Overview of Asphalt Shingles and Their Costs
Asphalt shingles are available in various types, with three-tab and architectural shingles being the most common. Shingles are sold by the square, which equals 100 square feet. On average, this is how much they cost:
- Three-tab shingles are the most basic and affordable, with an installation cost of approximately $3.50 to $5 per square foot ($350 to $500 per square). However, they aren’t very durable, lasting only 15 to 20 years on average.
- Architectural shingles (aka dimensional shingles) average $4 to $8.50 per square foot, or $400 to $850 per square. They are more visually appealing and durable (lasting up to 30 years on average).
- Less-common luxury synthetic asphalt shingles cost between $7 and $16 per square foot ($700 to $1,600 per square). They are made to look like high-end materials, such as slate, and last up to 50 years.
Many homeowners choose asphalt shingles for their affordability, ease of repair, and variety of styles. Some also come rated as Class 4 Impact-Resistant, making them suitable for storm-prone areas.
Keep reading to learn more about asphalt shingles, or click below to get matched with up to four local contractors so you can compare quotes and start your roofing project.
Cost Breakdown
As of 2025, the average cost for asphalt shingles is $3.50 to $16 per square foot, including material, demolition, and labor costs.
| Factors | Cost Per Sq. Foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1 to $6 |
| Demolition | $1 to $4 |
| Labor | $1.50 to $6 |
| Total Cost | $3.50 to $16 |
Asphalt shingles are one of the most budget-friendly roofing options, making them the most popular choice among homeowners. Material prices range from $1 to $6 per square foot, or $100 to $600 per square (100 square feet), depending on the type and brand. Basic 3-tab shingles cost less, while luxury shingles cost more.
Installation adds $1.50 to $6 per square foot, depending on factors like roof pitch (aka slope), accessibility, labor needs, local rates, and season. If your old roof needs to be removed, expect an additional $1 to $4 per square foot for demolition and disposal.
Cost by Roof Size
While several factors can influence your final roofing cost, your roof’s size plays the biggest role.
| Roof Size | Asphalt Shingles Cost (Materials Only) | Cost + Demolition and Labor |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. feet | $1,000 to $9,500 | $3,500 to $16,000 |
| 2,000 sq. feet | $2,000 to $19,000 | $7,000 to $32,000 |
| 3,000 sq. feet | $3,000 to $28,500 | $10,500 to $48,000 |
How to Calculate Your Roof Size
Unless you’re ready to climb up on your roof and take some measurements (which we don’t recommend) there’s no easy way to measure your roof’s exact size. But if you know your home’s square footage, you can get a close estimate.
- Let’s say your home is one story and 2,000 square feet. If the roof has a moderate slope and isn’t too complex, multiply that number by 1.1 to estimate a 2,200-square-foot roof.
- If your roof is steep and more complex, multiply by 1.5 for approximately a 3,000-square-foot roof.
- For homes with multiple stories, divide your total square footage by the number of stories to determine the general roof coverage area. Then do the same multiplication factors as above.
Or, if you’re confused and/or not wanting to do math right now, you can try our handy roofing cost calculator:
Cost by Type of Shingle
Asphalt shingles come in three main types: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. Each differs in durability, appearance, and price.
| Type | Cost (Incl. Installation) | Average Lifespan | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles | $3.50 to $5 per sq. foot | 18-20 years | Uniform |
| Architectural Shingles | $4 to $8.50 per sq. foot | 20-30 years | Dimensional |
| Luxury Asphalt Shingles | $7 to $16 per sq. foot | 30+ years | High-end |
Let’s take a closer look at each:
Factors Influencing Asphalt Shingle Costs
Many factors affect how much you’ll pay for your asphalt shingle roofing project. Here are some of the most important ones:
Type and Brand of Asphalt Shingle
Choosing between 3-tab, architectural, or luxury shingles can make a big difference in price. Upgrading from basic 3-tab to luxury shingles can triple your material cost. Higher-end brands also charge more because their shingles are more durable and often come with longer warranties — expect to pay 20% to 50% more for premium brands.
Roof Size, Layout, and Pitch
Larger roofs require more materials and more labor hours, increasing total costs. Additionally, complex roof designs with multiple valleys, hips, and a steep pitch will require more time and materials to shingle correctly, which can raise labor costs by 20 to 40%.
Geographic Location
Where you live affects labor and material prices. In cities like New York or San Francisco, costs are usually higher than in rural areas due to higher wages and supply prices. During a local construction boom, labor rates can increase by 15% to 30%. Some areas also require permits for roof replacements, which adds to the total.
