Architectural shingles are the most fabulous types of roofing. It is just one of the few options when planning for a roof replacement. These shingles are very durable, attractive, and performance-oriented for a very long time. Made up of two or more layers, they are stronger shingles and improve the weather protection of your house. It has a wide variety of colors and styles, designed to resemble expensive-looking materials such as slate or wood.
The installation costs in architectural shingles can vary based on the dimensions of your roof, the kind of shingle installed, and how complex the actual installation is. Generally, homeowners are looking at an estimate between $9,000 and $18,000. Even though this may seem an enormous investment, they justify it since they last longer and require less maintenance than all the other options.
What Are Architectural Shingles?
Architectural shingles are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles and consist of two or more layers of asphalt, making them thicker, more durable, and visually appealing in comparison with standard shingles. They appear much more textured, with an infinite variety of designs and colors. The ability of high-end architectural shingles to mimic the look of even higher-priced roofing materials, such as slate or wood shakes, is a real plus that homeowners appreciate when they want to enhance curb appeal.
They are thicker and hold greater weight than the standard three-tab shingles, therefore offering maximum protection against pounding winds, hail, and extreme weather. On average, architectural shingles last 20-30 years at a minimum, a bulk of which surpasses the 3-tab’s life expectancy of 15-20 years.
Cost of Architectural Shingles
For architectural shingles, the price will usually range somewhere between $400 and $600 a square for materials and installation together. One square is equal to one hundred square feet of roofing. The actual cost is dependent on various factors, including the brand name, warranty, and materials used for production.
- Materials Only: The price of the shingles alone can fluctuate from $100 per square to about $250 per square.
- Installation Labor: For labor, installation charges typically fall somewhere in the brackets of $300-$350 per square.
Total costs for an average-sized roof ranging from 1,500 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft. would range from $7,000 to $16,000, the final cost depending upon your specific roof and choices of brand and warranty.
Cost Based on Roof Size
To better understand the overall cost of installing architectural shingles, it’s essential to consider the size of your roof. The table below provides an estimated range for roof installation costs based on various roof sizes.
| Roof Size (Square Feet) | Total Installation Cost |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $7,200 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $9,000 |
| 1,700 | $6,800 – $10,200 |
| 2,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| 3,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| 3,500 | $14,000 – $21,000 |
Architectural Shingles Prices by Material
There are many materials and types of architectural shingles, each with its pricing. The following table shows the cost of 3D or dimensional, shingles, which are often used to mimic the look of much higher-cost materials, such as cedar or slate.
| Material | Price Per Square |
| Cedar Shake | $300 – $700 |
| Slate | $600 – $1,600 |
| Asphalt | $100 – $250 |
| Composite | $400 – $900 |
Types of Architectural Shingles and Their Costs
- Standard Architectural Shingles: They are the widely used ones made out of laminated asphalt. It is very durable and has a warranty of over 30 years. The prices ordinarily are in the range of $5-$7 per square foot.
- Luxury Architectural Shingles: These shingles are thicker and more durable, often imitating the look of high-end roofing materials like slate. It has long warranties, sometimes as long as 50 years. Luxury architectural shingles generally cost between $10 to $15 for each square foot.Â
- Impact-Resistant Architectural Shingles: Architectural shingles are designed not to suffer damage from extreme weather conditions, such as hailstorms and high winds. These slightly costlier shingles are retailing for about $8-$12 per square foot on the basis of brand or specific features.
- Algae-Resistant Architectural Shingles: Special coatings are applied to these types of shingles to prevent algae growth. They are best for a humid area, costing somewhere between $7-$10 per square foot.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Architectural Shingles
1. Shingle Type
As mentioned above, materials such as Watts and pricing of different types of architectural shingles vary. The less expensive of the types studied is that commonly called the standard architectural shingle. Luxury shingles and impact-resistant shingles are more expensive. The type of shingles you choose will profoundly affect the overall cost of your entire roofing project.
