asphalt shingle rooof

How Much Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost?

Asphalt shingle roofing remains one of the most popular (and affordable!) roofing options in the U.S. — around 80% of new roofs are asphalt shingles. 

The costs that go into an asphalt roof include: 

  • Materials 
  • Installation 
  • Removal of the existing roof 

While asphalt shingles are a cost-effective option, the price depends on your roof’s square footage, the number of slopes on your roof, how steep the slopes are, and the asphalt shingle material you choose.  

Straight from our roofing experts in Indiana, here are some estimates for the cost of an asphalt shingle roof. 

How Much Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost? 

The price range for an asphalt shingle roof can range from $5,000 to upwards of $20,000, which includes materials and labor. 

The labor cost to install your asphalt shingle roof usually makes up more than half the total price. The shingles are just a small fraction of the cost, typically ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. For example, if you received a quote for a new asphalt shingle roof for $10,000, about $6,000 or more is likely just for the installation.  

The cost of a shingle roof vs. a metal roof is a big difference: a metal roof costs two to five times more than an asphalt shingle roof. 

Factors Affecting the Cost of an Asphalt Shingle Roof 

The actual cost to install an asphalt roof on your home depends on: 

  • The square footage of your home: The larger your roof is, the more materials you’ll have to buy. Plus, a larger roof requires a higher installation cost. 
  • Shingle material: Different types of asphalt shingles come with different price tags. 
  • The pitch and slope of your roof: If your roof has a lot of steep slopes, the installation will require more skilled labor and a higher price tag. 
  • The removal and disposal of your existing roof: If you already have asphalt shingles on your home, you may need to pay to remove them before the new roof goes up. 
homepage slider 10

Average Costs for an Asphalt Shingle Roof 

The following costs are general estimates for certain-sized homes. However, it’s important to remember that the size of your home doesn’t dictate the size of your roof. These are just a few averages to give you ideas of the total cost of replacing a roof, which includes roofing materials, installation, and removal of your current roof. 

  • 1,200 sq foot home: $4,500 – $6,500
  • 2,000 sq foot home: $8,500-$18,000 
  • 2,500 sq foot home: $9,000-$20,000

Cost Per Type of Shingle 

The cost of your roof also depends on the type of asphalt shingle you choose. Prices can be per square foot or per square of roof shingles, which is 100 square feet. Also, keep in mind that as prices for the roofing material increase, so does the average lifespan. 

So, while one roof might be more expensive upfront than another, it could last two or three times longer. 

Here are some price estimates per roofing square, according to HomeAdvisor

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles 

This is the most affordable type of asphalt shingle on the market. They typically cost around $100 per square. As the name suggests, each shingle has three tabs, making it appear as if it’s three separate shingles when installed.   

This asphalt shingle roof typically lasts around 12-18 years. 

3 tab shingle

Architectural Shingles 

Architectural shingles are slightly more high-end than asphalt shingles, costing $100-$150 per square. Each shingle is laminated, making it stronger than 3-tab shingles. It also gives your home more curb appeal, as it’s meant to mimic the look of more expensive shingles.  

Architectural shingle roofs can last up to 30 years. 

a pattern created by asphalt shingles on a roof.

Synthetic Shingles

Synthetic shingles are the most expensive option for asphalt shingles, ranging from $480 to $600 per square. They’re usually made of a mix of materials, such as synthetic polymers and slate. These are designed to look like an expensive slate or cedar roof, which costs five to ten times more than synthetic shingles. 

A synthetic shingle roof can last up to 50 years with proper care and maintenance. 

seamless traditional roofing shingles texture

How Much Money Can I Save if I Install My Own Roof? 

As we mentioned earlier, the installation cost is 60% or more of a new roof. So if you can install the asphalt shingles on your own, you could save $5,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of your roof. 

That said, installing a new roof requires a degree of skill. It’s also a job you’ll need to be completed quickly — if you rip up your old roof, it’s important to get the new shingles down ASAP before any inclement weather or damage harms your home. 

Shingle Roof Colors 

Asphalt shingles still come in a lot of fun colors. Some of the most popular include: 

  • Gray
  • Black 
  • Beige 
  • Tan 
  • Brown 
  • Dark Brown 
  • Slate gray
  • Dark green

For a full list, check out our full roofing services page! 

Does Your Home Need a New Asphalt Shingle Roof?

We install new roofs throughout Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Southern Michigan. Shield Exteriors is an expert team of experienced roofing contractors. 

 Contact us today for a free, no-obligation roofing estimate! 


Written by Shield Exteriors: Our team of experienced roofers has been in the business for decades. We want to help educate homeowners on everything they need to know about residential roofing, from how long certain types of roofs last to picking the roofing material best for your needs and budget. Learn more about us or contact us today if you’re looking for a roof estimate!