How Much Do You Charge For Putting New Shingles On A Roof

Reviewed & Approved on August 26, 2020 by Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

2021 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 Roof Cost

The average price range to shingle a 3,000 square foot shake roof is between $5,000 and $12,000. Low cost for installation is around $3,600, and high cost is about $120,000. For a single square of roofing (100 square feet), the average price is $170 to $400.

the average csot to install a shingle roof is $8,500 or $3,600 to $120,000.

A shingle is a piece of a roof cover. Shingles are installed in an overlapping fashion to provide complete protection for the plywood, vapor barrier and other materials beneath. This type of roofing is a traditional building material that has been used on residences for hundreds of years. This material is popular because it is effective, attractive and, to some extent, can be repaired in pieces without replacing an entire roof.

Shingle Roof Estimator

Average Cost	$8,500
High Cost	$120,000
Low Cost	$3,600

Shingles Prices Per Bundle and Per Square

Shingles are sold by the bundle and by the square. A square is equal to 100 square feet and will cost anywhere between $100 and $1,800. A bundle is around 1/3 of a square and costs an average of $30 to $600. On the low end, asphalt averages $100 and $150 per square while slate averages about $1,200.

**Average Price of Shingles**
Type	Per Square*	Per Bundle**
Asphalt/Composition	$100 - $150	$30 - $50
Metal	$300 - $1,800	$100 - $600
3D/Dimensional	$480	$160
Cedar/Wood	$480	$160
Clay Tile	$800 - $1,800	$270 - $600
Natural Slate	$800 - $1,800	$270 - $600
Solar	$2,200	n/a

*Square = 100 square feet
** Bundle = 1/3 of a square, or about 33 square feet. Not all materials are sold in bundles.

Asphalt/Composition Architectural

Asphalt is commonly referred to as composition. Architectural styles have a slightly more sculpted appearance and feature an extra layer of lamination that creates a contoured look. Architectural shingles are slightly more durable but may not be appropriate for shallow roofs because wind cannot flow through them as easily as 3 tab roofs. Asphalt lasts between 15 and 30 years, depending on the climate, material quality and other factors.

Asphalt/Composition 3 Tab

Asphalt composition 3 tab shingles cost around $100 per square; $30 per bundle.

Asphalt three tabs are very popular because of their low cost. These shingles feature three separate cut outs on the bottom half. When layered on top of one another, these three tabs create the appearance of being three separate pieces.

3D/Dimensional

Three-dimensional asphalt shingles cost an average of $480 per square, $160 per bundle.

3D or dimensional roofing is made from asphalt and fiberglass, like standard composition types. These shingles have a highly sculpted shape, similar to wood shakes, which sets them apart from standard 3 tab and architectural. Dimensional asphalt was developed in the 1970s in response to homeowner demand for a product that looked like high-end wood but performed like asphalt.

Cedar/Wood Shake Shingles

Cedar wood shake shingles are priced at about $480 per square, $160 per bundle.

This traditional material boasts rustic beauty and a long service life. Shingles made of white cedar and eastern white cedar are both popular. However, wood burns easily and must be maintained to avoid rot. Over time, shingles can develop cracks, grow algae. Eventually, unmaintained roofs will deteriorate and develop leaks. To prevent this from happening, moss and algae must be cleaned off periodically, and wood preservative must be applied every two to five years depending on the type and brand of preservative.

Metal

"Metal roofing costs more up front but it will last three or four times longer than an asphalt roof, is recyclable at the end of its useful life, can increase the value of your home, and offers protection against storms and hail."Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.

Metal roofing shingles cost around $300 per square, $100 per bundle, but can run as high as $1,800 a square for high-end metals or complicated rooflines. Stone-coated steel starts at about $350 per square. This material is highly durable. Unusual metals like copper make for beautiful (albeit expensive) roofs. Some homeowners complain that metal is louder than some other types, but with extra insulation noise can be dampened. Metal comes in a variety of colors. Paint on metal may wear over time, but homeowners who repaint their roof can get additional life out of their old shingles. It's important to work with a contractor who has experience with residential projects, as there can be a big difference between residential and agricultural metal types.

Clay Tiles

Clay roof shingles are priced between $600 and $800 per square, $200 to $270 per bundle.

Clay is highly durable, fire-resistant and attractive. This type of building material weighs between 600 and 900 pounds per square (versus 250 pounds for asphalt roofs). Installation may require structural reinforcement for homes that haven't previously supported such a heavy material.

Slate

A slate roof costs between $800 and $1600 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. The coloring and durability of the slate is partly determined by the quality of the original stone.

Slate is very heavy, like clay, and cannot be installed on a home that has not been built or reinforced to support its weight. Slate is also relatively easy to repair one tile at a time. If you keep up with maintenance, you can extend the service life of the roof.

Solar

Want to power your house with renewable energy? A solar shingle roof costs $2,200 per square, or $730 per bundle. This technology resembles standard roofing material but performs like solar panels, generating power from the sun. This technology can be integrated into a roof that features standard asphalt shingles, so there is a mixture of both types on one surface. Since solar shingles became commercially available in 2005, the technology has greatly improved and become more widely available. The cost has dropped as well and will continue to become more cost-effective as more manufacturers roll out new solar roofing options.

Consult with a pro when purchasing shingles

Roof Shingles Calculator

Now that you're aware of the price differences between shingle materials, you will need to determine the number of squares to purchase for your roof. To do this, measure the total square footage of your roof, and it's pitch. To learn about measuring pitch and calculating the amount of shingles needed, use our Roof Shingle Estimator.