2. Labor Costs
Other considerations would be labor costs that affect the total project cost of architectural shingles’ installation. The average labor cost for putting on roofing is ranging from $3 to $5 per square foot for roofing installations. Costs can be higher depending on the complexity involved in the roof, the contractor’s rates, and your location. Realistically, labor could cost more where the roof pitch is steep, or other elements such as skylight placement, chimney position, or special roof valleys are involved.
3. Location
Labor and material prices can vary by location due to different regional pricing. Therefore, areas will have higher prices for the entire job, where labor is expensive or roofing materials are in high demand. For instance, roofing materials may cost more in areas that are remote or challenging regarding installations due to adverse weather conditions.
4. Brand and Warranty
When landing on the premium GAF or CertainTeed side, a good deal more can be charged based on reputation, quality, and warranty options. For example, 50-year shingles usually cost from 10% to 20% more than 30-year shingles but are more durable and carry a longer warranty.Â
Architectural Shingle Costs in Different States
The costs will depend on labor rates, material availability, and climate conditions in every state. In some warmer or coastal states, algae-resistant shingles may be required, which raises the price again. These days, most roofing costs are on the higher side in states with exorbitant living costs. Below is a table estimating installation costs per 2,000 sq. ft. for a roof.
| State | Estimated Cost Range |
| California | $10,000 – $16,000 |
| Texas | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| Florida | $8,500 – $13,500 |
| New York | $9,000 – $14,500 |
| Illinois | $8,000 – $13,000 |
| Georgia | $7,000 – $11,500 |
| Arizona | $7,500 – $12,500 |
| Washington | $9,000 – $14,000 |
| Colorado | $8,500 – $13,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $7,800 – $12,800 |
Other Costs Associated with Architectural Shingles Installation
Remember to consider other project costs when planning for your roofing works outside of purchasing the shingles themselves. Some costs include:
1. Roof Removal and Disposal
If you’re looking at replacing an old roof, remove the existing shingles. This operation might cost an extra $1–3 per square foot, depending on the difficulty of the removal.Â
2. Roofing Accessories
Additional roofing materials like flashing, venting, and ridge caps may be needed, increasing the total cost. These materials usually increase the overall price of the entire project anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the size of your roof.
Pros and Cons of Architectural Shingles
Pros
- Durability: They are more durable in the sense that they can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years with architectural shingles, but 3-tab shingles are comparatively weaker.
- Weather-Resistant: Strong winds, hail, and torrential rain are some of the weather conditions they can withstand.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The multi-layered design looks more premium than flat, traditional shingles.
- Energy Efficient: Some architectural shingles reflect sunlight and keep the home cooler.
Cons
- Initial Expense: Architectural shingles have a higher price tag compared to 3-tab shingles.Â
- Heavier: In comparison to most conventional shingles, these shingles are heavier, causing the roof deck to require reinforcement.Â
- Complex Installation: It can be more complicated and expensive to install.
Conclusion
Architectural shingles are worth the money for homeowners wanting a roof type that is more durable, stylish, and lasting. Though a bit more expensive compared to the simple 3-tab shingles, most of the time, they become the better option, as they last longer, offer better protection, and look much improved.
This can be a cost ranging anywhere from about $7,000 to $16,000, depending on the size of your house or property, its location, and the materials used. The tables above give you a clearer picture of costs based on your state, roof size, and choice of materials. Always compare quotes from multiple contractors before making a final decision and select a licensed professional.
FAQS
Q1) How much is 20 squares of architectural shingles?
$6,000 to $12,000 cost to install 20 squares of architectural shingles, depending on the origin and labor costs.Â
Q2) How expensive are architectural shingles?
Architectural shingles generally cost from $4 to $8 per square foot installed. This makes them more expensive than 3-tab shingles, but they last longer and look better.
Q3) How long do 30-year architectural shingles really last?
In reality, most 30-year architectural shingles will last about 20 to 25 years, depending on the climate and maintenance of the roof.
Q4) Are architectural shingles worth the money?
Yes, those architectural shingles do pay for themselves with their long lives and excellent protection against the elements as well as good visual appeal.
