A full asphalt roof replacement runs between $4,500 and $24,000 for a typical 2,000-square-foot roof. Your actual cost depends mainly on your home’s size and which shingles you pick. Basic three-tab shingles cost $0.70–$2 per square foot (materials only) with a lifespan of around 20 years. Architectural shingles cost $1–$3 per square foot (materials only) and last roughly 30 years when properly maintained.
Asphalt roofs generally last 15 to 20 years. When shingles start curling, losing their granules, or showing other wear signs, your home becomes vulnerable to water damage and energy loss. Replacing your roof on time not only keeps your home safe but can boost its appearance and market value, too.
We’ve researched everything homeowners need to know about asphalt roofing costs, including shingle types and installation factors. Our findings come from real contractors and construction databases to help you make smart decisions for your home.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Key Takeaways
- It costs between $4,500 and $24,000 to replace a standard 2,000-square-foot asphalt shingle roof.
- Asphalt shingles are versatile and relatively easy to install and maintain, offering an attractive look at an affordable price.
- Though cost-effective, installing shingles yourself can be complicated. To ensure your home is adequately protected, enlist an expert’s help.
What Is the Cost of Asphalt Roofing?
How much you’ll pay to replace an asphalt roof depends on your home’s size. If your home is under 1,500 square feet, you’ll pay an average of $8,500. For a home that’s over 2,500 square feet, you’ll pay an average of $15,000.
| Home Size | Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
| Small (under 1,500 sq. ft.) | $3,375 | $8,500 | $13,500 |
| Medium (1,500–2,500 sq. ft.) | $4,500 | $10,500 | $22,500 |
| Large (over 2,500 sq. ft.) | $6,800 | $15,000 | $24,000+ |
How Much Does Asphalt Roofing Cost by Type?
The type of shingles you use will factor into the cost of your roof. You can choose from many kinds of shingles, each varying in durability and cost. Check out our collection of top-rated asphalt shingles for your best pick.
It’s worth noting that while your roof may be measured in square feet, most roofing material is priced in units called squares, which are equal to 100 square feet.
| Shingle Type | Price Range per Square (Installed) | Average Cost per Square (Installed) | Typical Lifespan |
| 3-tab shingles | $150–$325 | $240 | 15–20 years |
| Architectural shingles | $350–$750 | $550 | 25–30 years |
| Luxury shingles | $650–$1,100 | $875 | 30–40 years |
3-Tab Shingles
Three-tab, or 3-tab, asphalt shingles work well for budget-conscious homeowners. They cost between $0.70–$2 per square foot for materials alone ($150–$325 per square installed) and give your roof a flat, uniform look. You’ll find them on many starter homes and rental properties because they’re easy to install and budget-friendly, though they usually last just 15–20 years.
In Wisconsin, we saw 18-year-old three-tab shingles still performing adequately on homes sheltered by trees, while exposed homes needed replacement sooner.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles (sometimes called dimensional shingles) provide a noticeable upgrade in both looks and durability compared to three-tab options. Materials cost $1–$3 per square foot ($350–$750 per square installed). These thicker shingles create a textured, almost 3D appearance that adds character to your home. Built with a fiberglass base mat and multiple asphalt layers, they generally last 25–30 years and resist wind and impacts better than basic options.
For example, if your area sees occasional hailstorms, architectural shingles offer a sweet spot between cost and longevity.
Read also: Architectural and 3-tab shingles comparison
Luxury Shingles
Luxury or premium asphalt shingles mimic the look of slate or cedar shake roofing without the hefty price tag of natural materials. At $1.50–$4 per square foot for materials alone ($650–$1,100 per square installed), they cost more upfront but deliver superior protection for 30–40 years in most cases. The extra thickness provides better insulation, which can trim your energy bills, especially in homes with minimal attic insulation.
In coastal areas like Charleston, luxury shingles often remain intact after storms that damage standard shingles on neighboring properties.
How Much Does Asphalt Roofing Cost by Size and Type?
Asphalt shingles are available in various types, styles, and costs. While basic 3-tab shingles are the most affordable option, they offer less durability than luxury asphalt shingles.
Your total cost will mostly be affected by the type of asphalt shingle and your roof’s size. The average home is 1,800 square feet and has a 2,000 square-foot roof. With a roof this size, you may pay as little as $3,000 with 3-tab shingles or as much as $22,000 with luxury shingles.
| Home Size | Roof Area (Approximate) | 3-Tab Shingles | Architectural Shingles | Luxury Shingles |
| Small ranch (1,000 sq. ft.) | 1,200 sq. ft. | $2,250–$3,900 | $4,200–$9,000 | $7,800–$13,200 |
| Average home (1,800 sq. ft.) | 2,000 sq. ft. | $3,000–$6,500 | $7,000–$15,000 | $13,000–$22,000 |
| Two-story (2,500 sq. ft.) | 2,800 sq. ft. | $4,200–$9,100 | $9,800–$21,000 | $18,200–$30,800 |
| Large home (3,000+ sq. ft.) | 3,500+ sq. ft. | $5,250–$11,375 | $12,250–$26,250 | $22,750–$38,500 |
What Does Asphalt Shingle Roofing Cost by Project Difficulty?
