How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Asphalt Shingle Roof in Illinois?
Replacing your roof is one of the biggest financial decisions that you'll make as a homeowner. If you're looking at pricing for replacing your roof, asking how much it costs probably isn't your only concern - but it understandably can greatly influence your decision.
At Happy Roofing, we've replaced hundreds of roofs across the greater Naperville area. We've met with many homeowners who came to us frustrated with vague estimates, confusing options, and little to no clarity about what they were actually paying for. We believe that homeowners deserve upfront, transparent pricing and a clear understanding of what drives the cost of a new roof, without the industry jargon or pushy sales tactics.
As local experts deeply familiar with roofing materials, labor, and permit costs unique to Illinois, we've created this article to help you understand what to expect.
In this article, you'll learn:
- The average cost range to replace a roof in Illinois
- What factors can influence roof replacement costs
- How to ensure accurate roofing estimates
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect when it comes to roof replacement costs in Illinois, so you can start planning your project with confidence and avoid surprises down the road.
Table of Contents
- What Impacts the Cost of a Roof Replacement?
- What is the Average Cost of a Roof Replacement in Illinois?
- How to Get the Most Accurate Roofing Estimate
What Impacts the Cost of a Roof Replacement?
There are a few variables that can affect the cost of a roof replacement, from the type of shingles you choose to the overall roof design. In general, factors like roof height, slope, material choice, and property accessibility heavily influence the cost of a roof replacement.
If you're in Illinois, there are a few more localized cost drivers that shouldn't be forgotten either:
- Labor costs: Illinois is among the highest roofing labor costs in the Midwest, having a major impact on final project costs based on location alone. This table shows that Illinois has a construction cost multiplier of 1.10 when compared to the national baseline, with Chicago even higher at 1.17 times the national baseline.
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Roof replacements should include the replacement of the entire roofing system. That means replacing old underlayment, damaged or rotted decking, worn flashing around chimneys, walls, and roof penetrations, proper attic ventilation upgrades, and even siding removal and reinstallation if needed to replace flashing correctly. A roof is only as strong as its weakest component. If your contractor installs new shingles over failing or outdated materials, you may still face leaks, poor airflow, premature wear, or even voided warranties, increasing some labor costs (although it's necessary for a long-lasting, durable roof installation).
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- Permit fees: What you'll pay in permits and code compliance can vary dramatically depending on your municipality, but they're necessary for the work to be done legally. You can expect a roofing permit to cost between $50-300 in Illinois. Some areas require in-person inspections or board approvals (homeowners' associations), which can add both time and cost to your project.
- Local seasonal trends: Material availability and seasonal trends also impact pricing here in Illinois. For example, during peak storm season or in the spring rush, demand spikes and certain shingle types or colors may be backordered. Contractors may also be booked further out during the peak seasons. This can not only affect your installation timeline, but it may also lead to price surges if suppliers or contractors raise costs based on limited availability.
If you'd like a deeper look into the most common factors that affect roof replacement costs in general, you can read our other article: What Impacts the Cost of a Roof Replacement? Top Pricing Factors. In it, we go into more detail regarding pricing variables (roof design, materials, accessibility, and variable costs) outside of the local factors we've covered here.
What Is the Average Roof Replacement Cost in Illinois?
Roofing prices are usually calculated per square (a 10'x10' area, or 100 square feet). Most homes require between 20 and 35 squares, depending on the size and complexity of the roof design.
As a rough starting point, you can divide your home's total square footage by 100 to estimate the base number of roofing squares. However, because most roofs aren't flat and often have multiple angles, slopes, and overhangs, the actual roof area is usually 1.2 to 1.6 times larger than the square footage of the home. So a 2,000 sq. ft. home may require anywhere from 24 to 32 roofing squares. For a more accurate estimate, consider the pitch of your roof and whether your home has features like multiple levels or complex layouts (all of which can increase total roofing surface area).
