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The roofing system is one of the most significant structural features of a house . A layer of ceiling shingles on top of the ceiling chassis protect the Department of the Interior of the home from rain , snow , and other environmental stresses , allowing those inner to stay on safe and well-heeled .
There are many case of roof shingles , so choose one style can be a tangible challenge for many homeowners . This guide explain the machine characteristic of democratic type of zoster so it ’s easier to prefer the serious option for a home .
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Parts of a Shingle
It ’s helpful to empathise the dissimilar character of shingles , whether it ’s for choosing the dependable style that fit with a finicky theater building — or because you ’re about to instal a new cap on an existing rest home .
The most important part of the shingle are :
Types of Roof Shingles
The stick with are some of the most coarse type of roofing shingle on the market , as well as a few outmoded and up - and - come styles that are not quite as well known . Each case has its deservingness and drawbacks , but it ’s a good musical theme to become familiar with all type before decide which are best for your home .
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles , which are made of asphalt reinforced by fiberglass or organic materials like wood or cellulose , are sold in multiple sizes andcolorsin a thicker , multi - layered “ dimensional ” or “ architectural ” diversity ( pictured above ) and a flatter , thinner , single - layered “ 3 - tab ” smorgasbord . These eccentric of shingle are the least expensive and most widely available , cost around $ 1.00 per straightforward foot and $ 100 per square toes ( a roofing measurement equivalent to 100 square feet of material)—not let in any extra insulation , underlayment , or labor — and lasting 15 to 30 year or more . However , they can take 300 or more years to amply decompose , so they are n’t the most sustainable choice .
Asphalt shingles are also waterproof , fireproof ( fiberglass more so than organic ) , flexible enough to hold out the weight of snow , and resilient in small to moderate hail storms in the vitrine of those with a Class 3 or higher encroachment - resistance paygrade ( Class 4 being the in high spirits rating ) .
The downside to asphalt zoster is that they can buckle and come loose when they are exposed to eminent nothingness and sudden temperature fluctuation . luckily , when belittled resort are necessary , the clean weight of these shake piddle them easy for homeowners to lift up and substitute individually , or simply re - cling blown - off shingles by add roof cementum above and below them .
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Best For : Budget - friendly traditional homes and non - severe weather locationsOur Recommendation : Timberline Natural Shadow Architectural Shingles on Home Depot for $ 42 per bundle .
Timberline ’s Architectural Shingles are a budget - favorable selection that also feature algae protection and get along in a mixed bag of colors .
2. Wood Shingles
forest shinglesare motorcar - cut from cedar , spruce , or ache to extend a well-kept yet natural - looking and environmentally - friendly option that go 20 to 25 days . Plus , this type of shingle comes at an sparing price point : It costs more than asphalt and less than Henry Clay / concrete and composite tiles , at $ 4.88 per square foot ( $ 480 per square ) according toHome Advisor .
But unless you choose Sir Henry Joseph Wood shingles with a Class A attack rating , these shingles are n’t fit for extremely live and ironic or wet climates , as they ’re vulnerable to fire , bunk , hail , andtermites — any of which can make them to chip , crack , or part . Installing them in the Great Plains is your best bet so long asthe fervor codification in your regiondoesn’t forbid their installation .
Best For : Rustic homes and outdoor structures , not including hot regionsOur Recommendation : Consult with a roofing provider
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3. Metal Shingles
alloy shingles — lie in of Al , blade , copper , or an alloy stamped into a variety of shapes — are among the most energy - effective of all shingle types . Why ? They reflect sunlight rather than take in it , and thereby lour cooling monetary value throughout their farseeing life of 50 to 75 year . They can also be recycled , so they are a more sustainable pick than mineral pitch .
