You’ve seen the signs. Your shingles are curling. Maybe some are cracked or missing. Moss is growing in areas that don’t get much sun, and you found some shingle pieces in the yard.
You check your records, and sure enough, your roof is 20-30 years old. It’s time for a roof replacement.
But how much does an asphalt shingle roof cost?
Read on to find out which factors are likely to affect the cost of your roof, and how you can save money while still getting the best quality roof you can afford.
In this article:
- Average Cost of a New Asphalt Shingle Roof
- Factors That Affect the Cost of a New Asphalt Shingle Roof
- Cost Isn’t the Only Important Factor to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
Average Cost of a New Asphalt Shingle Roof
You have several options when it comes to replacing your roof. Asphalt shingles are among the most popular choices because they are durable, affordable, and come in various colors and shapes.
When considering the cost of a new roof, consider the materials and the labor for installation. Keep in mind that your roof’s square footage will usually differ from your home’s square footage.
A good rule of thumb is to take your home’s square footage and multiply it by 1.5 to get a ballpark figure for your roof’s square footage.
Besides the cost of the shingles themselves, other factors will come into play, and we’ll review those in the section below.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a New Asphalt Shingle Roof
1. The Size of Your Roof
The larger your roof, the more a new roof will cost, as it will require more materials and labor.
2. The Pitch of Your Roof
When looking at your roof, ask yourself this question: Is it easy to walk on it? If so, a new roof will likely cost you less. If not, it could cost you more.
Here, we’re talking about roof “pitch.” This refers to how steep the roof is—specifically, how many inches does the slope rise for every 12 inches it runs horizontally?
The roof pitch angle is usually seen in ratio form, such as 3:12 or 6:12. Thus, a 6:12 roof describes one that rises 6 inches for every 12 inches moving inward.
A roof with a pitch of less than 8” in 12” is considered walkable. As the slope of the roof increases, the difficulty of installing the roof increases too, which raises costs.
3. The Shape of Your Roof
If your roof is commonly shaped, it will be easier to work with, so the final price will be less. If it is more complex, however—with multiple angles, dormers, chimneys, or skylights—it will take more time for the installers to place the shingles to make sure they don’t leak in the future.
4. Roof Accessibility
How easy is it to get to your roof? In most homes, this isn’t an issue, but if you live in a neighborhood where the houses are placed tightly together, or if your home is surrounded by trees or other obstacles, it could be harder to get on top of the home.
Roofers may also need room to tear off the old roof (see below), dispose of the old materials in a dump truck, and send new materials up. Lots of landscaping close to the house, fences, and the closeness of the driveway can affect their ability to easily perform these tasks.
If any of these are true for your home, installers will need more time and possibly equipment to properly install the roof. This could add to the costs of your project.
5. Removal of Existing Roof
Will the installers have to remove the roof you already have, or can they leave it in place? The answer to this question will affect the cost.
If the installers have to completely remove and dispose of the old shingles, that will take more time and will cost you more. However, this is sometimes the best option.
The following situations require that the old roofing be removed:
- There’s already more than one layer of shingles (the roof has been replaced before without removing the bottom layer).
- There’s only one layer, but it’s in bad shape and needs to be removed.
- You want to make sure the decking below the shingles is in good shape (removing the old shingles allows for a better roof inspection).
- The old roof is severely damaged, is leaking, or has mold issues.
- The roof can’t withstand the extra weight of another layer of shingles. (This is something to consider in areas of heavy snowfall.)
- You want to extend the lifespan of your new roof (removing the old one is one of the ways you can do that).
- The manufacturer’s warranty will not cover the roof if installed over old shingles.
- You’re planning on selling the home soon. (Two layers of shingles will be more expensive to remove down the road, which could affect the selling price of your home.)
Roofing over the existing shingles can be convenient and cost-effective, but it’s best to check with a qualified roofing professional before you make this decision.
6. Materials Used
Asphalt shingles are an affordable option in general, but there are many different types available today. Some cost more than others, so this is one area where you’ll have more control over the price.
In general, there are three categories of asphalt shingles:
1. 3-tab: These are the most basic type,and are made of a single layer and lay flat against the roof. They get their name from the three tabs that are on each shingle strip and are the least expensive option.
2. Architectural/dimensional: These feature two layers of asphalt bonded together. They create more of a three-dimensional appearance, with a random pattern that can simulate the look of a wood-shake roof. They are more durable and have a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles.
3. Luxury/premium: These are the largest and thickest shingles on the market, and are more durable than the other two options. They create a high-end appearance for the home. They will last the longest, but they also cost the most.
Three-tab shingles generally cost less but have a shorter lifespan—up to 20 years as opposed to 30 years for architectural shingles. Architectural (or dimensional) shingles cost more, but they are thicker and more durable. They can also withstand more severe weather conditions. Standard 3-tab shingles are rated to withstand up to 60 mph winds, while architectural shingles can withstand winds up to 130 mph.
More luxury/premium shingles can last even longer, but they will cost the most. Because of their superior durability, however, they’re often the right choice for stormy areas, such as hurricane-susceptible climates.
Erie Home architectural asphalt shingles have a strong bond that ensures maximum protection against wind uplift, blow-off, and water damage. They’re also rated to provide wind protection up to 130 mph.
Carefully consider all your options when making a choice.
7. Condition of Your Current Roof
How is your current roof doing? Your roof inspector will look at the underlying roof decking to ensure it’s not damaged or rotten. If it needs work, the cost to complete that work will add to the overall price of your new roof.
8. Where You Live
Each city and state has its own laws when it comes to building. Your roofing contractor should incorporate the costs of any required construction permits when giving you an estimate to replace your roof. The permit price could be a flat amount based on the size of your home, depending on where you live, and typically costs several hundred dollars.
Cost Isn’t the Only Important Factor to Consider
Keep in mind that the cheapest price is not always the best option. You’ll want to ensure the contractor has a good reputation, so check reviews online and ask for references to see previous work.
Meet with each one so you can ask questions, and make sure you feel comfortable with the contractor’s communication, availability, working style, and experience. Get in touch with Erie Home today for a free inspection and estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to put a metal roof on or asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles are typically cheaper than metal roofs, but metal roofs are guaranteed to last longer. It depends on your priorities and goals for your home.
What is the life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof?
The lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof depends on what type of shingles you choose and the quality of the installation. Erie Home roofs are affordable, last up to 30 years, and come with a transferable limited lifetime warranty,
How much does labor cost to install 3-tab shingles?
This will really depend on the size of your home and labor costs, so it’s best to consult with a professional. These shingles are inexpensive and durable, but not as durable as architectural/dimensional shingles, which have a double layer and last longer.
What is the waste factor in roofing?
Waste factor refers to material that is overlapped in valleys and hips, as well as cut-off around flashings, penetrations (like chimneys), and gable ends. Typically, there is about 10-15 percent waste on roof jobs.
How do roofers calculate labor?
This depends on the type of shingles installed, with labor being charged per square foot. Factors that affect labor costs include the materials used, the roof pitch and complexity, and the roof accessibility.