Roof Shingles Types: Top 6 Options You Must Consider

Having a sturdy, impenetrable, and lasting roof will provide the safety and comfort your loved ones need. With a good roof, you protect what matters most. Since this is such a crucial part of your home, installing a new roof system or doing a roof replacement is one of the most expensive home improvement projects. So, to help you make a better decision, we created this new article on the different roof shingles types.

I hope you enjoy it and get a roof that covers all your needs. These days, you can find shingles made of asphalt, wood, slate, metal, concrete, and clay.

Of course, choosing the ideal roofing material will depend on your budget, preferred style, and expected durability.

Top 6 Roof Shingles Types You Must Consider Installing

• 3-Tab, architectural, and premium asphalt shingles
• Composite or plastic shingles
• Metal roof shingles (zinc, tin, steel, copper, or aluminum)
• Slate roofing
• Tile roofs (concrete or clay)
• Wood shingles

Top 6 Roof Shingles Types You Must Consider for Your House

3-Tab, Architectural, and Premium Asphalt Shingles

We don’t want to sound cliché starting our article with the obvious roofing material.

But shingled roofs are typical in North America because they have a relatively inexpensive up-front cost and are relatively easy to install.

Asphalt shingles can last from 20 years to 30 years, depending on the asphalt shingle type, maintenance, quality of installation, and the weather.

There are three main types of asphalt shingles:

• 3-tab asphalt shingles will offer cover from 15 to 20 years.
• Architectural shingles or dimensional shingles can last from 20 years to 30 years.
• Premium shingles have a lifespan that ranges from 25 years to 40 years.

Composite Shingles or Plastic Shingles

The second most popular roof shingles type is composite shingles. This type of roof is produced from recycled and reusable plastic materials. Thus, it’s environmentally friendly.

Composite shingles are a good option because they are relatively affordable and easy to install.

But they don’t have a long-life expectancy. They tend to last between 7 years to 20 years, depending on the proper installation, maintenance, and weather.

Metal Roof Shingles

This roof system offers 100 years of protection.

Need we say more?

Well, we will. Metal shingles come in materials like zinc, tin, steel, copper, and aluminum. Metal roofs aren’t heavy, but they indeed perform like a super roof system.

They are stylish. The only drawback is that metal roof installation and maintenance tend to be expensive. If you have the money and want a roof that lasts more than a lifetime, you should choose metal shingles.

Slate Roofing

Among the types of roofs, slate roofing offers unmatched durability and beauty.

Slate shingles are a natural stone roofing material. Thus, many people love their unique beauty.

One of the things about slate shingles is that they are heavy. So, you need to have a strong roofing structure to withstand the load. Also, these shingles have outstanding water and damage resistance properties.

Like natural stone, they come in limited colors like green, black, gray, or red. But here is the thing, “every slate shingle offers unique beauty.” There are not two slate shingles alike.

According to HomeAdvisor, a 17-square residential roof of a high-end slate costs $20,000. A slate roof is twice as expensive compared to a shingle roof that costs between $6,500-$9,000.

Slate roofing is worth the cost since it will last from 60 to 150 years.

When you own a slate shingle roof, you’ll need to rely on a slate shingle professional for repairs. Since slate shingles are a high-end roof, DIYers will face serious injury risks when repairing slate roofs. Also, instead of fixing it, they can ruin the roof structure.

Tile Roofs (Concrete or Clay)

Concrete or clay are two popular choices for colonial-style homes.

The concrete tile roof is heftier than the clay roof. Concrete tile roofs are heavy and powerful. If you are looking to install them, you need to hire a structural engineer or framing contractor. This professional will add extra framing if necessary, to make sure your house can bear the weight for years to come.

Concrete roof tiles come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Some architectural styles include Venetian, Spanish, and New England Colonial.

The tile can be flat or round. It all depends on your tastes and desired house facade. So, if you choose concrete tiles, you’ll have an easier time matching your roof with your house facade’s colors.

Both concrete and clay tile outlast other roofing materials. Most manufacturers offer warranties from 50 years to the life of the structure.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles offer a unique and classic look to your home.

But since wood burns, they are not always allowed by building codes due to fire hazards. Thus, you have to make sure the local building codes approve your wood shingles.

One of the most common types of wood shingles is cedar shingles. They offer a smooth and uniform look for your roof surface.

If you want to give your house a more rustic look, you can choose cedar shakes. Cedar shakes have a rugged appearance. And each piece looks different from the rest.

So, you can get both a uniform look or a rustic look as you wish.

When it comes to durability, wood shingles have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.

Choose the Best of the Roof Shingles Types

To choose the best of the roof shingles types, you need to consider the following criteria:

• Cost
• Durability
• Design

For instance, if you want a decent roof and affordability, we recommend doing asphalt shingle installation.

If you want durability and style, you can choose metal roof shingles. Metal roofs can last for more than 100 years, and they look classy.

But if you’re looking for a unique design, no matter the price, you can install slate shingles. This is one of the most beautiful roofing options available.

Now that you have picked the best option from the roof shingles types, you need to hire the right roof contractor.

If you need an expert’s advice or need help with your single installation, call us and we’ll gladly assist you.