Size and complexity are the two main cost factors of 3-tab shingles. Larger roofs and those with multiple ridges and bump-outs will cost more than simple, single-ridge gable roofs.
Most projects are priced by size, with average rates of $3.20 to $7.75 per square foot.
Prices for steep roofs are 15% to 50% higher than for those with shallow pitches.
Labor ranges from 45% and 60% of the total project cost, with most roofers including the cost to remove your old roof in their estimates.
For long-term budgeting, factor in the ongoing costs of roof cleaning, which range from $295 to $621.
If you’re installing three-tab shingles on your roof, expect an installation price of around $9,300, with costs commonly ranging from $6,400 to $15,500 or more. The cost of 3-tab shingles varies based on several factors. However, they're often less expensive than many other roofing materials, and they can last for many years. Here's how much they'll cost for your roof and why.
Three-Tab Shingle Cost Factors
Three-tab shingles are often less expensive than other varieties of asphalt shingles. When it comes to 3-tab shingles versus architectural ones, both are excellent options. While architectural shingles tend to have longer lifespans and some durability benefits, 3-tab versions are more cost-effective to install initially.
Photos: ngirish / E+ / Getty Images, Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
Roof Size
The size of your roof is the main variable related to 3-tab shingle costs. Because of the amount of materials and the labor hours it takes to complete the job, the bigger it is, the more it will cost.
An average roof measures roughly 2,000 square feet. However, that number can range from under 1,000 to several thousand feet. Your roofing contractor will measure your roof in squares, which simply means 100 square feet. Three-tab shingle material and installation costs hover between $3.20 to $7.75 per square foot, with an average of $4.65, or $465 per square.
Roof Size
Squares
Average Price Range
1,300
13
$4,160–$10,075
1,700
17
$5,440–$13,175
2,000
20
$6,400–$15,500
2,500
25
$8,000–$19,375
3,000
30
$9,600–$23,250
What to Expect With a Roof Installation
Roof Pitch
Pitch and slope are interchangeable terms for the most part. You're likely to hear both terms when discussing how steep a roof is. The steepness of your roof is another major pricing factor for two reasons. First, steeper roofs require more material to cover than a lower-sloped roof on the same-sized house would because, well, math.
Secondly, very steep roofs with pitches higher than about 6:12, or six inches of rise for each horizontal foot, will likely require additional equipment and time to keep the roofing crew safe and allow them to move around while working.
For these reasons, roof replacement costs for steeper roofs are higher than those for the same work on a lower-sloped roof. Expect prices of between 15% and 50% more if your roof is particularly steep compared to your neighbor's shallow-sloped one.
Roof shapes and patterns can vary widely from simple gables to very complex combinations of slopes and angles. The more complex your home's roof is, the more it will cost to install 3-tab shingles for a few reasons.
First, complex roof lines generally require more time to cut shingles and install flashing components where necessary. Stopping and starting again on the next section also takes time. Finally, roofs with numerous penetrations, such as skylights, dormers, and other interruptions, require additional time and materials to get around.
Very simple roof structures will likely end up toward the low end of average costs, while more complex ones will tend to land closer to the high end.
Preparation
Sometimes, your roofer can leave the existing shingles on the roof and avoid much of the preparation costs associated with a reroofing job. However, most companies will remove and dispose of any existing materials.
Municipalities are also shying away from allowing more than a single roof-material layer. So, the cost of preparation in the form of demolition is often included in your roof-replacement price quote and ranges between $1 and $5 per square.
Additional preparation work may be necessary if your roof deck, substructure, or rafters need repair before installing new shingles. A solid roof deck is crucial for success and can cost between $100 to over $2,000.
Labor
Labor costs make up a significant portion of the price of installing 3-tab shingles. The total cost for labor hinges on other pricing factors, including the roof's size, pitch, complexity, condition, and even location.
Expect labor charges equal to between 45% and 60% of the total job cost. For a 2,000-square-foot roof, labor will make up about $3,300 to $8,100 of the invoice. However, homeowners with very steep or complex roofs can pay much more for labor.
Shingle Warranty
Asphalt shingle lifespans vary by type and quality. The quality of 3-tab shingles is identifiable by the warranty the manufacturer places on a given product. Three-tab shingles often come with 25-year warranties. However, 10, 15, 20, and 30-year options are also available at varying price points to coincide.
Keep in mind that the length of the warranty is based on the expected lifespan of the product under ideal conditions. Because our houses must deal with conditions that are seldom ideal, 3-tab shingles don't always last as long as their warranty would suggest. Expect lifespans of 3-tab shingles to be about three to six years less than their warranty.
Warranty
Average Material-Only Price Per Square
15
$75–$100
25
$95–$150
30
$130–$180
Roof Flashing
Your roofing company will replace the flashing as necessary as part of the roofing job and include it in the price. Often, the crew will replace all of the flashing on the roof. However, very complex roofs or others that require extensive flashing installations around multiple skylights, dormers, or other penetrations may incur additional material and labor costs of up to $25 per linear foot.
