6 Roof Shingle Types To Consider For Your Home (Pros & Cons)

Choosing the right type of roof shingle is an important decision for any homeowner – it literally impacts the roof over your head. With an array of options available, each offering diverse benefits and drawbacks (along with variance in price), it can be challenging to settle on one that suits your roof type.

Shake Guys want to provide you with a comprehensive guide – exploring 6 different (the most common) types of roof shingles, discussing their pros and cons in more expansive detail. Keep reading to discover which roofing material or asphalt shingle alternative will best cater to your needs while enhancing your home’s exterior aesthetic.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a popular and affordable choice for homeowners. They come in two main types: three-tab shingles and architectural shingles. Three-tab shingles are the most basic option, with a shorter lifespan compared to other roofing materials. On the other hand, architectural shingles offer more aesthetic appeal, durability, and color choices. Both options provide reliable protection for your home against the elements.

3-tab Shingles

3-tab shingles, or strip shingles, are predominantly used in home roofing, and are a type of asphalt shingle known for their cost-effectiveness and lightness. Each shingle exhibits a flat uniform look adorned with three tabs, providing simplicity in design but limiting variation.

These characteristics make the installation process straightforward and less costly than other options. However, the lighter construction results in lower durability and lifespan compared to their architectural counterparts. While they offer an economical solution for roofing needs, 3-tab shingles may not resist harsh weather conditions or wind damage as effectively. Despite these drawbacks, many homeowners continue to opt for this convenient choice in traditional roofs due to its affordability.

By point of comparison, “dimensional shingles” are still asphalt shingles, but simulate a pattern, or wood shake look. These are sometimes referred to as “architectural shingles.”

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles, referred to as laminate shingles or dimensional shingles, are a popular choice in roofing materials and crucial for the integrity of your entire roof system. They stand out due to their layered appearance, offering unique customization possibilities regarding shape and size.

As part of other roofing components used on residential buildings, these asphalt-based shingles bring a roof shingle texture charm akin to wood shakes without compromising durability. Significantly heavier than three-tab shingles – about 50 percent more – they provide enhanced protection from roof leaks and weather elements while maintaining structural integrity.

Despite being pricier than their counterparts, architectural shingles often justify the cost with increased lifespan – up to 30 years in some cases – and extended manufacturer’s warranties that may cover up to half a century.

Main Benefits of Asphalt Shingles

• Cost-effective and budget-friendly roofing option
• Easy to install, reducing labor costs
• Wide variety of colors and styles to match any home aesthetic
• Durable and weather-resistant, offering reliable protection
• Low maintenance requirements compared to other roofing materials
• Long lifespan with proper care and maintenance

⛓️ Metal Shingles

Metal shingles are a popular roofing option due to their easy installation process and exceptional durability. These metal options provide long-lasting protection for your home. They are more sturdy than slate shingles, and metal roofing shingles offer comparable protection for your property.

Homeowners have a variety of metal shingles to choose from, each offering its own unique benefits and aesthetic appeal. Here are some of the most popular types:

Aluminum Shingles 

Aluminum shingles are a top choice for homeowners seeking a lightweight yet durable roofing solution. Their natural resistance to rust and corrosion makes them particularly well-suited for coastal or humid regions where exposure to saltwater or moisture is a concern. Easy to install, they significantly reduce the structural load on a building compared to heavier materials like slate or clay tiles. Aluminum shingles come in a variety of finishes, including smooth, textured, and embossed designs, as well as a wide range of colors, providing flexibility to match virtually any architectural style. Additionally, they are energy-efficient, reflecting heat to keep homes cooler in warmer climates, and are fully recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Steel Shingles 

Steel shingles are a popular roofing option, combining strength, affordability, and versatility. Made from galvanized steel or steel coated with a protective layer of zinc or an alloy, they are highly resistant to rust and other forms of weathering. This durability ensures they can withstand severe weather conditions, making them ideal for areas prone to heavy snowfall, wind, or hail. Steel shingles can be manufactured to resemble traditional roofing materials like slate, wood shakes, or clay tiles, offering the look of premium products at a fraction of the price. Available in numerous colors and finishes, they provide excellent aesthetic options while maintaining a long lifespan. Their protective coating also reduces maintenance needs, adding to their overall value.

Copper Shingles 

Copper shingles are renowned for their distinctive, elegant appearance and unmatched durability. Over time, they develop a natural patina, transitioning from their shiny, reddish-brown color to a muted green or blue that adds character and charm to any building. This unique weathering process not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also acts as a protective layer, making them even more resistant to corrosion and environmental damage. Copper shingles are lightweight yet strong, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Although they represent a significant upfront investment, their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements make them cost-effective in the long run. They are often used on high-end residential properties, historic restorations, and architectural landmarks to achieve a timeless look.