Their resistance to pelting , putrefaction , wind , fervency , and hail make metallic element shingle an apt pick for home in the rain - battered Northwest or Southeast . It ’s deserving noting , though , that some of this precipitation can have otherconsequences for metal roofs : Hail can dent sword shingles , while rain fathom louder on a metal ceiling than the average roof ( unless you ’ve instal additional layers solid sheathing or detachment beneath these shingles for an extra cost ) . Overall , metal shinglescost more than either asphalt or wood shingles , on the order of $ 3 to $ 18 per square animal foot ( $ 300 to $ 1,800 per square ) .
substantially For : family in the Northwest and SoutheastOur good word : Consult with a roofing provider
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4. Slate Shingles
slating shingles ’ slick yet rugged composing contributes to their elegance and strength . While the heat- , hail- , and moisture - resistant , incombustible shingle with a low propensity for making water last anywhere from 50 to 100 years in all climates , their capacity to withstand large intensity of C. P. Snow makes them the best choice for homes in the Midwest . They are also a more sustainable selection than other materials , like mud and concrete .
This type of roof can run $ 8 to $ 18 per straight foot ( $ 1,100 to $ 2,000 per lame ) , not including additional expense incurred due to their heavy weight , the penury for extra framing during installation , and the comparative scarcity of companies that install them .
Note that certain roof structure just ca n’t withstand the weight of slate shingles . confer with a structural engineer before initiation . Afterward , entrust repairing or interchange individual shinglesto the prosto avoid injure yourself under their weight .
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well For : Historical homes and luxury usage homesOur Recommendation : Consult with a roofing supplier
5. Clay Shingles
Henry Clay shake — determine out into flat , gun barrel - shape ( pictured above ) , or scallop tiles of different colors — are popular in Spanish - style homes in the Southwest . corpse is also noncombustible and non - fading , and it ’s innocent of pollutants . They are a sustainable pick , too , given that the shingles consist of just body of water and clay .
Roofs made with this type of shingle warrant a interview with a structural engineer to ensure the home can support their weight . Typically , a roof will still require special framing during installation to support a clay - tile cap .
When all is say and done , though , you may await a price of anywhere from $ 8 to $ 18 per square foot ( $ 800 to $ 1,800 per square ) and an investment that lasts from 40 to 50 yr , or better . you’re able to repair these tiles on your own with roofing cementum , but individually replacing them on your own is difficult due to the weight and limited impact impedance of private tiles .
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Best For : Homes in warm , dry clime , like the SouthwestOur Recommendation : confer a local roofing supplier
6. Concrete Shingles
With a history extending more than 150 years and sustainable ingredients from the earth , concrete tilesare also a long - lasting roofing material . They are used in similar applications as Lucius DuBignon Clay shingle , but they reflect sunlight better than Lucius Clay tile roofing and in effect insulate interiors well from heat and cold . What ’s more , concrete is less expensive — about $ 2 to $ 4 per square invertebrate foot — than the Great Compromiser shingles . The downside to concrete shingles is , well , they ’re made of concrete — these shingles librate more than their cadaver counterparts , and can be more workplace to instal .
There is a all-inclusive option of people of colour and expressive style that can mimic a variety of other roofing materials as they can be easily colored and textured . Even though they are mostly known for roof homes in the Southwest , they can run well in northern climates . And when the concrete is topically sourced , these shingles are a sustainable choice .
Best For : Dry and strong climates where cost is a factorOur passport : Consult a local roofing supplier
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7. Composite Shingles
Composite shingles , which are made of polymer , rubber , or plastic and sell in a variety of colour and dash , convincingly mimic the looking and sense of shingles made of natural materials such as wood or slating . These shingles retain their colour over their life of 50 - plus years , are heat- and impact - resistant to varying degree ( those with a Class - A fire rating and Class-4 impact - resistance military rank bid the good underground to fire and hail ) . The ingredients shape the level of sustainability , and additive in some composite shingles contribute them additional defenses such as moss and UV electrical resistance . Composite shingle cost between $ 7 to $ 14 per square foot install .
