How much does a fiberglass shingle roof cost?
How much does a fiberglass shingle roof cost?
$3 – $5 installed cost per square foot
$5,700 – $12,000 average total cost to install
Fiberglass shingle roof cost
Fiberglass shingles cost $3 to $5 per square foot installed or $5,700 to $12,000 on average, depending on the roof size and shingle style. Asphalt fiberglass shingle prices are $1 to $2 per square foot for the materials, plus $2 to $3 per square foot for installation labor.
| Roof square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| 1,200 | $3,600 – $6,000 |
| 1,500 | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| 1,700 | $5,100 – $8,500 |
| 2,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| 2,500 | $7,500 – $12,500 |
| 3,000 | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| 3,500 | $10,500 – $17,500 |
Fiberglass shingles are also known as asphalt shingles or composition shingles. All asphalt shingles manufactured today have a woven fiberglass base mat sealed with a waterproof asphalt coating.
Contractors charge by the square for roof installation or replacement. One square is equal to 100 square feet.
Average cost to install a fiberglass shingle roof
The following table shows the average cost to install a fiberglass shingle roof.
| National average cost | $8,800 |
| Minimum cost | $2,000 |
| Maximum cost | $16,500 |
| Average range | $5,700 to $12,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Fiberglass roof shingles prices by type
Fiberglass shingle prices are $80 to $280 per square or $200 to $700 per square installed, depending on the brand, quality, and warranty. Architectural and 3-tab shingles are the most common and last 15 to 30 years. Premium shingles cost the most but have the longest lifespan and warranty.
| Type | Materials cost per square* | Installed cost per square | Warranty (years) | Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-tab | $80 – $130 | $200 – $500 | 25 – 30 | 15 – 20 |
| Architectural / dimensional | $100 – $250 | $400 – $600 | 30 – 50 | 20 – 30 |
| Luxury / premium | $150 – $280 | $500 – $700 | 40 – 50 or Lifetime | 25 – 40 |
*Not including installation.
3-tab asphalt shingles cost $200 to $500 per square installed and overlap at the tabs to create a flat, uniform look. 3-tab shingles cost the least but are less durable and can only handle winds up to 60 mph.
Architectural shingles cost $400 to $600 per square installed and feature multiple layers to create a three-dimensional look. Architectural shingles are thicker, last longer, and can withstand wind gusts of up to 130 mph.
Cost factors to replace fiberglass shingle roofing
Fiberglass shingle roof replacement costs $300 to $500 per square, including labor and materials. Roofing labor prices are 60% to 70% of the total project cost.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials and supplies | $100 – $200 |
| Labor | $200 – $300 |
| Total installation cost | $300 – $500 |
The following factors affect the cost to install or replace a fiberglass shingle roof:
Roof size and shape – Multiple stories, skylights, dormers, chimneys, and complex roof shapes increase the cost.
Roof slope and pitch – Fiberglass shingles are suitable for roofs with a pitch of 4:12 or steeper. Installation costs more for roofs with steep pitches due to the extra safety precautions required.
Shingle type and style – Architectural/dimensional shingles cost more than standard 3-tab shingles but last longer.
Brand – Premium shingles from brands like GAF and CertainTeed cost more but are more durable.
Climate – Algae- and fungus-resistant shingles typically 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.
Sheathing / underlayment – Roofing underlayment costs $0.10 to $0.80 per square foot, depending on if it is 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 framing costs $5 to $14 per square foot installed or $60 to $500 per truss for materials.
Roof decking – Replacing the roof decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot and may be 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 replacement – Soffit replacement costs $4 to $22 per linear foot. Replacing the fascia board costs $5 to $12 per linear foot.
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 – Fiberglass shingles can simulate the look of natural slate tile or wood shakes at a fraction of the cost. Slate roof installation costs $1,000 to $3,000 per square, while wood shake roof installation costs $700 to $1,500 per square.
Asphalt fiberglass shingle roof pros and cons
Fiberglass shingle roofing is lightweight, fire resistant, and easy to install but is not recommended for homes in climates that experience extreme temperature changes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Fiberglass shingles FAQs
How long does an asphalt fiberglass roof last?
An asphalt fiberglass shingle roof lasts 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance, depending on the shingle style, climate, and amount of direct sun exposure. Fiberglass shingles have a lower life expectancy in areas with freezing climates, excessive heat, or extreme temperature changes.
Roof cleaning costs $250 to $600. Have the roof cleaned every 1 to 3 years to extend its lifespan.
What are fiberglass roof shingles made of?
Fiberglass roof shingles feature a woven fiberglass base mat sealed with a waterproof asphalt coating and topped with ceramic granules to add color, texture, and UV protection.
Do asphalt shingles contain fiberglass? {#fiberglass)
Fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass base mat coated with asphalt, but they contain 40% to 50% less asphalt than older organic asphalt shingles. Manufacturers stopped producing organic asphalt shingles in 2008, and all asphalt shingles manufactured today use fiberglass.
Can you walk on a fiberglass shingle roof?
Yes, you can walk on a fiberglass roof if the roof decking is stable. Avoid walking on the roof unless necessary as it may dislodge the granules on the shingles and cause the roof to deteriorate more quickly.
Do fiberglass shingle roofs crack?
Fiberglass shingles typically become more brittle with age and may crack or warp with frequent exposure to freezing temperatures.
Getting quotes and hiring a roofing contractor
Before hiring a roofing services near you, 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 fiberglass 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 fiberglass 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?
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?
How long is the warranty, and what does it include?