How much do architectural roof shingles cost?
How much do architectural roof shingles cost?
$400 – $600 cost per square installed (100 SF)
$7,000 – $16,000 average cost of roof replacement
Architectural shingles cost
Architectural shingles cost $400 to $600 per square installed or $7,000 to $16,000 for an average roof, depending on the size, brand, and warranty. Architectural shingle prices are $100 to $250 per square for materials, plus $300 to $350 per square for installation labor.
| Roof size (square feet) | Total installation cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $7,200 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $9,000 |
| 1,700 | $6,800 – $10,200 |
| 2,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| 3,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| 3,500 | $14,000 – $21,000 |
Dimensional, 3D, and laminated shingles are all considered architectural roof shingles.
An average roof replacement costs $5,700 to $12,000, depending on the roof style and material.
Roofing contractors charge by the square for installation or replacement. One square is equal to 100 square feet.
Average cost of roof replacement with architectural shingles
The following table shows the average cost to replace a roof with architectural shingles.
| National average cost | $11,800 |
| Minimum cost | $4,000 |
| Maximum cost | $21,500 |
| Average range | $7,000 to $16,000 |
Architectural shingles prices
Architectural shingle prices are $400 to $600 per square installed or $100 to $250 per square on average for materials alone, depending on the style, brand, and warranty. 50-year shingles cost 10% to 20% more than 30-year architectural shingles but are more durable and typically have an algae-resistant coating.
3D / dimensional shingles prices by material
3D shingle prices are $100 to $1,600 per square, depending on the material. Asphalt dimensional shingles cost the least and can simulate the look of natural slate or wood shingles at a fraction of the cost.
| Material | Price per square* |
|---|---|
| Cedar shake | $300 – $700 |
| Slate | $600 – $1,600 |
| Asphalt | $100 – $250 |
| Composite | $400 – $900 |
*Not including installation.
Architectural shingles price by brand
| Brand | Cost per square* |
|---|---|
| GAF Timberline | $100 – $160 |
| CertainTeed Landmark | $100 – $160 |
| Owens Corning Duration | $90 – $125 |
| Tamko Heritage | $90 – $100 |
| Atlas Castlebrook/Pinnacle | $85 – $100 |
| IKO Cambridge | $90 – $100 |
| Malarkey Highlander | $120 – $150 |
*Not including installation.
Costs to install architectural shingles
Labor makes up approximately 60% to 70% of the total cost to install architectural shingles. The following factors also affect the cost of roof installation or replacement:
Roof size and shape – Multiple stories, skylights, dormers, chimneys, and complex roof shapes increase the cost.
Roof slope and pitch – Shingles are suitable for roofs with a pitch of 4:12 or steeper. Installation costs more for roofs with pitches greater than 6:12 due to the extra safety precautions required.
Brand – Premium shingles from brands like GAF and CertainTeed typically cost more but come in many colors and last longer.
Climate – Algae- and fungus-resistant shingles cost 5% to 15% more but are ideal for homes in climates with high humidity or heavy rainfall.
Old roof removal – Removing an old shingle roof costs $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the number of layers.
Underlayment – Roofing underlayment costs $0.10 to $0.80 per square foot for materials, depending on whether felt or synthetic. Roof replacement estimates typically include a new underlayment.
Flashing – Roof flashing is a thin piece of sheet metal installed in areas prone to leaks, such as roof valleys, chimneys, and intersections between two perpendicular roof surfaces. Most installers include new flashing in the estimate.
Rafters or trusses – Roof truss replacement costs $5 to $14 per square foot.
Roof decking /sheathing – Replacing the roof decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot and is required if the existing decking is weak or damaged.
Roof repairs – Minor roof repairs cost $150 to $1,000 to patch small leaks, while structural repairs to fix a sagging roof cost $3,000 to $6,000.
Pipe boots / Ventilation – Installing a roof vent costs $200 to $700.
Soffits and fascia – Fascia replacement costs $5 to $12 per linear foot. Soffit replacement costs $4 to $22 per linear foot, depending on the material.
Gutter installation/replacement – Gutter installation costs $5 to $15 per linear foot, while gutter replacement costs $6 to $17 per linear foot.
Drip edge – Adding a drip edge costs $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot and prevents water from getting behind the gutters and rotting the roof decking.
Permits – Roof replacement permits cost $100 to $500, depending on location.
Slate tile or wood shake roof – Slate roof installation costs $1,000 to $3,000 per square, while wood shake roof installation costs $700 to $1,500 per square.
Cost difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles
Standard 3-tab asphalt shingles cost $80 to $130 per square for materials alone. Architectural shingles cost $100 to $250 per square but have a longer lifespan and warranty because they are thicker, more durable, and resistant to high winds.
| Factor | 3-tab shingles | Architectural shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Price* | $80 – $130 per square | $100 – $250 per square |
| Look | Flat | Dimensional |
| Average lifespan | 15 – 20 years | 20 – 30 years |
| Typical warranty | 25 – 30 years | 30 – 50 years |
| Wind resistance | Up to 60 mph | Up to 130 mph |
| Conceal roof deck imperfections | No | Yes |
| Home value | No impact | Increased value |
*Not including installation.
Are architectural shingles worth the extra cost?
Architectural shingles cost more up front than 3-tab shingles but are worth the extra cost over the long term, requiring replacement less often due to their longer lifespan and warranty. Architectural shingles also have a more sophisticated appearance, increasing the home's resale value.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Frequently asked questions
What are architectural shingles?
Architectural shingles are asphalt shingles with two or more bonded layers designed to give the roof's surface a contoured, dimensional look. Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural shingles often simulate the look of more expensive materials like slate tiles or cedar shakes.
Architectural shingles are thicker and up to 50% heavier than standard 3-tab asphalt shingles, making them more durable and resistant to severe weather and hail.
How long do architectural shingles last?
Architectural shingles last 20 to 30 years on average, up to twice as long as standard 3-tab asphalt shingles.
Roof cleaning costs $250 to $600. Get a shingle roof cleaned every 1 to 3 years to extend its lifespan.
Getting estimates and hiring a roofing contractor
Before hiring a local roofing contractor to install architectural shingles, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Check their credentials:
State contractor license
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certification
Confirm the roofing contractor has experience installing architectural shingle roofs.
Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose licensed, insured, and bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.
Get a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before work begins.
Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
Don’t pay in full upfront. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
How many architectural shingle roofs have you installed in the past year?
Can you provide references from past work?
Are you NCRA-certified?
Do you have any shingle manufacturer certifications?
Do you provide a free estimate?
Which brand of shingles do you recommend, and why?
How long is the warranty, and what does it include?
Does the estimate include tearing off the old roof?
How long will the project take?
What will you do in the event of unexpected bad weather?
How will you access my roof? What safety precautions will you take?
Will you obtain any necessary permits?