6 Best Types of Shingles to Consider for Your Home

Over 50% of homes in Jacksonville, Florida, are owner-occupied. This means home maintenance falls entirely on them.

Your home isn’t just a place to live or keep you safe. It’s also a reflection of your personal style and taste. From the walls to the flooring, every detail plays a vital role in creating the perfect living space.

Roofing is no different.

The correct shingles protect your home from the elements. But they also add curb appeal and boost property value. And with so many options available, homeowners often get overwhelmed. 

Which types of shingles are best for your home? Read on to learn the answer to that question.

1. 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

3-tab asphalt roof shingles are a traditional roofing material. They consist of flat, rectangular shingles with three tabs—hence the name. They’re made of asphalt and fiberglass (or sometimes organic materials).

One of the most significant advantages of 3-tab asphalt shingles is that they’re the least expensive option. This is because they’re made from readily available materials and are easy to install. They’re durable, lasting at least a few decades, and come in various colors and styles.

Additionally, asphalt shingles are lightweight, so they don’t add to the structural load on a home’s roof, and (typically) Class A fire-resistant.

While asphalt shingles last a few decades, that’s on the lower end compared to other shingle types. That’s because they’re less durable than, say, metal or ceramic shingles. Sometimes, they’re susceptible to damage in extreme weather.

(For example, they don’t hold up well in heavy snow, but that’s not such a problem for Florida residents!)

Most manufacturers only offer limited warranties on asphalt singles, meaning less protection for the homeowner. Some people find them less visually appealing than other shingle options.

2. Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are made from natural wood. In most cases, the wood of choice is cedar.

These types of roofing shingles are often seen atop character homes. They’re surprisingly durable, environmentally friendly, and add extra insulation to your home. They can even soundproof your home!

On the downside, wood shingles are among the most expensive roofing materials. They require a fair bit of maintenance: cleaning, sealing, and treating for mold, rot, and pests. They’re also challenging to install, requiring expert knowledge of wooden roof systems.

3. Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles, also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, are a premium roofing material. Essentially, they’re a higher-quality, more durable, better-looking version of standard asphalt shingles.

These shingles resist impact, wind, and other weather-related damage better than their standard asphalt counterparts. With correct shingle installation and ongoing care, they’ll last up to half a century.

Their layered, textured appearance is appealing and may add value to your home. What’s more, they’re designed to reflect solar energy, reducing a home’s cooling costs in hot weather. They also have the same fire resistance as asphalt shingles.

These shingles come in at a higher cost than asphalt shingles. They’re a little trickier to install because they’re thicker and heavier. And they don’t come in as wide a range of colors or styles as traditional asphalt shingles.

Some homes or roofing systems—like low-slope roofs—might not be suitable for architectural tiles, so check with your roofing contractor before investing in them.

4. Metal Shingles

As the name implies, metal shingles are made from metal, usually aluminum or steel.

Because of this, they are far more durable than other shingle types, like asphalt shingles, and can withstand all kinds of weather conditions. They’re surprisingly lightweight, making them easy to install and beneficial for your home’s structural integrity.

Metal shingles come in many colors and styles, and can be recycled, making them an eco-friendly option.

Of course, there are some cons.

Metal shingles are expensive. They can be noisy in heavy rain. And because they expand and contract with temperature changes, screws and fasteners can come loose, leading to rust and water leaks.

5. Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are made from various materials, such as fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral granules. They’re a durable and cost-effective option for residential roofing with a wide range of colors and styles.

When it comes to new shingles, many budget-conscious homeowners lean toward composite shingles. They look great, come in many colors and styles, and are surprisingly affordable.

Though they’re substantially more weatherproof, they offer similar fire residence and energy efficiency as architectural or asphalt tiles.

The lifespan of composite shingles is on the shorter side—a few decades, on par with asphalt shingles. They’re also vulnerable to impact damage, say, from hail or falling debris, and may not hold up as well as premium roofing materials in extreme weather conditions.

Some homeowners also find them less aesthetically pleasing than other shingle options because they don’t have the same premium look and feel.

6. Designer Shingles

Finally, we come to designer (also called luxury) shingles—a recent addition to the roofing materials market.

These unique, high-end shingles resemble premium materials like slate or cedar. Each shingle consists of two layers of material fused to create an attractive three-dimensional appearance.

But they don’t just look great! They’re durable, low maintenance, and reflect heat away from the home, reducing energy costs. They usually come with a lengthy warranty and are easy to install.

Of course, since the technology is new and complex, this type of shingle can be pricey. They’re also not as widely available as other, more traditional shingle options.

Know What Types of Shingles You Need

Choosing the right types of shingles for your home is a vital decision. That’s because your shingle choice has a lasting impact on your home’s value, curb appeal, and protection.

From traditional composite shingles to designer options with premium materials, the choice may feel endless. Of course, each shingle type has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider your priorities, budget, and climate when shopping.

If you’re in the Jacksonville, FL, area and confused about what’s best for your house, contact the team at Avenue Roofing. They have years of experience in everything from shingle replacement to installing entirely new roofs.