Architectural shingle roofing
The lowest entry cost of anything we install, and still rated for the strictest wind code in the country.
The short answer
Architectural shingle costs from $6 per square foot installed, so about $12,000 on a typical 2,000 sq ft roof. It is the cheapest way to put a code-compliant, wind-rated roof over a South Florida house, and it lasts 25 to 30 years. Independent contractors put most South Florida shingle jobs between $7,000 and $18,000, which is where our rate lands.
What you actually get
- Architectural (dimensional) shingles, not the flat three-tab kind, which look better and carry higher wind ratings.
- Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance on the shingle, underlayment and fastening pattern as an assembly.
- Self-adhered or synthetic underlayment, dried in the same day the deck is exposed.
- Manufacturer warranty registered in your name. We are GAF Master Elite, which unlocks warranty tiers most contractors cannot offer.
Is it right for your house?
Where it wins
- Cost. Roughly half the price of metal. On a 2,000 sq ft roof that is $12,000 against $20,000.
- Speed. Usually two to three days on site, the fastest of the four materials.
- Repairability. Individual shingles can be replaced. A damaged metal panel or clay tile is a bigger job.
- Rental and resale properties. Where the owner is not holding the asset for 40 years, shingle is often the rational choice.
Where it does not
- Lifespan. 25 to 30 years, so over a 50 year horizon you buy two of them plus two tear-offs.
- Heat. Dark asphalt absorbs solar heat and raises attic temperature, which shows up on the power bill.
- UV and salt. South Florida sun and coastal air are hard on asphalt. Expect the shorter end of the range near the water.
What it costs
At $6 per square foot, a 1,500 sq ft roof is about $9,000, a 2,000 sq ft roof about $12,000, and a 3,000 sq ft roof about $18,000. That is before deck replacement, permit fees and tear-off beyond one existing layer.
| Material | Rate | Lifespan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural shingle | $6/sq ft | 25 to 30 years | Lowest entry cost. Best value on simple, low-slope-to-moderate roofs. |
| Concrete or clay tile | $9/sq ft | 40 to 50 years | Matches most South Florida HOA and Mediterranean architecture. |
| Standing seam metal | $10/sq ft | 40 to 70 years | Best lifetime value. Reflective finishes cut cooling load. |
| Metal slate | $12/sq ft | 50+ years | Slate look with metal weight and metal wind performance. |
Roof area is not floor area. Pitch and overhang usually make a roof 10 to 25 percent larger than the square footage on your property appraisal, so a 1,700 sq ft house often has a 2,000 sq ft roof. Full cost guide.
How it is installed here
Shingle inside the HVHZ is not the same product sold in the rest of the country. Nailing patterns are denser, the underlayment has to be an approved self-adhered or two-ply system, and starter and ridge components must be on the same Notice of Acceptance. A cheap quote on shingle is usually cheap because one of those three is being skipped.
What our customers say.
5.0★★★★★161 Google reviews"He was prompt, professional, and gave me an on-the-spot quote. The crew efficiently removed the old roof and installed the new one with great care, leaving everything spotless."
"Outstanding experience from start to finish. They communicated clearly throughout the process, finished on time, and left everything clean."
"SkyGuard replaced my shingle roof, including some rotten decking that was causing a leak. My roof is now in perfect condition!"
Common questions.
How long do shingles last in South Florida?+
Typically 25 to 30 years for architectural shingle. Coastal properties and roofs with heavy sun exposure tend toward the shorter end, because UV and salt air age asphalt faster than they age metal or tile.
Are shingles allowed in Miami-Dade and Broward?+
Yes, provided the shingle, underlayment, starter strip and fastening pattern all appear on a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance and are installed to the HVHZ nailing schedule. Standard mainland shingle assemblies are not permitted here.
What is the difference between architectural and three-tab shingle?+
Architectural shingles are thicker and layered, which gives a dimensional look, a longer life and a higher wind rating. Three-tab is flat, cheaper and shorter-lived. We install architectural.
Can I put a new shingle roof over the old one?+
We do not. A layover hides the condition of the deck, adds weight, and shortens the life of the new roof. Every job we do is a full tear-off so the deck can be inspected and any rotten sheets replaced.
Free inspection, written quote, no pressure
We measure the roof, photograph what we find, and give you an itemised number with the deck rate and permit fee stated up front.