Roof shingles are a type of roof covering that is traditionally made out of wood. They were initially designed to protect the home’s exterior from water damage and other types of wear and tear. Modern shingle roofs are primarily composed of asphalt, although they have evolved in many ways over time. In this blog post, we will discuss the Pros and Cons of 6 Types Of Shingles so you can make an informed decision about what kind to purchase for your home!

What Type of Shingles are the Best?

In recent times, asphalt roofing has been the most popular type of material due to its durability, affordability, and availability in colors as well. This is primarily because it is waterproof and can last for many years if properly maintained. Choosing the right asphalt shingles can be a challenge. There are many options to choose from, and they vary in cost, color, durability, and the list goes on! Here are the three primary types of Asphalt Shingles:

Luxury Shingles – also called premium shingles
3-tab Shingles
Dimensional Shingles – also referred to as laminate or architectural shingles

What are the Different Types of Shingles?

Here are six types of Shingle Materials:

1) Wood Shingles

Wood shake shingles are not only beautiful, but they come with a lot of upkeep. Wood shakes have been around for ages, and now you can put them on your home, too!

Pros:

Very attractive and come in a range of colors.
Wood shakes are durable and can last up to 50 years. Wood is a natural material that withstands time with its durability, making it an excellent choice for exterior siding on your home.
Wood will never crumble or rot like other materials such as vinyl and aluminum because of the moisture-resistant properties in wood – this means you don’t have to worry about costly repairs from damage caused by water!

Cons:

Wood shake shingles require more maintenance than asphalt roofs, so they may not be the best choice for homeowners looking to save money on their roofing costs!
Wood shingles are prone to water damage, rot, mold growth (especially in moist climates) unless they’re treated with sealants or stain regularly. Wood shakes also need protection from the sun’s UV rays by being painted every few years or so, which is no easy feat for those living at higher altitudes because paint doesn’t stick as well there due to thinner air-pressure levels.
It requires a lot of care and can be very expensive.

2) Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are made of a much more affordable material than wood shingles because it doesn’t need to be replaced as often. Asphalt also has various colors available, making it easy to match your house’s exterior with ease!

Pros:

Designed to last for 25 years, asphalt roofs can withstand extreme winds and rainstorms without causing damage through wear and tear.
Most homeowners prefer this material because it is cost-effective and very lightweight – perfect for high-wind areas like hurricanes or tornadoes!
They’re less prone to bursting into flames than other materials such as wood shake shingles if they catch fire while alight from an ember burning on the ground below during dry periods in wintertime or summertime when homes have wildfires near them accidentally.

Cons:

Asphalt shingles can be very noisy when the weather is hot and humid, so this might not be a good choice for those who want to keep their home as quiet as possible.
They tend to trap moisture in them, leading to mold or mildew growth over time if they’re not installed correctly.
Requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs due to wear and tear from the elements.

3) Metal Shingles

Metal roofs are made from a variety of metals, which come in many colors. They also typically last up to 50 years and don’t require much maintenance as long as they’re installed correctly!

Pros:

It comes with different colors or textures that you can pick according to your preference.
Metal roofs are durable and lightweight, making them the perfect choice if you live in an area where extreme weather is common.
There’s no need for repairs over time like there would be with asphalt shingles, either.

Cons:

Since metal materials crack under high temperatures sometimes during summertime (especially when accompanied by humidity), these shingles are not recommended for hotter places than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs due to wear and tear from the elements.
It is not a popular choice among homeowners because they’re relatively expensive than other materials, like asphalt shingles or wood shake shingles.

4) Slate Shingles

Slate is a natural material that can last up to 200 years. It has the benefits of being waterproof, fireproof, and insect-resistant with its durability due to it being created from the sedimentary rock!

Pros:

If you live in an area where severe weather events are common such as hurricanes or tornadoes, then this might not be a wrong choice for your home because slate shingles are heavy-duty and can withstand extreme winds without causing damage to them.
They’re also resistant against bugs like termites, making these popular materials choices when building homes in places prone to bug infestation. Since they don’t corrode easily over time either – you won’t need repairs ever again!

Cons:

Costly material to choose for your home, so this may not be a good option for people on budgets.
Slate can also crack if it’s installed improperly, too much water becomes trapped between the tiles or due to wear and tear over time.
Requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs due to wear and tear from the elements.

5) Clay Tile Shingles

Clay tiles are another natural material that can last up to 200 years. They’re not waterproof, so you might want to keep this in mind if you live in an area where there’s a lot of rain or other precipitation events throughout the year!

Pros:

They have the most authentic look for roofing materials due to their similarity with clay shingles found on top of homes from centuries ago.
Clay tiles also come in various colors, and textures like metal roofs do, making it easy to match your home exterior design with ease!

Cons:

Requires regular maintenance because they need re-tiling over time and repair when cracks happen – similar problems arise with slate shingles.
The tiles can also crack if they’re installed improperly, too much water becomes trapped between the tiles or due to wear and tear over time.
Due to their material – clay tile shingles are not recommended for homes in areas with a lot of rain or other precipitation events throughout the year.

6) Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are made of various materials, which means they’re not as durable as the others.

Pros:

They come in many different styles and colors, so you can choose to match your home exterior design with ease.
Composite roofs also make for excellent replacements if you have an old roof that needs repairs or replacement but don’t want to spend too much money because these are cheaper than other options on this list!

Cons:

Since composite material is created from different parts – it’s not nearly as durable as metal, slate, or clay tile roofing materials.
You might need more maintenance over time when compared to asphalt shingles! It doesn’t last up to 50 years like some other products do either (which is why it’s a cheaper roofing material).
Requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs due to wear and tear from the elements.

How do I Know What Kind of Shingles I Have?

A well-maintained roof is the most critical part of a house. As such, it’s essential to be able to identify what type you have when looking at purchase or repair documents. First, check for receipts and warranties that may list your specific brand name–for example, CertainTeed shingles. Next, look for any leftover shingle packages from installation, providing information about lot number (a six-digit code).

Another option is to contact a roofer or home builder. It is often possible for them to provide records identifying which shingles were used on your house if installed by people in their company who use only one brand or worked with materials from various lots (accordingly).

However, if you are unable to find the brand of your shingle, take a sample with you and ask for help at Home Depot. Alternatively, if this is not an option, try taking it somewhere else or contact them by phone so they can stop by in person!

What are the Longest-Lasting Roof Shingles?

Roofs made from concrete, clay, or slate tiles will last the longest. Wood shakes and manufactured roofing materials are only slightly less durable than these natural products; however, they do not perform for many reasons, such as lack of durability against extreme weather conditions like hail storms, proving troublesome to protect against.

Are Heavier Shingles Better?

A heavier shingle doesn’t necessarily make a better shingle. A generation ago, roofing contractors would compare the weight of their prospective materials; to be more accurate, they had to carry two shingle weights with them to weigh it themselves and not rely on someone else’s testimony or measurements. It was believed that the heavier the shingle, the higher quality and more durable it is compared to the lighter ones.

The weight is no longer a factor, and in fact, manufacturers don’t even include the shingle’s weight. Today, there are other ways to determine which type will last longer on your home’s rooftop. 95% of the shingles are made of fiberglass matt, which does not absorb water and keeps the roofing product lightweight.

What is the Lifespan of Architectural Shingles?

The life of a shingle can vary depending on location in the U.S., and manufacturers project they will last 30 years at least. Still, Florida has a high heat that damages them easily and major storms or hurricanes, destroying these shingles for those who live there.

It is best to know that Architectural shingles are engineered to withstand wind uplift at 110 mph. They can also stay on in 130 mph winds using proper roof bracing, meaning that they’re tough enough for just about any climate!

What are Luxury Shingles?

Luxury shingles are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to invest in their property and have a more aesthetically pleasing asphalt roof. It’s made from asphalt, which is three times stronger than traditional ones! These materials can withstand harsh weather conditions like strong winds, snowstorms, hail, and hurricanes.

Architects and homeowners are increasingly opting for luxury shingles as a replacement for classic cedar or slate roofs. These materials create shadows, giving the illusion of depth that mimics the natural texture found in shakes like wood or stone. In today’s market, architects and homeowners alike have overwhelmingly turned towards luxury roofing shingles when replacing their traditional shaker-style roofs. This is due to how they mimic natural textures such as those seen on wood floors (or even granite slabs).

What Can I Use Instead of Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are not the most environmentally friendly roof material. They come with several drawbacks, including thermal transfer and degradation from wear and tear or exposure to weather conditions. For this reason, homebuilders have been looking into new alternatives. Like metal roofs that resist wind damage better than asphalt while also being more energy efficient in cold climates where heat escapes through skylights much easier due to their lighter weight properties – an obvious concern for those who live up north! Here are other three alternatives to asphalt shingles:

Steel

The durable steel metal roofing makes a comeback in construction as modern styles adapt to be more residential. Incredibly long-lasting and weather-resistant, this type of protection will help you get through the bad storm that may come your way!

Aluminum

It’s an affordable option that is catching the eye of some homebuilders, and it looks great, too – aluminum roofing has made a comeback in recent years.

Synthetic Asphalt

Synthetic asphalt is a new and improved version of the old classic. You can think of synthetic asphalt as like an individual shingle in larger sheets, simplifying installation and repair — boasting traditional styles with modern twists or even more distinctive looks for your home’s exterior.

Final Thought

A roof’s shingle material determines its longevity and costs to maintain. For example, asphalt will last 25-30 years, while a slate or clay tile can last 50+ years; if it isn’t replaced due to wear and tear. In contrast, a composite house might only last 6-12 years, requiring more maintenance than other types. The type of rain in your area also affects how long the roofs last – for example, areas with lots of precipitation like rain or snow are less likely to have issues than places where there is little rainfall!