The style of your roof affects how easy it is to install shingles. As the level of installation difficulty increases, so does the cost.
The table below provides a breakdown of average costs to expect based on the difficulty level of installation.
Related: Using Asphalt Shingles on a Low-Slope Roof
| Low | Average | High |
| Basic 3-tab shingles on a 2,000-square-foot roof with no protrusions (installed) | 2,000-square-foot roof with architectural shingles on a moderate pitch roof with a chimney and skylights (installed) | Luxury shingles on a 2,000-square-foot roof with a complex roof pitch and many protrusions (installed) |
| $2,600 | $14,500 | $27,000 |
Which Other Factors Impact the Cost of Asphalt Roofing?
While square footage, type of roofing, and installation complexity are the primary components that affect the total cost of your roofing job, you should consider these other cost factors as well.
Removal and Disposal
Before putting down new shingles, contractors must take off the old roofing material. This process runs between $1 and $5 per square foot, with most homeowners paying $1,000 to $5,000 total. Your price varies based on:
- How many layers of old shingles need removal (double layers cost about 25% more to remove)
- Roof accessibility and steepness (a standard ranch home costs less than a steep Victorian)
- Local dump fees (which can range from $30 to $100 per ton in different regions)
Many counties now offer shingle recycling programs. In Metro Atlanta, for example, recycling shingles can cut disposal costs by around 15% while keeping materials out of landfills.
Roof Repair and Deck Preparation
Once your contractor removes the old shingles, they might find hidden issues that need fixing before installing new ones. We’ve seen perfectly good-looking shingles hiding rotted decking underneath. Common repairs include:
- Replacing water-damaged roof decking ($2–$5 per square foot)
- Reinforcing sagging roof trusses or rafters ($500–$800)
- Adding or replacing drip edges and flashing ($200–$500)
- Installing proper roof ridge vents ($400–$650)
Older homes built before 1980 often need more extensive repairs, especially if previous roof replacements cut corners. On a recent project in an older subdivision, nearly every third home needed at least partial decking replacement due to years of minor leaks that went unnoticed.
Warranty Options
Most asphalt shingles come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 20 years to limited lifetime coverage. These warranties generally cover:
- Standard manufacturer warranty: Protects against material defects for 20–50 years, usually with reduced coverage after 10–15 years
- Enhanced warranty: Available with certified installers, often adding labor coverage that basic warranties exclude
- Workmanship warranty: Offered by the roofing contractor, usually 2–10 years, covering installation mistakes
Better warranties might add 5%–10% to your project cost but can save thousands if problems arise. Read the fine print carefully — We’ve watched homeowners discover too late that their “lifetime” warranty didn’t cover labor for replacing defective shingles.
Read also: How to measure a roof for shingles
Benefits of Investing in Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing choice in America for compelling reasons beyond their modest price tag. Here’s why they might be right for your home.
Excellent Cost-to-Performance Ratio
Few materials deliver comparable protection at such accessible prices. A quality architectural shingle roof protects your home for about half the cost of metal roofing while still offering 25–30 years of reliable service.
Style Flexibility
Modern manufacturing techniques have transformed asphalt shingles. Today’s options come in hundreds of color blends and profiles that convincingly mimic slate, cedar, or tile without their maintenance demands. For example a neighborhood with identical homes can look distinct from each other due to different shingle choices.
Repair-Friendly Design
Unlike seamless systems where damage often requires large section replacement, asphalt allows for spot repairs. Most handy homeowners can replace a few storm-damaged shingles in under an hour with basic tools from any hardware store.
Contractor Availability
Finding qualified installers proves easier and often less expensive with asphalt compared to specialty materials. In most areas, you’ll have multiple experienced crews competing for your business, keeping prices reasonable.
Weather Resistance
Many newer asphalt products handle challenging conditions remarkably well. Current architectural shingles routinely withstand winds up to 130 miles per hour and earn Class A fire ratings. Premium varieties offer impact resistance that can earn insurance discounts in hail-prone regions.
Sound Insulation
Asphalt layers absorb sound much better than hard surfaces like metal. For homes in flight paths or areas with frequent thunderstorms, this noise reduction adds genuine comfort value that homeowners notice immediately after installation.
Market Appeal
A fresh asphalt roof typically returns 60%–70% of its cost in improved home value. Real estate agents consistently report that visible roof problems delay sales and trigger lowball offers, while new roofing often helps homes sell faster and closer to the asking price.
