15 Types of Roof Shingles: The Ultimate Roof Replacement Guide
When it comes time for your roof replacement project, navigating through the types of roof shingles that are best for your home can be a time consuming undertaking. There are so many types of roof shingles to choose from, and each of them have different pros and cons as well as different costs. It can very quickly get overwhelming.
There are about 15 different types of roof shingles on the market that you can choose for your roof replacement project. Roof replacement is a big investment, and it is always a good idea to set the proper expectations going into such a project. Below we will break down the different types of roof shingles, their approximate costs, and briefly describe what makes them unique.
Costs of Different Types of Roof Shingles
| Roof Shingle Types | Cost per Square (100sq.ft.) | Average Installation Cost (2000sq.ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Shingles (Asphalt) | $350 to $460 | $7000 to $9200 |
| Architectural Shingles (Asphalt) | $475 to 700 | $9500 to $14,000 |
| Designer Shingles (Asphalt) | $700 to $1800 | $14,000 to $36,000 |
| Class 4 Impact Resistant (Asphalt) | $600 to $1100 | $12,000 to $22,000 |
| Class 4 Impact Resistant (Designer Asphalt) | $900 to $2000 | $18,000 to $40,000 |
| Standing Seam Metal | $1200 to $1800 | $24,000 to $36,000 |
| Flat Roofing | $1000 to $1600 | $20,000 to $32,000 |
| Corrugated Steel | $550 to $850 | $11,000 to $17,000 |
| Synthetic Slate | $1350 to $1800 | $27,000 to $36,000 |
| Composite Shake | $1350 to $1850 | $27,000 to $37,000 |
| Cedar Handsplit Shake | $1700 to $2200 | $24,000 to $32,000 |
| Cedar Tapersawn Shake | $1800 to $2300 | $36.000 to $46,000 |
| Slate Tile | $1750 to $2200 | $35,000 to $44,000 |
| Stone Coated Steel Shingles | $1900 to $2400 | $38,000 to $48,000 |
| Copper Roofing | $3800 to $4800 | $76,000 to $96,000 |
What Are Roof Shingles?
Roof shingles are a building material that protects your home’s roof decking and roof framing from exposure to the elements by allowing water to shed down your roof into your gutter system. Roof shingles typically consist of individual overlapping tabs which provide a surface for water and snow to run off of. This layer of materials lays on top of the roofing underlayment, the roof sheathing and roof framing.
Roof shingles are a vital part of keeping your roofing system safe for long periods of time. Since the individual rows of roof shingles overlap each other, water runs down one shingle onto the next, and so on until it ends up running off the eave and into your gutters. This keeps the plywood sheathing on your roof from getting wet and rotting, which in turn prevents the framing wood from becoming compromised. Roof shingles also protect the roof deck and framing against impacts, heavy winds, and the suns UV rays.
There are several types of roof shingles – all with different aesthetics, costs, and benefits. Below we will briefly describe what different types of roof shingles to expect to see when you are starting the roof replacement process.
Asphalt Shingles - 3 Tab Shingles, Architectural Shingles, and Designer Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofing is by far the most popular type of roof shingles used on residential roofs in the United States. Asphalt shingles can be manufactured to resist algae growth, strengthened to protect against hail damage – and can even lower your insurance costs with impact resistant shingles such as Landmark ClimaFlex. Asphalt shingles are affordable, easy to install, and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Asphalt shingles, like all different types of shingles, are meant to be installed on roofs of a 3/12″ pitch or higher and are designed to help protect your home the weather by allowing your roof to shed water down to your eaves. They require little to no maintenance if installed correctly, and have the largest color selection of all types of roof shingles on the market. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of asphalt shingles you can have installed on your roof.
3-Tab Shingles
Also known as traditional shingles, 3-tab shingles are a type of asphalt shingle that are characterized by their flat, uniform shape and three distinct tabs or sections. They are the most basic and economical type of asphalt shingle and were the staple of the asphalt roof shingle industry until the end of the 20th century. 3-tab shingles are typically 36 inches long and 12 inches wide and are made from a single layer of asphalt-coated fiberglass or cellulose. They are relatively easy to install and come in a variety of colors and styles to match different architectural styles.
