Different Types Of Roofing Shingles

If you are interested in redoing your roof it’s likely that you are looking at several different types of roofing shingles for upgrade or repairs. Determining the difference between different types of shingles on the market today will help you make an informed decision on what you should be replacing your current shingles with. Keep in mind that the latest shingles on the market have seen major upgrades when compared to older style shingles. If your roof has not seen any upgrade for the last 15 years, the latest shingle styles could offer you massive improvements in efficiency and for the lifespan of your roof.

Here are some of the different types of roofing shingles available!

Three Tab Shingles

Traditional three tab shingles are some of the most inexpensive roofing materials on the market. They have a surprising lifespan of over 25 years but the shingles can often face difficulty when withstanding high winds or if they are exposed to an extensive amount of sunlight. It doesn’t take long for these to blow off when your home is exposed to high winds. The big benefit to using three tabs shingles is that they can protect your home extremely inexpensively. Three tab shingles also come in a wide range of styles and colors. It’s likely that you can find a three tab shingle that’s going to suit the look of your home. The only downside to using these shingles is that they are not as durable as some of the other roofing materials you might find.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles are becoming a much more popular shingle type for replacement. A dimensional shingle has two layers of shingle material that get bonded together to give the roofing system a three dimensional look. The greatest difference between three tab shingles and architectural shingles is that the shingles are not made with a cutout. They contain an extra amount of asphalt and they have a curvier look over a traditional three tab shingle. Because they are heavier in nature, architectural shingles often come with a longer life span and they can withstand winds of up to 130 mi./h. The manufacturers that produce architectural shingles often provide an improved warranty for their customers. With the thicker materials as well as the higher ratings for the wind, these are products will always add new value to a home.

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles traditionally have a longer lifespan than wood or asphalt and can also reflect sunlight away from the roofing structure which can reduce your cooling bills. Most metal shingles are produced using aluminum, steel or copper. These products also have a considerable lifespan of 50 to 75 years. The extra resistance to rot, fire, hail and wind make them some of the best choices for shingle types on the market today. The only downside to choosing this shingle option is that you will often have to pay a bit more money in order to install these roofing materials. 

Wood Shingles

A wood shingle is a product that typically falls in the price range between asphalt shingles as well as some of the more expensive tile shingles on the market. Wood shingles are often tapered off by custom sawing whereas a shake shingle is not cut off in the same way. Wood shingles can be extremely energy-efficient and the look of the shingles can vary especially with the number of finishes that are available for a wood shingle design. A wide range of coatings are available for wood shingles but the maintenance that is required for wood shingles is often a bit more than the average shingle roof. Wood shingles can last up to 30 years at a time but they do often require a lot of refinishing in order to preserve their lifespan.

The greatest advantage of using wood shingles is that they are some of the most environmentally friendly on the market. Most wood shingles are produced using recycled materials and with sustainable methods. The other drawback of installing wood shingles is that they should always be installed by a professional. A professional will help to avoid the installation of warped or cracked shingles. Wood shingles will also need to be replaced because they can’t be patched in the same way an asphalt shingle can. Hiring a licensed and insured contractor for any type of wood shingle installation is important for getting the full thirty-year lifespan on the product.

If you would like to learn more about shingle types that would suit your home or business, contact us today!