One disadvantage of composite zoster is that they usually offer less insulant than the materials they mime , which will raise your heating or cool costs . And , while they ’re suited for installation in all climates , grim - timbre composite shingles — which can be prone to occupy water — may souse , freeze , and warp more cursorily in locating that frequently experience rain or regular cycles of freezing and warming .
A relative scarcity of roofers experienced with this jolly new eccentric of shake can also make it sly to achieve a quality installation . It ’s also important to note that composite shingles are dispute to find , and shopper will have to consult roofing suppliers .
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Best For : householder who want downhearted - maintenance ticket - look roofs without the disbursement , or Grant Wood - look roofs with secure fire ratingsOur Recommendation : Consult a roofing supplier
8. 3-Tab Shingles
Three - tabloid shingle are among the most typical shingle designs . These shingles are made from asphalt , and each shingle has two dent in the exposure , creating the look of three item-by-item tabs . Once installed , the courses on top typically land just below the top of the twat , giving the roof the show that it consists of individual zoster .
Three - pill shingles are some of the least expensive shingles on the grocery store , and run about $ 1 per square foot ( $ 100 per square ) . They ’re usually single - layered ( unlike architectural herpes zoster ) , which take them lighter and easier to work with . However , they have generally lower wind impedance and shorter service of process lives and warranty stop than other types of shingles , which head to more roofing in landfills for hundreds of years . Since they are low-priced and can work on most types of home , they ’re still a very popular option .
good For : Budget - friendly initiation in low - wind areasOur Recommendation : GAF Three - Tab Shingles on The Home Depot for $ 39 per bundle
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GAF ’s Three - Tab shingle are low-priced , volunteer alga protective cover , and feature a 25 - class warranty .
9. Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are a type of asphalt shingle made with layers of material . They ’re call architectural shingle because their shingle layer give the roof a grain or property that low - end three - tab shingles do not . They ’re commonly found on a wide stove of home , and there are varying degrees of quality .
Architectural zoster are made from layers of fiberglass lusterlessness laminate together to create astuteness . They ’re then coated with mineral pitch . They ’re heavier and more expensive than 3 - tab shingle ( typically around $ 5 per square foundation and well north of $ 400 per square ) but due to their thickness and national flag , they ’re stronger and last longer so they are a more sustainable option than 3 - check . They can also hold out jazz and other environmental encroachment better than 3 - tab herpes zoster , allowing manufacturers to offer longer warrant periods ( up to 50 years , in some cases ) .
well For : Most dwelling panache and area , on both newer and older homesOur Recommendation : GAF Timberline HDZ at The Home Depot for $ 43.47 per bundle
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With a lifetime warrant , a fart - immunity of 150 mph , and 25 - twelvemonth algae resistance , Timberline ’s HDZ shingles are an excellent pick .
10. Aluminum Shingles
Aluminum shingles can be a keen alternative for kinfolk who want a low - maintenance roof . These roofing systems are generally one of the more expensive options , but due to aluminum ’s rust fungus and rot resistance , they can last for years in moist or wet environment . They come in a wide mountain range of styles so they can fit almost any home style , but they typically mimic overlapping architectural or wood - look zoster .
There are a lot of benefits to choosing atomic number 13 shingles . These roof shake are flaming - immune , long-wearing , and have 50 - year warranties . They ’re also lightweight so most cap frame can hold them , and environmentally conscious householder will appreciate that aluminum shingles are recyclable . All of this upside does fall at a cost , however : Aluminum roofing shingles are expensive ( $ 4 to $ 11 per square ft and $ 400 to $ 1,100 per public square ) .
Like many roofing material , atomic number 13 shingles are a specialty item and will necessitate buy at through a specialty roofing provider .
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Best For : Regions that experience a hatful of precipitationOur Recommendation : confab a roofing provider
11. Rubber Shingles
Rubber shingle are some of the most interesting roof shingle on the market . These merchandise are typically made from recycled tire and other material , which make them more environmentally friendly than many other ceiling types . Rubber shingles are also comparatively thickset , which allows them to well mimic a natural roofing shingle like slating or cedar .
