Flat roofs are generally the cheaper option in roof installation than shingle roofs because they require less material and are less complex to install. Low-slope or flat roofs require less roofing material and generally lower labor charges due to simpler installation frames.
Shingle roofs, on the other hand, are more expensive due to their material consumption and complex installation charges. But these Flat roof vs shingle roof cost are just for the installation, and the overall cost may fluctuate depending on other factors. Sometimes flat roofs end up being more expensive due to higher maintenance than shingles and needing more repairs throughout their lifespan.
At Courage Roofing, we install both flat roofs and shingle roofs for residential and commercial buildings depending on the budget and requirements of our clients.
Which roof type is cheaper to install? Flat roof VS shingle cost
During the roof installation process, flat roof vs shingle roof cost may vary and fluctuate depending on other factors. However, a typical average installation cost indicates that flat roofs are cheaper to install.
| Roof Type | Average Installation Cost | Major Cost Factors |
| Flat Roof | $2 to $15/sq. ft. | Roofing material, labor, waterproofing, drainage |
| Shingle Roof | $5 to $20/sq. ft. | Shingle material, framing, labor |
| Metal Roofing (Flat/Shingle Systems) | Up to $30+/sq. ft. | Premium material and installation |
How much does a flat roof installation cost?
The installation cost of flat roofs is generally lower due to less use of surface material and fewer complications. The average cost of flat roof installation is about 2$ to $15 per sq.ft or more, depending on other cost-driving factors, including:
- The type of material used
- Labor charges
Type of material
The type of material, like metal are more expensive and can take up about $30 per sq ft for the installation cost.
Labor charges
Flat roofs are generally easier to install, but materials like TPO or EPDM require specialized drainage and waterproofing systems that can relatively increase the flat roof cost.
How much does a shingle roof installation cost?
Shingle roofs require more framing and material to install properly and thus need more cost for installation. They may require $5 to $20 depending on the shingle materials used. The shingles are generally easier to install. However, requiring proper drainage installation may increase the labor charges.
Roofing material comparison: Flat roof vs shingle roof
In Flat roof vs shingle roof cost, flat roofs may be less expensive in installation, but they may require extra cost in regular maintenance, repair, and proper drainage system installation. While shingle roofs may be costlier to install, but reuiqres relatively less regular maintenance.
| Feature | Flat Roof | Shingle Roof |
| Installation Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Material Usage | Less material required | More material required |
| Installation Complexity | Simpler | More complex |
| Maintenance | Higher | Lower |
| Drainage | Requires a proper drainage system | Natural water runoff due to slope |
| Typical Lifespan | 20 to 25 years | 20 to 50 years (material dependent) |
| Best For | Commercial & low-slope buildings | Residential & sloped roofs |
Average cost
- Flat roofs are cheaper to install, requiring an average of $2 to $14 per sq. ft for installation.
- The asphalt shingle cost per square foot is $5 to $16 and increases to near $30 with other shingle materials like metals and slate.
Lifespan
Flat Roof
Flat roof lifespan, on average, is about 20 to 25 years with repairs and maintenance in extreme weather and rainy conditions.
Shingle roof
Shingle roofs’ lifespan is about 20 to 50 years, typically depending on the type of shingle materials. Some shingles, like slate, have a lifelong lifespan with zero or low maintenance.
Maintenance and repair cost
Flat Roof
Maintenance is one of the biggest low-slope roof pros and cons. Although flat roofs are weather- and UV resistant but still they are prone to drainage issues on rainy days. Due to their flat structure, they are more likely to develop a pool on them, requiring proper drainage, inspection and maintenance.
Shingle roof
Due to their sloped structure, shingle roofs are low maintenance. Water, snow, and debris fall off the slope due to gravity, requiring less maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Flat roofs are cheaper to install but costlier to maintain properly. Shingle roofs are relatively expensive to install while cheaper to maintain. Are you looking for roofing installation? Courage Roofing can provide the customized material and roofing type for your building that will enhance functionality and efficiency while staying in your budget. Contact us at (210) 365-6763, or you can email us at jimc@courageroofing.com for more information and better guidance.
FAQs
Which roof can last the longest in extreme weather conditions?
Shingle roofs of slate and concrete can last the longest in extreme weather conditions.
How does the flat roof cost increase over timespan?
The flat roof cost increases with the material selection and their repairing adn maintenance. The drainage repairs, regular inspections, and recoating application relatively increase the cost over time.
What is the average cost of shingle roof installation?
The shingle roof installation cost is about $2 to $18 per sq. ft depending on the material used.
How much does a flat roof cost?
The general cost of flat roofs is about $2 to $10 per sq. ft depending on the material used.
What makes the shingle roof more costly than flat roofs?
Shingle roofs are more costly than flat roofs only in installation due to the relatively larger space area and higher material usage. Flat roofs have higher lifetime costs with multiple repairs and maintenance.