What These Roof Replacement Cost Ranges Reflect
As we mentioned earlier, a proper roof replacement should include the replacement of all existing roofing components for a long-lasting installation. With this in mind, the cost ranges we've included below reflect a roof replacement done to our standard, meaning they reference the total cost (including labor) of replacing every component like shingles, underlayment, worn roof decking, flashing, siding, and any ventilation upgrades that may be needed.
Labor can vary not only depending on the contractor, but also on the scope of the project. A more thorough replacement that includes decking, flashing, ventilation, and other critical components naturally requires more time and labor, resulting in a higher, but more accurate and protective, cost.
Cost of Basic 3-tab Asphalt Shingles
For the most budget-conscious option, we'll be using 3-tab asphalt shingles as a baseline. These shingles are less common now than they used to be, as 3-tab shingles are becoming obsolete in favor of more durable architectural products.
Still, some manufacturers offer basic options suitable for homeowners who just want to replace what they have with something functional and affordable.
You can expect to pay: $450-$600 per square, or $12,600-$16,800 total for a typical 28-square roof.
Cost of Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Most roof replacements we've done in the Naperville area fall into this category. These systems strike a balance between durability, curb appeal, and cost-efficiency, as they're more durable and come with a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles.
Some shingles in this category (like the Malarkey Vista shingles) offer impact ratings and often come with extended warranties. Shingle impact ratings reflect a shingle's ability to withstand hail damage on a scale of Class 1 to Class 4, and could prove useful in areas prone to hailstorms.
While impact-rated shingles are not absolutely necessary in Illinois, we do get the occasional storm where these impact-rated shingles could save you from more costly repairs. Malarkey Vista shingles are popular with homeowners in our area due to their Class-4 impact rating and relative price point.
You can expect to pay: $600-$800 per square, or $16,800-$22,400 total for a typical 28-square roof.
Designer Asphalt Shingles or Luxury Options
Costs can increase dramatically if you're investing in a premium roofing installation, whether that's using a high-end designer asphalt shingle (like Malarkey's Windsor) or synthetic options (to mimic slate or cedar shake). However, shingles in this category offer superior durability, impact protection, and a luxury aesthetic.
While their level of durability isn't a must-have in Illinois, they're a great option to achieve a high-class look with enhanced protection against the few strong storms that we do see every year.
You can expect to pay: $900-$1,200+ per square, or $25,200-$33,600+ total for a typical 28-square roof.
Average Roofing Cost Breakdown
| Shingle Type | Description | Cost Per Square | Cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. House (28 squares) | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles (Basic) | Budget-friendly but increasingly outdated, relatively short lifespan | $450-600 | $12,600-$16,800 | Functional and affordable; very limited durability and lifespan |
| Architectural Shingles (Standard) | Most common in the Midwest; good balance of value and longevity | $600-800 | $16,800-$22,400 | Longer-lasting, more durable, some are impact rated (e.g., Malarkey Vista) |
| Designer Shingles or Luxury Options | High-end aesthetics with excellent durability | $900-$1,200+ | $25,200-$33,600 | Typically Class 4 impact-rated, premium look, superior durability |
How to Get the Most Accurate Price for Your Roof
To get a firm, honest estimate, a roofing contractor should visit your property in person. That's the only way to fully assess not just the roof surface, but also the decking, flashing, ventilation, and other components that may need replacement or repair.
We strongly recommend avoiding contractors who quote a price over the phone or through satellite imaging alone, as it's impossible to ensure all necessary details are accounted for and could lead to inaccurate quotes. There's simply no substitute for having a professional walk your roof and attic to provide a complete scope of work and present all of your available options.
If you want to see how we approach our roofing estimates, or want to learn how to spot red flags in other bids, read our next article: How Happy Roofing Builds an Honest Roofing Estimate—and How to Spot Red Flags. In it, we break down what goes into a trustworthy estimate, how it can save you money, and ways to ensure your contractor is being thorough when assessing your roof.
If you're not ready for a professional inspection just yet, online roof estimator tools are a helpful starting point. They can provide you with a realistic price range, tailored specifically to your roof, so you know what to expect. No roofer can promise 100% accurate online estimates, but these tools can help you compare before making any calls.
