Cost of A Shingle Roof Replacement?

by | Nov 20, 2022

If you’re a homeowner with a shingle roof, you’ve likely wondered, “What is the cost of a shingle roof replacement?” It’s an important question, especially since replacing a roof is a significant investment. On average, the cost of a shingle roof replacement can range from $400 to $550 per square (100 square feet) across the U.S. In Southern Arizona, specifically Tucson, this range typically falls between $425 and $525 per square. For a typical one-story home with a 2,000-square-foot roof, you can expect the total cost to range from $8,500 to $10,500 or even higher, depending on various factors.

When seeking estimates from local roofing contractors, you’ll likely notice a wide range of pricing. Some roofing companies offer lower bids, while others may quote prices 20-30% higher. In some cases, roofing contractors intentionally provide higher estimates, aiming to secure fewer but highly profitable jobs. This variability in pricing highlights the importance of understanding what constitutes a fair cost for a roof replacement in Tucson.

Cost of Materials for Shingle Roof Replacements

The greatest factor that determines how much a roofing company will charge for your roof replacement is the cost of materials. Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, roofing material costs have skyrocketed! Pre-pandemic a bundle of shingles could go for $17-25 per bundle. Today (2022), the costs range from $40-50. This is a significant increase in cost. Why? Much of the cost of shingles connects with the costs of oil. Asphalt shingles are oil-based products and when oil increases in price so do shingles. Also, the cost of delivering the shingles increases when oil increases in price.

Another consideration is supply and demand for the materials. The pandemic caused a high demand for building materials because more people were staying home or moving out of large cities into rural areas. This led to a demand for new houses and residential housing projects which of course increased the demand of materials, which, in-turn increased the price of the materials. The cost of roofing materials across the board has increased 30-40% in the last few years. Unfortunately signs of the times suggest that these costs may continue to increase. So if you are considering a roof replacement in the future, it may not be a bad idea to start getting estimates today!

Cost of Roofing Labor

The price of labor has increased over the past few years. Since 2020, there has been a 30-40% increase in wages for many contracting positions. It is hard to find good help. When a local roofing contractor does find good help they must pay them well to remain with the company or the workers will move on to the next company. Asphalt shingle roof replacement jobs require a significant amount of labor. Most roofing companies will employ 3-6 people per roof replacement job. When paying $18-25/hour or even more per worker, labor costs can become quite burdensome for roofing contractors.

Size of the Shingle Roof

Size matters when replacing a roof. If the job is smaller (under 1000 sqft), the price per square (100sqft sections) will be higher because materials and labor are still at a premium. If a job is larger (3000+ sqft), the roofing company may have more wiggle room in being able to reduce costs per square. When trying to determine the cost of a shingle roof replacement, make sure you consider the size of the roof as part of the equation.

Difficulty of the Shingle Roof Replacement

Some roofs are easier than others. Roofs that have dormers or many valleys or changes in elevations are much more difficult to re-shingle. These roofs require more cutting and also they will incur more waste. A roof with 2- 4 valleys in the middle can have up to 10-12% waste. When considering the costs of materials, this can be a significant amount money for additional materials. Most local roofing contractors will do all they can to prevent significant waste because they realize that is wasted money in their pockets. However, homeowners must expect a higher per/square charge if they own a more difficult roof.

There are so many variables that should be considered when trying to determine the cost one could expect to pay for a roof replacement. Materials, labors, overhead, insurances, waste, etc. are all included in the price a roofing contractor near you will charge. It is near impossible to

If you’re a Tucson homeowner in need of shingle roof replacement, getting a detailed and honest estimate is a crucial first step. Not all roofing contractors are the same — and not all roofs are, either. The Arizona heat, monsoon winds, and sun exposure make it essential to choose a roofing company that understands local conditions and uses the right materials. Asking the right questions helps you feel confident in your roofing contractor and ensures your roof repairs or full replacement will be done correctly.

Below are seven smart questions you should ask your estimator or Tucson roofing company before hiring a roofing company in Tucson:

Is the company licensed, bonded, and insured?

This should be the first question you ask any roofing contractor. Arizona law requires roofing companies to be licensed, bonded, and insured. A licensed contractor has met state requirements and carries the appropriate insurance in case something goes wrong. If your estimator or roofing company can’t provide their ROC number and proof of insurance, that’s a red flag. Hiring a properly licensed roofing company protects you from liability and ensures the job is done to professional standards.

What warranties do they offer on materials and labor?

Warranties are a key part of any roofing job. You’ll want to know how long the shingles are warrantied by the manufacturer and whether the roofing company backs up their own workmanship. For example, laminated (architectural) shingles — which are now the standard since three-tab shingles are no longer available in Arizona — often come with extended warranties and superior wind resistance. Be sure to get all warranties in writing, and ask your roofer estimator to walk you through what’s covered.

What type of underlayment do they use?

The underlayment is a critical component that sits beneath your shingles and adds an extra layer of protection against leaks. In Arizona’s intense climate, a high-quality synthetic underlayment is best. It resists heat, doesn’t absorb moisture like felt paper, and holds up better over time. A reliable roofing company will always include synthetic underlayment in their shingle replacement process. If your estimator doesn’t mention it — ask.

How long does the shingle replacement process take?

Time matters, especially if you’re trying to schedule around monsoon season or HOA approvals. Ask how long the shingle roof replacement will take from start to finish, including tear-off, installation, and cleanup. Most shingle roof replacements can be completed in one to three days depending on the size of the home, weather conditions, and any needed wood repairs. A professional roofing contractor should provide a clear timeline in your estimate.

Will they inspect and replace damaged wood decking if necessary?

Removing old shingles often reveals damage underneath. It’s important that your roofing contractor inspects the wood decking and replaces any rotted or warped sections. A proper estimate should outline that any necessary decking repairs will be included, and the estimator should explain how those costs will be handled if they arise. Skipping this step can compromise the entire roofing system.

Would ridge vents be a good option for your roof?

In Tucson, keeping your attic cool reduces heat transfer into your home and helps your roof last longer. Ask your estimator about installing ridge vents or upgrading any existing attic ventilation. Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture and heat buildup, improves energy efficiency, and is often overlooked by less experienced roofers. A well ventilated roof will last you longer.

What brand of shingles does the roofing company recommend?

While most roofing contractors, including Desert Sky Roofing, can install all major shingle brands, the estimator should be able to recommend a brand or line that performs best in Southern Arizona’s climate. Laminated shingles with a high wind rating are ideal for Tucson homes due to their durability and impact resistance. Your estimator should explain the differences clearly and offer a color and style selection that matches your home.

At Desert Sky Roofing, we use only laminated architectural shingles, high-quality synthetic underlayment, and we take the time to do the job right — no shortcuts. If you’re considering a shingle replacement in Tucson, give us a call for a free inspection.

We’re offering $300 off all full roof replacement jobs.

Let us show you why we’re one of Tucson’s highest-rated roofing companies for roof repairs and replacements. You ask the smart questions — we’ll provide the honest answers.