Roof Replacement Cost Guide: Architectural Shingles vs. Standing Seam Metal

Roofing estimates are quoted in "squares," where one roofing square equals 100 square feet of deck area. Beyond the visible outer shingle or metal panel, estimates must include old material tear-off, rotted plywood decking replacement, ice and water shield membranes, and ridge ventilation.

Turnkey Roofing Cost Comparison Per Square (100 Sq Ft) Installed
Roofing Material	Material / Square	Tear-Off & Labor / Square	Total Installed / Square	25-Square Roof Total
Basic 3-Tab Asphalt	$110 – $140	$180 – $260	$290 – $400	$7,250 – $10,000
Architectural Laminate Shingles	$140 – $220	$200 – $320	$340 – $540	$8,500 – $13,500
Impact-Resistant (Class 4) Shingles	$190 – $290	$220 – $350	$410 – $640	$10,250 – $16,000
Exposed-Fastener Corrugated Metal	$200 – $320	$250 – $400	$450 – $720	$11,250 – $18,000
Standing Seam Metal (24 ga Steel)	$450 – $750	$450 – $800	$900 – $1,550	$22,500 – $38,750
Natural Slate Tile	$900 – $1,800	$800 – $1,500	$1,700 – $3,300	$42,500 – $82,500

Turnkey Roofing Cost Comparison Per Square (100 Sq Ft) Installed

Roofing Material

Material / Square

Tear-Off & Labor / Square

Total Installed / Square

25-Square Roof Total

Basic 3-Tab Asphalt

$110 – $140

$180 – $260

$290 – $400

$7,250 – $10,000

Architectural Laminate Shingles

$140 – $220

$200 – $320

$340 – $540

$8,500 – $13,500

Impact-Resistant (Class 4) Shingles

$190 – $290

$220 – $350

$410 – $640

$10,250 – $16,000

Exposed-Fastener Corrugated Metal

$200 – $320

$250 – $400

$450 – $720

$11,250 – $18,000

Standing Seam Metal (24 ga Steel)

$450 – $750

$450 – $800

$900 – $1,550

$22,500 – $38,750

Natural Slate Tile

$900 – $1,800

$800 – $1,500

$1,700 – $3,300

$42,500 – $82,500

Asphalt Architectural Shingles vs. 3-Tab

Traditional flat 3-tab shingles have been almost entirely phased out in favor of multi-layered architectural (laminate) shingles rated for 110 to 130 mph wind resistance and 30-to-50-year manufacturer warranties.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing Economics

Standing seam metal systems feature concealed mechanical fasteners that allow panels to expand and contract thermally without leaking. While upfront costs are 2x to 3x higher than shingles, metal delivers a 50+ year lifespan and 10% to 15% homeowner insurance premium discounts.

Frequently asked questions

Can you install a new roof over existing old shingles (overlay)?

Most building codes allow up to two layers, but overlays trap heat, void warranties, prevent inspection of underlying water-damaged decking, and add heavy structural weight.

How much does rotted plywood sheathing cost to replace during a re-roof?

Contractors typically charge $75 to $120 per 4x8-foot sheet of 1/2-inch CDX plywood or OSB including labor and fasteners.

Asphalt Architectural Shingles vs. 3-Tab

Standing Seam Metal Roofing Economics

Frequently asked questions

Sources and references

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