No home is complete without a top-notch roof, and no roof is ready without a set of excellent shingles to protect it. Whether you’re looking to renovate your home with a brand-new roof or just need to replace broken shingles, it’s a good idea to know all about the different types of shingles and roofing styles so you can choose the best ones. After all, different roof shingles have different benefits, downsides, and costs.

Not sure where to start? Today, let’s break down the best types of roof shingles for homes just like yours.

Popular Types of Shingles

There are many different types of shingles adorning residential homes, especially in states with a range of climates like Texas. That said, taking a tour around your local neighborhood or town will reveal that a handful of different shingle types tend to be more common than others.

Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles

Three-tab asphalt shingles are some of the most common and economical on the market today. They’re the standard shingles you see when you drive by lots of residential homes and small businesses. True to their name, three-tab asphalt shingles are laid in three “layers” of fiberglass felt, which are then coated with asphalt and other rough granules.

There’s a lot to like about three-tab asphalt shingles, ranging from their resilience to their classic appearance, and they can last for up to 20 years. When all else fails, three-tab asphalt shingles are an excellent “go-to” option when you don’t know what else to pick.

Advantages:

• Fairly cost-effective
• Can be installed in a lot of different colors
• Perfect for pairing with many different styles of homes

Downsides:

• Require regular inspections and maintenance and may need to be replaced after storms
• Not very eco-friendly

Asphalt Architectural Shingles

Asphalt architectural shingles, sometimes called dimensional asphalt shingles, have sleeker, more polished appearances compared to their three-tab counterparts. Still, architectural shingles are inexpensive, and they’re available in many different colors, designs, and styles.

The benefit? Architectural shingles can be cut into different shapes to fit unique roofs, making these top choices for homeowners with unique properties. The best architectural shingles will last for up to 30 years if well maintained.

Advantages:

• Look better than standard asphalt shingles
• Can be cut or designed in many different shapes
• Various colors and styles are available

Downsides:

• Like standard asphalt shingles, they can be vulnerable to environmental damage
• Require regular inspections and maintenance

Metal Roofing Shingles

Metal roofing shingles, which are usually made of steel, can look either like standard asphalt shingles or tiles. In either case, steel is resilient, so you can expect shingles made of this material to last for decades, even in the face of inclement weather and disasters like fires.

They’re neither the most expensive nor the most affordable shingles on the market, but they’re popular choices among many homeowners due to their low maintenance requirements. Just be sure to call an experienced contractor to install them properly!

Advantages:

• Very stylish
• Extremely resilient to different climates
• Relatively lightweight
• No need for intensive maintenance

Downsides:

• Not a very insulating material
• Requires experienced contractor to install

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are usually made of species like oak, pine, or cedar. Wood shingles can be pretty expensive, but they are extremely eco-friendly and even more durable than you may expect, holding up to impact damage from hazards like hail. Of course, they’re not nearly as resilient against hazards like fire.

Though wood shakes are often appealing because of how elegant and excellent they look, they require a lot of maintenance and regular inspections. Insects and rot will be regular problems, so you’ll need to commit to regular care for your shingles if you want to get your money’s worth out of them.

Advantages:

• Look amazing on most homes
• Resistant against some kinds of impact damage
• Should last for a long time if taken care of

Downsides:

• Require a lot of maintenance
• Can be expensive
• Not a good choice if you live in an area prone to wildfires

Clay Tiles

You can’t forget clay tiles, which are popular choices for homeowners with Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes. Clay tiles technically come in different shapes, such as flat or scalloped, but all have the same primary advantages, like fire resistance, insect resistance, and long “lifespans.”

On top of that, clay tiles are good shingle choices since they’re natural insulators – they’ll keep your home warm or cool depending on the weather outside. Even so, keep in mind that clay tiles are expensive, especially compared to other shingle options!

Advantages:

• Very attractive appearance
• Generally eco-friendly
• Very resistant to rot, insects, and fire
• Natural insulators

Downsides:

• Can be quite pricey
• Very heavy and can be difficult to install

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles or shingles offer timeless aesthetic appeal plus environmental resistance to hazards like fire and insects. Slate, a natural stone, is usually found in colors like dark blue or gray, so it’s a good choice if your home already uses these shades.

Though they’re expensive, slate tiles last for decades if they’re taken care of. Just remember, they are also fairly heavy, so you’ll want to order a professional roofing inspection to ensure your property can handle the extra weight before installing them.

Advantages:

• Very durable and long-lasting
• Requires practically no maintenance
• Offers a very upscaled appearance to boost curb appeal

Downsides:

• Only available in a few colors
• Very heavy, so only certain homes can have slate tiles
• Can also be extremely expensive

Choosing the Best Type of Roof Shingles for Your Home

With so many different types of shingles to pick from, it can be tough for homeowners to know which ones to choose. Let’s explore the best shingles overall for different needs.

You Want Durability

Slate tiles, steel shingles, and clay tiles are the overall best shingle types for homeowners concerned with
resilience above all else. These tough shingles will turn away most damage, including harsh weather like
hail, and only occasionally require major maintenance.

You’re Focused on Longevity

When it comes to overall longevity, it’s tough to beat slate or stone tiles. These roofing solutions will last for several decades at the very least and possibly up to 100 years if you take care of them!

You’re Thinking About Price Point

Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective solutions for residential homes, bar none. At the same time, they’re reasonably durable and capable of safeguarding your roof even if they need be replaced more often. Metal shingles are a decent second option for those focused on price.

You’re Concerned About Eco-Friendliness

Wood shakes are the most eco-friendly shingles available, followed closely by slate tiles and clay tiles. That’s because wood is naturally biodegradable, so discarded wood shingles will be recycled by the environment when they are discarded.

You Need Aesthetic Appeal

If you want your roof to look as exceptional as possible, think about its current appearance! Wood shakes might not look the best on a home without wood walls or pillars, for instance. In contrast, a stone roof might look out of place on a property with mostly metal elements. If you still can’t make a decision, roofing professionals can help you select the ideal shingle type for curb appeal when they examine your property.

Conclusion

Ultimately, only you can choose the perfect shingles for your property. But one thing’s universal: you need capable professionals to install the shingles without issue, especially if your entire roof needs to be covered in new shingles.

That’s where Stonewater Roofing can help. As experienced roofing experts, we’re well-equipped and ready to help you with all your residential roofing needs. Our team can help you decide which shingle solution is ideal for your specific roof based on factors like cost, durability, or aesthetics – then tackle installation from start to finish!

Whether you need asphalt shingles, metal roofing, specialty tiles, or something else, we’re sure we can help. Schedule an assessment today to get started!