The Top 5 Most Common Roofing Shingle Types

Your budget and the climate where your home is located will determine the best roofing shingles for it. When selecting a roofing shingle type, durability and longevity are other important considerations. Learn about the most common shingle kinds so you can install the best roof you can.

Roof Shingle Types

When shopping for the best roof shingle selections, climate and money should be two of your top priorities. While some materials, like metal, thrive in harsh environments, others, like wood, do best in moderate climates since harsh weather can harm them more easily.

Shingles are typically priced per square, which is equal to 100 square feet of roofing material. Typical materials for roofing shingles include clay tile, asphalt, metal, metal, wood, and solar. Each substance has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Let's look more closely.

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are created from asphalt reinforced with fiberglass. They come in a thicker, multi-layered type and a flatter three-tab variety, and are a very popular option.

According to Michael DiMartino, senior vice president of installs at Power Home Remodeling, "Asphalt shingles are the way to go when it comes to ROI." They are the most adaptable, go with every architectural type of home, and because of developments in technology, they can endure just as long.

For asphalt shingles, you may anticipate paying between $300 and $600 per square. Asphalt shingles can also be recycled; one roof's worth of shingles can be used to pave 200 feet of road.

Pros

• Relatively affordable

• several sizes and colors

• Lightweight

Cons

• Shorter lifespan

• only suitable for use on pitched roofs

• more vulnerable to harm

Metal

Metal shingles

Metal shingles, which can be made of aluminum, steel, copper, or an alloy, work best for houses with steep or flat rooflines. About $700 to $1,400 per square is what metal roofing cost.

pros

• energy efficient

• Rain, rot, wind, and fire-resistant

• Can last up to 50 years

Cons

• Dents may be caused by hail.

• severe weather is noisy

Clay Tile

tile roofing

Clay tile is a fashionable roofing material that can be molded into a variety of designs, but the most popular ones are scalloped or barrel-shaped. In warmer climates, Spanish-style homes are common, and this roof shingle material is frequently produced in lighter hues. The price per square for tile roofing ranges from $800 to $2,000.

Pros

• Energy efficient

• cools the house

• Stylish

Cons

• Heavier

• costly to install

Wood

Wood shingles

Wood is a popular material for roof shingles since it is timeless and classic. One of the oldest roofing materials, cedar shakes, can also be seen as wood roofing shingles. Wood shingles can be fire dangerous even though they have a nice appearance and are composed of natural materials. Wood shingles typically cost $400 to $700 per square and are made from cedar, spruce, or pine.

Pros

• Eco-friendly

• enduring style

• Durable

Cons

• demand routine maintenance, cleaning, and repairs

• Fire risk

• prone to pest problems

Solar

Solar panels are more expensive than the majority of other types of roof shingles, but because they use renewable energy, they are both economically and environmentally sustainable. Long-term electricity bills can be greatly reduced by installing solar panels in your home. Consider them as an investment in the reputation of Earth. A square of solar shingles costs between $2,100 and $2,500.

For a double layer of weather resistance, homeowners typically install solar panels on top of a full set of shingles.

Pros

• The greenest type of roofing shingles

• lowers energy costs

Cons

• Expensive

• needs to be professionally installed

Shingle Roof Comparison

Each type of roof shingle material has benefits and drawbacks. Compare each material while keeping in mind your home's shape and regional climate to determine which is ideal for you.

Durability

One of the strongest materials for roofing is metal since it resists impact and can withstand extreme weather. Metal is resistant to strong winds and other adverse weather conditions (though it can dent from heavy hail or fallen branches). In this category, clay and solar roof tiles are the most prone to damage, followed closely by wood and asphalt. Pro tip: Concrete tiles look like clay but are less delicate if you're interested in tile possibilities.

Sustainability

Solar shingles capture the sun's energy and use it to power your house. Solar roofing shingles are the most environmentally friendly product available as a result.

However, because it comes from natural sources and is typically recyclable, wood is another environmentally good option. In addition to being comprised of natural materials, clay tile shingles are an environmentally beneficial choice.

Longevity

The longest-lasting roofing materials are metal and clay tiles, which, with proper maintenance, can endure more than a century. If you reside in a location that frequently suffers storms and severe precipitation, these shingle materials may not last as long because they are prone to damage from harsh weather.

Most Effective Roofing Shingles for Climates

The greatest option for homes with frequent snowfall and severely cold temperatures is metal roofing shingles. A variety of climes can benefit greatly from asphalt shingles as well. Temperature changes are hard on solar shingles, wood, and clay tile.