When it’s time to have your old roof replaced, you might want to look into the different types of roofing shingles available.
Asphalt shingles are the standard among homeowners (up to 70% of all homeowners here in the United States have them). However, there are so many other kinds of roof shingles you can opt for to boost your home’s curb appeal and overall value.
Below we’ll introduce you to the six most popular types of roofing shingles you can choose from right now. — along with their pros and cons!
1. Asphalt Shingles
As mentioned above, asphalt shingles are the most commonly found roofing material you can find. They’re made using a combination of raw materials, including asphalt, fiberglass, and in some instances, composite materials. They also come in the widest range of colors to match virtually all home aesthetics, and some even mimic other types of more expensive materials.
There are three types of asphalt shingles a homeowner can choose from:
- 3=tab shingles: 3-tab shingles are named for their design — which is three tabs on each shingle strip. These asphalt roofing shingles are meant to lay flat and give the appearance of wooden shakes, and they’re the most affordable of the bunch.
- Architectural shingles: Architectural shingles (or, dimensional shingles) are designed to add dimension to your roofing system. These asphalt roofing shingles also imitate the look of wood shakes and shingles as they’re installed in a more layered pattern.
- Luxury shingles: Also known as premium or designer shingles, luxury shingles are meant to mimic the appearance of slate tiles. They’re significantly larger than your other asphalt shingle options and they’re much more durable as well.
✅The Pros
- Affordable
- Available in all colors and sizes
- Easily accessible throughout the US
- Low maintenance
- Recyclable
❌The Cons
- Shorter lifespan than other roofing shingles (20-30 years)
- Color typically fades with sun exposure
- 3-tab shingles are the least durable and prone to wind damage
2. Metal Shingles
Metal roofing has become a popular choice among homeowners recently. Not only does it allow for more flexibility, but the metal materials can be installed in either panels or shingles — whichever you’d prefer. Metal shingles are designed to have the same appearance as asphalt shingle roofs, and they can be painted in a variety of colors.
✅The Pros
- Long-lasting (70 to more than 100 years, depending on the type of metal)
- Very durable
- Low maintenance
- Lightweight
- Highly recyclable
❌The Cons
- Usually requires soundproofing for the noise
- Can warp or wrinkle if installed improperly
- More costly to install as it requires specialized labor
3. Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are considered a premium material as it’s one of the most natural types of roofing out there. It also makes for a very aesthetically pleasing addition to any home, even as the wood turns silver over time.
Wood roofing will last up to 50 years with proper installation, care, and maintenance. However, it does require a lot of upkeep as the natural material is most susceptible to elemental damage.
✅The Pros
- Beautiful curb appeal
- All natural
- Sustainable and recyclable
❌The Cons
- Expensive
- Difficult to repair
- Requires frequent maintenance and treatment to prevent damage
- More susceptible to fire damage
4. Clay Tile Shingles
The use of clay tiles for roofing dates back all the way to 5,000 years in Ancient China, where glazed earthenware roofs were and still are abundant. Clay shingles are especially popular in hot and humid climates as they do an excellent job of regulating indoor temperatures.
Clay tile shingles are also well known for being durable and long-lasting. They’re also naturally fire-resistant, which means you won’t have to worry about having them specially treated. It should be noted that while these shingles are considered durable against the elements, they are susceptible to damage upon impact.
✅The Pros
- Very low maintenance
- Great curb appeal
- Can last over 100 years
- Materials are natural and sustainable
- Regulate indoor temperatures very well
❌The Cons
- Susceptible to impact damage from falling debris
- Heavier than other materials and may require additional structural support upon installation
- Costly as they require specialized labor for installation
5. Slate Shingles
Slate is another popular choice among homeowners as it’s also natural, durable, and incredibly appealing. Slate is made from metamorphic rocks, which come from volcanic ash and clay. Most slate roofing is made in Italy as well, which is part of the reason why it’s so expensive — but it can last up to 200 years with the right care and maintenance and it will give your home a more classy appearance.
✅The Pros
- It virtually lasts forever
- Low maintenance
- Durable and naturally fireproof
- Impact resistant
- Resistant to extreme temperatures
❌The Cons
- Expensive
- Requires additional structural support due to its weight
- Requires specialized labor for installation and repairs
- Doesn’t usually include a manufacturer’s warranty
6. Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are another type of roofing material that is growing in popularity among homeowners. Composite shingles are made from a combination of materials, including:
- Synthetic polymers
- Recycled materials
- Slate
- Laminate
- Wood
They’re designed to mimic the appearance of slate tiles as manufacturers use slate tile molds to achieve this. These roofing shingles are well-known for their durability and typically come with a 30 to 50-year warranty. Some are even guaranteed to last a lifetime.
✅The Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Long-lasting and durable
- More affordable than real slate
- Excellent Warranties
❌The Cons
- Still more expensive than most roofing materials
- May not be available in your region as they’re newer to the roofing industry
- Vulnerable to impact
Choose the Right Shingles With Our Help
Choosing the right type of material for your roof is a big decision. That’s why it’s always important to consider your budget and needs before anything else. It’s also a good idea to speak with your local roofing professionals about what’s most available in your area and to help you determine the right choice.
Johnson Restoration can do all of that and more. Give us a call today to learn more about our residential roofing services!
