Types of Roof Shingles (2024)

• A shingle functions as a small part of a large roofing system.
• A shingle installation works together to shed water from a roof.
• The roof isn’t completely watertight like a boat, but works on the principle that water flows downhill and takes the course of least resistance.
• All types of roofing shingles are placed in overlapping layers where water flows over the edge of one, onto the next one, and the next, until it finally falls off the roof.
• Different types of shingles have been made of various materials throughout history, some of the oldest forms like clay, slate and wood are still with us today.

Cedar shakes, for example, were made by hand. They were started by felling a cedar tree and cutting it into shorter logs. These logs were split into smaller sections with a tool called a froe. This process was called “riving.” These pieces were then shaped into shingles with a drawknife on a workbench called a shaving horse. Today, cedar shingles are cut and shaped in a mechanized mill.

Selecting the best shingles for your house depend on many factors.

• Cost
• Locally available installers
• Strength of the roof structure
• Desired lifespan of roof
• Prevailing weather conditions
• Fire resistance
• What suits the look of your house and neighborhood
• Your personal aesthetic

There are many kinds of roofing made for houses, but asphalt roof shingles are the most popular by far.

Two basic types include:

• Three tab
• Architectural, aka dimensional, 3D and laminated

These types are available with different properties. Selecting features that match your needs will help you select the best roofing shingles for your project.

• Lowest cost option.
• Lower weight than tile and slate.
• Many more installation contractors available.
• Wide range of styles and colors.
• Customize properties to match location.
• Windy climate – wind resistant.
• Wet climate – algae resistant.

Other considerations:

Three Tab Shingles:

• Least expensive
• Traditional look
• Expected lifespan 15-20 years

Architectural Shingles:

• More modern look
• More durable than three tab
• Range of styles and colors
• Expected lifespan 20-30 years

• Wood shingles are often called cedar shakes or shake shingles.
• They can be used as roofing and siding.
• Cedar is naturally rot resistant and can be left in its natural state. Or it can be painted, stained or protected with a chemical protectant.
• Natural cedar will weather from its initial red tones to gray tones.
• Many people chose to use cedar shakes as an accent area rather than covering the entire house.
• Requires more maintenance than other roof types.
• Expected lifespan 15-40 years.

• Metal roofing panels have been in use for many years.
• Metal shingles are a newer way to use this extremely durable roofing material.
• Longest lasting type of roof.
• Metal shingles look more like a traditional roof than panels.
• Expensive when compared to asphalt.
• Fire resistant, so can be important in wildfire areas.
• Can be made of steel or aluminum.
• Expected lifespan over 70 years.

• These make very attractive roofing.
• Require specialized installation.
• Weight is a concern. The roof framing must be strong enough to hold it.
• Expected lifespan 50-100 years.

• New types of shingles are currently coming into the roofing market.
• Recycled tires can be made into shingles.
• Rubber shingles are extremely tough.
• Synthetic, molded shingles come in a variety of styles, and have high wind and impact damage resistance.
• Most roofing contractors have a great deal of experience with established roofing types, like asphalt shingles, so finding an installation contractor may be difficult.

There are other considerations to keep in mind when selecting between types of roofing shingles.

Asphalt shingles use a starter strip as well as hip and ridge shingles. These aren’t different types of shingles, exactly, they are made to match the shingles chosen to cover the roof. These products are part of the installation and help with specific issues.

Most roofing jobs with any type of shingle will require metal flashing in valleys and around things like chimneys and vents.

Drip edge goes around the perimeter of the roof to keep water from running down the fascia. It has a lip at the bottom that curves away from the house so water will drip to the ground.

Many types of roof underlayments are used depending on the weather in the house's location. For example, in places that get a great deal of snow, ice and water, a shield is placed on at least part of the roof to protect against snow and ice that can build up and get under a shingle system.