Search thousands of topics on CostHelper

BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Home and Garden  > Roofing, Windows & Siding > Asphalt Shingle Roof

Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost


How Much Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost?

 
 average costMedium: Asphalt Single Roofs Run $2,300-$12,100 Installed for an Average-Sized Roof 

Also referred to as a composition roof, asphalt shingles are made of single or multiple sheets of either organic or fiberglass roofing felt that is saturated and coated with asphalt, then surfaced with granules of minerals such as slate or rock.

Typical costs:

  • Do-it-yourself materials run around $680-$3,700 for a typical one-story ranch-style home with a 1,700-2,100-square-foot, gently-sloping roof. Standard gray asphalt shingles in a three-tab rectangle are the least expensive; expect to pay more for higher-end colors and styles. One of the most important factors is weight; the thicker the asphalt tile, the longer it's expected to last and the more it will cost. RoofingChildsPlay.com provides an online calculator[1] to get a rough estimate for different types of asphalt shingles.
  • Having a roofing contractor remove (and dispose of) old roofing materials, then install asphalt shingles runs about $1-$4 a square foot, or a total of $1,700-$8,400 for a typical ranch-style home (1,700-2,100 square foot, gently sloping roof). Prices go up for colors, architectural styles, thicker-width shingles or a roof with a steep pitch and/or a lot of corners and angles. Improvenet.com provides an online calculator[2] .
Related articles: New Roof, Metal Roof, Tile Roof, Wood Shingle Roof, Slate Roof

What should be included:
  • Because of the slope, a roof generally has a larger square footage than the house it sits on -- a 1,500-square-foot home could have a 2,100-square-foot roof. Building materials are usually sold by the "square" -- enough to cover 100 square feet -- and it's customary to include an extra 10 percent for waste on a simple roof and 15 percent extra for a more complicated installation.
  • Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and reasonably durable. To install asphalt shingles, a base is laid down, then the shingles are nailed, tarred or locked into place in an overlapping fashion. ThisOldHouse.com provides a how-to video[3] for replacing an asphalt shingle roof.
  • Higher priced asphalt shingles come in a wider range of shapes and colors, including "architectural" models designed to imitate the random shadows and patterns of slate, wood or ceramic tiles. Asphalt shingles made with organic roofing felt as a reinforcement material are tougher and stay more flexible in colder climates, but usually do not last as long and are not as fire retardant as those made with fiberglass reinforcement. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association hosts a photo gallery[4] of asphalt shingle roofs.
  • Asphalt shingles need to be properly installed for local conditions, and do better in cool climates. According to RoofHelp.com[5] , the average lifespan for "20-year" asphalt shingles is about 14 years in Phoenix, Arizona; 19.5 years in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and 20.8 years in Reading, Pennsylvania. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides tips for using asphalt shingle roofing in high-wind regions[6] or coastal environments.
Additional costs:
  • Roof rafters or trusses must support the weight of the roofing, which varies depending on the product. If the roof support system is rotted or otherwise damaged or if it needs reinforcing to support heavier roofing materials, repairs or remodeling can easily add $1,000-$10,000 or more to the cost, depending on what's needed.
  • If removing and disposing of the existing roofing material isn't included in an estimate, this can add another $3-$5 a square foot or $510-$1,100 for a basic ranch-style home -- and costs go higher depending on location and the difficulty of the removal project.
Shopping for an asphalt shingle roof:
  • Get estimates from more than one company, and ask for (and check) references. If one quote includes repairs or upgrades to your roof structure, check if other estimates also include that work. The National Roofing Contractors Association provides a detailed guide[7] for buying a new roof, as well asreferrals to contractors[8] .
  • A written contract should include a detailed outline of the work required and materials used, dates within which the project will be done, and a payment schedule.
post Post   Comments (8)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013


