If you’re looking for a roofing material with the same appearance as asphalt shingles but with a longer life span, you may want to consider architectural shingles. While architectural shingles cost more than the 3-tab variety, they have increased wind resistance, are fire resistant, and last longer.
This article explains everything you need to know about installing these types of shingles and how much it costs. In researching this article, we looked at pricing data provided by actual contractors and industrial suppliers, then compared this information with current public market information.
- Replacing or installing architectural shingles on your roof usually costs around $20,000 for the total project.
- The pitch and the size of your roof will have a significant impact on the total cost.
- We don’t recommend installing architectural shingles yourself; this project is for professionals.
What Is the Cost of an Architectural Shingle Roof?
On average, you can expect the baseline price of architectural shingles to cost anywhere from 40% to 50% more than high-end, three-tab shingles. The average national cost of good quality asphalt shingles is just over $4.00 per square foot, meaning that you can typically expect to pay between $5.60 to $6.00 for architectural shingles per square foot. The national standard size for existing roofs is about 1,700 square feet. This means you can expect a total cost of around $19,200–$20,600 (or more), including material, labor costs, accessibility, and potential extra costs.
| Cost Level | Material Cost (Per Square Foot) | Installation Cost (Per Square Foot) | Total (Per Square Foot) | Project Total (For a Roof That’s 1,700 Square Feet) |
| Low-end Cost Range | $2.73–$2.91 | $2.94–$3.15 | $5.67–$6.06 | $9,639–$10,302 |
| National Average Cost Range | $5.54–$5.82 | $5.89–$6.30 | $11.34–$12.12 | $19,278–$20,604 |
| High-end Cost Range | $7.23–$8.73 | $7.82–$9.45 | $15.05–$18.18 | $25,585–$30,906 |
We retrieve cost data from RSMeans, a project estimator for contractors and home improvement experts. The average costs listed in this article include materials and labor fees.
Read more about the cost of roofing shingles.
How Much Does an Architectural Shingle Roof Cost by Size?
Roof size is the most significant determining factor in the cost of any roofing project (alongside material type). As roof size increases, material costs, labor hours, and overhead costs rise along with it. Below is a breakdown of architectural roof replacement costs based on different roof sizes.
| Roof Size (In Square Feet) | Price Range | Average Cost |
| 1,000 | $11,340–$12,120 | $11,740 |
| 1,500 | $17,010–$18,180 | $17,595 |
| 2.000 | $22,680–$24,240 | $23,480 |
| 2,500 | $28,350–$30,300 | $29,325 |
| 3,000 | $34,020–$36,360 | $35,220 |
| 3,500 | $39,690–$42,320 | $41,090 |
| 4,000 | $45,360–$48,480 | $46,920 |
| 4,500 | $51,030–$54,540 | $52,785 |
| 5,000 | $56,700–$60,600 | $58,650 |
How Much Does an Architectural Shingle Roof Cost in Raw Materials?
While we recommend hiring a professional to install your architectural shingle roof, you may want to purchase bulk materials yourself, like when repairing old roof shingles. When purchasing shingles, they’re typically available in either squares or bundles.
- Squares: This is the most common way you’ll find shingles. A square includes enough shingles to cover 100 square feet of roof. Most big-box, home improvement, and online stores sell shingles by the square.
- Bundles: Some retailers sell shingles by the bundle, which is about one-third of the content of a square. Bundles are typically best for smaller projects, like sheds or repair jobs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay when purchasing architectural shingles in both squares and bundles. Note that these tables only show the price of materials and don’t include labor or overhead costs.
| Number of Squares | Total Material Cost Range | Total Material Cost Average |
| 1 | $554–$582 | $568 |
| 5 | $2,770–$2,910 | $2849 |
| 10 | $5,540–$5,820 | $5,680 |
| 15 | $8,310–$8,730 | $8,520 |
| 20 | $11,080–$11,640 | $11,360 |
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Which Factors Impact How Much Architectural Roofing Costs?
To fully understand everything that goes into the initial roofing quote and the final cost of shingles, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with every factor that could affect your roofing project. The below sections cover the average cost for the most common factors that could impact the cost of your roof installation or replacement, including roof pitch, warranty, and add-ons.
Roof Pitch
While flat roofs are a favorite of many Midwestern homeowners, most roofs in the U.S. have a pitch. Roofs with a pitch have an increased surface area compared to your home’s base square footage. Keep in mind that not all roof pitches are the same, and you might have to do a little extra math or use a roofing calculator to find the true size of your roof.
Roof pitch is measured by how many inches the pitched section rises by every 12 inches it extends horizontally. For example, if you have a roof that rises by 4 inches per 12 inches, your roof pitch would be 4:12. The higher the pitch, the more area it has — and the more expensive your project will be.
Here’s a quick table showing how different roof pitches can affect roofing project costs.
| Base Square Footage of Home | Roof Pitch | Roof’s True Area in Square Feet | Architectural Shingle Installation Cost |
| 2,200 | 4:12 | 2,541 | $28,814 |
| 2,200 | 6:12 | 2,695 | $30,561 |
| 2,200 | 8:12 | 2,897 | $32,851 |
| 2,400 | 4:12 | 2,762 | $31,321 |
| 2,400 | 6:12 | 2,929 | $33,214 |
| 2,400 | 8:12 | 3,149 | $35,709 |
| 2,700 | 4:12 | 3,092 | $35,063 |
| 2,700 | 6:12 | 3,279 | $37,183 |
| 2,700 | 8:12 | 3,525 | $39,973 |
Warranty
Most shingle companies provide different warranties for their products. While each company is different, you can typically expect them to carry 30-, 40-, and 50-year protection and, occasionally, lifetime warranties on their shingles. These warranties don’t directly affect the price of your shingles. Instead, more extensive warranties typically come with more expensive and higher-quality shingles.
