Updated: January 21, 2026
Written by Nieves Martinez
Laura Madrigal is the Home Design Specialist at Fixr.com, dedicated to identifying and analyzing significant changes within residential design. She is the author of leading trends reports on interior design, kitchen, and bathroom, and her insights have been featured in publications like Realtor and the New York Post.
Learn moreReviewed by Laura Madrigal
The average cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof is $12,000, and most projects fall between $8,000 and $16,000. Your asphalt roof replacement costs will depend primarily on the size and complexity of your roof, the type and quality of the asphalt shingles you choose, and the local cost of labor in your area.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S., appearing on more than 80% of homes in the country, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer’s Association. The reason is that this material strikes a good balance between upfront cost, durability, longevity, and adaptability to different climates.
Cost of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Roof Cost per Square Foot
One of the most important cost factors to consider is the size of your roof, as most roofers will charge based on the square footage of the roofing planes they’ll need to cover. The average cost of asphalt shingles typically ranges from $3 to $16.
You can estimate your replacement costs based on the square footage of your home, which is not completely accurate but easy to calculate. The table below should provide an idea of where your total will fall based on your home size.
House Size (Sq.Ft.) | Roof Size (Sq.Ft.) | Cost Range |
1,000 | 1,200 | $3,600 – $19,200 |
1,500 | 1,800 | $5,400 – $28,800 |
1,700 | 2,000 | $6,000 – $32,000 |
2,000 | 2,400 | $7,200 – $38,400 |
2,500 | 3,000 | $9,000 – $48,000 |
3,000 | 3,600 | $10,800 – $57,600 |
Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost by Type
There are three primary types of asphalt shingle roofs, and the one you choose will have a significant impact on the cost to replace an asphalt roof. The most affordable option is 3-tab asphalt shingles, followed by architectural asphalt shingles, and then luxury asphalt shingles.
Asphalt Shingle Type | Cost per Sq.Ft. |
3-tab | $3 – $5 |
Architectural | $4 – $8 |
Luxury | $6.50 – $16 |
3-Tab
A 3-tab shingle roof costs between $3 and $5 per square foot, including materials and installation labor. This is the most affordable option upfront, but 3-tab shingle roofs offer the lowest curb appeal and the shortest lifespan of 15 to 20 years, so you’ll often spend more over time on more frequent replacements. 3-tab shingles are also the least resistant to strong winds and impact, so they’re not ideal for homes in areas that see severe weather.
Architectural
Architectural asphalt shingles are more durable and have a longer lifespan of 25 to 30 years. While they’re more expensive upfront than 3-tab, averaging between $4 and $8 per square foot, you usually get more value over time. Architectural shingles don’t lay perfectly flat, so they give some depth and added curb appeal to your roof, and they have greater uplift resistance and impact resistance, making them better for standing up to extreme weather.
Luxury
Luxury asphalt shingles, also called designer shingles, are the most expensive at between $6.50 and $16 per square foot. They provide even greater depth and color variety than architectural and 3-tab shingles, and they’re available in different shapes and textures, so they offer the best curb appeal. Luxury shingles usually last for 30 years or more, and they’re designed to resist impact and uplift.
Other Factors That Affect Asphalt Shingle Costs
The size of your roof and the type of asphalt shingles you choose to install are the most impactful cost factors, but there are many other aspects you should consider to get an accurate estimate for your roof replacement project.
Labor Costs
Labor accounts for around 50% to 60% of your total, which means you’ll be paying between $1.50 and $9.60 per square foot for labor alone. Labor usually includes removing your old roof, laying down new underlayment and flashing, and installing the new roof.
Unexpected Repairs
There’s a chance that your roofers will find damage under your old roof, especially if you’re replacing your roof because you started noticing leaks. Your pro may need to repair or replace roof decking while they have it exposed. This can add between $150 and $1,000 for roof decking repair.
Removal and Disposal
Most professionals include removing your old roof and hauling it away in their costs, but some won’t. If your expert charges separately, this could add between $50 and $150 per square to your total.
Underlayment Upgrades
Most roofing pros will include basic underlayment, like felt paper, in their roof replacement estimates, but you may want to consider upgrading for better performance. For example, ice and water shield reduces the risk of leaks in colder climates and costs an average of $1,000 for the upgrade. In hotter climates, you may pay between $1,000 and $2,000 to add rigid foam insulation to your roof for better home energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
Roof Pitch and Complexity
Steeper or more intricate roofs cost more due to extra safety gear, longer install times, and added square footage. More complex roofs with multiple ridges, hips, valleys, and dormers will also drive up labor costs because working around unique shapes and edges also takes longer.
