Residential Roof Shingles: What are the Different Types and Styles?

Roofing shingles—which can be made of composite materials or fiberglass—are affordable, durable, easy on the eyes, and easy to install. They’re low maintenance and work well in most climates. They also come in various colors, like red, brown, green, blue, and gray. It’s no surprise that they’re the roofing of choice for many homeowners.

So, what is the best residential roofing shingle for your property? It depends on what is most suitable for the house structure and which best matches your exterior facade. Here, we discuss the different types of roofing materials, what are shingles made from, and roofing shingle styles—so you can make an informed decision at the soonest possible time.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

When choosing residential roofing installation, an asphalt shingles roof is one of the most common options. The material effectively reflects solar heat to keep homes cooler and reduce air conditioning costs. It provides enhanced weather and impact resistance. High-quality options can also fight against algae growth and extend shingle life.

It’s worth mentioning that asphalt shingles are also known as composite shingles. They generally refer to shingles types made with a mix of asphalt, mineral granules, and fiberglass or cellulose mat. This is different from other types of shingles on roof, such as clay tiles and wood shake shingles, which are made from a single material.

So, what are the types of asphalt shingles that you can use for your residential roofing?

Architectural or Dimensional Shingles

Architectural shingles refer to individual tiles that form a layered texture on the roof. The higher the quality of material you choose, the more durable the roofing is. In fact, despite being on the more expensive end of the spectrum, these types of asphalt shingles can last from 15 to 30 years. You just have to look after it well.

These shingles are also known as laminate or dimensional shingles. But despite its many names, one thing remains constant—it’s thickness and durability that provides a rich, multi-dimensional aesthetic for your roof. The shingles can be designed to replicate wood shakes and natural slate roofings, adding more character to the house.

Three-tab Shingles For Roof

3-tab shingles are noticeably thinner than architectural asphalt shingles. They are designed to look like three shingles at a time, creating a uniform pattern and a faster roof installation process. These can be considered one of the most affordable types of shingles for roofing. With proper maintenance, they can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.

They are also known as strip shingles—owing to their simplicity and the fact that they are made from a single flat layer of asphalt. They are one of the lightest types of roof shingle, making them universally popular.

Luxury Shingles

If you’re exploring different shingle types to find the highest quality laminated shingles on the market, your best option would be luxury shingles. This product features unmatched appearance, functionality, and durability. In addition to having a gorgeous finish, this type of shingle provides maximum weather protection and dimensionality.

Luxury roof shingles are also preferred by homeowners who want to emulate old-world wood shakes and natural slate roofing. They can easily mimic the appearance of cedar, slate, and wood shake.

Other Residential Roofing Types to Consider

Whether you’re looking to replace your current roofing or are exploring your options for a new roofing project, these different types of shingles are more than enough options for you to choose from. Pick from a range of different colors and styles to fit any external facade, architectural decor, and construction style.

However, shingles are not your only option for roof installation services. In addition to shingles made of asphalt and other composite materials, here are other roofing materials for you to consider:

Clay and Concrete Roofing

Clay and concrete are popular options for residential properties with a Spanish Colonial architectural style—and this is common throughout Florida, California, and the Southwestern states. It’s worth noting that the material is relatively heavy, so raise any structural concerns with the contractor before deciding on it.

Wood Shingles and Roofing

Cedar and redwood are sometimes used as shingle materials because of their durability. Before installing wood roofing, ensure the product undergoes flame retardant treatment. Also, ensure that the roofing installation meets your community's local fire rating requirements.

Roofing Slates

Slate is often associated with high-end architectural styles because of its beautiful appearance. But before selecting this roofing type, ensure your house structure can support its weight. Also, remember that this durable material is one of the more expensive roofing materials on the market.

What are roof shingles or materials that suit the rest of the house, you ask? The majority of it boils down to the color and design that best compliments your external facade. You must also consider whether the roof structure can hold the product's weight.

Of course, it’s also important to consider your budget, local building codes, and fire codes. Additionally, you have to check the different types of limited warranties and warranty periods of your roofing material options to get the most out of them.

Given these factors, you can easily narrow down your options. The next step is to contact a trusted roofing contractor who can help you transform your roofing ideas into a durable and visually stunning reality.

Let’s Discuss Quality Roofing Solutions Today

AMECO is more than a solar panel installation company. We provide residential and commercial roofing installation, repair, and maintenance services using quality materials and tools. We understand that every roofing type—from aluminum shingles to roofing tiles—presents unique challenges, and we’re trained to address them all.

Composite shingles are one of our specialties. In fact, we’re Owens Corning’s preferred composite shingle roofing contractor in the area. We install Cool shingles that absorb less heat and keep the roof cooler during the hot summer season—effectively reducing energy consumption.

Get in touch with our roofing experts to learn more!

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