Highlights
- While an average shingle roof costs $9,000, the actual figure may vary depending on the roof size, shingle materials, and labor costs.
- The higher the pitch angle, the less walkable the roof becomes, meaning contractors require additional safety equipment to complete your roof.
- Your roofing project may require additional costs depending on its condition, such as old shingle removal, structural inspections, and, if needed, repairs and reinforcing.
According to a Los Angeles County report, the average cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof in California ranges from $0.60 to $2.33 per square foot. However, your new shingle roof’s costs may vary depending on the materials used, the roof’s size, and labor costs to install the shingle roof.
Knowing how these factors affect the cost of a new shingle roof is crucial to understanding how much you will pay for a replacement roof.
How Much Does a Shingle Roof Cost?
While installing or replacing a shingle roof costs approximately $9,000 on average nationwide, the final price of your roofing project may be lower or higher. Some projects may cost as low as $5,000, while others may cost over $30,000.
These four factors affect your project’s costs the most:
- The size of your roof influences the number of roof shingles needed to complete the project and the installation time
- The type of shingles used
- The shape, height, and pitch angle affect the roofing project’s difficulty
- The project’s labor costs
You may also need to factor additional costs into the project’s price. They include elements such as the type of roofing project (new vs. replacement roofs), local government permits, or whether the roof requires repairs, reinforcements, or removal of old shingles.
Roof Size
The larger the surface of your roof, the more shingle squares are needed to cover the surface and complete the project. Roof size is measured in roofing squares. One roofing square equals approximately 100 sq. ft. Roof shingles are typically sold in bundles or packages equal to ⅓ of a square, or about 33.33 sq. ft.
Depending on the shingle type, size, and brand, each bundle may contain between 15 and 29 shingles. Knowing your roof size is necessary to determine the number of bundles you’ll need to purchase to complete your roofing project.
An average bundle of standard asphalt shingles contains 29 shingles, each measuring 12” x 36”. When accounting for overlapping, cutting, and resizing, they cover ⅓ of a roofing square. For example, if your total roof surface is 15 roofing squares (1,500 sq. ft.), you will need about 45 bundles of roof shingles to cover it.
Shingle Type
Roof shingles are available in numerous materials and sizes from various brands and manufacturers. While standard roof shingles measure 12” x 16” and are made of asphalt, homeowners can use numerous other options depending on durability, styling, or energy efficiency needs.
Each shingle material has its own properties, such as durability, resistance to the elements, insulation, and compliance with local building codes. These properties are reflected in the shingle roof’s cost per square footage; more expensive shingles are typically more durable and long-lasting.
- Standard 3-tab asphalt shingles are typically the most economical option. The average cost per roofing square ranges from $80 to $100. For instance, a 15-square (1,500 sq. ft.) asphalt shingle roof costs $1,200 to $1,500 in materials.
- Architectural shingle roofs employ architectural asphalt shingles, which feature multiple layers of materials. While the cost per square is higher ($100 to $300), they are more durable than standard 3-tab shingles and can last up to 50 years.
- Metal shingle roofs are highly wind- and impact resistant, making them suitable in areas with strong winds or heavy hail. They also reflect ultraviolet rays more efficiently than other materials, reducing your house’s cooling costs. The average shingle roof cost per square ranges from $325 to $650 for aluminum and $350 to $600 for steel shingles.
- Solar shingles are solar panels designed to look like standard roofing shingles, providing electricity while preserving your home’s appearance. They are among the most expensive shingles, with an average cost per square of $2,100 to $2,300. However, they are eligible for a 30% tax credit under the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Roof Shape and Pitch Angle
The exact configuration of your roof can increase your roof shingle replacement costs. Complex or highly-sloped roofs will cost more to cover than flat or low-sloped roofs.
According to a 2020 study, residential roofs are considered walkable at angles of up to 33°, approximately corresponding to a roof pitch of 8:12, meaning that for every 12 feet of horizontal length, the roof height rises by 8 feet. However, even pitch angles of 5:12 or more are considered dangerous to traverse due to the higher risk of slipping and falling.
While a higher roof pitch has benefits for your California home, such as higher energy efficiency, better rainwater or snow drainage, or the presence of an attic, it can make your roof replacement project more expensive.
If the pitch angle is too steep to be walkable, roofing specialists will need additional safety equipment, such as staging boards or scaffolding, to work on your roof. This increases costs and installation times.
Labor Costs
Your roof’s labor costs depend on the roofing contractor’s experience, whether the materials require special tooling or installation skills, the roof’s shape and complexity, and the pitch angle.
Whether you choose a roofing specialist that charges by the hour or a flat fee, ensure you receive a comprehensive quote.
Your roofing contractor should provide a complete shingle roof estimate that includes labor, materials, insurance, permits, and cleanup. They should also offer an estimated timeline, detail the payment terms, list the needed materials, and explain their scope of responsibility.
Additional Factors Influencing Shingle Roof Installation Costs
Besides the installation of your new shingles, your roofing project may require additional work that can increase its total costs, including:
Licensing and Permits
All roofing specialists in California must have a valid and current C-39 license to operate within the state. Ensure your roofing contractor is fully licensed and up-to-date.
Additionally, you may need to obtain a roofing permit from your local government before starting the project. These permits may impose requirements or limitations, such as shingle materials. For example, wood shingles are disallowed in Los Angeles County.
Removal of Old Shingles
If your shingle roof project requires the replacement of old tiles or shingles, your contractor may need to remove them before installing the new materials. This process may be necessary if your roof has too many damaged shingles or if they use a material no longer allowed by local laws.
The average cost to remove old shingles ranges from $1 to $5 per square foot. The process also includes inspecting the underlying structure to ensure it is safe and capable of supporting your new shingles.
Roof Repairs and Reinforcing
If your roof structure requires repairs or reinforcing to support your new roof shingles, you should expect the project’s costs and length to increase. Roof repair tasks include repairing or replacing damaged flashing, gutters, and downspouts, checking for structural damage or sagging, removing moss and algae, and fixing leaks.
Even if your roof is in good condition, your shingle materials (such as clay or slate) may be heavy and require a roof reinforcement job. Reinforcing tasks include the installation of additional support beams and columns into your roof’s structure, often costing over $1,000 per rafter.
Plan Your Shingle Roof Installation Project
Shingle roof installation projects can be a significant expense. Homeowners who want to avoid unnecessary costs should carefully consider each charge of a roofing project. Selecting the right shingle materials and partnering with an experienced roofing contractor are the best solution to ensure the durability of your roof at the best possible price.
