How to Choose Roof Shingles Your Home Will Love

Whether you are building a new home or replacing the roof of your current home, deciding which shingles to use isn’t always easy.

With so many different types of shingles available, choosing the best one can be daunting. From colors to pricing, there are many factors that must be weighed before making a decision. Fortunately, we’re here to help you choose the best type of roofing shingle for your home and budget while going over the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Types of Roof Shingles

Before you choose a shingle, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of each. Knowing the different types of shingles will help you find an affordable and effective way to cover your home.

Asphalt

Image Source: Dori, “ Arboretum ,” CC BY 3.0 .

Of all the different types of shingles, these are the most commonly used because they’re the least expensive and relatively easy to install. These shingles are made of fiberglass mats coated with asphalt containing sand-like granules.

The downside: Asphalt shingles have a relatively short life span of 20 to 30 years, and they don’t fare well in areas where the temperature fluctuates unexpectedly, such as the Midwest.

Why choose asphalt roofing shingles? They’re the most economical of roofing options and come in plenty of styles and color selections.

Metal

This type of roof is made with many different materials – aluminum, steel, copper, zinc and titanium. If properly maintained, your metal roof could last as long as 50 years. You may want to consider metal if your home’s roofline is flat or steep.

The downside: Metal roofing can become noisy whenever it’s hailing or raining.

Why choose metal roofing shingles? They’re durable, fireproof and good at shedding snow and ice.

Slate

Not only are slate shingles durable – lasting anywhere from 80 to 100 years – they are also highly resistant to water and physical damage.

The downside: In addition to their high price tag, slate is expensive to repair because very few roofing companies specialize in this particular type of shingle. Furthermore, slate is rather heavy and may not be a good fit if your home can’t handle the weight.

Why choose slate roofing shingles? They’re one of the longest-lasting types of roofing material you can choose, and on the right style of home, adds a nice visual appeal.

Wood

Aside from being durable and having a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, wood shingles are more environmentally friendly than other types. This type of roof shingle is usually made of cedar, but can also be made of other rot-resistant woods, such as redwood.

The downside: Although energy-efficient and long-lasting, wood shingles are less fire-resistant than other types. They’re also more susceptible to termites and mold.

Why choose wood roofing shingles? They’re visually appealing and generally cooler than other types of shingles that are darker in color.

How Much Do Shingles Cost?

When it comes to purchasing roofing shingles, a number of factors will determine the final cost. Some of the biggest cost factors include the current condition of your roof, whether the supporting structure needs to be repaired and the shape of your roof. Here are some of the average costs of roofing shingles, according to HomeAdvisor .

Type of Shingle

Choosing the Best Type of Roof Shingles for Your Home

Now that you know the different types of shingles and how much each one costs, you can make a decision on which is best for your home. Keep in mind that some types are better suited for your home than others, and know that where you live can limit your choices. For instance, if you live in an area that is predisposed to hurricanes or wildfires, consider a shingle that has good wind resistance or has an excellent fire rating.

For more home improvement tips, check out our Home Project Guides , where you’ll learn best practices on how to improve your home. Need a dumpster to dispose of roofing shingles ? Give us a call at 1-866-284-6164.