Looking to install new asphalt roof shingles atop your home? You can expect to pay approximately $240 per shingle roofing "square" -- a common industrial roofing measurement that refers to 100 square feet of shingles. This figure covers roof materials but not labor.

Cost to install roof shingles will vary somewhat, depending on:

1. Size of roof, which determines number of shingle roofing squares (1 square = 100² ft) needed to cover
2. How many stories your house has
3. Style and degree of roof pitch
4. Whether the existing roof must be removed prior to installing new roof shingles -- as when it's badly waterlogged or damaged, made of certain materials, or already 2 layers thick
5. Complexity of the roof shingle installation or repair
6. Quality of the shingles

Learn about Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the US. They offer many advantages: affordable price; uncomplicated installation; and a wide variety of colors, styles, and qualities. Asphalt roof shingle disadvantages include the need for regular maintenance and roof repair, and the shingles' vulnerability to damage by extremely hot weather or heavy winds.

There are 2 types, organic and fiberglass . The durable organic type is made of paper saturated with asphalt (a petroleum derivative) and then coated with ceramic granules. Despite the name, though, organic asphalt shingles are less green than the alternative. They are also much more flammable so be careful if you live in an area that is prone to fires.

Breakdown of Cost To Install Shingles

• Materials -- You'll need about 13-15 squares of asphalt shingle roof  to cover an average 2-story, 220-square foot home, with a simple roof pitched at 6/12 (equivalent to an angle of about 26 degrees). Other materials are roofing felt, roofing cement, and a roll of galvanized nails.
• Labor -- The roofer will remove the old roof if necessary and make minor roof repairs to the structure. He will then install your new roof. If your home does not have easy access from the road, there may be additional costs for hauling the roofing materials. In addition, expenses will rise if your roof needs major repair.
• Cleanup -- The expense of hauling away the old roof and other debris is, as a rule, included in the price quote.
• Building Permit -- A building permit, with its associated fee, is often required for a repair, removal, or roof replacement of more than 100² ft of roofing shingle.
• Estimate -- The initial estimate, which may include an onsite inspection, is often free.

Get the Most for Your Money

Lower your energy bills and help your attic stay cooler in summer by selecting an Energy Star-certified solar-reflecting roof shingle color. Install this type of asphalt shingle roof and you may also qualify for a utility company rebate or a federal tax credit.

Check with your homeowners' insurer. You may be able to reduce your premiums if you install an upgraded roof.

Have your local roofing company or roofer install asphalt shingles in mild to warm weather (70-80 degrees F is best). Roofing shingles will not adhere as well and will be more prone to breakage when installed at cold temperatures.