An asphalt shingle roof is a roof covered in small, overlapping shingles made from a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with mineral granules. It is the usual choice for a home in the United States because it is the cheapest common roof to buy and install: HomeAdvisor puts asphalt at $3 to $7 a square foot installed, the lowest range among the materials it lists. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) has said asphalt shingles sit on more than 80 percent of American homes. HomeAdvisor's starting prices are $1.50 a square foot for 3-tab, $3.50 for architectural and $9.50 for its luxury tier, and a whole shingle roof replacement averages $10,065. If you plan to stay in the house for many years, an architectural shingle is the usual middle choice. This page explains what you are buying and where to read more.
What an asphalt shingle is made of
A modern asphalt shingle has three working parts:
- A mat. A web of glass fibers that gives the shingle its strength. InterNACHI, the home inspectors' association, says the mat is less than 2% of a shingle's weight, yet a small change in its thickness changes how well the shingle resists tearing.
- Asphalt. The mat is coated in asphalt, which keeps water out and keeps the shingle flexible. InterNACHI notes that the oils in it slowly evaporate, mostly when the roof overheats, which is one reason shingles age faster in hot weather.
- Granules. Crushed mineral that covers the face turned to the weather. It protects the asphalt from sunlight and gives the shingle its color.
Older "organic" shingles used a paper-like felt mat instead of glass. Our guide on asphalt versus fiberglass shingles explains why that kind is gone, and why "fiberglass shingle" and "asphalt shingle" mean the same product today.
The three kinds of asphalt shingle
ARMA describes the family by shape: strip shingles, laminated shingles, interlocking shingles and large individual shingles. On a home you will meet three grades of the first two, and your estimate will name one.
| 3-tab | Architectural | Luxury or designer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build | One flat layer with cutouts, so it reads as three tabs | Layers bonded together, also called laminated or dimensional | Thicker laminated shingle made to look like slate or shake |
| Starting price per square foot (HomeAdvisor) | $1.50 | $3.50 | $9.50 ("luxury synthetic" on its page) |
| Life, InterNACHI | 20 years | 30 years | not listed |
| Look | Flat, even rows | Shadow lines and depth | Deepest relief |
| Fit | Tight budget, short stay, outbuildings | Most family homes | Homes where looks matter more than cost |
The price row is each tier's starting price, not what a finished roof costs. Our guide Are architectural shingles worth it over 3-tab shingles? compares the two main grades in depth. ARMA's other two shapes, interlocking and large individual shingles, are rare on houses.
What an asphalt shingle roof costs
HomeAdvisor's survey-based figures, updated June 17, 2026, put a shingle roof replacement at $10,065 on average, with most homeowners paying $6,137 to $13,993. It says labor makes up about 60% of the cost. That is why the shingle itself, though it changes the price per square foot, moves the total bill by less than you might expect.
Two quick conversions, which are our own arithmetic: a roofer's "square" is 100 square feet, so $1.50 a square foot is $150 a square for 3-tab and $3.50 is $350 a square for architectural at those starting prices. Those are shingle-grade figures, not a bid. Tear-off, deck repair, flashing, vents and permits come on top, and our guide to roof replacement cost shows how to measure your roof in squares and compare estimates. For the same figures by area, see roof cost per square foot.
How long asphalt shingles last
Sources differ, so here are two. InterNACHI's life expectancy chart gives 20 years for 3-tab and 30 for architectural. HomeAdvisor gives 15 to 20 years for 3-tab and about 30 for architectural, and 20 to 30 years across all asphalt roofs. Both treat the numbers as typical, with normal upkeep, not as a promise. InterNACHI adds that hot climates "drastically" shorten asphalt shingle life, and that places with severe weather such as hail, tornadoes or hurricanes may see shorter lives.
A warranty is not a lifespan. A shingle sold with a "lifetime" warranty does not last for ever, and the next section shows how short the wind terms are. The guide How long does a roof last? covers what shortens a roof's life, and Signs you need a new roof covers what to look for as it ages.