Their main disadvantage is that they have a shorter lifespan compared to architectural shingles, they are less durable and less resistant to high winds, and they don’t offer the same level of aesthetic diversity as architectural shingles. They are also less visually appealing than architectural shingles, which can make them less desirable for homeowners who are looking for a more attractive roofing option.
3-tab shingles are the most affordable option among the different types of roof shingles; however, they come with some major drawbacks. Their lifespan, even in ideal conditions, is only 10-20 years, and – due to their design – they are very susceptible to blowing off in stronger than normal winds.
Architectural Shingles and Designer Shingles
Architectural shingles, also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, are a type of asphalt shingle that is thicker and more durable than three-tab shingles. They are designed to mimic the look of wood, slate, or other natural materials, and they have a more textured, dimensional appearance than three-tab shingles. Architectural shingles do have a standard dimensional design; however, they are also available in designer and luxury offerings – such as the Belmont and Grand Manor shingles.
Architectural shingles are made up of multiple layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass or cellulose, which gives them added strength and durability. They are typically longer and wider than three-tab shingles, which allows them to have a more varied look. They come in a variety of colors and styles to match different architectural styles. While architectural shingles are more resistant to high winds, heavy rain, and other harsh weather conditions than three-tab shingles, they are also more expensive. Because they offer a greater level of durability, aesthetic appeal, and over double the lifespan, they have become a popular choice among the different types of roof shingles available for home roof replacement.
In summary, architectural shingles are a type of asphalt shingles that are thicker, more durable, and have a more textured, dimensional appearance than 3-tab shingles, giving them a more natural and aesthetic look. While more expensive than traditional 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles have a longer lifespan, are more resistant to harsh weather conditions, and come which much better warranties, such as those offered by Odyssey Roofing’s Landmark and Landmark Pro CertainTeed shingles.
Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles
Certain manufacturers, such as CertainTeed, offer Class 4-rated asphalt shingles as an upgrade to their standard architectural and designer line of shingles. Upgrading to Class 4 is one of the best things you can do to protect your roof from the weather conditions common in the Midwest, and insurance companies usually recognize this by lowering your monthly premium on homeowners insurance. Class 4 is the highest rating that different types of shingles can obtain.
DaVinci Slate and Shake Shingles
Among the different types of roof shingles, DaVinci Roofscapes is a leader in the manufacturing of composite roofing shingles. These shingles are made from a mixture of polymer and recycled materials and are designed to mimic the appearance of natural slate or wood shake shingles. One of the best features of DaVinci shingles is the durability that comes with their advanced polymer construction. DaVinci shingles have a Class 4 impact rating and a Class A fire rating – both of which are the highest rating roofing materials can obtain. The high impact resistance rating means that DaVinci shingles will not suffer from the brittleness that comes naturally due to the weight of natural slate, and the unique polymer construction means that DaVinci shake will not be subject to curling, cracking, or rotting that is common among cedar shake that is not taken proper care of.
DaVinci shingles are known for their durability and longevity. They are resistant to cracking, splitting, and fading and can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. In addition, they are lightweight and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. DaVinci shingles come in a variety of colors and styles and can be used to create a unique and attractive roof design. They are also environmentally friendly and can help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Overall, DaVinci shingles are a durable and attractive option for homeowners who want the look of natural slate or wood shingles without maintenance and upkeep.
Stone-Coated Steel Shingles
Stone-Coated Steel roofing shingles are a recent addition to the different types of roof shingles on the market and have become very popular in the Midwest. Stone-Coated Steel roofing shingles combine the strength and durability of steel with a granule-coated look to mimic designer asphalt shingles. Being made from steel, the shingles themselves are quite strong and resilient enough to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide protection for your home for many years – but is designed in a way to offer beautiful shingle, shake, and tile profiles. They are available in a variety of styles and colors, so you can choose the option that best fits your home and personal preferences.
