Roofing projects are expensive, so you must get them right. One of the most important parts of your roof you need to install is your shingles. If you’re looking to replace your shingles, you need a guide to help you make the right decision—this is the guide for you. Check out our examination of the different types, styles, and benefits of roofing shingles below.
Different Types of Shingles
To begin our analysis, we’ll discuss some differences between the many kinds of shingles. Some are more common than others, and they all have their benefits. Here are some of the most common types.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common. Take a short walk around the neighborhood; if you look up, you’re bound to see some. Their versatility is unmatched. They’re fiberglass reinforced and go with virtually any architectural style. Plus, they’re relatively cheap—you’ll only pay between $300 and $600 in total. Because people get this kind of roof so often, you probably won’t have to alert your Homeowner Association since you’ll be installing the same roof as everyone else.
Aluminum Shingles
Aluminum shingles are perfect for houses in hot climates. They’re excellent because of their wind, fire, and impact resistance. They’re also environmentally friendly because they are recyclable. You don’t have to use nonrenewable resources if you don’t want to. Instead, you can do your part to save the environment.
Standing Seam Metal
Standing seam metal is incredibly durable and versatile. You can get this type of roof in a variety of colors and choices. They come in snap-lock, mechanical seam, batten panel, and nail/fastener flange. These models reflect the sun, keeping your home cool in summer. It’s also the perfect type of roof to place solar panels on if you want to go eco-friendly.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles give your home a unique look. They’re classic and timeless, and the shingles look amazing as the rays of sunlight move against them. They’re one of the most energy-efficient styles on this list and insulate well against the elements and noise throughout the year. However, they require frequent maintenance and may not be recommended in your state due to building codes. Please check with your Homeowner Association and your building code information to ensure your roof is up to standard.
Styles of Shingles
In addition to the shingle types, there are also shingle styles. It’s up to you what style of shingle you will use, but ultimately, these styles will give your home a distinct and memorable look. They also have many practical uses, which you’ll read more about below.
Mission Tile
The Spanish mission roof tile is highly popular. It’s made of concrete, handmade, or industrial terracotta or glass. It bears a pattern that looks like ripples over a cool lake. Its style is perfect for warmer climates, where you’re most likely to see it. California has many houses in this style.
French Tile
This type of roof is also called the “mansard roof.” It has more hips than valleys, though it can include the latter. French tiles have an advantage over the others in allowing extra space for an attic. This is perfect if you have a house that needs that extra storage space.
Spanish Tile
Spanish tile is homemade, and the waves in its design characterize it. It can be either clay or ceramic. It’s based on traditional Spanish designs, and you’ll most often see it in Arizona and places in Central America. It’s also incredibly durable, lasting for upward of 100 years. Make sure you get a certified roofer to help you install this type of roof—this isn’t a DIY project. If you did it on your own, you could potentially mess up your roof since the design is so intricate.
Wood Tiles
There are several grades for wood tiles. You have the first grade, which is the best. Lumber mills take it from a tree’s heartwood, and it has virtually no defects. You can use it to construct roofing and sidewalls. The second grade comes from flat grain. This kind of wood has a minimum amount of sapwood, and knots and defects are allowed. It’s typically used for reroofing. The third grade includes flat grain and sapwood. You can find a small number of defects and knots above the clear portion. It’s used for garden sheds, gazebos, and outbuildings.
Benefits of Roof Shingles
There are quite a few benefits of roof shingles. They’re lightweight and can be used on most residential roofs, as well as those that aren’t able to support stone or clay tiles. This is important because shingles lend themselves to versatility.
There are also many design options to choose from. We spoke a lot about them throughout this article. There are metal roof shingles, cedarwood shingles, and the most common, asphalt shingles. You can choose whichever design or type you want. Shingles can also come in different colors, giving you even more versatility.
Shingles are also energy efficient. This is because they have something called an “underlayment,” which is usually a piece of plywood installed directly on the roof deck that provides additional protection from the elements. This is important because it means that you’ll be cool during the summer, warm in the winter, and able to use your HVAC system less overall.
Another benefit of shingles is that they can withstand high winds. This is important for people in storm states where hurricanes, floods, and heavy winds are prominent. Some shingles can withstand up to 120 mph winds! When you have durable shingles, you won’t have to worry about repair costs often.
Finally, shingles can reduce external noise. This is key since hearing cars honking and people talking outside is a common annoyance for anyone trying to watch TV or sleep. Shingles block the noise due to the underlayment in the roof, which also insulates the home. You’ll find your house is a lot quieter overall when you have them installed.
There are many things to learn about the different types, styles, and benefits of shingles, and we hope this guide has taught you the basics. If you’re interested in learning more, shop Pro Home Services today! We’ll help you find the best roofing options for your needs!
