4 Types of Shingles for Your Roof (Composite, Asphalt…)

Are you selecting the right type of shingles for your roof’s protection and style? The choice of roofing materials can be overwhelming, but understanding the types of shingles is essential. Whether you’re looking for durability, eco-friendliness, or aesthetic appeal, this guide will teach you what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Inside this blog:

• Exploring the World of Roof Shingles
• Breaking Down Types of Asphalt Shingles
• Metal Roof Shingles: A Blend of Durability and Style

Exploring the World of Roof Shingles

Roof shingles, including roofing shingles, are not merely superficial coverings for your home. They function as the primary shield against weather conditions, fortify your home’s structure, and significantly contribute to its architectural appeal. Yet, the longevity of this critical component varies significantly—from asphalt shingles with a lifespan of 15 to 30 years to more enduring materials that can last up to a century. When selecting roofing materials, homeowners must navigate a sea of considerations including local building codes, warranties, and a desire for durable, economical, or eco-friendly options.

Moreover, the roofing system’s complexity extends beyond the shingles themselves, incorporating underlayment and ventilation to secure the home’s sanctuary status.

Composite Shingles: The Modern Choice

Composite shingles represent a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, constructed from a fiberglass base coated with asphalt and granules. These modern marvels are celebrated for their robustness, with a warranty that often extends to half a century, and an admirable fortitude against various weather conditions.

Composite shingles offer unmatched aesthetic versatility, with a wide array of colors, shapes, and designs that can enhance any architectural style. Catering to diverse budgetary constraints without compromising on quality, the cost of these synthetic wonders ranges from affordable to premium levels.

The Ever-Popular Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have maintained their status as North America’s favorite roofing choice for a long time. The evolution of these shingles has brought forth features like self-sealing properties and larger sizes, enhancing their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. Today’s asphalt shingles are also equipped with algae-resistant granules to combat unsightly blue-green algae, thus prolonging the roof’s pristine appearance and durability.

Moreover, advancements in wind resistance have led to designs that reduce wind uplift and blow-off, bolstering their performance under diverse weather conditions.

Breaking Down Types of Asphalt Shingles

In detail, contemporary asphalt shingles, which are actually types of composite shingles, are produced from a mixture of:

• fiberglass
• asphalt
• granules
• sealants
• a release film

Not only are these shingles budget-friendly, but they also offer a plethora of shapes and designs, some even boasting multiple shades for a more dynamic aesthetic. The asphalt shingle family in North America diverges into three primary groups: traditional, architectural, and performance, each with distinct features tailored to varying needs.

It’s worth noting that performance shingles are specifically engineered to offer superior resistance to environmental challenges such as:

• wind
• hail
• algae
• fire

While the typical asphalt shingle roof may last from 15 to 30 years, this lifespan is contingent on a myriad of factors such as the quality of installation and ongoing maintenance.

3-Tab Shingles: Economy and Simplicity

3-tab shingles, which first introduced the asphalt shingle family, embody both tradition and simplicity. These strip shingles, characterized by their flat and uniform appearance, consist of layers of fiberglass felt coated in asphalt and topped with granules. In terms of longevity, 3-tab shingles typically grace our homes for 15 to 20 years, assuming they are properly installed and reside under favorable conditions.

However, regular maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure their maximum service life.

Dimensional Shingles: Enhanced Appeal and Protection

Also known as architectural or laminate shingles, dimensional shingles provide improved aesthetics and protection. They boast a unique visual allure with alternating tabs and shadow lines that craft a three-dimensional effect, elevating a home’s curb appeal.

Not just a pretty face, these shingles come equipped with features that fortify their resilience against impact, wind, and fire, contributing to an extended lifespan that homeowners can rely on.

Aesthetic and Functional Shingle Types

In roofing, choosing shingles requires equal consideration of their aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Architectural shingles are renowned for their dramatic appearance, featuring shadow bands and a distinct profile that’s often described as ‘dragon’s teeth’. Beyond their striking look, these shingles are thicker than their 3-tab counterparts, which may contribute to their enhanced durability and lifespan.

Architectural Asphalt Shingles: A Touch of Elegance

Exemplifying elegance, architectural asphalt shingles endow roofs with a stand-out dimensional effect. Their diverse shapes and designs, replete with shadow lines, create an effect that can significantly enhance a home’s curb appeal. Not only are these shingles visually appealing, but their dual-layer construction of asphalt and fiberglass also lends to their thickness and potential weather resistance. With a lifespan that can stretch between 20 to 30 years, homeowners can also find solace in the specialized coatings and treatments that offer additional protection.

Metal Roof Shingles: A Blend of Durability and Style

Metal roof shingles are an excellent choice for homes situated in areas with harsh weather conditions. They offer the perfect blend of durability and style. Here are some key benefits of metal roof shingles:

• Long-lasting protection
• Available in a variety of materials such as copper, aluminum, and stone-coated steel
• Aesthetic options to suit your style
• Copper shingles are lightweight and non-corrosive, and develop a distinctive patina over time

Standing Seam Panels: Contemporary and Leak-Proof

Combining sleek aesthetics with a robust leak-proof construction, standing seam metal roofs epitomize contemporary design. The benefits of standing seam metal roofs include:

• Sleek aesthetics
• Robust leak-proof construction
• Concealed fastener system that enhances modern appeal
• Guards against the elements

Standing seam panels are highly customizable, with an array of options in colors, widths, shapes, and thicknesses. They’re a versatile choice that can suit a wide range of architectural preferences.

Let Us Install Your New Roof

As we reach the end of our guide, it’s clear that the world of roof shingles is as diverse as it is dynamic. With options ranging from the traditional asphalt shingle to metal panels, the perfect shingle type for your home is out there. By using the services of professional roofing contractors, you can ensure that your choice not only enhances the beauty of your residence but provides lasting protection.

When you’re ready for a new roof, get in touch with us at Kraft Roofing. Our team will take good care of you and your home.