For homes in humid southeastern states or heavily wooded lots, look for shingles with copper-infused granules. This feature blocks the black algae streaks that ruin curb appeal, and it saved one of our clients hundreds in cleaning costs compared to their previous standard shingles.
Professional Vs. DIY Asphalt Roof Installation Cost
The allure of DIY savings tempts many homeowners, but roofing involves more complexity than those YouTube tutorials suggest. Let’s break down the real-world considerations.
Professional Installation: What You’re Getting
When you pay a professional roofer $20–$50 per hour, you’re buying more than just labor:
- Trained eyes: Pros catch subtle issues such as warped decking or inadequate ventilation that photos never show in DIY guides.
- Safety know-how: Roofing causes thousands of injuries yearly — professionals bring proper equipment and insurance.
- Speed and precision: A crew can strip and reshingle an average home in one to three days, while DIYers often need five to 14 days.
- Warranty protection: We’ve seen manufacturers reject warranty claims when they discover DIY installation.
- Code compliance: Local building requirements change frequently, and violations can cause headaches during home sales.
A professionally installed roof costs more upfront, but the peace of mind alone justifies the premium for most homeowners we’ve worked with.
DIY Installation: The Real Costs
If you’re still considering handling this project yourself, budget for these often-overlooked expenses:
- Safety gear: Harnesses, roof jacks, and fall protection ($300–$500)
- Specialized tools: Roofing nailers, tear-off shovels, air compressors ($500–$800 if purchased)
- Waste management: Dumpster rental and disposal fees ($300–$700)
- Extra hands: Even experienced DIYers need helpers for safety and efficiency
- Time commitment: Count on giving up at least one full week, often more
- Learning curve: First-time mistakes can lead to leaks that might not show up until the next heavy rainstorm
For a 2,000-square-foot roof, materials might run $4,500–$8,000, with DIY extras adding $1,500–$2,500. Compare that to professional installation at $10,500–$18,000, and the roughly $4,000 in savings might not seem worth the risk, especially when you factor in the value of your time.
What Do We Recommend for Asphalt Shingle Costs?
Architectural shingles offer the best overall value at $7,000–$15,000 installed on a 1,800-square-foot home. These deliver substantial durability and curb appeal compared to basic 3-tab options, while costing far less than premium luxury shingles.
If you’re in a mild climate or planning to move within a decade, budget-friendly 3-tab shingles might serve you well, but homeowners in regions with harsh weather or those settling in for the long haul should lean toward higher-quality options.
Always collect at least three detailed quotes from licensed contractors and keep about 10%–15% in reserve for unexpected deck repairs that only become visible once the old roof comes off.
The lowest bid rarely provides the best long-term value, so prioritize contractors who offer detailed written estimates, valid insurance certificates, robust warranties, and references you can actually contact. Many roofing companies now provide no-interest financing for 12–18 months and don’t overlook potential insurance coverage for storm damage or available tax incentives for energy-efficient options that might take the sting out of initial costs. Remember that even the finest materials will disappoint if poorly installed — we’ve seen expertly installed builder-grade shingles outperform luxury products that weren’t properly secured.
FAQs About Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt roof lifespans vary dramatically based on shingle quality and local conditions. Basic three-tab shingles usually last 15–20 years, architectural shingles about 25–30 years, and luxury shingles 30–40 years under favorable circumstances.
Your attic’s ventilation plays a surprisingly large role — we’ve seen poorly ventilated roofs fail within 12 years because summer heat literally baked the shingles from underneath.
Regional differences matter too: The same architectural shingles that last 30+ years in Oregon might need replacement after just 18–22 years in Arizona’s harsh sun or Florida’s humid conditions.
Asphalt shingles have several drawbacks worth considering before you commit. Even premium asphalt tops out around 40 years of service, while metal lasts 40–70 years, and slate can protect homes for 75+ years — meaning you’ll likely replace your asphalt roof at least once during your homeownership.
Asphalt shingles contribute substantially to landfill waste and absorb heat in summer, potentially boosting cooling costs by 20%–25% compared to reflective alternatives like metal.
In coastal areas, asphalt roofs can take a beating from high winds and develop unsightly algae streaks after just a few years, problems you won’t face with some pricier roofing materials.
Taking on your own asphalt roof installation can save you roughly 40%–50% on labor costs (about $6,300 for an average 2,000-square-foot home), but these savings come with substantial trade-offs.
DIY roofing exposes you to real safety hazards — we know two experienced handymen who suffered serious falls despite taking precautions. Beyond physical risks, you’ll sacrifice manufacturer warranties, extend your home’s vulnerability during the longer installation period, and potentially create future leak points through rookie mistakes.
After adding up costs for equipment rentals, extra materials for inevitable errors, and the value of taking a week off work, many homeowners we’ve talked to found the actual savings much less compelling than they first appeared.
