2026 Shingle Cost Guide

Shingle Roof Replacement Cost in Myrtle Beach

Complete 2026 guide comparing 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles. Understand costs, lifespan, and which option is best for your coastal home.

3-Tab Shingles

Budget-Friendly

15-20 year lifespan

RECOMMENDED

Architectural Shingles

Best Value

25-30 year lifespan

Designer/Luxury Shingles

Premium Investment

30-50 year lifespan

1. Types of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles dominate the residential roofing market, accounting for over 80% of American homes. Understanding the three main types helps you make the best choice for your Myrtle Beach home.

3-Tab Shingles

Budget-Friendly

Lifespan

15-20 years

Wind Rating

Up to 60-70 mph

Warranty

20-25 year limited

Best For

Budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties

Advantages

  • Lowest upfront cost
  • Easy to repair
  • Wide color selection
  • Quick installation

Considerations

  • Shortest lifespan
  • Lower wind resistance
  • Flat appearance
  • More maintenance
BEST FOR COASTAL HOMES

Architectural Shingles

Mid-Range

Lifespan

25-30 years

Wind Rating

Up to 110-130 mph

Warranty

30-50 year limited

Best For

Most homeowners - best value for money

Advantages

  • Dimensional appearance
  • Hurricane-rated options
  • Excellent value
  • Wide style variety

Considerations

  • Higher cost than 3-tab
  • Heavier weight
  • Requires skilled installation

Designer/Luxury Shingles

Premium

Lifespan

30-50 years

Wind Rating

Up to 130-150 mph

Warranty

50-lifetime limited

Best For

Upscale homes, maximum curb appeal

Advantages

  • Slate/shake appearance
  • Highest wind ratings
  • Best warranties
  • Premium aesthetics

Considerations

  • Highest shingle cost
  • Limited contractor availability
  • Longer installation time

Our Recommendation for Myrtle Beach Homeowners

Architectural shingles offer the best balance of cost, performance, and longevity for coastal South Carolina. With wind ratings up to 130 mph, they provide essential hurricane protection while lasting 25-30 years. For maximum protection and premium aesthetics, consider designer shingles with lifetime warranties.

2. Factors Affecting Shingle Replacement Cost

Beyond the shingle type you choose, several factors influence your final replacement cost:

Shingle Grade Selection

High Impact

The single biggest cost factor. 3-tab is most affordable, architectural offers best value, designer/luxury is premium.

Roof Size & Complexity

High Impact

Larger roofs require more materials. Complex designs with multiple valleys, dormers, or hips add labor costs.

Roof Pitch/Slope

High Impact

Steep roofs (7/12 or higher) require safety equipment and take longer to install, increasing labor costs.

Tear-Off Requirements

Medium Impact

Removing existing shingles adds labor and disposal costs. SC allows maximum 2 layers before tear-off required.

Decking Condition

Variable Impact

Rotted or damaged plywood must be replaced. Coastal humidity and past leaks increase likelihood of deck repairs.

Coastal Building Codes

Medium Impact

Myrtle Beach requires hurricane-rated materials and installation methods, which may affect material selection.

Understanding Roofing "Squares"

Roofing costs are typically quoted per "square" - a roofing industry term for 100 square feet of roof area. A typical Myrtle Beach home has 15-25 squares of roof area. Your actual roof area is larger than your home's footprint due to roof pitch and overhangs.

Small Home

10-15 squares

1,000-1,500 sq ft

Average Home

15-20 squares

1,500-2,000 sq ft

Larger Home

20-30 squares

2,000-3,000 sq ft

Large/Estate

30+ squares

3,000+ sq ft

3. Shingle Lifespan Comparison

Understanding how long each shingle type lasts helps you calculate true long-term value. Remember: cheaper shingles may need replacement sooner, potentially costing more over time.