Zinc Shingles 

Zinc shingles are a premium roofing material known for their exceptional durability, long lifespan, and environmentally friendly properties. One of their key features is their self-healing ability—scratches, nicks, or imperfections on the surface oxidize and blend in naturally over time, maintaining a uniform appearance. Zinc shingles are also highly resistant to rust, corrosion, and extreme weather conditions, requiring minimal maintenance throughout their lifespan, which can exceed 80 years. Their sleek, modern aesthetic makes them a popular choice for contemporary architectural designs, but they can just as easily complement more traditional or industrial styles. Furthermore, zinc is a sustainable material, as it is fully recyclable and requires less energy to produce compared to other metal roofing options.

Tin Shingles 

Tin shingles, while less commonly used today, remain a durable and economical roofing option for certain applications. Made from thin sheets of steel or iron coated with tin to prevent rust, they are lightweight and easy to install, reducing labor costs. Often reinforced with a protective layer of paint or sealant, tin shingles can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. They offer a charming, vintage aesthetic that is well-suited for older homes, barns, or outbuildings seeking to maintain a traditional look. Tin shingles are also highly reflective, helping to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat absorption. Though not as durable as premium materials like copper or zinc, they provide an affordable, long-lasting solution for budget-conscious homeowners.

Main Benefits of Metal Shingles 

• Durable and long-lasting, withstanding harsh weather conditions 
• Low maintenance compared to traditional roofing materials 
• Energy-efficient, reflecting heat to reduce cooling costs 
• Lightweight, putting less strain on your home’s structure 
• Eco-friendly and recyclable, contributing to sustainability 
• Aesthetic versatility with a variety of styles and colors available

Clay Tile Shingles

Clay tile shingles are a classic roofing option, known for their timeless beauty, exceptional durability, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. These tiles have been used for centuries and continue to be a popular choice for homeowners seeking both style and long-lasting protection. Clay tiles are especially well-suited for warmer climates, as they naturally reflect the sun’s heat, helping to keep homes cooler. Available in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes, clay tiles provide an elegant aesthetic that can complement a wide range of architectural designs. Below are some of the most common types of clay tile shingles and their unique benefits.

Spanish Clay Tiles

Spanish clay tiles, also known as “S-tiles,” are characterized by their curved, interlocking design that resembles traditional Mediterranean roofs. This style is highly effective at shedding water and allows for excellent ventilation, making it ideal for regions with heavy rainfall or high temperatures. Spanish clay tiles are available in a range of earthy tones, such as terracotta, red, and brown, giving homes a warm, rustic appearance. Their durability ensures they can last for decades with minimal maintenance, while their interlocking design makes them relatively easy to install compared to other clay tile styles.

Flat Clay Tiles

Flat clay tiles, also known as “mission tiles” or “slate-look tiles,” provide a sleek and modern appearance. These tiles lay flat against the roof, offering a clean and minimalist look that works well with contemporary or traditional home designs. Flat clay tiles are extremely versatile, available in a wide range of colors and finishes to suit almost any aesthetic preference. They are also durable, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, and require little maintenance, making them a popular choice for long-term roofing solutions.

Barrel Clay Tiles

Barrel clay tiles, sometimes referred to as “Roman tiles,” are similar to Spanish tiles but feature a more symmetrical, half-cylinder shape. This design gives roofs a distinctive, bold appearance and provides superior drainage and ventilation. Barrel tiles are often used to achieve an Old World or European-inspired look, adding charm and character to a home. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to customize their roof to match their desired style. In addition to their visual appeal, barrel clay tiles are extremely durable and weather-resistant, ensuring long-term performance.

Interlocking Clay Tiles

Interlocking clay tiles are designed with grooves or ridges that allow them to fit securely together during installation. This design provides added stability and protection against wind, rain, and other environmental factors. Interlocking tiles are available in a variety of shapes, including flat and curved options, offering flexibility in design while maintaining excellent functionality. These tiles are lightweight compared to other clay tile options, making them easier to install and reducing the structural load on a home. Their precise fit also enhances the roof’s energy efficiency by minimizing gaps and air leakage.