Rubber roofing zoster are exceedingly impact resistive , and many wo n’t crack or fade over time . They ’re capable of withstanding exceedingly high farting and offer an effective sound barrier . However , India rubber shingles are dense and expensive ( ranging from $ 3.25 to $ 14 per square metrical foot or $ 6,400 to $ 12,400 for 1,500 straightforward feet ) , which will make them a nonstarter for some homeowner . These shingles are difficult to find , too , because most rubber shingles are design for side applications . shopper view this type of roof will have to confabulate a roofing supplier .
Best For : Environmentally conscious homeowners , loud neighborhoods , and expanse that experience extreme weatherOur Recommendation : confabulate a roofing provider
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12. PVC Roof Tiles
Believe it or not , plastic roofing is a matter . Composite PVC shingles exist , and these products are designed to look like terra cotta , slate , and other high - end roofing material . PVC shingles are generally made from recycled plastic , making them a good pick for environmentally conscious shoppers .
The downside is that PVC roof zoster are n’t exceptionally durable — they can become very brickly in dusty weather , in fact . The upside is they ’re lightweight , easy to enchant , and many offer 50 - year warranties . Just recognise that these products are more expensive than standard shingle ( $ 8.50 to $ 14.50 per square human foot ) , so you ’d be knowing to shop around .
Note : While PVC roofing panels are widely usable for greenhouses , shed , and other app , PVC tile are more difficult to find . Shoppers will have to confer with a roofing supplier .
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comfortably For : Environmentally conscious homeowners who live in warm climatesOur Recommendation : confer with a roofing provider
13. Cedar Wood Shingles
Cedar Mrs. Henry Wood shingle are some of the most traditional shingles on the market , but they ’re not as popular as they once were . These shingle ’ most pop exercise is for turnout , which has a rustic , beach - inspired look as it ages ( if you ’ve ever been to Cape Cod , you know what we think ) . However , there are cedar woods shingles meant for roofs , as well .
While cedar tree is insect- and rot - repellent , it ’s more expensive than asphalt ( at about $ 4.88 per square metrical foot ) and is not sustainment detached . Cedar shingles necessitate to be sealed every 5 geezerhood or so , and they do n’t last forever . For this ground , many shoppers resolve to go with a composite material that looks like cedar rather than cedar itself . Still , there will always be homeowners who are give out for the rustic spirit , or love the gray color these shingles become as they mature . For these shopper , cedar zoster will always be a not bad choice .
cedarwood wood shingles made for roofs are becoming more and more difficult to recover on home improvement store shelf . shopper may need to consult a roofing supplier for a shake that ’s designed for roof app , and they necessitate to also check their local edifice codification to ensure they ’re code compliant .
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Best For : hick edifice and outdoor structuresOur Recommendation : Consult a roofing supplier
14. Steel Shingles
While most homeowners know about fend wrinkle alloy roofing , they might be surprised to eff that there is such a matter as sword zoster . Much of the surprise is due to the fact that steel shingles take care so much like received herpes zoster that telling the two apart can be a challenge . However , steel shingles are worth considering due to their lastingness and impact- , wind- , and rot - resistance .
Steel shingles arequite eco - friendly . They ’re often made of a high percentage of recycled material , and when the ceiling has race its track , they ’re 100 percent reclaimable . These shingles come in a wide range of colour and designs , and are even desirable for re - enshroud roof without removing existing shingles . The big drawback to steel shingles is that they are clean expensive ( $ 4 to $ 20 per square foot ) and unmanageable to find , so shoppers will , again , have to confab a roof supplier .
