Asphalt Shingles Roof Cost. How Much Does It Cost To Replace Roof With Architectural Or Three Tab Shingles?

On average, 7 out of 10 households in the country are covered with asphalt shingles (fiberglass mat layered between asphalt and mineral / ceramic / stone granules). Although the composition is based on a single technology, there are two main options for asphalt shingles:

1.Three tab shingles

2.Architectural shingles

While all options provide water-resistant coating, deflection of UV light and comply with building codes, there are some differences to be aware of when designing a roof. Among them, the most important for the customer are cost and warranty.

3-tab shingles

Material and installation costs

Materials: national average price of 3-tab shingles ranges from $25 - $30 per bundle, or $70 to $90 per square (100 square foots). In addition to shingles, you may have to pay for wood boards, plywood, nails, roofing felt, caulk, ice-and-water shield, ridge-vent, drip-edge, valley, gable, or chimney flashing. On average, this can increase the cost of roofing materials up to $1.5 - $1.7 per square foot.

Cost to install 3-tab shingles: considering most licensed pros use "40% material / 60% labor" cost-breakdown formula it may cost between $3.6 - $4.2 per sq.ft. to install such a type of shingles. Most of home roofs in the US measure from 1900 to 2100 square feet and may be quoted between $6,860 - $8,490 to be covered with 3-tab shingles.

Warranty: such a type of asphalt shingles comes with a manufacture's warranty which is typically of 25 years, but workmanship warranty is about 5 year.

Architectural shingles material and installation costs

Material: architectural shingles cost around $ 1.1 to $ 1.5 per square (100 square feet) or $ 35 to $ 40 per bundle. The cost of additional materials (roofing paper, nails, ice shield) for architectural shingles is usually the same as for 3 tab shingles. When it comes cost in the terms of total roof area, roof materials including trim and supplies may cost around $2,850 to $3,780 to replace 1900-2100 sq.ft roof.

Cost to install architectural shingles: with most roofing contractors total roof replacement cost is on average 150% more than the cost of materials and ranges from $3,7 to $4,5 per sq.ft. In the term of national typical roof size, customer can expected to pay from $ 7,400 to $ 9,900 to replace old 1900-2100 sq. ft. roof covering with architectural shingles

Warranty: manufacture's warranty of architectural shingles is typically at least 30 years and workmanship warranty ranges from 5 to 10 years.

3-Tab Shingles vs. Architectural Shingles

3-tab shingles product is the least expensive roofing material, and its cost around 20% more than architectural shingles. The low price is the only pros compared to architectural shingles cost. When it comes to aesthetics, durability, manufacturer's warranties, weight and wind resistance the architectural type asphalt roof is more often product which is most roof contractors recommend to install. An asphalt shingle of the architectural type is designed of two thin strips laminated together. Color variations of the bottom and top layers add an opportunity to use the roof covering not only as protection from the weather, but also as an element of external design of homeowner property. The aesthetics of architectural shingles is often a major factor when a customer chooses a roofing material.

Also, two-layer is quite convincing when talking about the durability of an architectural shingle. It has weight and toughness which is better suited to hold up storms in and hurricanes. Typically architectural asphalt shingles are rated for 100+ MPH as opposed to up to 60 MPH 3-tab asphalt type rated for.

Roof Shingles Prices by Brand

In my work, I often deal with various brands of roofing shingles, each offering unique features. For instance, Malarkey shingles come with options for hail resistance and extended warranties on premium products. Tamko provides a variety of materials, including metal shingles and those that look like wood or slate. CertainTeed is known for its architectural shingles, which are thicker and more durable. Most shingles come with at least a 10-year warranty, but brands like GAF and Owens Corning offer limited lifetime warranties on some products. Companies such as Tamko, IKO, and GAF have more affordable options, while others focus on higher-end materials with superior features. Here are the average costs per square and square foot for some popular brands.

Roof Shingles Cost by Warranty

When considering the cost of roof replacement, it's important to think about the longevity of the shingles you choose. In my experience, investing in shingles with longer warranties can be wise, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather. Basic architectural shingles usually come with a 20-year warranty, while 3-tab shingles often have only a 10-year warranty. For better durability, you might opt for shingles with a 30-year warranty, which offers greater resistance to hail and wind.

For those in storm-prone areas, designer and architectural shingles with 40 or 50-year warranties are a solid choice due to their superior durability. Some even offer UV protection, ideal for hot climates. Metal, synthetic slate, and composite shingles often come with 50 or 60-year warranties, providing long-term peace of mind.

Many manufacturers also offer a limited lifetime warranty on their shingles, which covers replacement costs but is prorated based on the shingles' age. Using a contractor certified by the shingle company can sometimes extend this warranty to cover labor costs as well. Additionally, roofing contractors may provide their warranties based on the quality of their work. Here are the average costs per square foot for shingles with different warranties.

Roof Pitch for Shingles

In my experience, the pitch of your roof, or its slope, is measured by how much it rises vertically over a 12-inch horizontal span. For instance, if your roof rises 6 inches over 12 inches, it’s called a 6-pitch or 6-in-12. Roofs with a steep pitch are harder to work on, which increases installation costs. Roofers need extra staging and equipment to stay safe, which takes more time to set up. While installing shingles on an average-pitch roof might cost between $3 to $5 per square foot, a steep roof can cost double or more.

I prefer low-to-medium pitched roofs because they’re easier to walk on for repairs and maintenance. Flat roofs can have problems with standing water and leaks, while high-pitch roofs make installation and repairs trickier. Knowing your roof pitch helps you choose the right materials and supplies. Some materials are better for high-pitch roofs. Typically, any roof with a slope greater than 3-pitch is considered pitched. For example, A-frame houses have a 12-pitch roof, and some roofs are even steeper. Nowadays, most pitched roofs are covered with asphalt shingles.