If you’re planning to have your roof replaced, you have a handful of options, with the most popular being asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs, and tile roofs. Within those categories are various styles and materials.
Most people are familiar with the 3-tab style of asphalt shingle roofs, but there is also the option of single-tab architectural shingles, which are also called dimensional shingles.
Architectural shingles are sturdier and heavier than 3-tab shingles, and they last longer. However, if you’re considering this type of roofing, you’re probably wondering how much an architectural shingle roof costs.
The cost of architectural shingle roofs is also higher than the cost of 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs—about 25 percent more on average. Depending on the size of your house and various other factors, a new roof might cost between $8,000 and $25,000.
We understand that the cost of a roof is often one of the top factors that homeowners consider. In this article, we’ll break down some of the cost considerations involved when you have an architectural roof installed.
In This Article
Factors That Influence the Cost of an Architectural Shingle Roof
There is no one set price for any type of roofing project, and the final cost will depend on various factors. Here are some of the things that will influence the cost of your architectural shingle roof.
Size of the Roof
The size of your roof will factor heavily into the price of installation. Costs will vary based on the region where you live, but the national average for architectural shingles is about $5 to $15 per square foot.
Keep in mind that the square footage of your roof is not the same as the square footage of your house, especially if you have a two- or three-story home.
To estimate your roof’s square footage, you can multiply the length of your home by the width. This will only be a rough estimate, though, because many roofs have different sections with various pitches, and there may be cutouts for chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Roof Pitch
Depending on where you live in the USA, you may have a relatively flat roof or a high pitch, also called a roof slope. A higher pitch will add more square feet to your roof’s overall size, and that can add several thousand dollars to your overall roofing costs.
In addition to adding square footage to the roof, a higher pitch can add labor costs due to the complexity of the installation. This is something that will apply to all types of roofing, so it’s important to get an estimate no matter what type of roofing material you decide upon.
Roof Features
Many roofs have features like chimneys and skylights. When a roof is replaced, the flashing around these features will often also need to be changed out. This, along with adding a skylight or having your gutters replaced at the same time, will also add to the overall cost.
Warranty Period
Roofs come with various warranty periods. Some are 20 years, while others are 30 years or even 50 years.
While 3-tab shingles often come with a warranty of 10 or 20 years, architectural shingles usually come with a longer warranty—sometimes 30 years. Some even offer a lifetime guarantee. In some cases, a longer warranty period might also mean a higher price tag.
Another thing to keep in mind is that many lifetime warranties only cover the amount of time you live in the house; they’re not generally transferable to new owners, so they won’t be a selling point if you were to put your home on the market. Erie Home architectural shingle roofs, however, are backed by a 30-year limited lifetime transferable warranty.
State-by-State Comparisons of Roofing Costs
There will also be some differences in the cost of a new architectural roof in different states and areas of the country.
For example, California and New York tend to have higher costs of living overall. California, in particular, has stringent building codes that can add to the cost of an architectural shingle roof. These factors will make roofs in these states higher than average.
Florida is prone to hurricanes, and the cost of having a new roof is often higher due to the strict building codes. In addition, in most parts of Florida, houses tend to be single-story, which can lead to a larger roof square footage thanks to sprawling home footprints. These can all lead to higher roofing prices.
Midwestern states like Wisconsin often have higher roof pitches, which allow snow to slide off more easily. This will increase the cost of having a roof installed.
Final Thoughts on the Cost of an Architectural Shingle Roof
With so many different factors that can affect cost, it’s difficult to know how much an architectural roof will cost until you have an estimate done.
If you’re vacillating between a 3-tab asphalt roof and an architectural roof, consider not only the upfront cost but also the cost of repairs and replacement and when those are likely to be needed. Since an architectural roof lasts longer and is more sturdy than a 3-tab roof, homeowners often find the extra installation cost to be worth the investment.
At Erie Home, we offer free estimates for all types of roofing, including architectural shingle roofs and metal roofs. Contact us at 1-800-998-8301 to learn more and to schedule a visit from one of our installation experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the life expectancy of an architectural shingle roof?
An architectural shingle roof will generally last between 20 and 30 years, though some will last longer in milder climates. If you’re looking for a roof with a longer life expectancy, consider a metal roof, which lasts up to 50 years.
Are architectural shingles better than 3-tab asphalt shingles?
Architectural shingles last longer than their 3-tab counterparts and will generally have a longer warranty period. They also stand up better to elements like hot weather, wind, and heavy rain.
Are architectural shingles more difficult to install?
Architectural shingles are slightly more complex to install than standard 3-tab shingles due to their varied size and shape, which can require additional planning and layout considerations.
However, the installation process is generally similar and does not require specialized skills beyond those possessed by professional roofing contractors. The key difference is ensuring the visual pattern aligns correctly, which may add a bit more time to the installation process.
Are architectural shingles worth the extra cost?
Yes, architectural shingles are often worth the extra cost for several reasons. They are thicker and more durable than standard 3-tab shingles, providing better resistance to weather conditions like wind and heavy rain.
They also offer a longer lifespan, typically lasting 20 to 30 years or more, and come with longer warranties. Architectural shingles can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home with their varied, dimensional appearance, potentially increasing the property’s value.
What color roof shingles are best in a hot climate?
In a hot climate, lighter colors reflect heat and can lower cooling costs. Architectural shingles come in a wide range of colors.