How Much Does It Cost to Install an Architectural Shingle Roof?

National Average Range:
$9,000 - $18,000
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Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez. Written by Fixr.com.

When you are looking for a highly durable and attractive roof, architectural shingles are a great option. These shingles are made from typical fiberglass shingles that have been laminated. This means that instead of being a single layer, they are a minimum of two layers thick. This makes them more durable, longer-lasting, and better looking with a dimensional appearance. Architectural shingles come in many colors and styles to mimic slate or wood shingles. Some luxury architectural shingles have real slate on their surface for an enhanced appearance at a much lower cost than real slate shingles.

The national average cost to install architectural shingles is $9,000 to $18,000, with most people paying around $10,500 for 1,500 sq.ft. of installed architectural shingles with a 50-year warranty on a roof with a moderate pitch, chimney, and skylights. This project’s low cost is $7,500 to install basic architectural shingles on a 1,500 sq.ft. gable roof with no protrusions. The high cost is $22,500 for installed luxury architectural shingles with a slate surface installed on a 1,500 sq.ft. complex roof with multiple protrusions.

Architectural Shingles Price

Cost of Architectural Shingle Roof
National average cost$10,500
Average range$9,000-$18,000
Low-end$7,500
High-end$22,500

Architectural Shingle Roof Cost by Project Range

Low
$7,500
Basic architectural shingles on a 1,500 sq.ft. gable roof with no protrusions, installed
Average Cost
$10,500
1,500 sq.ft. of architectural shingles with a 50-year warranty on a roof with a moderate pitch, chimney, and skylights, installed
High
$22,500
Luxury architectural shingles with a slate surface on a 1,500 sq.ft. complex roof with multiple protrusions, installed

Architectural Shingles Cost per Square Foot

Architectural shingles 1 can be found in many types with the average cost ranging from $5 to $15 a sq.ft. installed. Basic architectural shingles are laminated fiberglass 2 shingles with a 30-year warranty. These have the lowest costs while still being more durable than traditional 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles can also come with protection from hailstones, copper infusions to protect against algae, and different surface textures, increasing costs. Luxury shingles are available containing different materials, improving their appearance and durability and raising total costs. Below are average roof sizes with the cost of architectural shingles installed.

Cost per Sq.Ft. to Install an 800, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, or 3,000 Sq.Ft. Architectural Shingle Roof

Cost per Sq.Ft. to Install an 800, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, or 3,000 Sq.Ft. Architectural Shingle Roof

Roof SizeAverage Costs (Installed)
800 sq.ft.$4,000 - $12,000
1,000 sq.ft.$5,000 - $15,000
1,500 sq.ft.$7,500 - $22,500
2,000 sq.ft.$10,000 - $30,000
2,500 sq.ft.$12,500 - $37,500
3,000 sq.ft.$15,000 - $45,000

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Architectural Shingles Price per Square

Architectural shingles are sold and installed by the square. A square is 100 sq.ft. A 1,500 sq.ft. roof needs 15 squares of material. To determine how many squares you need, divide the total square feet by 100 and round up to the nearest whole number.

The cost of architectural shingles is between $500 and $1,500 per square. Below is the average cost for roofs of different sizes when priced by the square.

Cost to Install 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 Squares of Architectural Shingles

Cost to Install 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 Squares of Architectural Shingles

Number of SquaresAverage Costs (Installed)
8 Squares$4,000 - $12,000
10 Squares$5,000 - $15,000
15 Squares$7,500 - $22,500
20 Squares$10,000 - $30,000
25 Squares$12,500 - $37,500
30 Squares$15,000 - $45,000

Architectural Shingles Cost per Bundle

In some cases, you can purchase architectural shingles by the bundle. A bundle is equal to about ⅓ of a square or 33.3 sq.ft. Sometimes, bundles are a better way to purchase this material when shingling a shed, garage, or other smaller building. However, you may also need to purchase your roofing material by the bundle because that is how the retailer sells it, even for larger projects. The average cost of a bundle is $66.60 to $333. Below are the average costs of the material per bundle. Because shingles are not installed by the bundle, these costs are for the material only.