Best For : Environmentally witting homeowners , cap recovering , gamy - wet regionsOur Recommendation : confabulate a roofing provider
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15. Standing Seam Shingles
stand seam roofing usually add up in large panels that are 12 or 16 feet farsighted , but standing seam shingles are dissimilar . While they ’re made of the same fabric ( steel , aluminium , bull , and other standardised metals ) , standing seam shingles are much little . They usually come in patch that are 36 inches long , and the upper course laps the low line likewise to how a standard asphalt shingle cap does . The seams also overlap each other , creating a strong , lasting roofing system for a broad range of environments and region , admit high - tip , high - hurry , and other area .
Steel shingles are n’t widely uncommitted at the time of issue , and that ’s typically their biggest drawback — along with a more expensive price shred ( start at about $ 8 to $ 21 per solid base ) . shopper can essay their local roofing provider , but it might take some effort to track down these material .
well For : Most environs , region , and moisture levelsOur Recommendation : confab a roofing supplier
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16. Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are some of the biggest forward motion in roofing applied science over the last few years . Rather than the householder installing large , obtrusive panel , they can install solar shingles , which mime the look of standard shingle while also providing king to the home ’s grid via sunlight .
Solar shingles are expensive so shoppers ask to know that they could potentially expend a lot of money on this labor . However , with adequate sunlight , it might be an idea deserving study .
Beyond the expense ( about $ 21 per square animal foot ) , homeowners also need to understand that these are not generally DIY - friendly projects . Solar shake require an experient bunch that knows how to install them . They ’re also not readily usable for residential leverage yet .
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Best For : Off - grid homes , environmentally conscious homeownersOur Recommendation : confer a strong point roofing installer
17. Copper Shingles
Copper shake are really just a subcategory of the metallic element shingle we note above . These shingles are undestroyable and weather condition - resistant . Cu arrest very trivial branding iron , however , so it will not corrode over time like some other metal material will . Copper may oxidize and turning green , but this does n’t affect its ability to protect a home as a roofing material .
Copper shingle come in a few varieties , but most have some type of interlocking installation system . Keep in mind that bull roofing is very expensive ( $ 20 to $ 40 per square fundament ) , and not all roofing company will be able to install it . If you could swing the price , you ’re put for a century : These shingle can last for 100 long time , according to some experts , and can be a neat addition to an erstwhile , historical home . Copper shingles can also work well on b and other outdoor structures that gain from metal roofing . This is another cap shake type that can be unmanageable to find — again , shoppers should check with a local roofing provider or installer .
easily For : historic homes , barns , and other outdoor structuresOur Recommendation : confabulate a roofing supplier or installer
Photo: istockphoto.com
18. Impact-Resistant Shingles
encroachment - immune shingle , also known as Class 4 herpes zoster , are engineered to hold out hail impingement and other harm without ill effect , which is something most shingles can not offer . They generally contain a polymer meshing and prophylactic polymers , making these shingles exceedingly indestructible . The good news is that shock - repellent shingles can also be affordable , with impact - immune architectural shingles running about $ 13 per hearty pes and $ 130 per square .
Impact - insubordinate shingles are commonly available in a variety of styles like architectural or three - tab , and many unlike people of colour . These shingles are so stylish that it ’s not possible to tell a Class 4 roofing shingle from a standard shake from a home ’s front yard . Some motley are also resistant to alga and high winds , make them a with child option for almost any region of the country .
Best For : Most applications in any area of the state , peculiarly where hail or other environmental impacts are common .
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Our Recommendation : Owens Corning Oakridge at Lowe ’s for $ 37.98 per bundleOwens Corning Oakridge architectural shingle feature a Class 4 military rating , a 130 - miles per hour wind electric resistance , and algae protection at a reasonable price period .
Final Thoughts
Knowing about the different types of shingles helps homeowner choose the stuff they find to be most worthy for their homes . Just be indisputable to weigh out the pros and cons of each shake and the conditions for which they ’re well befit . For more information on roofing , mark off out this guide oninstalling a new roofor this scout onreplacing roof zoster .
Everything You take for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your gage green and your industrial plant thriving does n’t just take a green pollex — it starts with the right shaft and supplying .
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