In a previous article, we discussed how to tell if you need to have your roof replaced. When it comes time for you to replace it, you will be presented with many different types of roof shingles and roofs to choose from. You may feel overwhelmed when you see the options and that is okay, you are not alone. This guide below will assist you in narrowing down what you need to know about the best shingles available.
It is important to choose quality shingles for your home as they do protect your home by acting as a barrier and they also work to keep your home insulated. Let’s dive right in.
Choosing the Best Shingles for Your Home
Before you can choose the best shingles for your home’s roof, you will want to make sure you compare the types, styles, and also the materials available to you. You also want to look at the following:
- Climate – Different materials and styles work better depending on the climate that they are in. For example:
- Temperature: Slate and metal do best in areas that receive very cold temperature or heavy snow fall. Fiberglass asphalt do best in all types of climates
- Wind: If you live in a climate that sustains high winds, you will find that there are shingles rated for wind and these will hold up best for you
- Budget – Your budget will guide you when it comes to the style and type of shingles you choose for your home. You can go from the cheapest option to some of the most luxurious ones – the choice is up to you
- Design – You want to make sure you choose something that matches your home’s exterior and style. For example, if your home is blue, you do not want to choose burgundy shingles. You will find that there are many options available, and you should be able to find something that matches your home’s exterior easily
- Roof Structure – Some shingles are more ideal than others as they are not too heavy. You will need to consider the weight of the shingles on your roof structure as you choose shingles
How Can I Buy My Roof Shingles?
All roof shingles are priced out by the square foot. However, you purchase them by the square, which means you do not purchase them by each square foot. Choosing where to purchase your roof shingles will make a difference. Deciding whether to hire a professional or do it yourself will change how you purchase the shingles.
DIY – If you plan to complete your roof replacement on your own, you will need to purchase the shingles from a home improvement store such as Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, and so on. You can even visit a roofing supply company to purchase your shingles
Professional Roofers – If you plan to hire a professional to carry out your roof replacement, you will go through the company to purchase the shingles. They will calculate how many shingles you will need and then purchase them for you. They will provide you with the estimated cost for the shingles too. You may be able to even receive additional discounts through the manufacturer they work with.
Types of Shingles
Below, you will find many of the most commonly used types of shingles along with the pros and cons of choosing each one.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles will provide your home with a unique yet classic and timeless look. While they do look nice, they are not always one of the first types of shingles recommended for homeowners due to being a fire hazard. These types of shingles do require upkeep and require an experienced technician to install.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient
- Can last up to 50 years
- Green choice
Cons:
- Can be hard to install
- Requires maintenance
- Prone to termites and mold
- Fire hazard
You can expect wood shingles to cost you anywhere between $350 and $800 per square.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are great for roofs that are flat or even steep. These shingles are made from a solid metal material, which means that they can take a good beating and are durable. When looking at the pricing of metal shingles, they are surprisingly very affordable, especially if you choose shingles crafted from a low galvanized metal material. Other types of metal shingles exist in copper, aluminum, tin, and zinc.
Pros:
- Good for high wind climates
- Can last up to 50 years
- Can extend life with a rubber coating applied
Cons:
- Noisy when there is rain or hail
- Does require a lot of attention and maintenance
You can expect metal shingles to cost you anywhere from $650 to $1,450 per square.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are some of the most commonly used style of shingles on homes. They come in three different grades, which include 3-tab, dimensional, and also luxury. Many of these types of shingles come with a 50-year warranty to help protect your investment. They also come with high wind and fire protection.
Pros:
- Meet Energy Standards
- Can mimic other materials such as tile, wood, or slate
- Comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles
Cons:
- Must be used on pitched roofs
- Do not last as long as other options out there
- Not a green option
You can expect asphalt shingles to cost you around $175 to $550 per square.
Clay Tile Shingles
If you are someone who wants a stylish roof, you will find that clay tiles deliver just that. These shingles can be molded into different shapes, and they can even be made to be different colors. Many Mediterranean and Spanish style homes sport these shingles.
Pros:
- Provides great insulation
- Green option
- Looks appealing
- Increases your home’s value
Cons:
- Not good in cold climates
- Expensive option
- Leaks can happen if a shingle is damaged
- Heavy material
You can expect clay tile shingles to cost you around $750 to $1,400 per square. On a side note, you do want to make sure you have your home’s structure looked at first before you settle on clay tile shingles, as they may be too heavy for your home.
Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are not always an ideal choice for homeowners because they are quite susceptible to issues such as repairs needing flashing replacements, loose fasteners, and replacing tiles. Slate is a heavy material and must be installed by a professional only.
Pros:
- Has great water damage resistance
- Can last up to 80 years or more
- Comes in a few different color options
Cons:
- Expensive to install and repair
- Damages easily
- Heavy material
You can expect slate shingles to cost somewhere between $900 and $2,100 per square. While these shingles cost more to install, their lifespan is almost double that of traditional shingles.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are EXPENSIVE, and they can cost you up to twice the cost of asphalt shingles plus solar panels on top. While they are quite pricey, they are a green option, and they will pay for themselves over time and become worth it.
Pros:
- Green option
- Worth the investment
Cons:
- Good for sunny climates only
- Expensive
You can expect solar shingles to cost anywhere from $2,000 to $2,600 per square.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are constructed from a mixture of paper, wood, recycled plastics, fiberglass, and asphalt. These are more costly than asphalt, but they do perform better, and they have a longer lifespan as well.
Pros:
- Lighter in weight than asphalt
- Last longer than asphalt
- Mimics all types of roofing shingles
- Long warranties offered
- Green option
Cons:
- More expensive than asphalt
- Not the best in cold climates
You can expect composite shingles to cost anywhere from $250 to $1,500 per square.
Which Shingles Are the Best?
Below, we will take a look at which shingles are the best.
- Extreme Cold Temperatures – Metal or Slate Shingles
- Eco-Friendly – Wood, Clay Tile, Composite, or Solar Shingles
- Extreme Heat Temperatures – Clay Tiles Shingles
- All-Around – Asphalt Shingles
- Extreme Wind – Slate, Clay Tile, and Metal Shingles
- Quietest – Clay Tile and Asphalt Shingles
- Longest Life – Slate and Clay Tile Shingles
- Lightest – Composite, Wood, and Metal Shingles
- Durable – Metal and Slate Shingles
- Quality – All Shingles
Below, we will take a look at the best shingle brands available on the market.
- Owens Corning
- Pabco
- Atlas
- Malarkey
- Brava
- Tamko
- GAF
- IKO
- Certainteed
Get the Best Rated Shingles for Your Home
Finding the best shingles for your home can be done with some research and asking questions to the right contractors. Now that you have a basic idea of the most commonly used and popular types of shingles, you can further your research and choose which one works best for you.
Remember, you want to choose something that meets your needs but also fits within your budget. Asphalt shingles are the most commonly seen ones on the market and on most homes. Clay tiles are another popular option too.
If you need help deciding on what shingles will best suit your home, talk to a local roofing contractor.