Cost of a 30, 50, 70, 90, 100, or 100 Bundles of Architectural Shingle

Cost of a 30, 50, 70, 90, 100, or 100 Bundles of Architectural Shingle

Number of BundlesAverage Costs (Materials Only)
30 Bundles$1,998 - $9,990
50 Bundles$3,330 - $16,650
70 Bundles$4,662 - $23,310
90 Bundles$5,994 - $29,970
100 Bundles$6,660 - $33,300
120 Bundles$7,992 - $39,960

Architectural Shingles Price by Warranty

Architectural shingles are generally long-lasting. Most companies offer warranties for their materials in 30-year, 50-year, and lifetime categories. The standard warranty for most companies is 50 years, with a few lower-cost architectural shingles having 30-year warranties and the highest-quality luxury materials having lifetime warranties. Below are the average costs for each type installed.

Cost per Sq.ft. to Install a 30-Year, 50-Year, or Lifetime Warranty Architectural Shingles

Cost per Sq.ft. to Install a 30-Year, 50-Year, or Lifetime Warranty Architectural Shingles

WarrantyAverage Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed)
30 Years$5 - $6
50 Years$7 - $12
Lifetime$10 - $15

30-Year Architectural Shingles Cost

The cost of architectural shingles with a 30-year warranty averages $5 to $6 a sq.ft. installed. Many manufacturers make architectural roofing material with a 30-year warranty. This is generally the lowest warranty for this material. Architectural shingles are thicker and heavier than 3-tab shingles, which typically last about 20 years. This material can last longer than 30 years, but this may depend on the climate. This roofing typically cannot withstand hailstones or high winds.

50-Year Architectural Shingles Cost

The cost of architectural shingles with a 50-year warranty ranges from $7 to $12 a sq.ft. installed. This is one of the most common warranties. Most manufacturers offer some type of architectural roofing material with a 50-year warranty. This may be their higher-quality line for some retailers, while luxury manufacturers may make this their lower or entry-level line. This material is thicker, heavier, and can withstand hail and high winds. This roofing can usually be installed in all climates with few issues.

Lifetime Architectural Shingles Cost

The cost of architectural shingles with a lifetime warranty is $10 to $15 a sq.ft. installed. This is a less common material than the other two. It is typically reserved for luxury roofing and roofing that has been specially treated to withstand very high winds, hail, and other natural disasters. Some companies offer this warranty on most of their products. Others save it for the very top materials. Certified installers must install the material on your roof for the warranty to be valid.

Cost to Install Architectural Shingles

The average labor cost for installing architectural roofing material is $3 to $5 a sq.ft. Your costs may be higher for complex installations, approaching $7 a sq.ft. This is for roofs with a very high pitch or that may have curves, dormers, valleys, or other features making installation difficult.

Architectural shingles are installed like other roofing materials. They are put over a layer of roofing felt or underlayment. The material is made to overlap itself, creating a dimensional appearance and watertight roof. If you have an existing roof, your old material must be stripped first. This is usually included in the project’s cost but could add $1 to $2 a sq.ft. for complex roofs.

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Maintenance

Architectural shingles are fairly easy to maintain. Perform a visual inspection of the roof and the roof deck’s underside yearly. Look for broken, cracked, or missing shingles, broken, cracked, or missing flashing 3, or water stains on your roof deck’s underside. Have a professional inspection done periodically to ensure it is in good shape. Make repairs as needed to help the roof last the longest.

If you live in an area with a lot of snow, consider having snow removal done to preserve the roof’s integrity. Clean your gutters regularly and ensure there is no build-up of granules in the gutters because this can be a sign of a deteriorating roof. Keep your attic well ventilated to prevent ice dams. If ice dams form, remove them to prevent leaks and roof deterioration.

Architectural Shingle Roof With a Blue Sky Background

Pros and Cons of Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are a more durable and attractive version of asphalt shingles. They are made to withstand higher winds, hail, and rain better than traditional 3-tab roofing material. They can also mimic other roofing types, including slate and wood shakes. Most architectural roofing materials last considerably longer than traditional asphalt 4.

However, they are more costly than other types of asphalt roofing. Some may also need to be installed by a professional certified by the manufacturer. This can make finding an installer difficult and increases the costs.

Architectural Shingles vs 3-Tab

Both architectural and 3-tab shingles are subtypes of asphalt shingles. 3-tab is the least expensive and oldest shingle type. It is made of fiberglass or felt mat topped with asphalt and granules. Architectural materials are two or more layers of fiberglass that have been laminated. 3-tab comes in uniform sizes designed for easier installation, while architectural materials come in varying sizes for a dimensional appearance.

Architectural materials are more expensive but last longer, with 50 years being the average length for most warranties. Traditional 3-tab roofing lasts an average of 20 years, but it may last up to 30 years in the right climate with proper care. Both come in many colors, with architectural shingles also available in different appearances like slate and wood shakes.

