Roofing cost · Roof Replacement
Roof Shingle Prices
The answer: Asphalt 3-tab shingles cost $27 to $45 per bundle, or $80 to $130 per square (100 sq ft), according to HomeGuide. Architectural shingles cost $33 to $85 per bundle, or $100 to $250 per square. One bundle of asphalt shingles covers 32 to 33 square feet, so you need about three bundles per square. Installation is extra.
| Asphalt shingles, per square (materials) | $80–$250 |
|---|---|
| Sources checked | 2 |
These are material prices only, for budgeting or comparing quotes. Installed prices are on the roofing cost per square foot page.
Shingle prices
| Shingle | Per bundle | Per square |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt 3-tab | $27 – $45 | $80 – $130 |
| Architectural | $33 – $85 | $100 – $250 |
| Composite | $75 – $140 | $300 – $700 |
| Metal shingle | $100 – $200 | $300 – $600 |
| Solar shingle | $330 – $850 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
Source: HomeGuide, materials only.
How many bundles do you need?
HomeGuide says one bundle of asphalt or architectural shingles covers 32 to 33 square feet, which works out to about three bundles per roofing square (100 sq ft). Cedar shake bundles cover about 25 square feet, or four bundles per square.
Other roofing materials
| Material | Price (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| Underlayment | $0.10 – $0.80 per sq ft |
| Decking / plywood | $0.30 – $2.60 per sq ft |
| Nails and fasteners | $0.03 – $0.40 per sq ft |
| Drip edge | $0.50 – $1.00 per linear ft |
| Flashing | $1.00 – $2.00 per linear ft |
| Ridge vent | $2.00 – $3.00 per linear ft |
Materials vs installed price
HomeGuide puts materials at $100 to $250 per square and labor at $150 to $300 per square, with tear-off adding $100 to $300 per square. Installed asphalt roofs cost $3 to $6 per square foot. See asphalt shingle roof cost.
Wood shakes and shingles
| Type | Per square | Per bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar / wood shingles | $200 – $375 | $50 – $95 |
| Cedar / wood shakes | $300 – $700 | $75 – $175 |
| Composite shakes | $400 – $900 | $130 – $300 |
Lifespan by shingle type
Asphalt 3-tab shingles last 15 to 20 years and architectural shingles 20 to 30 (HomeGuide).
Shingles for a whole roof (materials)
| Roof size | Shingle materials (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $800 – $2,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $1,600 – $5,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $2,400 – $7,500 |
Installed accessories
Underlayment runs $0.75 to $4.00 per sq ft installed, decking $2.00 to $5.00 per sq ft, and drip edge $1.50 to $3.00 per linear ft (HomeGuide).
Cheapest options
HomeGuide names asphalt 3-tab as the cheapest sloped-roof material at $80 to $130 per square, and rolled asphalt as the cheapest for flat roofs at $15 to $50 per square.
What sets shingle prices
- Shingle type: 3-tab, architectural, premium or impact-resistant.
- Brand and product line.
- Weight and thickness.
- Color and special coatings, such as algae-resistant or reflective granules.
Bundles and squares
Shingles are sold in bundles. Several bundles cover one square, or 100 square feet. The exact number depends on the product, so check the packaging.
Material is only part of the cost
The price of shingles is usually a smaller share of a roofing job than labor, tear-off, underlayment, flashing and disposal. A cheaper shingle does not always mean a much cheaper roof.
Choosing a shingle
- Choose the warranty that fits how long you expect to stay in the home.
- Check wind and impact ratings for your area.
- Ask whether the roofer is certified to offer an enhanced manufacturer warranty.
Questions to ask
- Which product line are you quoting?
- Does the warranty require specific accessories from the same brand?
- Are cool or reflective shingles available in the color I want?
In Texas
In hail-prone parts of Texas, many homeowners ask about impact-rated shingles. In the hottest areas, reflective granules can reduce how much heat the roof absorbs.
How shingles are priced
Shingles are usually sold by the bundle, and roofers price jobs by the square, which covers 100 square feet of roof. For many common architectural shingles, about three bundles cover one square, but this varies by product, so always check the package. Ridge cap, starter strips and hip shingles are sold separately.
Ordering the right amount
Roofers order extra material for waste, which comes from cutting shingles at valleys, hips, rakes and around penetrations. Simple roofs need less waste. Complex roofs with many angles need more. Roofers also include ridge and starter shingles in the order. Leftover bundles from the job can be kept for future repairs.
Factors that drive shingle prices
- Shingle type, from 3-tab to architectural to designer.
- Brand and product line, with premium lines costing more.
- Impact and wind ratings.
- Algae resistance, which uses copper granules to prevent dark streaks.
- Cool roof or reflective shingles, which reflect more sunlight.
- Color, since some colors are made in smaller batches.
- Supply and demand, which rises after major storms.
The full cost of materials
Shingles are only part of the material cost. A roof also needs underlayment, ice and water shield in some areas, drip edge, starter strips, ridge cap, flashing, vents, nails and sealant. When comparing quotes, check that all these items are included.
Matching shingles for repairs
Shingle colors and styles change over time, and older products may be discontinued. Even the same color can look different after years of weathering. When a repair is needed, keeping a few bundles from the original installation makes matching much easier.
Algae-resistant and cool roof shingles
Dark streaks on many roofs are caused by algae, which feeds on the limestone filler in shingles and thrives in warm, humid climates. Algae-resistant shingles have copper-coated granules that slow its growth. They cost slightly more but keep the roof looking clean longer, and many manufacturers include algae resistance in their warranties for a set number of years.
Cool roof shingles use reflective granules that bounce back more sunlight than standard shingles. They can lower attic temperatures and cooling costs in hot climates. Some cities and utilities offer incentives for cool roofs. They are available in many colors, though the lightest colors usually reflect the most.
Comparing shingle quotes
When comparing roofing quotes, make sure each one lists the same shingle brand and product line, the same underlayment, the same accessories and the same warranty. Two quotes for "architectural shingles" can be for very different products. Ask for the exact product name, color and the number of squares in writing.
Buying shingles yourself
Some homeowners buy shingles themselves to save money, but many roofers prefer to supply materials so they can stand behind the whole job, and some warranties require it. If you buy materials, confirm the quantities with the roofer and arrange delivery to the roof or a convenient spot.
Sources
Roofing contractors in Texas
Our Texas business directory lists 1,413 roofing contractors across 6 major cities. The ratings below are the average Google rating of the listed businesses in each city, and the review counts are the total number of Google reviews they have received.
| City | Businesses listed | Avg. Google rating | Total reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 458 | 4.8 | 30,851 |
| Dallas | 221 | 4.6 | 16,129 |
| San Antonio | 249 | 4.6 | 22,474 |
| Austin | 200 | 4.8 | 17,830 |
| Fort Worth | 189 | 4.8 | 11,127 |
| El Paso | 96 | 4.4 | 4,730 |
Source: twupro Texas business directory, built from public Google Maps listings.
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