Odyssey Roofing offers four distinct profiles that will enhance any home’s curb appeal and value while providing durability, performance, and protection that will last a lifetime. All profiles and styles come with the following:
- Transferable 50-Year Limited Warranty
- Class 4 Hail Impact Resistance
- Hurricane Performance Rated
- Class A Fire Rating
- Lightweight (1.4 lbs per sq ft)
- Energy Efficient
Metal and Copper Roofs
While not techinically falling into the category of a “shingle”, standing seam metal and other types of panel metal roof types serve the same purpose. Here are several types of metal roofing materials on the market, including:
Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight and durable metal that is resistant to corrosion. It is a popular choice for metal roofing due to its low cost and long lifespan.
Steel: Steel is a strong and durable metal that is commonly used for metal roofing. It is available in a variety of colors and styles, and can be coated with a protective layer to help prevent rust and corrosion.
Standing seam: A standing seam ro is a type of metal roofing system in which the roofing panels are attached to the roof deck using hidden fasteners. This creates a clean, sleek appearance with no visible screws or nails. Standing seam roofs are typically made from metal, such as aluminum, steel, or copper. The metal panels are pre-formed into long, narrow strips that are installed in parallel rows running the length of the roof. The panels are attached to the roof deck using a special clip or fastener that holds the panels in place, while allowing them to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Copper: Copper is a soft and malleable metal that is known for its durability and longevity. Copper roofing is more expensive than other types of metal roofing, but it is also highly resistant to corrosion and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Conclusion
Each different type of roof shingle has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. From everyone at Odyssey Roofing and Odyssey Home Remodeling, we hope that this article has been helpful for you and that your are better able to navigate through the different types of roof shingles you may be presented with during your roof replacement process.
Common Questions About Types Of Roof Shingles
3 tab shingles are a type of shingle that has a flat, rectangular shape. They are typically the most affordable option among the types of roof shingles, however tend to have the shortest lifespan and lowest wind rating.
3-Tab shingles have a short lifespan of between 15-20 years on average, making them the the type of roof shingle that will have to be replaced the soonest.
Architectural shingles are a type of asphalt shingle that has a three-dimensional appearance, giving the roof a textured, layered look. They are more expensive than 3-tab shingles, however less expensive in general among all the types of roof shingles. They have a lifespan of anywhere from 20-50 years depending on the quality of the roof installation and the quality of materials used in roof replacement.
Architectural shingles lifespan has a wide range depending on the type of shingles used and the quality of the installation. They can range anywhere from 20-50 years. Learn more about architectural shingles on our residential roof page.
Architectural shingles are available in a wide range of colors, from neutral tones to bold hues. Check out our the shingle color selection in our residential roofing section.
Class 4 impact resistant shingles are a type of roofing material that has been tested to withstand hail and other impacts.
Class 4 impact resistant shingles typically have a lifespan of 30-50 years.
No, class 4 impact resistant shingles do not require any special maintenance beyond regular roof inspections.
Stone coated steel metal roofing shingles are a type of roofing material that are made from steel that has been coated with a layer of stone chips to give the appearance of natural slate or tile.
Stone coated steel metal roofing is a very durable material and can last up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance. Many manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, depending on the specific product and installation.
Stone coated steel metal roofing is available in a wide range of styles and colors to match different architectural styles and preferences. Some popular styles include shake, tile, and shingle, while colors range from earth tones to brighter shades.
To find a reputable installer for stone coated steel metal roofing, it is important to do some research and ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other professionals in the building industry. Be sure to check the installer’s credentials and reviews, and ask for references and examples of past projects.
Odyssey Roofing specializes in metal roof installation and is proud to have helped many happy customers.
DaVinci slate and shake shingles are a type of roofing material that are designed to look like natural slate or cedar shake, but are made from a synthetic material.
DaVinci slate and shake shingles typically have a lifespan of 40 years or more.
Yes, DaVinci slate and shake shingles are made from a recyclable material and are themselves recyclable.