Below is the average cost to install both materials per square foot.

Comparison of the Cost per Sq.Ft. to Install 3-Tab or Architectural Shingles

Comparison of the Cost per Sq.Ft. to Install 3-Tab or Architectural Shingles

TypeAverage Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed)
3-Tab$3 - $6
Architectural$5 - $15

Composition Shingles vs Architectural Shingles

Composite or composition roofing 5 materials encompass a wide range of materials. Roofing shingles using different materials in a composite is a composition shingle. Therefore, asphalt shingles and architectural shingles are considered subtypes of composition shingles. However, other composition materials use other materials, including stone dust, rubber, and tile. This can produce a much wider range of materials and costs. Some composition materials are lower in quality and cost than architectural, and some are higher in quality and cost. The material can have an impact on final costs. In general, architectural shingles fall somewhere in the middle range of composites.

Comparison of the Cost per Sq.Ft. to Install Composition or Architectural Shingles

Comparison of the Cost per Sq.Ft. to Install Composition or Architectural Shingles

TypeAverage Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed)
Composition$3 - $20
Architectural$5 - $15

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Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Roof Sealing

If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, consider roof sealants to help extend your roof’s life. These are silicone sealants put on top of your shingles to help them last longer. This adds another $1 to $1.50 a sq.ft. to your total costs.

Designer Architectural Laminated Shingles

Designer architectural shingles are made to mimic other materials. These include slate and wood shakes. Sometimes, actual slate 6 is added to the mix for a realistic look. Expect costs to be between $12 and $15 a sq.ft. installed.

Hailstone Protection

If you live in an area with frequent hail storms, consider investing in roofing that can withstand hail. Some architectural shingles are designed for that. They have costs starting at around $8 a sq.ft. and going as high as $15 for some luxury types.

Anti-Algae Protection

Blue-green algae is a common occurrence in many areas. It can show up on roofs with black streaks that detract from the roof’s appearance. It can be slowed down by adding things like copper to the shingles. Some architectural shingles are infused with substances to prevent algae growth. These have a starting cost of around $8 to $10 a sq.ft. installed.

Additional Considerations and Costs

  • Permits. In most areas, you need a permit to install new roofing material. Speak to your contractor or municipality for more information.
  • Weight. Architectural roofing material weighs more than traditional asphalt. While asphalt weighs about 230 to 250 pounds per square, architectural materials weigh 400 to 430 pounds per square. If you upgrade to heavier materials, inspect your roof deck to ensure it can handle the load.
  • Flashing. Flashing is necessary to seal the areas around skylights, chimneys, dormers, and other protrusions. This costs $15 to $25 a linear foot.
  • Tear off. While 3-tab materials can be installed over one another, architectural shingles should be installed on a clean roof deck. When reroofing, this means the old shingles must be removed first. Sometimes, there is no extra cost for this, but other times, it can increase costs by $1 to $2 a sq.ft.

FAQs

  • What is the cost of 30-year architectural shingles?

30-year architectural shingles typically cost between $5 and $6 a sq.ft. fully installed.

  • ​​How long do architectural shingle roofs last?

These roofs have an average lifespan of roughly 50 years. Some may be warrantied for 30 years, while others have lifetime warranties for some luxury products.

  • Are architectural shingles easier to install?

This depends on what the shingles are being compared to. They are more difficult than 3-tab shingles but easier than tiles, slate, and shakes. Have them professionally installed to get the full warranty on this product.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.
See full cheat sheet.
glossary term picture Shingle 1 Shingles: A smooth, uniform, flat piece of construction material, available in a wide variety of materials and laid in a series of overlapping rows, used to cover the outside of roofs or walls to protect against weather damage and leaks.
glossary term picture Fiberglass 2 Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric
glossary term picture Flashing 3 Flashing: Pieces of sheet metal used on roofs to cover joints, such as where the roof meets the wall, or around a chimney or skylight, to protect them and prevent water leaking through
glossary term picture Bitumen 4 Asphalt: A viscous, black mixture of hydrocarbons often used for roofing and waterproofing. It is also used in asphalt for paving roads
5 Composition roofing: Synthetic roofing shingles made to look like natural roofing materials such as wood or slate. Composite shingles look just like the materials they are meant to resemble, but cost much less, and some even provide better durability and fire resistance
glossary term picture Slate 6 Slate: A fine-grained rock, typically bluish-gray in color, that can easily be split into thin layers and is commonly used as a roofing material

Cost to install an architectural shingle roof varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.

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