Last Updated on February 26, 2023 by
Roof Shingles
Roofing with shingles is a significant investment that varies depending on the type of roof shingle and the roof area. Roofing shingles come in various types – from wood shingles to asphalt to designer shingles and more! The decision isn’t as straightforward as when you could choose between ceramic, wood, and asphalt shingles!
It is imperative that you are familiar with each of the different types of roofing shingles before you install or replace your existing roofing shingles.
You must first know why and when you need new roofing before learning which roof shingles are available. Natural disasters such as fire, windstorms, and other natural events could cause damage. You can sometimes fix leaks yourself if you can locate the cause, but it’s best to leave some jobs to the professionals.
The majority of such leaks can be easily repaired if only a few areas are affected. If leaks continue to occur, a new roof may be needed. When your roof is over 20 years old, and out of warranty, it is advisable to replace it even if there are no apparent signs of damage.
This guide is all about shingle types in detail.
Top 7 best shingle types

1. Roof Shingles Made of Metal
The appearance of metal roof shingles is stylish, and various colors are available. Due to their ease of installation and lightweight construction, they are an excellent choice for homes with roofs that cannot support heavy options.
A roof made of this material can last up to 100 years, making it one of the most extended-lasting kinds of roof. There may be differences in costs for metal roof installation near you, depending on the average labor cost in your area. There are several different prices for metal roofing shingles, but they cost $5.25 to $12.50 per square foot or $525 to $1,250 per square. In addition to metal roofing, sheet panels are also available.
2. Roofing with wood shakes
Roofing shingles made from wood shakes are typically made of cedar from 200 to 300-year-old cedar trees. Split logs are divided into sections known as shakes, which are then used to make shingles. Consequently, the shingles have that characteristic rough appearance.
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While wood shingles are known to last longer than asphalt when installed and maintained correctly, they are also more expensive and not environmentally friendly. Wood shakes cost around $6 to $10 per square foot, usually more expensive than wood shingles. The lifespan of wood shakes can reach 40 years with proper maintenance.
3. Shingles made of slate tile
It is a stone material installed as a roof shingle called slate roofing shingles. Although slate shingles are thin, when used as a whole roof, they become cumbersome. Many people appreciate the natural beauty of slate, but the shingles are relatively uniform in color and appearance. Installation costs range from $800 to $1,400 per square foot for slate roofing shingles.
Despite being more challenging to install, slate tiles make for a long-lasting roof when appropriately installed.
The price of slate shingles is high, but if you can afford them, slate is an excellent roof-type option. From 60 to 150 years, slate roofs can last more than a lifetime, so many people decide it is worth the expense to install them.
4. Shingles made of tile
In terms of durability, tile roofing shingles are one of the most vital roofing types, but only when they are correctly installed. The tiles are known to slip off a mortar bed after just a decade or so when they are placed on it. If you choose the right type of tile, you won’t have a hard time finding a desirable price, but the installation will be a little more costly.
Depending on your roof’s strength, you may also need to strengthen it before a new tile roof can be installed. The lifespan of some tile roofs is similar to that of metal roofs and can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.
5. Shingles made of clay or concrete
Southwest Spanish-style homes often have flat, barrel-shaped, or scalloped tiles of different colors made from this type. The properties of clay make it non-flammable and nonfading, while the properties of concrete make it a good heat and cold insulator and reflect sunlight.
Despite concrete tiles being heavier than clay, a structural engineer should inspect shingles made from either material before placing them in your home.
It will be necessary to install extra framing (underlying supports) during installation in order to support the weight of the roof. The average cost for installing concrete tiles can be anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per square foot (clay tiles are about 30 to 50 percent more expensive than concrete), and the investment should for at least 40 years. Due to their weight and limited impact resistance, replacing these tiles on your own is difficult due to their repair ability with roofing cement.
6. Shingles made from asphalt
Asphalt shingles are the first roof shingle (and the most commonly used). The bulk of an asphalt roof system comprises asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components.
Even though asphalt shingles are among the best roof shingles overall, asphalt shingles come in three variations. A three-tab design, a dimensional design, and a luxury design are available.
A random pattern looks like a wood shake roof or architectural asphalt shingles have a dimensional look.
Asphalt roof shingles that look like slate are luxury asphalt shingles (or premium ones). There are two types of asphalt shingles, and they are the largest and most durable.
Roofers are slowly phasing out 3-tab shingles from their markets, which used to dominate them. Architectural shingles are the most common type used on roofs today because of their durability and aesthetic appeal.
Although luxury asphalt shingles are still popular, they are about twice as expensive as architectural asphalt shingles. The architectural asphalt shingle is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable roof shingle that makes a good-quality roof.
Luxury asphalt shingles can be an excellent choice to increase your home’s curb appeal, get more life, and have a higher budget.
7. Shingles made of rubber
A rubber roof shingle looks almost like an asphalt shingle, and it’s made of rubber. In addition to being easy to install, these are also highly durable. Roofing shingles of this type do not require maintenance. Asphalt shingles are cheaper than composite shingles in terms of cost.
There is a life span of 15 to 25 years for rubber roofing shingles. PVC, TPO, and EPDM roof materials are available for rubber roofs.
What is the most durable shingle?
When choosing shingles for your home, durability is a crucial factor to consider. You want a roofing material that can withstand harsh weather conditions and last many years. While many options are available in the market, the most durable shingle is undoubtedly the metal shingle.
Metal shingles are made from various materials, including steel, aluminum, and copper, and offer unmatched durability and longevity. They are resistant to fire, wind, and hail and can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance. Metal shingles are also eco-friendly as they are often made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their life cycle.
Another option for durable shingles is the architectural shingle. These shingles are thicker and heavier than traditional three-tab and have a more distinctive appearance. Architectural shingles are made from high-quality asphalt and can last up to 30 years. They are also resistant to wind, hail, and UV rays, making them an excellent choice for homes in harsh weather conditions.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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