Asphalt shingles tend to be one of the most popular types of roofing material due to their quality, look and relatively low level of maintenance.  Each year, more than 12.5 billion square feet of these shingles are produced.  In short, these shingles cold cover the roofs of more than five million homes.  One of the main reasons why they are so popular is the fact that they are affordable and capable of matching to just about any architecture.

Regardless of where it is that you live, asphalt shingles are sure to perform well.  Since they are so popular, the production cost for these shingles is relatively low and they are easily applied to any roof.  Once they are in place on your roof, you won’t have to worry about a lot of maintenance.  If they are damaged, you can easily replace just those shingles that are damaged.  Choose from shingles with a Class A, B or C fire rating.  For those looking for the most fire-resistant material, Class A is the best.  Some of the asphalt brands are marketed as being wind resistant, which means that the shingles have proven that capability when tested.

For homes with a 1,700 to 2.100 square foot roof, expect to spend from $680 on up to $3,700 for the shingles alone.  This price is for a standard gray, three-tab shingle, which is one of the least expensive on the market today.  As the colors change and the quality level increases, the price will move toward the higher end of the aforementioned range.  If you are having a roofing contractor install the shingles and remove your existing roof, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1 up to $4 per square foot.  Roofs that are steeper with a lot of corners will head toward the higher end of the price range.

Make sure the roof supports are capable of maintaining the weight of the shingles.  Inspect the roof before beginning the application process.  It might be necessary to make repairs to the roof that could add to the total cost involved for the project.  Disposing of your old shingles is another thing to take into consideration, so make sure to plan accordingly.