Warranties

It's typical for roofing materials to come with a manufacturer's warranty. These warranties vary by product because the service life of each can vary. Common warranty lengths include 20, 30, 40 and 50 years. Some companies offer transferable lifetime warranties on their products. Warranties often come with the product at no extra cost but often don't cover installation costs. Workmanship problems are a common reason that new roofing installations fail. Working with a contractor who warranties workmanship can help ensure that the roof is fully warrantied.

Calculating Prices Per Brand

There are a variety of shingle brands. Many of them can be purchased at your local home improvement centers, hardware stores or roofing supply companies.

**Average Cost of Shingle By Brand**
Brand	Per Square	Per Bundle
Tamko	$60 - $200	$20 - $70
Landmark by Certainteed	$80 - $150	$30 - $50
Owens Corning	$80 - $120	$30 - $40
Timberline by GAF	$80 - $120	$30 - $40
Everguard by GAF (flat roofs)	$90 - $120	$30 - $40
EDCO Steel Roof	$400 - $500	$135 - $170

New Shingle Roof Installation Costs

Labor charges for installation can range between $30 and $80 per hour. Prices can vary depending on the level of the roofer's experience, area where the roof is being installed, its pitch, type of material, and quality of workmanship.

Hire a pro to install your shingles

Re-shingling & Replacement

In addition to the labor required to install new and remove old, other factors to consider when re-shingling include:

Rafter reinforcement or replacement: $1,000-$2,000 for a single rafter, about $10,000 for an entire house. If the old rafters are rotted or simply not strong enough to support the weight of the new material, rafters may need to be reinforced or replaced.
Pitch. A steeply pitched roof brings an extra level of risk and requires special safety equipment. This can increase the per hour charge and may require use of special materials that can increase the total price of the project.
Flashing: $5 per square foot, $10 to $20 per piece for vent-shaped flashing. This is the protective liner installed around the base of objects that protrude from the roof (like the chimney and vents). Flashing can be made of metal or rubber and can rust or crack over time. Often flashing must be replaced while a new roof is installed.

Hiring a pro for this job is important. Re-shingling is dangerous work for an untrained professional, and homeowners who re-shingle their own home put themselves at risk. In addition, many homeowners don't know the local codes or regulations to install new shingling. Hiring a pro will ensure that proper building codes are followed.

Removing Shingles

Before the new roof can be installed, the old one must be safely removed and hauled away. The hourly rate for removal may be the same as the installation costs. Although it's important to hire a professional, some homeowners choose to handle removal on their own to save money. Homeowners who need tips on this process may need to do research on how to safely remove the roofing and its price to prepare.

DIY or Hire a Pro

Shingling a roof is complicated task. Many homeowners, even homeowners with some construction background, do not have the skills or training to properly install shingles. A DIYer without proper safety equipment or experience can get injured during installation or maintenance. In addition, improper installation can lead to leaks, invalidation of the warranty and structural damage.

The best way to re-shingle is by hiring a roofing professional for the job. When seeking a pro, check credentials. Read online reviews and testimonials. Check for a license, bond, insurance, and warranty of work. Meet with your selected professional in person to discuss the project. If possible, hire a roofer with experience installing your preferred material. Finally, get a contract. Having a contract in place will help reduce the risk of miscommunications and will also help ensure that your experience with the pro is a positive one.

FAQ

How many shingles do I need to cover a roof?

The number of bundles or squares you need will depend on the surface area of your roof, and its pitch or slope. For example, a 2,000 square foot roof will require 20 squares or 60 bundles. A professional will likely purchase slightly more materials than necessary to ensure there is extra material if needed.

Are architectural shingles worth the extra cost?

Architectural shingles (3D) last longer but may not be an appropriate choice for shallow-pitch roofs. Architectural styles are about two to three times as thick as 3-tab types, and may last two or three times as long. Their durability can make them an excellent investment. If you're a homeowner thinking about installing 3D roofing, talk to your contractor.

Which should I use to re-shingle a steep, hip roof?

Asphalt, wood or slate are the preferred material for steep rooftops. However, when re-shingling a hip/steep one, consider the type of shingles that were used previously. Using a material of comparable weight and quality can help ensure that the structure is designed to support the new weight. If heavier ones must be used, then the home may need to be reinforced before the project can proceed.

How long does a shingle roof last?

These roofs may last 20 to 200 years or more depending on the type of material being used. While you're talking to the manufacturer, find out how long the warranty will last. Warranties often depend on proper installation and regular maintenance (like cleaning and inspections) in order to remain in effect.

Asphalt: 15-30 years
Cedar/Wood: 30 years
Metal: 50 years or more
Clay: 75 years or longer
Slate: 125-200 years

Not all materials are created equal and their quality can vary. Harsh climates with extreme heat or cold, frequent freeze/thaw cycles or high-wind storms can wear out shingles more quickly. To find out how long your material of choice will last, check with your roofing professional, the manufacturer or read the product warranty.

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

Typically, yes. The particulars of who can pull a permit and what information is required varies by state and municipality. Check with your local building department to find out. The average cost for a building permit is about $250 to $500. Failure to get a permit may result in work being stopped before the roof can be completed. If a project is completed without a permit, you may have difficulty selling your home in the future because an inspector or appraiser will likely notice and flag the work.

Hire a roofing pro for your installation project