Since mankind first crawled into a cave thousands of years ago, roofs have been important to us.
Nowadays, the modern-day roofing materials industry is worth over 115 billion dollars. So when it comes to putting a roof over your head, you’ve got options.
These are the most common types of shingles and what to expect from them.
3-Tab Roof Shingles
Most asphalt shingles are 3-tab roofing shingles. They’re the typical rectangular type of shingles you see on most houses in the USA.
They’re also one of the cheapest roofing options and they’re easy to install too. You get 3-tab roof shingles in a huge range of colors so they complement any architectural style.
Unfortunately, they don’t last as long as most other kinds of shingles. They’re also prone to molding and rotting.
Architectural Types of Shingles
Architectural roof shingles are the high-end equivalent of 3-tab shingles. They’re also called ”laminated” or ”3-dimensional” shingles.
Theyré more expensive than 3-tab shingles but they look better, last longer, and are more wind-resistant. Sometimes, homeowners even choose asphalt architectural shingles that mimic old-world European style roofs like slate, wood, and tile.
With all these benefits comes a hefty price tag, although these roofs can last for at least 30 years.
Clay Tile Roof Shingles
You’ll see clay roof shingles on houses with southwest, California mission, or old-world architectural influences.
They’re widely used in the warm southwestern states because they’re naturally cool roofs and more energy-efficient than most other roofing materials.
Wave-shaped Spanish style terracotta tiles are the most common variety of clay tile, but they’re available in a range of other configurations too.
Clay shingles are one of the longest-lasting types of roofing around, with a lifespan of up to 100 years. Unfortunately. clay shingles are expensive and installing them is a complicated and time-consuming task.
Shake Roof Shingles
Wood shakes and shingles have been around for hundreds of years and were the roofing material of choice in colonial times.
Shakes are different from shingles in that they’re thicker with a more rustic, textured look.
They’re an attractive type of roofing although they’re vulnerable to damage from pests and only last for a maximum of 30 years.
In recent times, manufacturers have figured out ways to fashion wood-look shingles out of more durable materials like clay and metal.
Slate Roof Shingles
Slate roofs were the original successor to wooden shingles way back in the mid-1800s. They’re eco-friendly, fireproof, and durable.
Like all natural materials, each tile has its own unique appearance which makes for an attractive finish. It’s another expensive option that requires specialized installation.
A major drawback of slate is the weight of the finished roof. Often you’ll need to have your home reinforced so that it can bear the extra load.
Need Help With Your Home
Whether you’re designing a new home or involved in new roof installation, choosing between all the different types of shingles can be a daunting task.
Get in touch and we’ll help you choose the best option for your home and budget.