Glazed Clay Tiles

Glazed clay tiles are treated with a glossy or matte coating that enhances their durability and aesthetic appeal. This glaze not only gives the tiles a beautiful finish but also makes them more resistant to moisture, stains, and UV damage. Glazed clay tiles are available in a wide array of colors, finishes, and patterns, allowing homeowners to achieve a highly customized look for their roof. The glazing process also adds an extra layer of protection, making these tiles particularly well-suited for areas with harsh weather conditions or high levels of humidity.

Main Benefits of Clay Tile Shingles

• Extremely durable, with a lifespan that can exceed 50 years
• Resistant to fire, extreme weather, and UV damage
• Energy-efficient, naturally insulating and reflecting heat
• Low maintenance with minimal need for repairs or upkeep
• Wide variety of styles, shapes, and colors to suit any home
• Eco-friendly, made from natural materials and often recyclable

Wood Shingles (Cedar Shakes)

Wood shingles, more commonly known as cedar shakes, provide a classic and natural look to any roof.

They offer excellent insulation properties and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, they require regular maintenance and are inherently more prone to fire damage compared to other roofing materials. That being said, they do typically withstand the elements better than asphalt shingles, lasting for 10 years longer, on average.

Cedar wood shingles and shakes have their own set of pros and cons that homeowners should consider. On the plus side, cedar shingles are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes, heavy rains, hail storms, and snowstorms. Additionally, cedar shakes are sustainable materials that can be recycled. In terms of sourcing the wood for these shingles, we always ensure suppliers or manufacturers replace every tree that is harvested with a new one planted.

Cedar shakes tend to be more expensive than other roofing materials like asphalt shingles. Despite requiring more maintenance, many homeowners find the unique beauty and durability of cedar shakes worth the investment in upkeep and cost. They remain a popular roofing material.

Main Benefits of Wood Shingles and Shakes

• Natural, rustic appearance that enhances curb appeal 
• Excellent insulation properties for energy efficiency 
• Durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance 
• Eco-friendly and biodegradable material 
• Resistant to wind and impact damage

Composite Shingles

Composite roofing shingles (or composition shingles) offer a great combination of style, durability, and affordability. Made from synthetic materials like plastic polymers, these shingles can mimic the appearance of high-end roofing materials such as slate or cedar shake. 

These options are typically even offered from high-end companies like DaVinci Roofscapes. They are available in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to find the perfect match for their aesthetic preference. Not only do composite shingles provide excellent protection for your home, but they also offer enhanced insulation benefits that are long-lasting – typically for a period of 50 years. These eco-friendly shingles can withstand the elements without needing costly repairs or replacement compared to asphalt roofing shingles or wood shake shingles.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal or improve its energy efficiency, composite shingles are an excellent choice for any residential building. A huge bonus to composite shingles is that these can be installed during any season – including winter – with a nail gun.

Main Benefits of Composite Shingles 

• Durable and long-lasting 
• Resistant to harsh weather conditions 
• Low maintenance compared to traditional materials 
• Wide range of styles and colors to match any aesthetic 
• Eco-friendly options available 
• Cost-effective solution for roofing needs

☀️ Solar Shingles 

Solar shingles are an innovative roofing solution that combines functionality and sustainability. These shingles not only protect your home as traditional roofing materials do but also generate renewable energy by harnessing sunlight. Solar shingles are designed to blend seamlessly with a variety of roofing styles, ensuring that your home retains its curb appeal while adopting cutting-edge technology. They are durable and weather-resistant, offering the same level of protection as composite shingles, with the added benefit of lowering your energy bills. Although the upfront cost may be higher, solar shingles are an investment in long-term energy savings and a greener future. For homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on style or efficiency, solar shingles provide an excellent, forward-thinking option.

Main Benefits of Solar Shingles 

• Combines the functionality of solar panels with the aesthetics of traditional roofing 
• Provides clean, renewable energy for your home 
• Increases property value while reducing energy bills 
• Durable and weather-resistant, offering long-term performance 
• Seamless integration with your roof for a sleek, modern look

Find the Perfect Roof Shingles for Your Home with Shake Guys

When considering possible roof shingle options for your home or business, it’s important to consider the corresponding value of each, comparatively. Asphalt shingles offer affordability and easy installation, but may have a shorter lifespan compared to other materials. In consideration, wood shingles (namely cedar shakes) provide a natural aesthetic value not found in other shingle options. However, they will inherently require more maintenance.

Understanding the different types of roof shingles out there on the market and their unique characteristics can perhaps help you make a more informed decision that meets your needs in terms of cost-effectiveness, durability, style, and energy efficiency.

Regardless of which shingle preference you end up settling upon, Shakes Guys has the expertise and experience to help make your roof replacement a simplistic, stress-free process. Contact us today for a free estimate!