The following table outlines what kind of warranties you can expect with your architectural shingle purchase.
| Architectural Shingle Cost Per Square Foot | Warranty Type |
| $5–$6 | 30 years |
| $7–$11 | 40 years |
| $11–$14 | 50 years |
| $15+ | Lifetime |
Add-ons
Sometimes, contractors must undertake additional repairs or installations when replacing a roof or shingles. These smaller, secondary jobs can include things like changing out flashing and adding new insulation. When working with an honest contractor, they’ll notify you of these issues as they arise or at the beginning of the quote process, detailing the expected additional costs.
You may request additional work on your asphalt shingle roof during its replacement, like adding a skylight to brighten up a room or replacing your gutters. Many homeowners will consolidate two roofing jobs into one by having your roofers take care of these installations, saving time and money.
Here are some of the most common roofing add-ons you might come across when having your shingles installed or replaced, along with their average prices.
- Repairing or replacing flashing: $10–$27 per linear foot.
- Roof sealing: $1.00–$4.00 per square foot.
- Gutter repair or replacement: $1,000–$7,000
- Hail-resistant shingles: 10%–20% more than standard architectural shingles
- Adding a skylight: $900–$2,500
- Permits: Permits for a new roof can cost between $100 to over $1,000
Find Roofing Cost Estimates In Your State
Benefits of Investing in Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are a functional upgrade of the traditional asphalt shingle. They do everything that 3-tab shingles do, but better. Architectural shingles are heavier and thicker than 3-tab shingles, offering better resistance against high winds. They’re also more durable, fire resistant, and can better withstand hail and other impacts.
The benefits of architectural shingles go beyond their physical resilience, as they come in various colors, patterns, and styles. While some resemble standard 3-tab shingles, many can replicate the appearance of wood shake, stone, and slate shingles.
Professional Vs. DIY Architectural Roofing Cost
DIY installation of shingles will be significantly cheaper than hiring a professional roofing contractor. However, roofing is a difficult job and carries a significant risk of injury. Furthermore, a DIY roofing installation costs more than you might think. Besides base materials, you’ll have to pay for permits, material disposal, safety equipment, and tools.
Doing an Architectural Shingle Roof Project Yourself
Quality is key when it comes to roofing installations. Your roof is one of the most important structures in your home. It protects everything inside your house from the elements, and if just one single part is not up to snuff, it can lead to a cascade of structural failures. This is why making sure your roof is installed correctly is paramount.
If you undertake a DIY roofing installation, take the time to do it correctly and purchase all the necessary equipment and materials.
For equipment, you should pick up the following:
- Pneumatic nail gun
- Shingle cutter
- Hammer tacker stapler
- Roofing hammer
- Safety harness
- Dumpster rental (to dispose of old shingles and roofing products)
- Air compressor
- Extension ladder
- Quality tool belt
- Scoop shovel
- Chalk line tool
- Laser tape measure
- Hand saw and saw horses
- Ladder stabilizer and hoist
- Hard hat, safety goggles, gloves, and knee pads
- Tarps
- Toe board brackets
- Prybar
For materials, you’ll need to pick up the following:
- Shingles
- Shingle nails
- Underlayment
- Chalk for chalk tool
- Flashing
- Drip edge (if damaged)
- Shingle cement
For more information on the installation of architectural shingles, we recommend watching this helpful video:
Hiring a Professional for an Architectural Roof Installation
While hiring a professional roofing contractor might seem intimidating, it’s not difficult as long as you follow these steps:
- Find local experts near you: Begin by searching for roofing professionals in your area. Read customer testimonials, check their Better Business Bureau scores, and research their work histories to ensure they’re quality contractors.
- Get a quote from a few options: To find the best price and highest quality roofing company, you need to shop around for multiple quotes before making your final decision.
- Consult a company about its recommendations: Ask specific questions about your project to understand more about your job’s fees and potential costs.
So, Are Architectural Shingles Worth the Cost?
Roof repair or installing new shingles can be expensive and complicated. But the roof is an important home structure, so its maintenance and upkeep are vital.
Thankfully, architectural shingles are a strong “middle-of-the-road” option. They’re significantly higher quality than traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles and much less expensive than other roof materials, like slate tiles or metal roofs.
For an architectural shingle roof installation, expect to pay anywhere from $9,000 to well over $30,000, depending on your roof’s size, pitch, and other factors. While this may seem like a hefty price tag, these shingles’ durability, longevity, curb appeal, and higher quality are well worth the cost.
FAQs About Architectural Roof Shingles
How Much Do Architectural Shingles Cost?
Architectural shingles cost around $3 to $9 per square foot or $568 per square.
How Much Does 2,000-Square-Feet of Architectural Shingles Cost?
In pure material costs, you’ll spend around $11,300 on average for enough architectural shingles to cover a 2,000-square-foot roof.
What Kinds of Designs Do Architectural Shingles Come In?
Architectural shingles come in many different designs and colors. Most resemble 3-tab shingles, but they can also mirror the look of natural slate and even wood shingles.
Are Architectural Shingles Easier to Install Than 3-Tab Shingles?
Some claim that architectural shingles are easier to install than standard 3-tab shingles. While repair and replacement may be easier due to the shingles’ design, installations and full roof replacements are just as time-consuming and difficult as standard 3-tab shingles.
What is the Life Span of Architectural Shingles?
Depending on environmental conditions, architectural shingles last 20 to 30 years.
