How Much Does Composite Roofing Cost?
2022 Notice: Material Prices Are Surging
Demand for roofing materials has grown over the past year. And as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 15% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a roofing project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials
The average composite roof cost ranges between $4 and $8 per square foot, with low-grade composition roofs costing as little as $1 per square foot and complicated installations going as high as $15 per square foot. For a 2,400-square-foot roof, budget for a composite roof cost between $9,600 and $19,200, or an average cost of $14,400.
Average Composite Roofing Costs
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $14,400 | $9,600 | $19,200 |
What Is Composite Roofing?
Composite roofing is a mixture of several materials, including plastic, wood, asphalt, and laminate. This combination of materials forms a long-lasting shingle, available in a wide range of colors. In general, composite roofs can last up to 50 years.
Most manufacturers sell this eco-friendly material as shingles, but you can also get a composite tile or composite shake roof. The cost of a composition shingle roof is often lower than more traditional roofing materials.
Composite Shingle Costs per Square Foot
Large composite roof costs range from $1 to $15 per square foot, with most projects falling in the $4 to $8 per square foot price range, fully installed. Composite roof shingles can vary in quality, with more durable shingles or tiles adding significant costs. Labor costs can also vary widely, depending on the pitch of your roof and if you need a local roofing company to remove an existing roof.
Your contractor will typically purchase composite roofing materials in squares (100 square feet) and may talk to you about composite roof cost per square instead of per square foot. The cost per square can range from $100 to $1,500, depending on the quality of the material.
| Type of Shingle | Price Range per Square | Common Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Bargain Grade | $100 – $700 | EcoStar |
| Builder Grade | $550 – $850 | CertainTeed, Enviroshake |
| Value Grade | $750 – $1,150 | DaVinci Roofscapes, Brava |
| Architect Grade | $1,100 – $1,500 | CeDUR |
Other Composite Roofing Costs
The table above breaks down the average composite shingle roof cost, but some homeowners may prefer a synthetic cedar shake roof or even a composite tile roof.
Here’s how those costs break down:
Synthetic Cedar Shake Shingles Cost
Composite shake shingles range from $325 to $950 per square installed. That’s about $3.25 to $9.50 per square foot. For comparison, a real cedar shake roof costs anywhere between $600 to $670 per square.
In some instances, composite cedar shake shingles can cost more than the real thing. For many, the investment is worth it: Composite shingles last longer than cedar shakes and don’t require as much upkeep; cedar shake shingles need maintenance every two to five years.
Composite Roof Tiles Cost
Including installation, composite roof tiles average $400 to $600 per square or $4 to $6 per square foot. This style is common for homes emulating Spanish roofing and architecture. Compared to the cost of a slate tile roof ($10 to $30 per square foot), composite tiles are quite affordable. Just be sure to find a tile roofing company near you with experience with the material.
Composite Roof Cost Factors
In addition to the cost of the tiles or shingles, you’ll need to plan for other common tile and roof shingle cost factors that can drive up the price of your new roof, including local labor rates and the pitch of your roof.
Composite Roof Labor Costs
Labor costs typically make up 60% of the total project costs. That means, of the $14,400 you can expect to pay for a 2,400-square-footcomposite roof, $8,640 of which is the labor cost. Because roofing work is complicated and dangerous, it almost always makes sense to leave this to a professional roofing company in your area.
Roof Pitch
A roof with a steeper pitch will yield higher labor costs. Steeper roofs increase overall installation time and require more safety protocols to ensure no one gets hurt.
Split-Level Roofs
Split-level roofs or other factors that could complicate a roof install (working around a skylight, for example) will cost more than a straightforward roof for a standard two-story house.
Removal and Disposal
If the roofing installation is not part of a new construction home, you will likely need to budget for the removal of an existing roof. Removing shingle and tile roofs costs between $0.50 and $1 per square foot. This cost typically includes disposal, but ask your contractor if their quote doesn’t make it clear.
Synthetic Roof Cost vs. Asphalt
Installing an asphalt roof costs $9,000 on average; a synthetic slate roof costs $12,000, but costs could range from $8,000 to $16,000 for a 2,000-square-foot roof.
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 20 years | 30 – 50 years |
| Average Roof Repair Costs | $875 | $450 |
| Environmental Impact | Gives off toxic fumes when recycled | Often made from recycled materials |
While more expensive to install, composite roofs are significantly more durable than asphalt. Plus, if you live in a warmer climate with a lot of sun, asphalt shingles are prone to cracking and could need more repairs (or a full replacement). In general, composite roofs can last up to three times as long as asphalt roofs.
DIY Composite Roofing vs. Hiring a Pro
No matter the roofing material, it almost always makes sense to hire a roofing company to handle the installation of a new roof. Not only can roof installation be dangerous, but only professionals can ensure a proper installation so that your roof can last as long as possible. Avoid the risks and ensure the highest ROI on your project by going with a professional roofer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite roof shingles last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Most composite manufacturers offer at least a 25-year warranty for their composite roofs, and some offer 50-year warranties because this type of roof is so durable. If you have your brand choice, go with one offering a longer warranty, especially if you plan to live in the same house for several decades.
Composite roof shingles come in a wide array of colors. Depending on the roof manufacturer, you might have your choice of more than 20 different composite shingle colors. Choosing a roof color that will age well is a good idea, meaning it will still be appealing once short-lived trends pass. Standard colors that tend to pass the test of time include gray, black, brown, blue, and green.
Many composite roof manufacturers use 100% (or close to 100%) recycled materials to make their shingles. Brands like Brava and Enviroshake use 100% and 95% post-consumer recycled material, respectively. If eco-friendliness is an important factor in your decision, discuss this with your roofer to see if they can recommend any specific brands.
Roofs fade over time. While composite roof shingles can fade after several years, the process is slower than it is with asphalt shingles. If you choose a higher quality for your composite roof shingles, you can expect them to retain their original color much longer. If you’re worried about fading, keep in mind that darker shingles fade faster and more noticeably.
- Traditional Tile Roofing - Install or Replace
- Flat, Foam, or Single Ply Roofing - Install or Replace
- Natural Slate Roofing - Install or Replace
- Metal Roofing - Install or Replace
- Asphalt Shingle Roofing - Install or Replace
- Wood Shake or Composite Roofing - Repair
- Heating Cable for Roof - Install
- Natural Slate Roofing - Repair
- Sealant for Roof - Apply
- Wood Shake or Composite Roofing - Install or Replace
- Flat, Foam or Single Ply Roofing - Repair
- Traditional Tile Roofing - Repair
- Asphalt Shingle Roofing - Repair