Roofing Styles and Types of Shingles

Looking to replace your roofing shingles? Make sure you are making the right decision. There are plenty of different types of styles and materials to choose from, so let's go over the main ones and talk about the different types of roofing shingles and materials available. 

 

One of the first choices you will have to make when choosing your new roofing shingles is design. If you are replacing the roof on a residential home, the first choice is often between paneled vs shingle roofing. This decision is usually based on what your home currently has, as well as your vision for what you want it to look like. 

 

The next decision you will want to make is material. Roofing shingles are small pieces of material that are usually installed above the underlayment, sheathing, and trusses. They act as a protective layer against the elements, to keep your home safe. They come in a variety of materials each with their own strengths and weaknesses. 

 

Another thing to note is that, once you have finished deciding on a material it is important to contact a roofing expert for your installation. Unless you are an experienced roofer and feel comfortable doing it yourself, dangerous jobs like these are better left to licensed and insured professionals. 

 

Asphalt Shingles

 

Asphalt roofing shingles are made from asphalt that has been reinforced with a secondary material such as fiberglass, wood, or cellulose. They come in many sizes and colors, and are usually the most cost effective roofing option. The average cost of asphalt shingles is around $90 per 100 square feet of material. This estimate does not include the cost of underlayment, labor, or insulation. Asphalt shingles last an average of 15 to 30 years. 

 

Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular type of shingle due to their waterproofing, fire resistance, flexibility, cost, and resilience. Shingles also come in various resilience ratings, ranging from class 1 all the way to class 4. You may even be able to get tax credit if you decide on energy efficient shingles. 

 

Asphalt shingles have been known to come loose in the event of a high intensity storm or extreme temperature changes, but if you live in an area where this is uncommon, they can be a great economic option. 

 

Wood Shingles

 

Wood roofing shingles are usually cut using a machine and made from spruce, cedar, or pine. These roofing shingles usually last 20 to 25 years, and are still very cost effective. The cost ranges from $350 to $450 per 100 square feet of material. Wood shingles are easy to power wash clean, especially if you experience mold or mildew. The major downside of wood shingles is when they become damaged. Damaged wood roofing shingles can not usually be repaired, and must be replaced instead. These replacements are often more expensive than with asphalt shingles. 

 

Another thing to consider is the climate you are in. Wood shingles are not suited for very hot climates, as they are rarely fire resistant. You can purchase wood roofing shingles with a fire resistance rating, but even then you will have to worry about other problems that come with a wood roof. Wood shingles are vulnerable to termites, wood rot, and hail which can cause cracking and splitting. It is also important to check with your local fire department to ensure wooden shingles are legally allowed in your area, based on the county fire codes. 

 

Metal Roofing 

 

Metal roofing shingles are made with either aluminum, steel, cooper, or a metal alloy. Metal roofs are the most energy efficient roofing options on the market, as they have the incredible ability to reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. This limits your cooling costs and provides tons of energy savings. The best part is a metal roof can last anywhere from 50 to 75 years! They are rain, rot, wind, fire, and hail resistant making them great choices for areas with harsh weather. Keep in mind that these roofs are not invincible however, and denting can occur if large enough hail makes contact with your roof. 

 

Some other cons of metal roofing is the noise. Rain is considerably louder on metal roofing shingles compared to other roofing types. Metal is also one of the most expensive roofing options, costing anywhere from $265 to $375 per 100 square feet. One option is using metal shingles when reroofing over your old roof, as this will keep you from having to pay for the tearing off of your old roof. Luckily the repair and replacement of individual metal roofing shingles is quite DIY friendly due to their flexibility and strength. 

 

Slate roofing 

 

Slate roofing shingles are a combination of a sleek and rugged look. They are heat, hail, and water resistant, but what makes them stand out the most is their durability. Slate a material that is possibly the least likely to have a leak. These roofs can last from 50 years up to 100 years no matter where you live, and they can withstand the weight of lots of snow. These roofs usually cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 per 100 square feet. Keep in mind that the price of these types of roofs can change depending on the weight of the material, difficulty of transportation and the scarcity of the companies in your area that install slate roofing shingles. 

 

One of the most important things to do is to consult a roofing expert before deciding on slate shingles. Some homes simply cannot withstand the weight of slate roofing, and installing it may impact the integrity of your home. 

 

Clay and Concrete roofing 

 

Clay or concrete shingles are molded into a curved shape and cut into tiles. They come in many different colors and are popular in southern europe and the southern United States. Clay is non-fading and is non combustible, and concrete can reflect sunlight and provides great insulation. 

 

Both of these choices require the help of a structural expert, as they are both very heavy options and are not suited for all roofs. Typically, this type of roof will need extra framing and labor. The cost will range from $300 to $1,000 per 100 square feet. Clay tiles can even be 30 to 50 percent more expensive than that range. However, a clay or concrete roof will last for up to 50 years, and is easily repaired with roofing cement. Keep in mind that replacing these tiles is very difficult, due to the weight and limited impact resistance. 

 

Composite Shingles 

 

Composite shingles are made from either rubber, plastic, or a form of polymer. They come in a variety of colors and usually cost $300 per 100 square feet. These shingles are non-fading and can last 50 years or even longer. They are resistant to heat, impact, and fire. This does fluctuate depending on their resistance rating however. Composite shingles are also moss and UV resistant. 

 

The main downfall of composite shingles is that they provide less insolation than other materials. This may increase your heating and cooling costs. They are also known to be an investment. Low cost composite shingles are prone to absorbing water and can freeze or warp your roof. Another thing to keep in mind is that composite is a rare form of material. If you find a roofer that has the ability to install one, be prepared to commit to that roofer, as it may be hard to find another one that knows how to work with that material properly. 

 

Find a quality roofer near you

 

If you have any more questions regarding roofing materials, anything else roofing related, or simply want a free roofing estimate, contact the local roofing experts at Integrity roofing and exteriors. We have been serving the Southern Illinois and Western Tennessee regions for many years, and we would be happy to serve you. Contact us today or find us on Facebook!