Updated: December 12, 2023
Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.
To provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date cost figures, we gather information from a variety of pricing databases, licensed contractors, and industry experts.
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 Shingles Cost per Square Foot
Architectural shingles 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 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.
| Roof Size | Average 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 |
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.
| Number of Squares | Average 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.
| Number of Bundles | Average 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.
| Warranty | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
| 30 Years | $5 - $6 |
| 50 Years | $7 - $12 |
| Lifetime | $10 - $15 |
30-Year Architectural Shingles
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
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
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
| Type | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
| 3-Tab | $3 - $6 |
| Architectural | $5 - $15 |
Composition Shingles vs Architectural Shingles
Composite or composition roofing 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.
| Type | Average Costs per Sq.Ft. (Installed) |
| Composition | $3 - $20 |
| Architectural | $5 - $15 |
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 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.