3-Tab Shingles

15-20 years

Lifespan factors: Proper ventilation, minimal foot traffic, regular maintenance

Coastal note: May have reduced lifespan (12-18 years) due to salt air and humidity

Architectural Shingles

25-30 years

Lifespan factors: Quality installation, adequate ventilation, regular inspections

Coastal note: Performs well in coastal areas with proper underlayment (22-28 years typical)

Designer/Luxury Shingles

30-50 years

Lifespan factors: Premium materials, certified installation, proactive maintenance

Coastal note: Best coastal performance with algae-resistant and impact-rated options (28-45 years)

Long-Term Cost Analysis

Consider this: If you plan to stay in your home 30+ years, architectural shingles that last 25-30 years may only need one replacement, while 3-tab shingles might need two. The "cheaper" option could cost significantly more over time.

3-Tab Shingles (30-year period)

  • Initial installation + 1-2 replacements
  • More maintenance throughout
  • Higher cumulative labor costs

Architectural Shingles (30-year period)

  • Single installation, minimal maintenance
  • Better hurricane protection
  • Higher resale value

4. Coastal Considerations for Shingle Roofs

Living near the coast in Myrtle Beach creates unique challenges for shingle roofs. Understanding these factors helps you make smarter decisions.

Hurricane Resistance

Myrtle Beach is in a high-wind zone. Building codes require shingles rated for a minimum of 110 mph winds. Architectural and designer shingles with enhanced nailing zones offer the best protection.

  • Class H shingles rated up to 150 mph
  • 6-nail pattern for enhanced wind resistance
  • Self-sealing strips for blow-off prevention

Salt Air & Humidity

Salt air and high humidity accelerate shingle deterioration. Algae growth is also common in our humid climate, causing black streaks that reduce curb appeal.

  • Algae-resistant shingles (copper granules)
  • Proper roof ventilation essential
  • Annual inspections recommended

UV Exposure

South Carolina's intense sun causes shingles to dry out and become brittle over time. Higher-quality shingles with better UV protection last longer.

  • Cool roof shingles reflect more heat
  • Higher SRI ratings reduce cooling costs
  • Premium granules resist UV degradation

Insurance Considerations

Many coastal insurance providers offer discounts for impact-resistant and wind-rated shingles. These savings can offset the higher initial cost of premium shingles.

  • Impact-resistant Class 3 or 4 ratings
  • Wind mitigation inspection documentation
  • Fortified Home certification available

5. Architectural vs 3-Tab: Which Should You Choose?

The decision between 3-tab and architectural shingles is the most common question we hear. Here's our expert guidance based on your situation:

Choose 3-Tab Shingles If:

  • Budget is the primary concern
  • Property is a rental or investment
  • Planning to sell within 5-10 years
  • Home is in a lower-wind area (inland)
  • Need immediate replacement on tight budget

Choose Architectural Shingles If:

  • You live in coastal/hurricane-prone area
  • Planning to stay 10+ years
  • Want to maximize home value
  • Prefer dimensional appearance
  • Want longer warranty coverage

Important Note for Myrtle Beach Homeowners

For properties within 5 miles of the coast, we strongly recommend architectural shingles at minimum due to building code requirements for wind resistance and the harsh salt air environment. The additional cost provides essential protection and better long-term value in our coastal climate.

6. Our Shingle Replacement Process

Weather Shield Roofing follows a proven 7-step process for every shingle replacement, ensuring quality results and customer satisfaction.

1

Free Inspection & Estimate

Our certified inspector evaluates your roof condition, takes measurements, documents any damage, and provides a detailed written estimate with material options.

2

Material Selection

Choose from our selection of GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning shingles. We help you select the right shingle type, color, and grade for your home and budget.

3

Preparation & Protection

We protect your landscaping, cover outdoor furniture, and set up debris containment systems. Material delivery is scheduled and permits are obtained as needed.

4

Tear-Off & Deck Inspection

Old shingles and underlayment are removed. We thoroughly inspect the decking for damage, rot, or soft spots, replacing any compromised sections.

5

Underlayment & Flashing

Ice and water shield is installed in valleys and at eaves. Synthetic underlayment covers the entire deck. All flashing is replaced or properly sealed.

6

Shingle Installation

Starter strips, field shingles, hip and ridge caps are installed following manufacturer specifications and local building codes. Six-nail pattern used for high-wind areas.

7

Final Inspection & Cleanup

Complete quality inspection, magnetic nail sweep, debris removal, and gutter cleaning. We walk you through the completed work and provide warranty documentation.

