Your home’s roof plays a critical role in protecting your home and keeping your family and all of your possessions safe. It must stand up well against the elements; however, it also plays an important role in your home’s curb appeal. Given the fact that there are so many different roof shingles available to choose from, selecting the right option for your home can be extremely confusing and time-consuming. With a better understanding of the options available and what each can provide for you, the selection process may be a bit easier.
Types of Roof Shingles for Your Home
There are several different materials available to choose from for your roof shingles. Each of these materials has both pros and cons when it comes to the level of protection they provide, how long they last, and various other factors.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles tend to be the most budget-friendly option for roof shingles. These shingles can last between 15 years and 30 years depending on various factors, including the climate and your home. These shingles offer exceptional protection from water damage and are typically fire-resistant. There are several types of asphalt shingles available to choose from, depending on the style you are looking for and your budget.
3-Tab Roof Shingles
This is the least expensive option for asphalt shingles. The name of the shingles describes how they are designed as they are cut in a thin shape that is long and composed of multiple tabs. These shingles are easy to repair and replace and extremely affordable. However, they are less durable than other types of shingles.
Dimensional Shingles
Dimensional shingles are often referred to as architectural shingles. These shingles are one of the most common types used on the roofs of new homes. They are typically made with an extra layer of laminate, providing a more rounded appearance. These shingles are durable and incredibly weather-resistant. However, they are more expensive and have more asphalt, making them a heavier option than 3-tab shingles.
Luxury Roof Shingles
Luxury shingles are another type of roof shingles that are found on homes. These shingles have more layers of lamination, which gives them a more wood-like appearance. Fortunately, they provide all of the exceptional benefits that come with asphalt shingles. These types have a high-end look that provides exceptional curb appeal. However, you are gonna pay a hefty price for it.
2. Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are another popular choice for roof shingles and come in a variety of colors. These shingles tend to be the most energy-efficient option, which can help to save you money on your energy costs. Metal shingles can last between 50 years and 75 years, depending on the material used. Some common options include:
- Copper Shingles: These roof shingles are extremely durable and provide excellent resale value for your home. They are typically found on high-end homes and are a more lightweight option. Unfortunately, they may require repair in fluctuating temperatures and are more costly than other types of metal.
- Corrugated Metal Shingles: These shingles are typically the most affordable metal shingles
- Standing Seam Metal Shingles: These shingles are a mix of various metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper. They usually come in thick, long ribbed panels, but they are also available in shingle form, depending on the look you desire. Although these shingles are an attractive option, they can be hard to find.
- Aluminum Shingles: These shingles are one of the most cost-effective options for metal roofing. They are also one of the easiest to install. Aluminum shingles are lightweight and made of recycled aluminum. Unfortunately, they tend to be more vulnerable to wear and tear than other types of metal shingles that are offered for residential structures.
3. Wood Shingles
Wood shingles offer a more rustic appearance to your home. These shingles are extremely environmentally friendly as they are made of natural woods, typically redwood, cedar, spruce, or pine. They are also recyclable, meaning that removing them for a roof replacement will not have a negative impact on the environment. Unfortunately, wood shingles are not too suitable for wet, hot, or dry climates due to the fact that they are more susceptible to fire, rot, and termites. With that being said, they do hold up well against the sun, impact, and wind.
4. Concrete Shingles
Concrete shingles provide the same level of protection as clay times. However, they are extremely durable and energy-efficient and hold up well against the elements. There are several different styles to choose from, ensuring you are able to find the perfect one to complement your home.
Concrete shingles will last between 30 years and 50 years and are typically inexpensive. However, they are heavy and made of a brittle material that requires calling a professional to fix.
5. Slate Tile Shingles
Slate shingles are made from stone and provide a very attractive and stately finish to your roof. These times are long-lasting and are extremely weather resistant. Due to the fact that they are stone, they can hold a lot of weight. It is important to note that they are also very heavy, so it is important to verify that the frame of your home will be able to support these roof shingles.
Slate tile shingles work well in areas that see a lot of snow, like here in St. Louis. In addition to being extremely resistant to the elements, they are also durable and can last between 60 years and 150 years. Even though they tend to cost more than other types of roof shingles, they are designed to last.
Schedule a Consultation Today
For more than 2.5 decades, our experts at DeG Contracting have worked hard to help homeowners across St. Louis with all of their roofing needs. With a commitment to performing top-quality work to meet and exceed the expectations of customers, you can rest assured that you are in good hands at every step of the process. Contact our team today at (636) 928-7663 to schedule a free estimate for your roofing needs.
