Shingles are a popular roofing material in America. Homeowners and builders like them for their variety, broad appeal, and affordable price.
Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of shingles and hopefully help homeowners find which type is the right solution for them.
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHINGLES
When choosing shingles, it’s essential to consider the local climate, the architectural style of a house and roof, and your budget. Knowing the specifications of different shingles can help homeowners make better roof construction decisions.
Below is a shortlist of different shingle types and their descriptions.
ASPHALT SHINGLES
Asphalt shingles are among the most popular roofing solutions in the U.S. They consist of asphalt, fiberglass, and a combination of other strengthening materials. They are durable and cost-effective.
The most commonplace asphalt shingles are three-tab and architectural shingles. The main difference is aesthetics: the former is thinner and plain, whereas the latter has a thicker and layered structure.
ASPHALT SHINGLES PROS
- Cost-effective
- Easy-to-replace individual pieces
- Plenty of styles to choose from with architectural shingles
ASPHALT SHINGLES CONS
- Susceptible to moss growth and mildew
- Tend to fade in the sun
COMPOSITE SHINGLES
Composite shingles consist of synthetic materials in different colors, styles, and textures. Many homeowners use composite shingles as an alternative for the more expensive slate. Most composite shingles have UV protectants and are more costly than asphalt ones.
COMPOSITE SHINGLES PROS
- Lots of colors and texture options
- 50-year lifespan
- Mainly consist of recycled material
- Resistant to mildew, leaf stains, and algae
COMPOSITE SHINGLES CONS
- More expensive than asphalt shingles
- Limited wind resistance up to 115 mph
SLATE SHINGLES
Slate shingles come from sedimentary rocks mined in quarries. Slate roofs are known for their visual appeal. However, installing them requires specific skills and training. It is a durable material that may last for over 50 years if properly maintained.
Slate shingles have a rather complicated installation process. Therefore, it’s best to contact companies experienced with this specific shingle type when installing them.
SLATE SHINGLE PROS
- Durable, long lifespan
- Low maintenance
- Noncombustible
SLATE SHINGLE CONS
- The most expensive shingle type
- Hard to find experienced contractors
- The roof may require structural bracing due to slate weight
WOOD SHINGLES
Wood shingles are a perfect solution for homeowners after traditional appearances. Furthermore, most wooden shingles are made from spruce, pine, or cedar. The average lifespan is from 30 to 50 years under proper maintenance.
Homeowners considering wooden shingles for their roofs should get the shingles treated for resistance against fire, fungus, moss growth, and insect damage.
WOOD SHINGLE PROS
- Durable tree varieties
- Natural insulation source
- Easy to repair and replace broken shingles
WOOD SHINGLE CONS
- Require plenty of maintenance (debris cleaning, preventing moisture and rotting)
FIND THE CORRECT TYPE OF SHINGLES
Shingles are popular for a reason. Their low-maintenance and high-efficiency characteristics make them suitable for most homes. However, choosing the right type for specific installations may be challenging. Hopefully, this article helped you determine the best kind of shingles for your needs.
If you’re still hesitant about the correct type of shingles to install on your roof, contact professional roofing services for advice.
Roof X Inc. offers commercial and residential roofing for customers in Brandon, Pensacola, Tampa, and surrounding areas. We install and repair metal, tile, shingle, TPO, and more. Gutters, ventilation, and insulation are also available. Family-owned-and-operated Call us today at (844) 877-6639.