Wind, hail, fire and algae
The best published numbers come from makers' own pages, so the table uses three CertainTeed lines, one per grade, read October 13, 2026. Other makers differ; read the page for the exact product on your estimate.
| XT 25 (3-tab) | Landmark (architectural) | Grand Manor (premium) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material warranty | 25-year limited | Lifetime limited | Lifetime limited |
| Wind warranty | 60 mph for 5 years | 110 mph for 15 years; upgrade to 160 mph | 110 mph for 15 years; upgrade to 130 mph |
| Algae warranty | 10 years | 25 years | 30 years |
| Other ratings on its page | Class A fire | not stated | UL 2218 Class 4 impact |
Three points follow. First, the wind upgrades need the maker's own starter and hip and ridge products, so they are a system, not a shingle. Second, a Class 4 impact rating is a hail rating, and only some lines have it; see Class 4 impact-resistant shingles before paying extra for one. Third, algae streaks are a cosmetic problem the warranty targets; moss and algae on a roof explains what to do about them.
Reading the warranty on your estimate
Makers sell a standard limited warranty with every line, and longer system warranties only through credentialed installers who use the maker's own accessories. "Transferable" matters when you sell. Ask what the wind warranty requires, how long defects are covered at full cost, and what the contractor covers for labor. Our guide to shingle brands and their warranties lays out how to read these without ranking any maker, and roofing warranties explains what is and is not covered.
When asphalt shingles are the right choice
Asphalt fits when:
- You want the lowest cost for a roof that will last 20 to 30 years.
- Your roof is steep enough for shingles. Very low slopes usually call for a different system, as flat roof replacement explains.
- You do not need a roof that outlasts you. Slate, tile and metal last longer and cost more, as our roofing materials comparison shows.
Look at another material when your frame cannot take a heavy roof, a local code or insurer rules asphalt out, or you want a roof that lasts well beyond 30 years. If you are choosing among shingle families, including wood, slate, metal and solar shingles, read the types of roof shingles.
Frequently asked questions
Are asphalt shingles and composition shingles the same thing?
In everyday trade talk, usually yes: a "composition" roof is an asphalt roof. "Composite" is different and often means a polymer product. Ask the roofer to write the product line on the estimate so there is no doubt.
What is the cheapest kind of asphalt shingle?
3-tab. HomeAdvisor lists starting prices of $1.50 a square foot for 3-tab and $3.50 for architectural. A cheaper shingle does not always make a much cheaper roof, because labor is about 60% of the bill.
Are asphalt shingles good in storms?
The grade and the installation matter more than the material. Check the wind warranty speed, what it requires, and whether the line carries an impact rating if hail is common where you live.
Can I put new asphalt shingles over old ones?
Sometimes, but it depends on your local code and the condition of the deck. See roofing over existing shingles before you agree to it.
Does a roofer have to use one brand?
No. Your roofer picks the line with you. The brand and line should be named on the estimate; to compare estimates, see how to compare roofing estimates.
Where this information comes from
HomeAnvil does not yet publish price data of its own. Every figure and finding on this page comes from the sources below, read on October 13, 2026. This is general information, not legal, financial or insurance advice.
- HomeAdvisor, shingle roof replacement cost, page dated June 17, 2026: starting prices by shingle type, the average and typical range, the labor share and lifespans. HomeAdvisor says its figures come from surveys of its customers and other published research. Its "luxury synthetic" label is its own and is quoted as given.
- HomeAdvisor, roof replacement cost, updated June 17, 2026: installed cost per square foot by material.
- InterNACHI, standard estimated life expectancy chart: 20 and 30 years, and the notes on hot climates and severe weather.
- InterNACHI, Mastering Roof Inspections, asphalt composition shingles, part 1: the mat, the asphalt and the granules, and the mat's share of weight.
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Asphalt Shingles: Raising the B.A.R., posted May 9, 2017: "more than 80 percent of American homes". This is an older trade-group claim; we found no current ARMA figure. ARMA, types of asphalt roofing: strip, laminated, interlocking and large individual shingles.
