Type of Roof Shingles: Exploring Pros and Cons of Shingle Materials

Any building, be it a giant warehouse or a cozy country house, has several key structural elements – a foundation, walls, and roof. If we talk about roofs in more detail, then their main part is the material that covers the surface and contacts the outside world. There are several basic categories of roofing materials, among which shingles are both the most numerous group and the most popular architectural solution. So, how do the coatings differ from each other, and what types of roof shingles you should choose for your project?

Types of Roof Shingles: Traditional vs. Premium

1. Traditional

2. Architectural

3. Premium

4. Performance

Traditional. This is the most extensive and popular category of materials, which mainly consists of asphalt chips, fiberglass, bitumen, plastic, and other dopants. As for the appearance, it is usually more simple and flat. However, this category also has its trump card – it is low cost, which makes the materials the optimal choice for situations where saving every dollar is important. What is more, traditional shingles are suitable for installation on the roofs of utility and commercial buildings.

Architectural shingles. There are not many basic ingredients for the production of roofing materials, so materials in this category are made from the same asphalt and fiberglass as traditional ones. However, this category of coatings differs in appearance. Externally, these shingles are multilayered, textured, and dimensional. In addition, the coatings contain additives that increase service life and resistance to chemicals, fire, and so on.

Premium. These coatings are made from high-quality asphalt, wood, metal, or synthetic ingredients. Their advantages are even more distinctive designs, often imitating natural materials, as well as enhanced durability, longevity, and water-tightness.

Performance shingles. These coatings are made from special materials that give the roof specific qualities or from materials engineered to withstand specific weather conditions. Examples are impact-resistant shingles, roof shingles that stay cool even in hot weather, and solar panels that produce free electricity.

Materials Commonly Used in Roof Shingles

1. Asphalt

Advantages. Affordable, versatile, and easy to install. This is not an innovative, fairly affordable roofing material, which is specially designed for ABC and quick installation (shingles are laid on a prepared, flat surface with an overlap) and any type of roofs that have a slope. Asphalt shingle roof is one of the most common in the private real estate segment.

Disadvantages. There are no eternal materials, but these coatings may lose their qualities after 5-30 years. This type may not be the best idea in areas with strong winds or for roofs with minimal slope and standing water.

There are three main types of asphalt shingles:

• Strip shingles (Traditional 3-Tab Shingles). The simplicity of the design is compensated by the affordable cost. Also, these shingles may require replacement and repair after several years of use, especially in regions with hot climates and strong winds.
• Dimensional shingles (Architectural or Laminate Shingles). Improved design that imitates natural materials and multi-color palettes, as well as a longer service life, are the key features of the material.
• Luxury (Premium). This type of asphalt shingle combines resistance to almost any negative influences and a stylish appearance. Among the design solutions, you will find imitation wood, clay tiles, stone, and copper. However, this coating costs much more than average.

2. Slate

Advantages. Elegant appearance, and fire-resistant, may be the longest lifespan in this rating. Slate shingles are natural and almost eternal material that humanity has been using for centuries.

Disadvantages. Expensive (the price point is $20-30 per square foot only for the material itself), and requires professional installation and a reinforced roof frame due to weight. It is not suitable for all types of roofs.

3. Tile

Advantages. Durable, fire-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing. If you are looking for an immortal Mediterranean classic, then this material is your choice.

Disadvantages. Heavy, fragile, and may require additional roof support. In addition, this material is not suitable for regions with hurricane winds.

4. Wood

Advantages. Natural appearance, environmentally friendly. Provided proper processing and qualified installation, the material like cedar wood shakes will last for decades.

Disadvantages. Like any other wood product, wood roofs have their well-known enemies, including insect pests, mold, and rot. If you are looking for a material that will not need to be repaired every season, then this category of coatings is not for you.

5. Plastic

Advantages. Lightweight, durable, often made from recycled materials. This is a relatively innovative shingle type that has proven itself well in the US market.

Disadvantages. May fade over time. In addition, some types of plastic become brittle under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.

6. Solar panels

Advantages. Harness solar energy, eco-friendly. If you prioritize practicality and financial return, then a roof with solar panels is the best solution.

Disadvantages. High initial cost, specialized installation. For some regions with cloudy weather and short sunny days, installing solar panels may not be a justified solution. In addition, the panels require cleaning and specialized maintenance.

7. Metal

Advantages. The strongest and most durable roofing material (subject to corrosion protection and proper installation). In addition, metal roofing always looks rich and attractive.

Disadvantages. Metal materials are always more expensive than asphalt or plastic. In addition, metal coatings create additional load on the building walls and roof frame and require professional installation.

8. Rubber

Advantages. Elastic material that is resistant to moisture, rotting, and corrosion. To add, it is inexpensive.

Disadvantages. Rubber loses elasticity over time. Installation of rubber roof tiles can be time-consuming.

9. Composite

Advantages. Composite materials combine various solutions. The quality and service life of coatings directly depend on the composition and production technologies. In short, composite shingles have many similarities to asphalt pavements, but they are almost always more environmentally friendly and durable.

Disadvantages. If we are talking about traditional roofing solutions, then the main disadvantage of composite technology is its cost. Installation of composite shingles requires special attention in areas prone to ice damming and near ridge vents.

Choosing the Right Shingles

Consider climate

Choose materials suited to your local climate and weather conditions (amount of precipitation, wind load, intensity of sunlight). Even within the same city or state, there may be areas for which certain roofing materials are ideal.

Budget considerations

Determine a budget for your roofing project, considering both material and installation costs. Roofing contractors will offer you material that will satisfy any request. Literally. However, you will have to pay for this. Think in advance which qualities of shingles are fundamentally important to you, and which ones you will not overpay for.

Aesthetic preferences

Choose common types of shingles that complement the architectural style of your home. The issue of aesthetics is always individual. We recommend that you look at catalogs and order samples of materials from suppliers since many materials do not look the same in real life as in the photo.

Longevity and maintenance

Check the declared service life of materials and consider maintenance requirements. You can purchase inexpensive material that has to be repaired and updated frequently. Consider the cost of seasonal roof repairs and maintenance. It may be better to overpay at the stage of installing a new roof, but then not worry about its condition for 5-10 years.

Sustainability

Explore eco-friendly options, such as solar or recycled material shingles. If you think about the eco-trends, choose materials and installation technologies that do not pollute the environment.

Conclusion

Each home, climate, budget, roofing system, and aesthetic preference has its own ‘ideal’ roof shingles. We recommend that you explore the market of available offers, compare the pros, cons, and costs of various materials, and even better, consult with qualified roofers in your city who will tell you what is best to choose for your roofing project.