Asphalt Roofing
How much does a new asphalt shingle roof cost? Material type, complexity, and size of the roof all contribute to the final cost.
How much does a new asphalt shingle roof cost?
Most asphalt shingle roof replacements on an average Triangle home run between about 8,000 and 18,000 dollars, depending on which shingle you pick and your roof's size and complexity. Three-tab roofs sit lowest, architectural in the middle, and luxury at the top. A free on-site estimate is the only way to get a number for your home.
Key takeaways
- Asphalt roofs come in three price tiers: three-tab, architectural, and luxury.
- An average Triangle home replacement generally falls between roughly 8,000 and 18,000 dollars.
- Larger, steeper, or more complex roofs push costs higher, sometimes past 25,000 dollars.
- Your shingle choice, roof size and complexity, and contractor all move the final price.
- No honest company can quote an exact price without measuring and inspecting your roof first.
Once you start planning a roof replacement, the first question is almost always what a new roof will cost. Many roofing companies avoid posting prices online, and for good reason, since a quote given before anyone measures your roof is a quote likely to change. Rather than dodge the question, we want to give you real ranges and explain what moves them. As a GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed-certified contractor, On Tops Roofing has replaced more than 15,000 roofs across the Triangle since 1991.
- Asphalt roof cost by shingle tier
- Three-tab roof cost
- Architectural roof cost
- Luxury roof cost
- Other factors that affect cost
- FAQ
How Much Does an Asphalt Roof Cost?
Before any dollar figure, it helps to see how wide this range really is. No two houses are alike, from small homes barely larger than a condo to properties with 5,000 square feet of roof, and prices swing with that size and shape. Your shingle choice matters just as much, since asphalt comes in three tiers at three different price points, three-tab, architectural, and luxury.
For the examples below, we use an average North Carolina home of about 1,800 square feet. Measured for roofing, its roof works out to roughly 20 roofing squares, since a square equals 100 square feet and lets a crew size up materials quickly. Keep in mind that Raleigh and the wider Triangle tend to price at the higher end of state averages, and that material prices shift over time, so treat these as ballparks and lean on our online pricing calculator or a free estimate for a real figure.
Three-Tab Roof Cost
Three-tab shingles were once the default asphalt choice, thanks to a low price and easy installation. They remain common, though many homeowners now step up to architectural shingles, since their price gap has narrowed over the years. Even so, a three-tab roof stays the budget-friendly path.
Once you add labor, tear-off and disposal, underlayment, flashing, and the rest, a three-tab replacement on our example home generally lands between about 8,000 and 12,000 dollars. Simpler, smaller roofs fall toward the low end, while larger or steeper ones climb from there.
Architectural Roof Cost
Most replacements today use architectural shingles, also called dimensional shingles. A two-ply design gives them close to double the lifespan of three-tab, plus a richer, textured look, for a modest step up in price. For that reason, they have become the standard pick for Triangle homeowners.
An architectural roof on our example home usually costs between roughly 10,000 and 16,000 dollars, once labor and materials are folded in. A smaller, straightforward roof sits near the bottom of that band, and a larger or more cut-up roof moves toward the top.
Luxury Roof Cost
At the top sit luxury shingles, heavier three-ply products designed to mimic slate, ceramic, or wood shake at a fraction of those materials' cost. They last a bit longer than architectural shingles, though that gain is smaller than the step from three-tab to architectural. Mostly, you pay for appearance and extra wind resistance.
Luxury shingles carry the largest price jump. On our example home, a luxury asphalt roof often runs from about 16,000 dollars up past 25,000, and homeowners with larger or more complex properties can expect higher figures. Most luxury roofs go on bigger homes where a standout look fits the property.
What Else Affects the Cost of a New Asphalt Roof?
Shingle tier is only part of the picture. A few other factors move your final number, and we cover them in depth in our post on what affects the cost of a new asphalt roof.
The Size and Complexity of Your Roof
After the shingle you choose, roof size is the next big driver. A larger roof simply needs more material and more labor hours to cover. Complexity comes next, meaning how many valleys, hips, and penetrations your roof has, plus its slope. Crews have to cut shingles to fit around each of those spots and add flashing to keep water out, and all that extra detail adds both material and time.
The Contractor You Hire
Your contractor shapes both price and result. A quality roofer uses better materials, trained crews, and every installation step the manufacturer requires, which costs a little more than a company reusing old parts or cutting corners. Reused or mismatched materials leave weak points that will not hold up like a full system, and skipping the manufacturer's instructions does the same. When you compare bids, weigh experience and workmanship, not the lowest number alone.
Getting a Real Number for Your Roof
These ranges give you a solid starting point, but your home is one of a kind, so the only way to a precise figure is an inspection and measurement. On Tops Roofing has replaced and repaired asphalt roofs across the Raleigh area since 1991, and you can request a free estimate whenever you are ready to see your number.
FAQ
How much does a new asphalt shingle roof cost?
Most asphalt roof replacements on an average Triangle home run between about 8,000 and 18,000 dollars. Three-tab roofs land at the low end, architectural in the middle, and luxury at the top, with larger or complex roofs climbing higher.
Why do roofing companies avoid giving exact prices online?
Because a fair price depends on your roof's size, slope, and complexity, none of which a company can judge without measuring and inspecting it. A firm quote given sight unseen is one that tends to change once a crew sees the roof.
Which asphalt shingle is the budget option?
Three-tab shingles are the budget-friendly tier, and a three-tab replacement on an average home generally runs between about 8,000 and 12,000 dollars. They cost less than architectural shingles but also carry a shorter lifespan.
Are architectural shingles better than three-tab?
For most homeowners, yes, since a modest price step up buys close to double the lifespan and a better look. Architectural shingles have become the standard choice on Triangle homes for that reason.
What makes one asphalt roof cost more than another?
The shingle tier you choose, your roof's size and complexity, and the contractor you hire. Bigger, steeper, more cut-up roofs and higher-grade shingles all raise the price, as does hiring a roofer who installs a full manufacturer system correctly.
