The Different Types of Roofing Shingles Explained: A Simple Guide

types of roofing shingles

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Wondering what are the different types of roofing shingles? Wonder no more!

The following guide tells the answers to all your roofing shingle questions. There are five main categories of roofing shingle types, some that are available in multiple materials, colors, and styles. All are covered in the guide below.

Read on to learn all about it.

Asphalt Shingles

The most common residential roofing material is asphalt. That’s partly because asphalt shingles are the most inexpensive option but also because they’re very effective.

They are durable enough to protect your roof in most locations. Although, locations with high winds or other extreme weather can damage asphalt roofing. In general, though, they should last 20 years, according to Ragsdale Roofing And Innovations LLC.

There are two main styles of asphalt shingles available: 3-tab and architectural shingles. 3-tab is basically rectangle-shaped singles laying next to each other.

Architectural asphalt shingles overlap each other like scales. This style of asphalt shingles offers better protection against the elements.

Dollhouse Miniature Roofing Salt and Pepper Square Asphalt Shingles 1/2 Scale

Wood Shingles/Shake Shingles

While both are made from wood, there is a difference between wood shingles and wood shake shingles. Namely, wood shingles are sawn into shape while shake shingles are split.

Wood roofing is the second-cheapest residential roofing option. They are a little more vulnerable to damage from the elements than asphalt shingles. You may have rot, splitting, chipping, or termites to worry about with wood shingles.

In the pros column, there’s nothing like the look of wood roofing to give your house that rustic appearance.

18" Western Red Cedar Shingles Natural Grooved 1 Square Cartons

Tile Shingles

Tile shingles come in a variety of materials including clay, concrete, and composite materials. Red clay tiles are famous for their classy, European look.

But the biggest benefit of tile roofing is it can be made to look however you like. For example, you can make concrete or composite tiles to look like clay. Because of what they’re made of, they can be shaped to mimic any color, shape, or style of roofing.

Slate Shingles

Slate roofing is the most durable roofing there is. Slate shingle roofing can last for hundreds of years. It is also beautiful to behold.

But it’s very heavy and so will require special reinforcement. For all these reasons, slate roofing is the most expensive residential roofing option.

Metal Shingles

Yes, metal roofing does come in shingles, not just sheets. Metal shingles are a very versatile option in that there are many options of which metal to pick. This also gives metal roofing a very big price range.

For example, aluminum is cheap and may be light enough to where it doesn’t need reinforcement. Steel roofing is sturdier, heavier, and pricier.

In any case, metal roofing is very resilient to the elements. But it does make a house very loud when it rains or hails.

The Different Types of Roofing Shingles: Remember This Guide

If you’re in the market for a new roof, we hope this guide on the different types of roofing shingles has helped. If so, please share it so it can benefit others.

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