Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material for homes across the U.S. since they’re relatively affordable, easy to install, and can last for decades. Of course, years of hail, wind, rain, and everyday weathering eventually take their toll. Sooner or later, full replacement becomes inevitable. If you’ve reached that stage, one of the first questions is usually, “How much will it cost?” This guide walks you through typical asphalt shingle roof replacement costs and the factors that influence the final price, so you’ll know what to expect before planning your budget or requesting a quote.
How Much Does Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement Cost?
An asphalt shingle roof replacement costs between $7,000 and $21,000 for a 1,700-square-foot roof (roughly the size covering an average U.S. home). That works out to roughly $4.25 to $12.25 per square foot.
Those estimates cover the entire roof replacement project, accounting for both materials and professional installation.
You might wonder, why is the price gap so big? The final price depends on several job-specific factors, from the roof’s design to the materials you choose.
For example, choosing premium asphalt shingles for added durability or curb appeal will generally cost more than installing standard architectural shingles.
Likewise, homes with steep roof pitches, multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, or chimneys require more time and labor, which can also increase the overall price.
We’ll cover the many factors that affect roof replacement costs later. As a general guide, here’s how the total cost of an asphalt shingle roof replacement is typically broken down:
- Materials (35–45%): Asphalt shingles, underlayment, ice and water barrier, flashing, ventilation, fasteners, and other roofing components.
- Labor (40–50%): Removing the existing roof, preparing the roof deck, installing the new roofing system, and performing the final cleanup.
- Disposal and cleanup (3–8%): Dumpster rental, hauling away old roofing materials, recycling where applicable, and landfill disposal fees.
- Permits, inspections, and warranties (5–10%): Permit fees where required, inspections, workmanship warranties, and other project-related administrative costs.
One thing that’s not typically included in these estimates is structural repairs discovered after the existing roof is removed.
For example, if we find sections of roof decking that have deteriorated because of moisture or age, we strongly recommend replacing them before the new shingles go on. That will add to the overall project cost.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement Cost by Roof Area
The larger your roof, the more your asphalt shingle roof replacement will cost. Using the average installed cost of $4.25 to $12.25 per square foot, here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay based on your roof’s size
| Roof Area (sq. ft.) | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $4,250 – $12,250 |
| 1,200 | $5,100 – $14,700 |
| 1,500 | $6,375 – $18,375 |
| 1,700 | $7,225 – $20,825 |
| 2,000 | $8,500 – $24,500 |
| 2,500 | $10,625 – $30,625 |
| 3,000 | $12,750 – $36,750 |
If you’re unsure how big your roof is, you can get a rough estimate by checking your property records or your county assessor’s website. Your home’s real estate listing can also be a good starting point. Just remember that those figures usually refer to the home’s living area, not the roof itself, so the actual roof surface area is often larger once slopes and overhangs are factored in. Average Cost of Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement in Utah An analysis of more than 250,000 home listings featured by the New York Post found that Utah has the second-largest homes in the U.S., with an average home size of 2,440 square feet If we use that figure as a conservative stand-in for roof size, replacing an asphalt shingle roof would cost approximately $10,370 to $29,890, based on the $4.25 to $12.25 per square foot pricing we discussed earlier.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement
Material: Types of Asphalt Shingles
Just as there are different categories of roofing materials – such as metal, tile, and slate – asphalt shingles also come in different grades.
| Asphalt Shingle Type | Material Cost / sq. ft. | Material Cost / Roofing Square (100 sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingle | $1.50–$2.00 | $150–$200 |
| Architectural Asphalt Shingle | $2.00–$3.00 | $200–$300 |
| Luxury / Designer Asphalt Shingle | $3.50–$5.50 | $350–$550 |
3-Tab Asphalt Shingle This is the most affordable option. These single-layer shingles have a flat, uniform appearance and are typically found on older homes or projects focused on keeping construction costs down. Today, they’re becoming less common for full roof replacements as a longer-lasting alternative – architectural asphalt shingle – exists. Speaking of which… Architectural Asphalt Shingle Built with multiple laminated layers, architectural asphalt shingles provide better durability, improved wind resistance, and a more dimensional appearance than 3-tab shingles. Those qualities have made them the most popular choice for residential homes today. They’re also commonly installed as part of Class A fire-rated roof assemblies, the highest fire-resistance classification recognized under U.S. building codes when tested and listed in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790. Luxury (Designer) Shingles This type is designed to mimic premium roofing materials such as slate or cedar shake without their weight or cost. They offer the thickest profile, the highest curb appeal, and often longer warranties, making them popular for upscale homes and luxury remodels.
Labor Costs
Accounting for 40% to 50% of the total cost of an asphalt shingle roof replacement, labor costs generally include:
- Removing the old roof. This involves tearing off the existing shingles, underlayment, flashing, and other roofing components before the new roof can be installed.
