If you are building a new home or you plan to replace your existing roof, it’s important to know the available roof shingle types. Besides the aesthetic appeal, durability, thickness, and style also matter.
Even more important, your location will also determine the type of shingles you’ll use for your roofing. You don’t need shingles that will crack due to temperature fluctuations or get molds and mildew. Your residential roofer in Salt Lake City can help guide your decision.
Now, with so many shingle types on the market, each with diverse benefits, cost, style, and design, making the best choice is hard.
To help you out, we’ll look at some roof shingle types and the pros and cons of each.
Types of Roof Shingles
Wood Roof Shingles
For years, thousands of residential and commercial clients have been using wood roof shingles for their roofing. This roof offers better insulation and will make your space more energy-efficient.
Wood roof shingles are available in 2 types that include wood shake and wood shingles. While wood shingles are perfectly shaped, wood shakes are hand split to give them a rustic look.
Pros
- Offers a classic and traditional look.
- Available in multiple colors and textures.
- More energy efficient
- Able to withstand high winds and other severe weather conditions
- Some woods are rot-resistant
Cons
- More expensive
- Can lead to fire hazards
- Higher maintenance costs
- Needs regular cleaning
- Prone to water damage
- Some woods attract pests
- May fade as a result of weathering
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles top the list of popular roofing materials not only in the US but around the globe. The shingles are designed to provide dependable home protection with minimal upkeep.
And to meet the unique needs of every client, Asphalt shingles are available in diverse colors, designs, and styles. Even better, the shingles are widely available both in local and online stores.
Asphalt shingles are available in 3 types including:
3-Tab Shingles: quite affordable and can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance. However, the shingles are less appealing and have a short lifespan compared to other shingles.
Luxury Shingles: this is the most durable asphalt shingles type and offers a multi-dimensional appearance. And compared to slate roofs or cedar, these shingles cost much less.
Dimensional Shingles: these can last up to 30 years and are available in diverse textures and appearances. You’ll, however, pay more for these compared to what 3-tab shingles cost.
Pros
- Affordable
- Gives your home a traditional look
- Available in diverse colors & styles
- Easier to install
- Easier to replace individual shingles
- Does not rust
Cons
- Less durable compared to other roofing options
- Easily affected by molds and mildew
- More prone to wind damages
- Less energy efficient
Metal Shingles
Unlike in the past when every roof in the neighborhood was made using asphalt shingles, things have changed. Metal shingles are made in diverse designs, materials, and colors, making them ideal for both commercial and residential roofing.
And depending on your choice, your metal roof can last up to 100 years which makes them very cheap long-term.
You can choose aluminum, zinc, steel, copper, or tin roofing options based on your location, budget, and style.
Pros
- Can last up to 100 years
- Eco-friendly
- Fire resistant
- More energy efficient
- Available in different colors, styles, and designs
- More affordable long-term
- Lighter in weight compared to other roof shingle types
Cons
- Expensive to buy
- Some like aluminum are very noisy
- Some metals dent easily when stepped on or if heavy objects fall on the roof
Tile Shingles
If you visit most historic properties or older homes, you’ll most likely find tile roofing shingles. And even today, some homeowners still prefer this roof shingle type due to its light colors and diverse shapes.
It is important to note that tile shingles are quite expensive to buy and also, more expensive to install. Also, tile shingles are quite heavy and will negatively affect your building’s structure if it’s not strong enough.
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Can last up to 50 years
- Environmentally friendly
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Energy efficient
- Available in diverse styles and colors
Cons
- Very heavy
- Difficult to install
- Easily breaks if stepped on or a heavy object falls on the roof
- Expensive
Slate Roof Shingles
Besides being durable, slate roof shingles are eco-friendly, beautiful, and fireproof. The slates vary in color depending on the slate deposit making it possible to create diverse designs.
This roof shingle type helps in avoiding pricey substructure modification which makes installations easier. Whether you want only color or a combination of colors, slate shingles have so many color options.
Pros
- Durable
- Environmentally friendly
- Wide range of colors
- Fire resistant
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Very few roofing contractors can handle the installation
- Fragile
- Expensive to buy and install
- Heavier compared to other roof shingle types
- Complex installation
Solar Roof Shingles
Due to the increasing demand for solar energy, more manufacturers are coming up with innovative ways to bridge this gap. Solar shingles provide a more affordable roofing option for people that need a new roof and affordable energy.
Depending on your brand choice, you can get 13 – 63 watts of power which will lower your utility bills by up to 70%.
Pros
- Lower carbon dioxide footprint
- Makes you eligible for tax credits
- Attractive
- Lower energy bills
Cons
- More expensive to buy and install’
- Complex installations
- May be less efficient compared to solar panels
There you have it… Regardless of your building’s design, budget, style, and design, among other factors, there is a perfect roof shingle type for you. However, you need to ensure that you get a professional roofing pro to handle the installations. For a commercial or residential roofer in Salt Lake City, call Fortress Roofing. They are always happy to help.