Roofing shingles are laid in an overlapping pattern so that water will run over the shingles, into gutters, and away from the home, protecting the structure from the elements. Unless you’re thinking of replacing the roof or building a new home, shingle styles probably aren’t foremost in your mind. Here are the most common types of roofing materials to help you decide which is best for upcoming replacements.

Varieties of Shingles

1. Asphalt

This is the most common type of shingle and likely the one you think of first. Also known by industry professionals as “three-tab,” these rectangular shingles are coated in pebble-like granules for fire resistance and UV protection. This style is affordable, easy to install, and comes in many colors.

2. Architectural Shingles

These are also asphalt-based but are laminated and more weather- and wind-resistant. They come in many styles and colors, including designs that mimic wood, tile, or slate. Architectural roofing is more costly than three-tab but offers a longer-lasting, customized look.

3. Wood Shakes & Shingles

Mainly made from cedar, wood shakes offer a textural, rustic look and insulate more effectively than asphalt shingles. Wood shakes are split in the middle, differentiating them from wood shingles, which are usually sawn on both sides and look more finished. Wood roofing has been used for centuries and adds a historic look to your home.

4. Tile

Terra cotta tiles are traditionally used in warm climates because of their insulating properties. They come in the familiar orange wave-shaped style or a variety of rectangular shapes and colors. Tile roofing may last up to 100 years if properly cared for.

5. Slate

Stone is durable and fireproof and has been used as a roofing material for centuries. Slate comes in natural colors and a spectrum of shapes, lending a historical, European elegance to the home.

6. Rubber

This fairly new roofing material is a sustainable alternative primarily made from recycled tire rubber. Shingles can be designed to simulate wood, slate, or asphalt and offer superior protection against hail.

7. Composite

Made from a combination of plastic polymers, resins, and dyes, these shingles are made to look like tile, slate, or wood. They are affordable and durable, and many homeowners find them easy to maintain.

 

A variety of roofing materials offer homeowners a choice of look, cost, and durability. The full-service roof contractors at All Tite Roofing in Elizabethtown, KY, provide repairs, inspections, new roof installations, and seamless gutters. Call (270) 307-5366 for a free estimate or visit them online to explore their services.