Market Fluctuations in Material Prices
Asphalt is a petroleum product, so oil prices can impact shingle prices. For example, a spike in oil prices could cause shingle prices to increase by 5% to 10%.
Removal and Disposal of Old Roofing
Tearing off your old roof and hauling it away adds to the total price. If your roof has multiple layers that need to be removed, demolition costs can double.
Warranties
Shingles come with different warranty levels, from 20 years up to lifetime coverage. Choosing a lifetime warranty can add 10% to 15% to your material costs, but it may be worth it for long-term peace of mind.
How to Save Money on Asphalt Shingle Replacement
While your roof isn’t something you should cheap out on, the cost of replacing shingles can be expensive. Thankfully, there are a few ways you may be able to save some money:
- Consider a mid-tier option. Basic 3-tab shingles are affordable but less durable. Upgrading to architectural or luxury shingles may cost more upfront but last longer and save money over time.
- Make sure they’re right for your climate. In areas with frequent hail, strong winds, or lots of humidity, impact-, wind-, or algae-resistant shingles may prevent future damage. These can cost 10% to 15% more but help reduce repair needs later.
- Repair instead of replacing. Sometimes a repair is all you need. Ask a local roofer if a full replacement is necessary.
- Compare quotes from different contractors. Always request quotes from at least three contractors to compare prices and services.
- Lay new shingles on top of the old ones. Layer new shingles over old ones. If local codes allow and your roof has only one layer of shingles, you might be able to add new shingles without tearing off the old ones, helping you save on removal costs.
- Keep your roof clean. You may never think about cleaning your roof, but regular soft washing by a pro can extend your roof’s life. Avoid power washing, which can damage shingles.
Shingle Replacement vs Repair Costs
If your roof is less than 15 years old and is damaged in a few spots, you may be able to get by with a repair, rather than a full replacement. A roofing contractor can come out to inspect your roof and tell you what your best option is. If they decide a repair is a feasible course of action, it can save you a ton of money.
On average, replacing an asphalt shingle roof costs over $10,000, while a roof repair costs less than $2,000.
DIY vs Professional Installation
While we love DIY projects as much as the next guy, we don’t recommend installing your shingles yourself (unless you’re a roofer). There’s a lot of risk of installing something incorrectly, which can lead to mold and water damage, and DIY shingle installation often voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Plus, working on a roof is very dangerous, especially if you don’t have the right tools and experience.
For safety and peace of mind, we recommend hiring a pro.
Finding a Professional Roofing Contractor
Since we’ve established that installing your roof yourself is a bad idea, let Modernize help you find a reliable roofer. We can connect you with local contractors who are experienced, licensed, and ready to help. We’ll help you compare three to four quotes to find the best professional for your budget and needs.
FAQ: Asphalt Roof Shingles
How much do 30-year shingles cost per square?
30-year architectural shingles typically cost between $4 and $8.50 per square foot to install.
How much is a square of shingles?
A square of shingles is 100 square feet. On average, a square of asphalt shingles costs between $350 and $850, or $3.50 to $8.50 per square foot.
Are asphalt shingles energy efficient?
Asphalt shingles aren’t usually energy efficient, but some coatings can be applied to increase their energy efficiency.
Are asphalt shingles fire resistant?
Fiberglass asphalt shingles are considered fire-resistant, especially if they’re Class-A rated.
-
Solar Roof Shingles Cost & Buying Guide
What Are Solar Shingles? Solar panel roof shingles are designed to look like ordinary asphalt shingles while generating energy from the sun. They offer the same durability as traditional shingles... -
Architectural Shingle Cost & Buying Guide
Average Cost of Architectural Shingles Architectural shingles (aka dimensional or laminate shingles) cost $15,000 and $25,500 on average to install on a standard 3,000-square-foot roof. That works out to about... -
Cedar Shake and Shingle Costs & Buying Guide
Average Cost of Cedar Roofing On average, in , cedar shingles cost between $6 to $10 per square foot installed, while cedar shakes run a bit higher at $8 to... -
Metal Roof Shingles& Metal Roof Costs
Metal Roofing Costs The average roofing installation price for a metal roof costs anywhere between $21,000 to $50,000 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. You can expect... -
Wood ShinglesRoofing Installation Costs
Wood Shingle Roofing Contractors It’s always smart to get price quotes from at least four local pre screened and licensed wood shingle roof installers before starting your project in order to get... -
Fiberglass Shingle Cost & Buying Guide
What Are Fiberglass Shingles? Fiberglass shingles are a modern type of asphalt shingle. They’re made with a woven fiberglass base mat, coated in asphalt to keep out moisture, and topped...