Most shingle roof replacements are completed in 1-3 days, depending on roof size and complexity. We work efficiently while never compromising on quality.

Learn more about our replacement process

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about shingle roof replacement costs in South Carolina

How much does it cost to replace shingles on a roof in Myrtle Beach?

Shingle roof replacement costs in Myrtle Beach vary based on shingle type (3-tab, architectural, or designer), roof size, and complexity. Architectural shingles are the most popular choice for coastal homes due to their hurricane resistance. Weather Shield Roofing provides free detailed estimates with transparent pricing. Call (843) 877-5539 for a personalized quote.

What is the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?

3-tab shingles are flat, single-layer shingles that are the most affordable option with 15-20 year lifespans and up to 60-70 mph wind ratings. Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated) are multi-layered, creating a textured appearance, lasting 25-30 years with wind ratings up to 130 mph. For Myrtle Beach homes, architectural shingles offer better hurricane protection and value.

Are architectural shingles worth the extra cost?

Yes, for most homeowners architectural shingles are worth the investment. They last 10+ years longer than 3-tab, offer significantly better hurricane resistance (critical for coastal SC), provide better curb appeal, and often qualify for insurance discounts. The higher upfront cost typically pays for itself through longevity and reduced maintenance.

How long do asphalt shingles last in coastal South Carolina?

In coastal areas like Myrtle Beach, salt air and humidity can reduce shingle lifespan. 3-tab shingles typically last 12-18 years (vs 15-20 inland), architectural shingles last 22-28 years (vs 25-30), and premium designer shingles last 28-45 years (vs 30-50). Proper ventilation and algae-resistant shingles help maximize coastal lifespan.

What shingles are best for hurricane zones?

For hurricane-prone areas like Myrtle Beach, we recommend architectural shingles with Class H wind ratings (up to 150 mph). GAF Timberline HDZ and CertainTeed Landmark PRO are excellent choices with enhanced nailing zones. Designer shingles like GAF Grand Canyon offer even higher wind resistance. All installations should include proper high-wind underlayment and starter strips.

Can I put new shingles over old ones?

South Carolina building codes allow a maximum of two shingle layers. However, we generally recommend full tear-off for better results because it allows us to inspect the deck for damage, ensures proper underlayment installation, and provides better adhesion. Re-roofing over existing shingles may hide problems and can void some warranties.

How much does it cost per square to replace shingles?

Shingle replacement costs per square (100 sq ft) vary by shingle type and installation complexity. The total installed cost includes materials, labor, underlayment, and accessories. Contact Weather Shield Roofing for accurate per-square pricing specific to your project - costs vary based on roof accessibility, pitch, and location.

What brand of shingles does Weather Shield Roofing install?

As a GAF Certified contractor, we primarily install GAF shingles including Timberline HDZ (architectural), Timberline Ultra HD, and Grand Canyon (designer). We also install CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and Atlas shingles based on customer preference and project requirements. All installations include manufacturer-backed warranties.

Do designer shingles really last 50 years?

Designer/luxury shingles can last 30-50 years under ideal conditions with proper installation, ventilation, and maintenance. In coastal South Carolina, expect 28-45 years due to salt air exposure. These premium shingles use thicker, more durable materials and often come with lifetime limited warranties. The longer lifespan can offset the higher initial cost.

What factors affect shingle replacement labor costs?

Labor costs for shingle replacement are affected by roof pitch/steepness, number of stories, roof complexity (valleys, dormers, skylights), accessibility for material delivery, tear-off requirements, and deck repairs needed. Steep or complex roofs require more time, safety equipment, and skilled labor, increasing costs.

Get Your Free Shingle Roof Replacement Estimate

Stop guessing about costs. Get an accurate, no-obligation estimate from Weather Shield Roofing - Myrtle Beach's highest-rated roofing contractor with 81 five-star reviews.

Free Inspection

Complete roof assessment

Detailed Quote

Transparent, itemized pricing

No Obligation

Zero pressure, your choice

Serving Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, Garden City, Pawleys Island, and all of coastal South Carolina.