Roof Shingles Types: 9 Different Roofing Shingles Out There

Gaining a richly textured home exterior that perfectly showcases the appealing style of your home calls for choosing the right roofing shingles. Alongside, enhancing the curb appeal of your home, a quality roofing shingle maintains the integrity of your roof’s structure as well as adds a tremendous amount of value to your home. Additionally, it keeps climate control in, keeps pests out and hinders heinous water damage that could destroy your house.

There are many different types of roof shingles including 3 tab asphalt, architectural, metal, wood, solar, slate, composite, rubber, and tiles roof shingles out there. Considering that roofing shingles come in a wide variety of styles and materials, choosing the most appropriate for your roof can be overwhelming. Knowing the right roofing shingles for your house enables you to find an effective and affordable way to cover your home. So how do you tell the right roofing shingles for your home? Here are nine types and what you need to know about them.

1. 3-Tab Asphalt Roofing Shingles 

3-tab asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular roofing materials since they are generally more affordable and relatively easy to install. They are also designed to be easily replaced without having to remediate your whole roof in most cases. 3-tab shingles are thinner with an organic-mat paper base and can thus last up to 20 or more years.

2. Architectural Roofing Shingles

Architectural shingles are more long-lasting than asphalt shingle options in comparison to 3-tab asphalt shingles. They possess a sculpted look and an extra laminate layer which gives them an aesthetically pleasing appearance thanks to the distinction in shingle shapes and sizes.  As a result of their increased thickness, architectural shingles usually have a more extended manufacturer warranty, and some brands are rated to fight back higher wind speeds. Though they are a bit expensive than 3-tab shingles, they have a more extended durability period of around 30 years.

3. Metal Roof Shingles

Metal roof shingles come in various color options and are quite stylish in appearance. These are relatively easy to install as well as exceptionally lightweight, making them a good roofing option for homes with a roof system that can’t support heavier options. Metal roofs are durable and can last between 75 and 100 years.

4. Wood Shingled Roofs

Wood shingles offer better insulation value than asphalt and when combined with various construction styles can create an exclusively diverse feel for your home than other shingle options. There are two types of wood roof shingles; wood shingles and wood shakes. Wood shingles are cut into ideal shapes while wood shakes are sawn off and then hand split to give it an extra rustic, textured look. Wood shingles last between 15 and 20 years, depending on the wood that was used as well as how it is treated before being installed in your home. Wood shakes can last between 30 and 40 years with frequent maintenance.

5. Solar Roof Shingles

Solar shingles are modern, stylish, comparatively expensive, elegant looking and can serve multiple purposes. They are designed with the thought-purpose of producing electricity to your home. They are made from a material that can withstand very high winds and high-speed hail impact. They also come in different styles to match the look slate, tile, asphalt of any other roof you may choose since they are not installed over your entire home’s roof. They can also last between 20 and 25 years.

6. Slate Tile Roof Shingles

Slate shingles are thin but quite heavy when the entire roof is made out of them. Slate shingles do not vary in colors, but they possess a natural beauty that is great to behold. Slate shingles are a bit hard to install but once done accurately they offer you the longest-lasting roof options. Slate tile shingles are quite expensive, but their durability is worth the cost. They can last between 60 and 150 years.

7. Composite Plastic Roof Shingles

Composite shingles are made from recycled plastic materials. They can be designed to imitate other shingles such as slate tiles or even wood shakes. They are also very light compared to slate tiles or wood shakes, making them relatively easy to install. Composite shingles are also quite affordable, but they aren’t as durable as most other shingles types. They can last between 7 and 20 years.

8. Rubber Roof Shingles

This kind of roof shingle provides a sustainable alternative in roofing materials. They are made from recycled rubber, mainly recycled tires. Like some other synthetic alternatives, rubber shingles are created to simulate wood shakes, asphalt shingles and slate tiles. They are easy to install and don’t need much maintenance. Rubber roof shingles can also help you with your energy bills as well as save you money on annual utility costs. They are quite affordable though the price depends on the kind of membrane you install. Their durability period lies between 15 and 25 years.

9. Tile Roofing Shingles 

Tile roofing shingles are among the most durable roofing types that you can install. Depending on the type of tile you choose, tiles aren’t very expensive, but their installation is somewhat costly. Since tiles are a bit heavy, you might also need to have your roof strengthened to be able to carry the weight of the new tile before installing it. Some tile roofs can last up to 100 years when proper maintenance is observed.

Final Thoughts

To enhance your home’s curb appeal, improve your home’s value, enjoy enhanced resistance to damaging hail and winds among many other benefits, the decision concerning the kind of shingle roofing you need in your home is imperative. The decision you make is also mostly affected by your budget as well as the expectations of durability that you have.

Need for a New Roof? 

With the wide variety of roofing shingles out there, it can be a bit mind-boggling to go for the shingles that best suit you. Nevertheless, you have nothing to worry about! That is where Ultra Foam Roofing comes in. We are focused on offering you affordable and dependable roofing services.

To learn more about this, reach out to us for a free consultation today. We will be more than glad to serve you.