- CertainTeed product pages for XT 25, Landmark and Grand Manor: warranties, wind terms, algae terms and the ratings in the table. A maker is cited for its published terms, not as a recommendation.
- Dollars per square are our own arithmetic from HomeAdvisor's per-square-foot prices.
We will update this page when these sources publish new figures, and the date above will say when.
Related guides
Types of roofing materials, and how they compareRoofing materials compared: asphalt costs $3 to $7 a square foot installed and lasts 20 to 30 years; slate $15 to $30 and 60 to 150 years.
Are architectural shingles worth it over 3-tab shingles?Architectural shingles start near $3.50 a square foot against $1.50 for 3-tab, last about 30 years instead of 20, and carry longer warranties.
Asphalt vs fiberglass shingles: what's the difference?Fiberglass shingles are asphalt shingles. The old organic (felt) kind stopped being made around 2008, rated Class C for fire where fiberglass is usually Class A.
How much does a roof replacement cost?A roof replacement typically costs $5,900 to $13,400, or $400 to $1,100 per square installed. How to measure your roof, what moves the price and how to compare estimates.
How long does a roof last?Architectural shingles last about 30 years, 3-tab about 20, metal 40 to 80, slate 60 to 150. What shortens a roof's life, and why a warranty isn't a lifespan.
How do the major shingle brands compare?Shingle makers sell a standard warranty with every roof and longer system warranties only through credentialed roofers. How to compare lines on your estimate.- How much do 3-tab shingles cost?3-tab shingles cost about $3 to $5 a square foot installed, or $350 to $500 a square, the cheapest asphalt roof. Totals by roof size, and why they are fading.
- Why are your shingles curling, and can you fix them?Curling shingles are usually old, wet-and-dry cycled or poorly vented. A few can be replaced; widespread curling on a worn roof usually means replacement.
- How long do asphalt shingles last?3-tab shingles last about 15 to 20 years, architectural about 25 to 30, luxury 30 or more. What cuts that short, the signs of the end, and what a warranty means.
- How many bundles of shingles are in a square?Most shingle lines take 3 bundles to cover a 100 square foot square, but some take 4, 5 or 6. How to read the bundle count and waste allowance on your estimate.
- What are ridge cap shingles, and what does repair cost?Ridge cap shingles cover the peak and hips of a roof. Fixr puts a ridge cap repair at $200 to $750. How caps are fastened, why they blow off, and what to ask.
- Why are your new shingles buckling or popping nails?New shingles that ripple or show raised nails usually point to a wet or moving deck, wrinkled underlayment or poor nailing. What causes each, and who pays.
- Is granule loss on your shingles a problem?Granules in the gutters are normal on a new roof and slow wear on an old one. Bare asphalt patches are the problem. How to tell normal, worn and hail damage.
- How much do shingles cost per bundle and per square?Shingles cost about $25 to $60 a bundle and $75 to $180 a square as material alone, and roughly $350 to $850 a square installed. Lines compared, with sources.
- What size and weight are roof shingles?Common shingles are 12 x 36 or 13¼ x 39⅜ inches with 5 to 5⅝ inches showing, and weigh about 190 to 225 lb per square; premium lines run 350 to 465 lb.
- What do shingle wind ratings mean?Shingle wind ratings come from two ASTM tests: D3161 Class A, D or F (60, 90, 110 mph) and D7158 Class D, G or H. What they do and do not promise.
- What are the types of roof shingles?Roof shingles come as 3-tab, architectural and luxury asphalt, plus wood, slate, metal, composite and solar. Cost, life and fit for each, in one table.
- What is a composition roof?A composition roof is an asphalt shingle roof: a glass-fiber mat, asphalt and granules. Composite and rubber roofs are different. How to word your estimate.
- What do wind-damaged shingles look like and cost to fix?Wind-damaged shingles are lifted, creased or missing. A few usually cost $150 to $700 to fix; here is how to spot the damage and when it is an insurance claim.