Location
Three-tab shingle installation can cost more or less depending on where you live. Prices can vary between states by as much as $1,000 to $1,200. Additionally, homes located in the city tend to cost more to roof than those situated in rural areas due to the difference in labor cost and high-demand prices.
Permits
Installing a roof requires a building permit from your municipality. The permit cost will be included in your contractor's pricing bid and is often between $100 and $1,000, depending on location, job cost, and the scope of the work.
Cleanup
Questions to ask your roofing contractor before hiring the company should include specifics about job cleanup. The cost of cleanup and disposal is part of the overall job pricing. However, if you're doing some of the work yourself, it's helpful to know that transporting and dumping the old roof material and new material waste can cost between $30 and $60 per ton. A 2,000-square-foot, three-tab shingle roof typically weighs around one and a half tons.
Ongoing Expenses for a Three-Tab Shingle Roof
Photo: ideeone / E+ / Getty Images
The weather and environmental conditions your roof contends with have much to do with the ongoing expenses of roof ownership.
Maintenance
It's essential to keep your roof clean and gutters free of debris to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. Gutter cleaning costs can be $0 for DIYers with time on their hands, or it can cost an average of $170 each time you have the pros do it. The cost of cleaning your roof when necessary is between $295 and $621 on average for professional work.
Repairs
Repairing your roof if it's damaged is crucial to avoid roof leaks in the rain and keep the home dry and safe. If your roof is damaged, fixing it immediately is a must. Roof repairs cost between $390 and $1,875 on average, depending on the scope of work.
While someone will be up on the roof is a good time to consider adding a few things to the to-do list. Combining other roof-related tasks with your roofing job can be convenient and could potentially save some cash. Here are some common add-ons that roofing contractors can perform, or they're likely to know a professional who can.
How to Save Money When Installing Three-Tab Shingles
While some contractors who work around the home may allow you to purchase your own materials to save money, roofing typically doesn't fall into that category. A roofing company often buys the materials it will install. However, there are several other ways to help manage the cost of installing three-tab shingles.
If you don't plan to live in your home for many years, you can consider ordering the less expensive 15-year shingles instead of the 25-year standard ones.
Talk with your contractor about seasonal or other discounts you may be eligible for.
Schedule your roofing installation during slower months, such as late fall or early spring, to avoid peak-season pricing.
Obtain at least three price quotes to compare companies and services. Remember to be wary of extremely low bids, as they aren't usually the deal they claim to be.
Why You Should Hire a 3-Tab Shingle Installation Pro
If you have the required skills and specialized tools and are set on doing the work, a DIY roofing job will cost nearly half as much as professional installation. However, for safety reasons, we don't recommend doing your own roofing project. The risk of falling or sustaining an injury when using the powerful tools necessary for roof work is too great.
Hire a reputable roofing contractor near you so you can stay safe and enjoy knowing that the work is being handled by pros.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a 3-tab shingle installation pro
Installing 3-tab shingles is a complex process that requires specialized skills and equipment. Here’s why it’s best to hire a pro:
Pros know how to prepare the roof deck and underlayment to prevent leaks and premature wear.
Working with a pro ensures your project complies with local building codes and regulations.
DIY installation can lead to shingle misalignment, nail pops, poor sealing, and costly water damage.
Reputable roofing contractors are licensed, insured, and offer warranties for added peace of mind.
Professional installation helps your roof last longer, improve curb appeal, and boost your home’s resale value.
If you want to DIY 3-tab shingle installation
To assist your pro with the project, consider taking on the following tasks:
Clear the area to remove furniture, grills, or yard debris that could get in the way.
Trim branches or small shrubs that could obstruct ladders or equipment.
Move your vehicles out of the driveway so the roofing team has easy access.
Clean up the area by disposing of small debris or packaging after installation.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Research the type of shingle you want to install, whether 3-tab, architectural, or designer.
Have a general idea of your roof’s size, your style preferences, and the overall look you want for your home.
Ask your pro about upgrades like enhanced underlayment, water and ice shields, and ridge vent systems.
Discuss any concerns or related services with your pro, like gutter replacement, chimney repair, or gutter guard installation.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The purchase price of 3-tab shingles is less than that of other material varieties, such as architectural shingles. However, 3-tab shingles generally last far fewer years than even the least expensive architectural ones. Other roofing types, such as metal or clay, also cost more than 3-tab shingles. However, if you plan to stay in your home for many years, the long-term cost of any of these options can compete with 3-tabs because of their longevity.
Manufacturers, insurance companies, and municipality regulations are phasing out three-tab shingles. Because of their short lifespan and lack of durability compared to other roofing material types, manufacturers are leaning toward better products, and cities and insurers are starting to require better building materials overall. However, 3-tab shingles are still for sale, and some roofing companies still install them.
Haley is a professional freelance writer with over five years of experience. Flipping her first apartment at 17, she gained a passion for home improvement and all things design. Haley has written for notable clients such as Home Depot on topics ranging from outdoor living, interior design, and home renovation.
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