7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Replacement of old roof
Amount: $5,632.00
Posted by: Jackncoke in West Allis, WI.Posted: March 9th, 2017 10:03AM
Contractor: Ridge top
We have a smaller home and the estimate is calling for the removal of 17 SQ feet of shingles, a 3 rolls of 15# felt paper 17 SQ feet of new timberline shingles, with all the gutter aprons, 4 new vents, chimney flashing, etc. Job is expected to be completed within a day. Our home is about 950 SQ feet. A 1936 two bedroom one bath with a steep pitched roof in an urban city.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Roofing Repair
Amount: $7,589.00
Posted by: Victor Hernandez in El Paso, TX.Posted: December 4th, 2016 01:12PM
Type: 30 YearSq Ft of Roof: 24.77
Contractor: Capital GCS
These guys are really good and fast. They removed my old roof and replaced it in what seemed 2 days and they even cleaned up around the house. The drip edge was painted and with a 5 man crew got the job done included my storage. It was amazing. They even replaced one of my windows and had a person fix my interior damage. I was very impress that they provided a full package. I've never seen this type of company before. Its family based. Any one from El Paso should definitely give these guys a project.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Labrusciano Roofing
Amount: $3,900.00
Posted by: Ryan D in CONSHOHOCKEN, PA.Posted: October 3rd, 2016 08:10AM
Type: AsphaltSq Ft of Roof: 600
Contractor: Labrusciano Roofing
Quick job completion, very competitive quote. Added sheathing, new asphalt roof with longer lasting coating. Also installed a bathroom ceiling 2 way vent.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
New Roof
Amount: $7,500.00
Posted by: jjsilverman1 in Malta, NY.Posted: January 29th, 2016 05:01AM
Type: Asphalt-ShingleSq Ft of Roof: 15
Contractor: Difalco Development
Had 4 quotes. When I bought the house I knew it was a matter of time and that time came. I only wanted to do it once and have a good warranty. Very happy with the work and the professional way they conducted them self's. I liked the warranty because it is backed by the manufacturer including any additional labor due to the fact that Difalco Development is certified by the manufacturer and the manufacturer would cover the cost of any additional work if necessary. If you want a professional, quick clean and organized outfit these are the guys to call. They even repaired the bathroom vent system that had never been connected and cut a ridge cap in that wasn't there at not charge to make sure all was right. They don't charge for estimates.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
foofing
Amount: $10,500.00
Posted by: Kevin Roberts in brentwood, NY.Posted: October 17th, 2015 10:10AM
Type: GAF 25 year architecturalSq Ft of Roof: 2100
Contractor: Watertight Happauge
Great company gave great price compared to others.On time to look job over and give price.Job started and finished as promised.Promp,efficient and clean.Price included full rip up and disposal new plywood in front and garage 20 sheets upgraded to code.Self stick ice guard as required plus 20x35 low angle back roof fully covered in ice shield.New metal chimney and front gutters as well as guards
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Best roof on the block. In sanger,calif.
Amount: $8,200.00
Posted by: Chuy in sanger, CA.Posted: May 3rd, 2015 04:05PM
Type: Gaf timberline hd shinglesSq Ft of Roof: 2800
Contractor: Apex valley roofing
They did a great job. The crew is amazing they get down to business. They did a 2 layers tear off down to the plywood clean. Then re roofed it with GAF timberline hd copper canyon shingles, Replaced 275 feet of facia, Put insulation in attic up to code, Ridge vents, and a nice set of rain gutters in front of the house. The yard was left clean Apex valley roofing is honest, and gives great prices give them a call for a free estimate and you will be happy with deal they give you.I think I got a great deal for all the work they did and the material I got. They even upgraded 15 felt underlayment for Gaf synthetic tiger paw and Gaf pro starter everything for the low price 8,200. Wow !!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
larry broen
Amount: $20,456.00
Posted by: larry boen in springville, UT.Posted: June 7th, 2013 05:06PM
Contractor: Bull roofing
They did a great job. Put on 80 square of metal roof. It took a week and a half. I woudl recommend them if you live in utah.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
New Roof
Amount: $4,675.00
Posted by: Clare in Piscataway, NJ.Posted: November 8th, 2010 11:11AM
Type: Asphalt-Shingle - 30 yearSq Ft of Roof: Apprx. 2100
Contractor: Double D Construction
Got it done in 4-5 hours. Replaced 5 sheets of plywood. They showed the plywood to me, so that made me feel better that they were being honest with me. My only wish is that they took the time to flatten out the shingles so it has a much smoother look.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 

Comment On Your Experience With an Asphalt Shingle Roof
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Type: Sq Ft of Roof: 
Contractor:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 



External Resources:
  1.  www.roofingchildsplay.com/calculators/asphalt_shingles_costs_calculator.php
  2.  www.improvenet.com/HomeOwner/ProjectTools/estimators/roofing/re_index.html
  3.  www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1630932,00.html
  4.  www.asphaltroofing.org/residential/gallery
  5.  www.roofhelp.com/choices/asphaltshingles/
  6.  www.flash.org/resources/files/HGCC_Fact20.pdf
  7.  www.nrca.net/consumer/fyi.aspx
  8.  www.nrca.net/consumer/directory/
More Home and Garden Topics
Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden How Much Does a Plumber Cost? How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost? How Much Does a Central Air Conditioner Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles

About CostHelper
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit
Paid: 147.00
Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
-nervouschomper
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost
Spanish Medical Interpreter
Paid: 150.00
I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
-Gregory Richardson
Interpreter Cost
Dat
Paid: 495.00
This is how much I am paying... [more]
-Calista Christian
Dental Admission Test Cost
Shingrix
Paid: 48.00
... [more]
-Not that BB
Shingles Vaccine Cost
Skin prick allergy test
Paid: 573.00
Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]
-D’s mom
Allergy Testing Cost
Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat
Paid: 0.00
13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more]
-Terrimarie
Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost