How Much Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost on Long Island?

Roofers price asphalt roofs by the square. One square is 100 square feet of roof surface. Most Long Island homes fall somewhere between 15 and 30 squares.

Your roof area is bigger than your floor area. Pitch, overhangs and dormers all add surface. So a 1,500 square foot ranch can still need close to 20 squares.

The ranges below are typical installed prices for a full replacement. They assume one old layer comes off, with new underlayment and flashing. They are not a quote. Your roof can land above or below them.

Long Island prices sit above national averages. Labor, disposal and permits cost more here than in most of the country. So a national price you saw online may not hold up on your street.

3-tab shingles are the budget option. Each one is a single flat layer, so the roof looks flat from the street. They usually last about 15 to 20 years.

Architectural shingles have two layers bonded together. That gives the roof more depth and shadow lines. They usually last about 25 to 30 years when the attic is vented well.

Premium shingles cost the most. They are thicker, and some are made to look like slate or cedar shake. They make sense when curb appeal matters a lot to you.

Architectural shingles are the most common choice on new roofs today. They cost more than 3-tab up front. But they last longer and usually carry a higher wind rating.

Two houses with the same floor space can get very different quotes. These are the usual reasons.

• Roof size and pitch. More squares means more material and more labor. Steep roofs need extra safety gear and go slower.
• Old layers to remove. Each old layer adds tear-off time and dumpster weight. Building code does not allow a new layer over two old ones.
• Deck repair. Rotted plywood only shows up once the old shingles come off. Most roofers price it per sheet, so get that number in writing.
• Flashing work. Chimneys, dormers and valleys all need flashing. The more a roof has, the more labor it takes.
• Attic ventilation. Poor ventilation shortens shingle life. Adding ridge or soffit vents raises the price but protects the new roof.
• Permit and disposal. Permit rules and fees differ by town and village. Check that the permit and the dumpster are both in the price.

The shape of the house matters as much as its size. Here is how the common house types tend to price out.

Capes and ranches. These roofs are simple, with a low to moderate pitch. They usually sit at the lower end of the range. Many capes also have dormers, which add flashing work.

Hicksville has a lot of postwar capes and ranches. Ask how the dormers are priced on any roof install in Hicksville, NY.

Split-levels and high ranches. These have more roof planes and more valleys. That adds labor even when the square count is about the same.

Colonials. A two-story colonial can have a smaller roof than a ranch with equal living space. The roof only covers the footprint of the house. But colonials are taller and often steeper, and that slows the work down.

Towns like Commack have a lot of split-levels and colonials. Ask for the roof size in squares when you compare roofing companies in Commack, NY. That way the quotes line up.

A lower price is not always the better deal. Some estimates leave out items that others include. Get at least two written estimates before a roof replacement. Then check each one for these lines.

• The roof size in squares, and the shingle brand and line.
• Tear-off of every existing layer down to the deck.
• The price per sheet for any rotted decking.
• Underlayment, plus ice and water membrane at the eaves and valleys.
• New drip edge, flashing and pipe boots.
• Ridge and soffit ventilation.
• The permit, the dumpster and cleanup.
• The workmanship warranty, in writing.

If nobody has looked at the roof up close, any number is only a guess. A roof inspection checks the flashing, the ventilation and any soft spots in the deck. Then the estimate is based on your roof and not an average.

Not every problem needs a new roof. A repair may be enough when the damage is in one spot. The rest of the roof should still be in good shape. A few lifted shingles or one cracked pipe boot are common examples.

Older roofs are different. Shingles that curl or shed granules across the whole roof are worn out. Repairs on a roof like that tend to keep coming. At that point the money is usually better spent on a new roof.

If you are unsure which one you need, ask about roof repair first. A good roofer will tell you if the roof still has years left in it.

Q: How long does an asphalt shingle roof last on Long Island? A: Architectural shingles usually last about 25 to 30 years with good ventilation. 3-tab shingles usually last about 15 to 20 years. Wind, sun and shade all change the real number.

Q: Can new shingles go over the old ones? A: Sometimes, if there is only one old layer and the deck is sound. Many roofers still recommend a full tear-off. It lets them check the deck and flash the roof properly.

Q: Does homeowners insurance pay for a new asphalt roof? A: Insurance usually covers sudden damage, like a storm tearing off shingles. It usually does not cover a roof that is worn out from age. Check your own policy, because coverage varies.

We give free estimates on asphalt shingle roofs across Nassau and Suffolk County. Ask for the roof size and the shingle line in writing. That makes it easy to compare with any other quote. Call (516) 529-2997 or use the form below to set up a time.