Types of Roof Shingles (Design Styles)
Below we share the different types of roof shingles including the most popular styles and some of their pros and cons.
Choosing a type of roof shingle needs careful evaluation. What type of material do you find attractive and want to use? What is your budget in terms of purchasing the materials and installation? Do you plan to install them by yourself? Not all shingles can be DIY-ed so some need professionals for installation and safety. You also need to keep in mind the availability of what you prefer. You may also want to consider if you have future plans of replacing them and thus you may want to choose something more inexpensive and easier to remove.
What are Roof Shingles?
Roof shingles cover the roof in an overlapping manner and protects the structure from weather elements. They are usually flat and rectangular in shape. They are made from different types of materials: wood, slate, metal, ceramic, fiber cement, plastic, and composite. There are also various colors, thickness, size, and shape available to match every customer’s needs.
Keep in mind that roof shingles are used for roofs that have enough pitch to shed water into the gutter system using gravity. Roof shingles are not used on flat roofs. Visit this page for more information about roof types.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is also known as bitumen. It is a black, sticky and semi-solid form of petroleum. It is commonly used in road construction and waterproofing products such as roof shingles.
This type of roof shingle can last from 20 to 25 years in good weather conditions, which is very satisfactory to most homeowners. It also comes in a variety of colors and designs. Some asphalt shingles mimic more expensive types of roof shingles which is appealing to a lot of customers. Another good feature is that asphalt shingles can be recycled if the homeowners wish to replace them.
Asphalt shingle roofs can typically cost from $2.50 to $5.00 per foot installed. This brings the total cost somewhere in the region of $7500 to $15000 for an entire 3000 square foot roof.
Wood Shingles
Wood is susceptible to fire as well as termites and insect problems. For environmental-conscious owners, this is the organic and eco-friendly choice. It is more energy efficient compared to asphalt which helps bring down costs in terms of heat and air conditioning.
Cedar wood shingles cost about $5.00 to $9.00 per foot. For an entire roof one can expect to pay on average $15,000 to $27,000.
Organic Shingles
Organic shingles are made with a base mat of formerly living materials such as paper, cellulose, and wood fiber. These materials are mixed with a top coating of adhesive asphalt and ceramic granules to make it waterproof.
The paper-based organic shingle is not recommended for those who live near woody areas as it is prone to fires. However, organic shingles are less brittle than fiberglass in cold weather. The wood and paper pulp combination is extremely durable and very hard to tear, which makes them ideal for stormy weather.
Composite Roof Shingles
Tile Shingles
Concrete Tile Shingles
Proper installation is an important factor because they are prone to moisture penetration coming from rain, wind, and snow. It is best to seek out a professional with years of experience if one should decide to use concrete tiles for their homes. During repairs or installations on the roof, it is best not to do them when the roof is wet. Concrete tiles tend to be slippery and can cause accidents. It is rated Class A for fire resistance. If one tile becomes damaged, it is fairly easy to remove and replace it. It is not recommended to install them on small structures because of the difficulty in sawing them to size.
Fiberglass Shingles
DIY enthusiasts love fiberglass because it is easy to install. It is also budget-friendly and lightweight. Most manufacturers provide a 30-year warranty on fiberglass shingles. They are low maintenance and do not break when there is a need to do repairs on the roof. Fiberglass is environmentally friendly. They have less asphalt and are easier to transport. They are energy efficient. There are varieties of fiberglass wherein the amount of heat absorbed by the roof is minimal which keeps the structure during summer. Although fiberglass may last from 15 to 30 years, replacing them would mean more landfill. Since they still have asphalt, they are not considered a good environmental investment in the long run.
Slate Shingles
However, poor installation may cause costs to increase significantly. A professional is required to evaluate the structure to make sure it can hold the weight of the slates. If there are any repairs or new installations needed on or near the roof, it can be prone to damages. It is important to make sure that professionals are called to ensure that no damages are caused as it is expensive to repair and replace them.
Metal Roofing
Compared to the other types of shingles, metal is lightweight and easy to install. It is energy efficient. Metal reflects the sun’s heat so it stays cool during the day. However, metal roofing produces noise when rain comes down on it. It is also expensive. Just like cars, it may have dents due to wear and tear from the elements. Every few years, it needs to be checked because the paint may peel off or dented pieces may need to be replaced.
Types of Metal Roofing
- Steel is heavier and sturdier than aluminum. Most steel used for roofs are coated in zinc to protect from corrosion and rust. They are usually topped off with high quality paint finishes for a more attractive and stylish look. Paint also protects the steel from the elements like rain, heat, and snow.
- Aluminum is very lightweight and can be found in a lot of residential properties. Although aluminum does not get eaten by rust, they are commonly painted for a more finished and aesthetically pleasing look. Compared to steel, aluminum is more prone to dents because it is a thin material.
- Copper metal roofing is considered one of the high end types of metal roofs. It does not rust, peel, or get scratched. The only downside to this type of roof is that it is very expensive.
- Alloy roofing is designed for durability, strength and graceful weathering. Although not as expensive as the copper metal roofing, alloy roofing is still in the high end category of metal roofs.
- Stainless steel roofing also does not rust or corrode. It has a beautiful matte gray finish that gives a modern, clean and sophisticated look. It is also durable but also considered very pricey.
Standing Seam Panels
Traditional Shake, Shingle, Tile and Slate Design
Sheet Roofing
Plastic Shingles
Plastic shingles are the most affordable type of roof shingles. There are different varieties available for customers. They can look like clay, shell or even wood. Most of these plastic shingles are made from recycled materials. They are made from polymer with no fiber reinforcement. They are extremely lightweight and easy to install, so these are popular with homeowners who like to DIY their homes. However, a lot of reviews say that plastic shingles do not look authentic due to their shiny finish. Also, their durability is questionable.
Some types of plastic shingles are prone to cracking and breaking during extreme cold weather like winter. This is because plastic naturally lacks resistance to cold weather. It is also not advisable to use plastic shingles on extremely hot weather. The plastic may become brittle and break which will cause leaks and more damage to the roof.
Solar Shingles
