Learn which one is best for your home
Asphalt roof shingles come in three main types: three-tab shingles offer your most budget-friendly option, architectural shingles provide enhanced durability, and luxury shingles deliver premium aesthetics.
Expect to pay $4,050 to $5,100 for three-tab shingle installation and $5,760 to $12,500 for complete roof replacement, with removal adding around $1,250 to your total.
Your climate and weather exposure directly affect which shingle type works best, as architectural shingles withstand winds up to 130 miles per hour while three-tab shingles suit milder conditions.
Hiring a local roofing professional ensures proper installation that protects your manufacturer's warranty and helps you choose the right shingle type for your home's needs and budget.
Asphalt roof shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States thanks to their low cost and durability. It's not out of the question to expect your new shingle roof to last for 40 years—if you get the right asphalt shingling installed by the right contractor. Of course, that means narrowing down what the right shingling is for your specific home. Learn about the types of asphalt shingles available for your roofing job.
Asphalt shingles are a popular type of roofing material made from a base material that’s coated with asphalt and other mineral granules. Asphalt is a popular choice for shingles because they’re affordable, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors and styles. Asphalt shingles can protect homes from weather like rain, ice, and snow. Plus, they can be used across different climates, making them a good fit for many homeowners.
There are different types of asphalt shingles based on size, style, and materials.
Asphalt shingles may be the most common and inexpensive roofing material available, but that doesn’t mean they’re one-size-fits-all. Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of styles and compositions.
Three-tab shingles get their name because each shingle actually looks like three different pieces on your roof.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Requires less support | Less durable |
| Easy installation | Shorter life span |
| Affordable | Fewer styles |
Three-tab shingles cost an average $300 per square. With the average roof size around 1,500 square feet, expect to pay between $4,050 and $5,100 for professional installation.
While three-tab is the most affordable option, homeowners should keep in mind that this option has a shorter life span than competing architectural shingles. Three-tab shingles last an average of 12 to 15 years in mild climates but only seven to 10 years when regularly exposed to rough weather. Architectural shingles, by comparison, have an average life span of 20 years or more, even under heavy weathering.
Thick and durable, architectural shingles are considered premium products. Most architectural shingles are twice as thick as three-tab shingles. They are considered "designer" because they can be customized to look like high-end materials like cedar.
Architectural shingles don't contain the cutouts that you see with three-tab shingles. They are instead laminated with an asphalt layer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 20 to 50-year life span | More expensive |
| Resistant to shingle curling | Heavy weight |
| Aesthetic appeal | Requires more support |
Bonded layers of this style create strong waterproofing and a wind rating of up to 130 miles per hour, similar to that of an impact-resistant roof. However, architectural asphalt shingles aren't the best for low-sloping roofs because performance suffers in wind-driven storms and there’s a high potential for water intrusion.
Homeowners will pay an average $900 per square for architectural shingles, including installation, with the full range running between $300 and $1,500 and up.
In style, durability, curb appeal, and cost, luxury shingles (also called 3D shingles) stand a level above traditional shingles. Made from a mixture of asphalt and fiberglass, they are molded into a thick, rounded, dimensional shape that appears similar to high-end wood shake or slate shingles. These shingles are thick enough to enhance energy efficiency.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 30-year life span | Expensive |
| Often come with warranties | Don’t last as long as high-end fiberglass shingles |
| Thick enough to enhance energy efficiency | May require additional support |
Luxury shingles can cost between $6 and $10 per square foot, depending on the brand, and factors like your location and the pitch of your roof.
Depending on the type of asphalt you choose, the condition of your roof, and your location, the average cost of asphalt shingles falls between $350 and $550 per roofing square (100 square feet of roof). That compares against heavier, more expensive roofing options, such as slate and clay, for which homeowners pay between $2,000 and $3,000 per square.
Keep in mind that if you’re replacing your old roof, you should expect to shoulder additional costs. The typical range of total costs for roof replacement is between $5,760 and $12,500. Removal of the existing roof adds an average $1,250 to your bill.
One of the benefits of asphalt roofing is that you can actually select high-end tiles that recreate the look of custom, artisan roofing materials using the affordability, availability, and sturdiness of asphalt.
It's also very easy to find roofing contractors in your area offering a wide range of asphalt roofing options because this is the go-to roof choice across the country.
Once you're ready to get quotes from trusted roofing companies, it's all about weighing cost, performance, and aesthetics when choosing the right asphalt shingles for your home.
The many factors that play into choosing a roofing material may surprise you, such as durability, cost, style, and the climate in which you live. Many homeowners choose asphalt, but there are various types on the market. A roofer can advise you on the best materials for your home and region.
If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.
If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.
When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties.
Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.
Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.
Scott Dylan Westerlund and C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLCThis place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyI am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioManuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree ServiceI've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle EnvironmentalBradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc.I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
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