination, which creates a contoured look, and they have a slightly more sculpted appearance. Architectural shingles are slightly more durable, but not ideal for shallow roofs, as wind cannot flow through them as easily as 3 tab shingles. 

Dimensional or 3D roofing performs like asphalt, but is designed to mimic the look of high-end wood shingles. It costs an average of $480 per square and $160 per bundle. These shingles are made from asphalt and fiberglass, and have a highly sculpted shape, creating a look similar to wood shake. 

Cedar/Wood Shake Shingles

Cedar wood shake shingles cost an average of $480 per square; $160 per bundle. They are commonly made of white cedar or Easter white cedar. These shingles boast rustic beauty and a lot of character, but they must be regularly maintained to avoid rot. If not properly cared for, wood shingles can crack, grow algae, deteriorate or develop leaks. They must be cleaned regularly and a wood preservative must be applied every two-to-five years. 

Metal

Metal roof shingles average about $300 per square; $100 per bundle, but high-end metals or complicated rooflines can cost up to $1,800 per square. Highly durable stone-coated steel starts at about $350 per square. Unusual metals like copper can also cost more, but they bring distinct character to a home. Maintenance costs to consider include extra insulation (metal roofs can be louder than traditional styles), and costs for repainting, if necessary.

Clay Tiles

Clay roof shingles are highly durable and fire-resistant. They average between $600 to $800 per square and $200 to $270 per bundle. They are heavy, however, so installation may require additional structural reinforcement, particularly for homes that haven’t previously supported such weight. 

Slate

Slate shingles cost between $800 and $1,600 per square or $270 to $540 per bundle. High-quality, well-maintained slate can last for hundreds of years and has a distinctive, natural beauty. It is relatively easy to maintain (single tiles can be repaired one at a time), but slate shingles are very heavy, similar to clay shingles, and cannot be installed without additional reinforcement to support extra weight. 

Solar

Solar shingles costs $2,200 per square or $730 per bundle. New technology resembles standard roofing material, and can even be integrated into a roof that also uses standard asphalt shingles, blending the two materials. Advancements continue to be made in solar shingle technology, and it is expected that costs will drop as the material becomes more widely available. 

How to Calculate Shingle Costs for Your Roofing Project

To calculate how much roofing material you need, you’ll need to know the square footage of your roof, along with its pitch.

Square footage is measured by taking the length and width of each plane on the roof, and multiplying those numbers. A roof’s pitch is determined by how measuring how much your roof rises for every foot it runs. For example, a 6 in 12 roof pitch means the roof rises 6 inches for every 12 horizontal inches of length. 

Once you have these numbers, use an online Roof Shingles Calculator to for an accurate estimate. You’ll also want to add about 10% to 15% in additional materials to account for waste. 

Shingle Costs by Popular Brand

Costs of shingles vary per brand, and there are many to choose from. Most can be purchased from local home improvement stores or roofing supply companies. 

Shingle Cost Factors

Number of Shingles

The amount of shingles your project needs will be a primary factor of any roofing cost. Total number of shingles needed will depend on two factors: total square footage of your roof, and your roof pitch. The more shingles needed, the higher the cost. To get an estimate of your project, use a Roof Shingles Calculator. Be sure to add about 10% to 15% in additional materials to account for waste. 

Material

Shingle costs vary widely based on material. Traditional asphalt shingles can range from $100 per square and $30 per bundle, while slate may run $800 to $1,600 per square, and $270 to $540 per bundle. Solar shingles can run even more, costing $2,200 per square or $730 per bundle. Options are available for any budget or design aesthetic.  

Labor

On average, labor for shingle installation ranges between $30 and $80 an hour. However, prices vary depending on the roofer’s experience, quality of workmanship and their location. Roofs with a steep pitch, or complicated design may incur additional labor costs to install. Hiring a professional for this job is important, however, as roofing can be dangerous work. Additionally, roofers are often familiar with local codes and regulations and can ensure they are followed during installation. 

Reinforcement

Some shingle materials like clay or slate are quite heavy, and may require rafter reinforcement to support the weight. This can cost $1,000 to $2,000 for a singler rafter, and around $10,000 for an entire house. 

Flashing

Flashing is the protective liner installed around the base of objects that extend from the roof (like chimneys and vents). It costs $5 per square foot or about  $10 to $20 per piece. It can be made of metal or rubber. Since these materials can rust or crack over time they often need to be replaced when a new roof is installed. 

Changes to Roof

Roofs with various pitches or steep angles can bring an extra level of risk for installers, and therefore incur additional costs. These types of roofs often require special equipment to do the job safely, and they take more time, all factors that can increase the toal price of your project.

Removing Old Shingles

Before you install a new roof, you’ll need to safely remove and haul away the old one. The removal of an old roof can cost $1 to $5 per square foot, and the total job averages $1,000 to $1,500. Some contractors charge hourly, ranging from around $40 to $80 per hour. Hiring a roofing professional is recommended, but some homeowners do choose to handle removal on their own to bring down costs. You can find tips on this process if you want to tackle it yourself, just make sure you do enough research on how to safely remove the roofing to adequately prepare. 

Warranty

Warranties can also increase your roofing costs, but they may help cover any problems that occur with a roof installation. It’s typical for roofing materials to come with a manufacturers warranty ranging anywhere from 20 to 50 years, but product warranties don’t usually cover installation costs. Workmanship can be a common reason that new roofing installations fail, so additional warranties with your contractor can help ensure you are covered in case of problems. 

Replace Shingles vs. New Roof

A new roof costs an average of $8,500, while repairs typically average around $550. The cost of roof replacement can vary depending on your materials, however, as some shingles cost more to repair than others. Slate roof repairs average a cost of $700 to $2,500, while asphalt shingle repair averages $300 to $1,000. If your roof material is more expensive, it may be more cost effective to put on a new roof with new materials vs. simply repairing the existing shingles. 

FAQ

How often should you replace shingles?

Most roofs should be replaced when you reach around 80% to 85% of the expected lifetime of the shingles. For a standard roof, this is around 20 years. Shingles should be replaced whenever they show signs of damage, such as rot, mold, cracks, buckling, or dark spots. 

How long does a shingle roof last?

Do I need a permit to install or replace my roof?

If you are installing an entirely new roof, it’s likely that you’ll need a permit, and you should check with your local government officials to secure one. Some areas do not require permits for repairs under a specific square footage. Check with the agency that issues permits in your area for more details.