Types of Shingles: 2023 Pros and Cons List

Are you considering installing a new roof and wondering about the various types of shingles? Do you want luxury asphalt shingles, laminated shingles, steel shingles, real wood shingles, designer shingles, fiberglass shingles, etc? 

It can be challenging to decide which type of shingle is the right fit for your home, with so many choices in the market. In this article, we will explore each one in detail so that you can decide what type of shingle is best suited for your needs. So let’s dive into exploring the various types of shingles.

1) Asphalt Roofing Shingles

There are several types of asphalt, including dimensional, wood shake, asphalt architectural shingles, luxury, standard 3-tab shingles, synthetic slate, and solar shingles. 

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of asphalt shingle roofs to help you decide if they suit your home or business.

Advantages

• Cheap: Asphalt shingles are much cheaper than real wood or tile options while protecting your home from weather elements like rain or snow. 
• Fire-resistant: Asphalt shingles offer superior fire resistance compared to other roofing materials like wood shakes that can easily ignite in high temperatures. 
• Light: Asphalt roofing shingles are lightweight, making it easier to install on existing structures without worrying about extra structural support. 
• Durable: Asphalt shingle’s extended longevity of around 20 years ensures that your roof won’t need replacing for quite some time.

Disadvantages

• Aesthetic: Asphalt shingles are not aesthetically pleasing compared to other roofing types like tile or cedar shakes, which can add value and curb appeal. 
• Moss: Possible moss growth since asphalt shingles absorbs moisture quickly, leading to algae buildup over time if not properly maintained with proper cleaning solutions every few years. 
• Noise: There may be some noise pollution associated with asphalt shingles as hail storms tend to create more noise when hitting metal roofs than those made out of concrete tiles or clay tiles.

2) Wood Shake Shingles

Wood shingles can provide a timeless look to any home or structure, making them an attractive roofing material. Wood shingles are worth considering for your next project considering their natural insulation from heat and cold temperatures. Check out the pros and cons of installing wood shingles.

Advantages

• Soundproof: Wood shingles provide soundproof capabilities due to their thickness and weight.
• Eco-friendly: These roof shingles are eco-friendly and sourced from renewable resources like cedar or redwood trees, thus proffering an excellent bang for your buck. 
• Variety: It has various designs and boasts an old-fashioned aesthetic. 
• Personality: Wood shake shingles’ natural beauty adds character to any home or building. 
• Insulation: Wood is also an excellent insulator against heat loss in the winter months. 
• Longevity: It can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

Disadvantages

• Infestations: Wood shingles may be subject to insect infestation if not treated with chemicals or coatings, which can cost more than other roofing materials.
• Maintenance: They require regular upkeep, like brushing off mosses and lichens that may grow on them. Regular maintenance is required.
• Price: They are more expensive than asphalt shingles due to the cost of materials in construction and installation costs. 
• Regulations: Wooden roofs do not often meet local building codes. 

3) Metal Roofing Shingles

Metal roof shingles are a widely-used roofing option, providing strength and energy efficiency. They come in various styles, such as steel, aluminum, copper, zinc alloy, and stainless steel. Metal shingles offer several advantages but also have their disadvantages.

Advantages

• Longevity: Metal shingles offer great longevity, able to stand up for a half-century with upkeep. 
• Fire-resistant: These roofing shingles are fire-resistant and have the highest wind resistance rating among all roof materials (up to 140 mph).
• Temperature-control: Metal roofs reflect heat from the sun, which helps reduce cooling costs in hot climates. 
• Low-maintenance: They require little maintenance since they do not need painting or re-roofing every few years as asphalt shingles do.

Disadvantages

• Cost: Metal roofing shingles are pricier than other roof materials, like asphalt or wood shakes. 
• Looks: It appears industrial or “tinny” compared to traditional options like slate or cedar shake roofs. 
• Extra-support: These roofing shingles require extra support during installation, adding additional costs for labor and supplies.

4) Slate Roofing Shingles

This roofing material option offers homeowners an economical alternative that can provide the same aesthetic appeal as a slate, with less maintenance required. But first, check out their pros and cons.

Advantages

• Classic look: Slate tile shingles offer a classic and timeless look that can enhance the beauty of any home or building. 
• Long-lasting: They are durable, with some lasting up to 100 years when properly maintained. 
• Fire-resistant: These roof shingles are naturally fire resistant, making them an excellent choice for homes in areas prone to wildfires.
• Insulation: They also provide superior insulation from heat and cold weather conditions compared to other roofing materials.

Disadvantages

• Weight: Slate roofing shingles are heavy, requiring additional structural support for your roof depending on its size and design. 
• Installation costs: Installation costs can be high due to the labor of shaping each piece and the extra time needed for proper installation. 
• Shipping costs: Shipping costs can add to the overall costs of installing slate shingles on your home or building.

5) Synthetic Roofing Shingles

Synthetic shingles are an increasingly popular roofing option for homeowners looking to save money without sacrificing quality. Try to weigh their advantages and advantages before deciding what type of shingles appeals to you.

Advantages

• Cheap: Synthetic shingles offer a low-cost alternative to traditional materials like asphalt, wood, metal, and slate while providing excellent protection from the elements. 
• Variety: Synthetic roofing shingles come in several colors and styles that mimic traditional materials, such as cedar shake or slate tiles, making them ideal for homes where aesthetics are a major concern. 
• Low-maintenance: They require minimal maintenance compared to other options as they do not need regular sealing or painting like wood or metal roofs do.
• Crack-resistant: They won’t crack or split like asphalt shingles will after years of exposure to extreme temperatures. 
• Long-lasting: Synthetic shingle roofs last longer than most other options. Depending on their manufacturer’s warranty, they can last up to 50 years.

Disadvantages

• Unsuitable for windy regions: Synthetic shingles are not suitable for areas with high winds, as the lightweight material can be blown away by strong winds if not secured properly by experienced installers. 
• Requires expertise: Mistakes made during installation may reduce the actual lifespan of the roof and result in costly repairs later on. 

Conclusion

Properly installed roofing shingles can shield your home from weather conditions and add visual appeal. Asphalt roofing shingles offer durability and affordability, while wood, metal, slate, or synthetic options are more costly but have other advantages. 

Take action now and learn about the different shingles available to you. 

Reach out to us so we can use our expertise to guide you in renewing your roof!