Specialty Shingles
If you live in an area that sees extreme weather, you should consider upgrading to an asphalt shingle roof that’s designed to withstand intense winds or impact. Ask your roofer for a recommendation or check the wind resistance and impact resistance specifications on your roofing product.
Permits
Most cities require permits for roof replacement, so you should budget for the permit fees along with your roof replacement costs. Roofing permits cost between $100 and $500.
Warranties
Most asphalt roof shingle brands include a manufacturer’s warranty that guarantees a certain level of performance from your product. In addition to that, some installers offer a labor warranty that ensures you don’t run into problems as a result of poor installation. Manufacturers and installers that offer longer and more robust warranties usually cost more.
Brand
The brand of shingles you choose will affect your upfront asphalt roof replacement costs. Brands like Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and GAF are budget-friendly options that can help keep costs down, while high-end brands like Tamko and IKO cost more but may include better warranty coverage and performance.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement vs. Repair
If you’re experiencing an issue with your roof, like a leak or physical damage, the first thing you should decide is whether a repair or replacement would suit you better and provide more value over time. Roof repairs cost an average of $1,150. Repairs will almost always be more affordable than a full replacement, which averages $12,000.
However, you should consider a roof replacement if:
Your roof is nearing the end of its useful life: Asphalt shingles last 25 to 30 years. If yours is within 5 to 10 years of that, a full replacement can prevent costly repairs and protect your home from leaks.
You’ve had ongoing issues with leaks: Repeated roof problems usually mean it’s time for a replacement. Ongoing repairs can add up and risk water damage, mold, or structural issues.
Your home has poor energy efficiency: A new asphalt shingle roof will provide better insulation, which can lower heating and cooling bills, especially if you add insulation under your new roof.
Return On Investment (ROI)
According to the most recent Cost vs. Value Report, the average return on investment on the cost of a new asphalt shingle roof is 68%. You could see an even greater return if you choose asphalt shingles that add more to curb appeal or are manufactured specifically to stand up to the climate in your area.
In addition to an actual ROI, exterior upgrades like a new asphalt shingle roof can help your home sell faster.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
It’s technically possible to replace your own shingle roof as a DIYer, but it’s not a good idea. While the actual technique is relatively straightforward, it’s very easy to make mistakes. Any errors could lead to decreased curb appeal, poor roof performance, and an increased risk of leaks and property damage.
Additionally, getting up on your roof is dangerous, especially if you have a steep roof. Hiring a professional roofer to get the job done usually means a better installation, a lower risk of resulting property damage, and safety and security for you. Hiring a pro will also mean keeping roof warranties intact, as most manufacturers will void your coverage if you DIY your installation.
How to Save on Your Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost
There are some things you can do to bring down costs on asphalt shingles while keeping quality high.
Choose the type of asphalt roof carefully: Most homeowners go with architectural shingles for their balance of cost, durability, and curb appeal.
See if insurance will cover the cost: Homeowner’s insurance may cover part or all of a replacement if the roof was damaged by a tree or natural disaster.
Schedule your replacement during the off-season: Roofers are usually busiest in the spring, so you may enjoy lower labor costs in the fall as a result of reduced demand.
Opt for a roof overlay if you can: If it’s legal in your municipality and your existing roof is in good condition, it’s often possible to lay a new layer of roofing over the old one, avoiding a full tear-off.
Look for tax credits and rebates: Some asphalt shingle roofs may be eligible for tax credits, rebates, and other incentives, especially if you go with a lighter-colored “cool roof” in a hot climate. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) to see what may apply to your roof.
Get multiple quotes: Get estimates from at least three different local roofers to find the best value for your money.
FAQs
An asphalt shingle roof costs an average of $12,000 to install, and most homeowners pay between $8,000 and $16,000.
Asphalt shingle roofs last for 15 to 30 years, but it depends on the type of asphalt roof you choose and the climate in your area. A 3-tab shingle roof lasts for 15 to 20 years, an architectural shingle roof lasts 25 to 30 years, and luxury asphalt shingle roofs last 30 years or longer.
Asphalt shingles are some of the least expensive roofing materials, averaging just $4.75 per square foot to install. Other roofing materials, like slate, metal, concrete, and tile, will almost always cost more than asphalt shingles.
Two downsides of asphalt shingle roofs are their environmental impact and their lifespan and durability. Asphalt shingles are made using petroleum, and while they’re one of the most widely recycled materials in construction, production puts strain on the environment. Additionally, asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type you install, while alternatives, like metal, tile, and slate, can last for 70, 100, and 200 years, respectively.