There are seven main types of roofing shingles made from different materials, including asphalt, clay, metal, wood, rubber, plastic, and slate. Naturally, they come in various designs, shapes, colors, and pricing points.
Dig in as we explore the various roofing shingles and their ability to let you create a beautiful yet practical roof over your home.
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Durable and affordable, asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular choice of roofing material in America. These roofs can last up to three decades and are ideal for homes in colder climates with heavy snow.
You have a choice of three types of asphalt shingles:
- 3-tab shingles: These are long shingles that are cut and designed to look like 3 separate pieces. They’re the thinnest, most affordable of the bunch, and easiest to install. 3-tab shingles aren’t as durable as the other options.
- Architectural asphalt shingles: A more durable option, these roofing shingles come with an extra laminate layer that gives them a sculpted, stylish look. They have superior water resistance and will last between 30 to 50 years while adding a touch of style to your roof.
- Synthetic asphalt shingles: Tough and resilient, synthetic shingles comprise a woven fiberglass mat with an asphalt layer. They’re coated with ceramic granules to shield them from UV rays. Synthetic shingles are lighter, stronger, environmentally friendly, and last longer than traditional shingles.
Clay Roofing Shingles
Beautiful and colorful, clay roof shingles are made from Terracota clay because it doesn’t lose its color with age. These shingles come in various shapes, colors, and styles to suit any style of home. A clay roof has a lifespan of up to 100 years and is relatively maintenance-free. Due to their weight, clay shingles call for additional roof support during installation.
Metal Roofing Shingles
Stylish and available in different colors and designs, metallic shingles are lightweight and easy to install. They’re ideal for houses that can’t support heavier roofing options. Metallic roofs are durable and can last up to 100 years. Metallic roofing shingles are made from 5 popular metals – aluminum, copper, steel, tin, and zinc.
Wood Roofing Shingles
Wooden shingles comprise thin sections of wood and come in two style options wood shake and wood shingles. The two options are quite similar save for the final roof appearance. Wood shingles are machine cut for a perfect uniform look, while wood shakes vary in size and have a more rustic appearance because they’re sawn and split by hand.
Traditionally, wooden roofs were unpopular because they posed a fire hazard. Treating them with fire retardants lowers this risk. Wooden shingles are lightweight and don’t need additional roof support. They can last 15 to 50 years with regular repair and maintenance.
Rubber Roofing Shingles
Durable and easy to install, rubber roof shingles are manufactured to resemble asphalt shingles. They are a popular roofing option used in many homes. A rubber roof doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance, will last 15 to 25 years, and helps to lower your energy bills. The final cost of installing a rubber roof depends on your choice of rubber membrane. PVC and TPO are the most affordable, while an EPDM roof is the most expensive.
Composite Plastic Roofing Shingles
Made from recycled plastic materials, plastic roof shingles are designed to resemble wood shakes or stone slate. They’re tough, durable, colorful, and lightweight and can last from 7 to 20 years. Plastic shingles are easy to install because they’re much lighter than most other roofing options. They’re environmentally friendly and require little maintenance.
Slate Tile Roofing Shingles
Beautiful, thin, and heavy, a slate roof is durable and weather resistant because it’s entirely made of stone. Slate has an alluring natural beauty that people appreciate, but the shingles come with limited color options. Slate shingles are heavy and difficult to install but make one of the longest-lasting roofing options available. Slate tile roofs have a lifespan of 60 to 150 years which helps to justify the expensive price tag.
Get The Ideal Roofing Solution For Your Home
There’s more to installing a roof than picking the most beautiful roofing shingle on the market. Weather, structural integrity, durability, weight, roof type, and slope are factors to consider.
Call the Professional Roofers
At CasaBella Roofing, we can help you pick the best roofing shingle for your home. Our goal is to help you choose the shingles that suit your home’s style and structure and fits your budget.
Call us today for a free consultation!