- Hauling away and disposing of debris. Roofing generates a surprising amount of waste. Contractors usually include dumpster rental, hauling, and landfill disposal fees as part of the job.
- Preparing the roof deck. Before new shingles go on, the crew inspects the roof decking, replaces damaged sections where needed, and prepares the surface for the new roofing system.
- Installing the new roofing system. This covers laying the underlayment, ice and water barrier where required, flashing, ventilation components, ridge caps, and the asphalt shingles themselves.
- Working on steep or complex roofs. Steeper roof pitches, multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, chimneys, and intersecting rooflines all require more precise work. Additional fall-protection systems, such as roof jacks and scaffolding, may be necessary.
- Site cleanup and final inspection. Once the installation is complete, the crew removes nails and debris, cleans the property, and performs a final quality check to make sure the roof was installed correctly.
Local labor rates also influence the final cost. Recent wage data shows roofers in Utah earn roughly $24 per hour, with experienced installers and foremen earning more.
Additionally, where you live can also make a difference, as labor rates tend to vary depending on local demand, the cost of doing business, and the availability of skilled roofing crews.
Hidden Roof Damage
Hidden roof damage is one of the most common reasons a roof replacement ends up costing more than the original estimate.
Until the old shingles come off, neither you nor your contractor can see the condition of the roof deck (the wooden surface your shingles are fastened to) or the underlayment beneath it.
Years of leaks, trapped moisture, or poor ventilation can leave these components weakened or rotted, making them unsuitable for a new roofing system.
After completing hundreds of roof replacements over the years, one thing my team and I never skip is inspecting the roof deck after the tear-off and replacing any sections that are no longer structurally sound before installing the new shingles.
You might ask, Is this part of the roof replacement or a separate job? Technically, it’s part of the same roofing project. However, it’s usually handled as a change order rather than being included in the original quote because the extent of any hidden damage simply can’t be confirmed until the existing shingles have been removed.
In situations like this, you generally don’t have much of a choice but to go ahead with the repairs. Once the roof decking has deteriorated to the point where it compromises the structural integrity of the roofing system, it needs to be replaced before the new shingles can go on.
Ignoring it may violate local building codes, affect your warranty coverage, and more importantly, compromise the safety of your roof.
Permits and Other Fees
Permits and other fees are mandatory project costs that typically cover:
- Building permits required by your city or county before roofing work can begin
- Plan reviews to confirm the proposed work complies with local building codes
- Roof inspections carried out during or after the project to verify the installation meets code requirements
- Administrative fees, such as permit processing and document filing charges
Each city or county in Utah sets its own fee schedule, so the amount can vary depending on where your home is located and, in some cases, the scope of the project.
The good news? You won’t have to deal with any of this yourself. Your roofing contractor will typically handle pulling the required permits, coordinating inspections, and including those costs in your estimate.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
Yes, homeowners insurance can cover an asphalt shingle roof replacement if the damage was caused by a covered peril, such as a windstorm, hail, fire, or a fallen tree or other falling object. It generally doesn’t cover damage caused by normal wear and tear, old age, poor maintenance, or neglect.
If you believe your roof was damaged by a covered event, it’s a good idea to have a reputable roofing contractor inspect it before filing a claim.
At Avail Solar, we’ve helped homeowners throughout Salt Lake City and across Utah inspect storm-damaged roofs to determine whether the damage may qualify for an insurance claim. That way, you have a clearer picture of your roof’s condition before beginning the claims process.
Can’t I Just Put New Asphalt Shingles Over Old Ones?
Hidden water damage, deteriorated roof decking, trapped moisture, or widespread leaks – when your roof has one or more of these issues, a full asphalt shingle roof replacement becomes the only practical option.
In these situations, you can’t simply install new shingles over the old ones – a process known as reroofing (or a roof recover).
Instead, the existing shingles need to come off so the roof deck can be inspected and any damaged components repaired or replaced.
All that’s to say, reroofs are generally limited to roofs with a structurally sound roof deck. Its purpose is to add a new layer of shingles over the existing one to restore your roof’s weather protection and extend its service life.
Call a Reputable Roof Replacement Contractor
As we’ve explored throughout this guide, an asphalt shingle roof replacement – really, any roof replacement – is a major investment.
The last thing anyone wants is to spend thousands of dollars only to deal with leaks, premature wear, or having parts of the roof redone because the job wasn’t done properly the first time. It’s one of those jobs where cutting corners can end up costing far more than it saves.
At Avail Solar, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Utah, including Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Murray, Park City, and surrounding communities, with roof replacements, roof repairs, and energy-efficient home improvements
We’ve always believed a roofing project shouldn’t become another job for the homeowner. That’s why we take pride in delivering a hands-off experience from the first inspection to the final walkthrough, handling everything while keeping you informed every step of the process.
If your roof has reached the point where replacement is the better option, don’t put it off for too long. Small roofing problems have a habit of growing into much bigger and much more expensive ones. Give Avail Solar a call today to schedule an inspection or request a personalized quote.