Asphalt Shingles Roof Cost (2026)
The default choice on most American homes: cheap to buy, fast to install, and repairable in sections. Asphalt (3-tab) shingles are the price floor for a full roof replacement, which is exactly why they dominate — but they also wear out fastest and add the least resale value of the common options.
Asphalt Shingles cost estimate
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles — full roof (typical 1,800 sq ft) | $5,500 – $12,000 |
| Per roofing square (100 sq ft), installed | $400 – $700 |
Ranges are national estimates. Use the calculator for a figure adjusted to your roof size and city.
Where your money goes
For a typical $8,800 asphalt shingles roof, the bill breaks down roughly as below. Shares are typical industry splits and shift with contractor, roof complexity and region.
| Cost component | Share | Est. amount |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | 40% | $3,500 |
| Labor | 38% | $3,300 |
| Tear-off & disposal | 10% | $900 |
| Permits & overhead | 12% | $1,000 |
What drives the price
- Roof size (squares)
- Tear-off of old layers
- Roof pitch and number of stories
- Shingle grade (3-tab vs. architectural)
Pros
- Lowest upfront cost of any full roof
- Every roofer installs them — easy to get competitive bids
- Simple, cheap repairs
Cons
- Shortest lifespan of the mainstream materials
- Basic 3-tab looks flat and dates a home
- Vulnerable to wind uplift and granule loss
Typical lifespan: 15–30 years
What the price usually includes
- Tear-off and disposal of the old roof
- New underlayment, plus ice-and-water shield where code requires it
- New flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights and valleys
- Ridge, soffit or attic ventilation as needed
- Full site cleanup and a magnetic nail sweep
- Permit and municipal inspection
- Manufacturer material warranty and contractor workmanship warranty
How to save on a asphalt shingles roof
- Get at least three itemized, written bids and compare them line by line
- Schedule in the off-season (late fall to early spring) when crews compete harder for work
- Choose quality architectural shingles over premium designer lines unless you need the look
- Ask about manufacturer rebates and low-rate financing promotions
- If a storm caused the damage, check whether your homeowners insurance covers replacement
- Keep the existing roof deck if it is sound — full deck replacement adds cost quickly
Get a tailored estimate in 30 seconds
Enter your roof size and city for a cost range specific to your home.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a asphalt shingles roof cost?
For a typical 1,800 sq ft roof, asphalt shingles runs about $5,500 to $12,000 installed, depending on your roof's size, pitch and complexity and on local labor rates.
How long does asphalt shingles last?
About 15–30 years with proper installation and maintenance.
What changes the price the most?
Roof size and pitch, tearing off the old roof, decking repairs, and your local labor market are the biggest swing factors.