Shingles are small rectangles of roofing material that overlap, doing the bulk of the work of shedding water from a roof. They’re one the oldest and most common roofing methods — their longevity is a testament to the efficiency of properly installed shingles. In my career, I’ve worked with more shingles than I can count. Different types of roof shingles come in in diverse styles, colors, and materials, including metal, asphalt, slate, wood, clay, and solar.
Shingling is an adaptable system that can make productive use of many different materials. In this article (using my experience as a professional roofing contractor), I’ll explain the six best types of shingles and share the insider information that homeowners need to know when choosing the right shingles for their roof — including considerations regarding climate, durability, price, and curb appeal.
If you’re in the market for a new roof, I recommend checking out our comprehensive guide for a detailed cost analysis of a new roof, I also recommend looking into these best roofing companies:
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What Are the Best Types of Roofing Shingles?
Different types of shingles have a variety of lifespans, costs, and maintenance requirements. Here’s a quick chart to highlight the major points of the six best shingle types:
| Type of Shingle | Cost | Longevity | Maintenance |
| Asphalt | $4–$8 | 20–30 years | Medium |
| Metal | $6–$14 | 25–35 years | Low |
| Wood | $4–$8 | 25–40 years | High |
| Slate | $10–$20 | 100+ years | Low |
| Clay | $9–$14 | 50–100 years | Medium |
| Solar | $15–$37 | 25–30 years | Low |
Asphalt Shingles
There are two major types of asphalt shingles: organic and fiberglass. The principle difference between the two is the material makes up the substrate of the shingle. Asphalt shingles are manufactured by mixing a substrate with tar, then coating the tarred substrate with granules (cinders, commonly.)
An organic shingle has a substrate of paper and felt, both manufactured from plant biomatter. Because tar and biomatter substrate are both natural materials, they degrade back into benign elements that are environmentally safe.
Fiberglass shingles use a substrate of fiberglass. Industrial fiberglass used in shingle manufacturing is a synthetic material that, unlike organic matter, doesn’t readily degrade and becomes a pollutant in landfills. However, asphalt shingles can be recycled to offset their potential as a landfill pollutant.
Organic Shingles Pros & Cons
Fiberglass Shingles Pros & Cons
Whether organic or fiberglass, asphalt shingles are some of the most popular roofing materials, coming in endless shapes, styles, and colors. The major styles of asphalt shingles are 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles (also known as dimensional shingles), and luxury shingles. They’re functionally and performance-wise the same. However, the style best suits a home is a matter of personal taste.
When deciding between the three, here’s what to consider:
- Three-tab Shingles: This is the classic asphalt shingle, widely used in the past but still popular now.
- Architectural Shingles: These are more modern, with a more complex surface geometry to break up the pattern of the shingles and make the roof surface look more uniform.
- Luxury Shingles: Coming in diverse shapes, these shingles aren’t rectangular, used to give the roof a particular look different than that of asphalt shingles.
The cost of asphalt shingles is around $4 to $8 per square foot, though luxury shingles can cost up to $14. These days, a quality shingle should get you a warranty and service life of 25 years or more.
Metal Shingles
In my experience as a roofing professional, metal roof shingles perform just as well as asphalt shingles. There are some minor pros and cons to one over the other, but most homeowners would be satisfied with either. However, metal shingles have a particular look that may be desirable to a homeowner.
When considering metal roofing options, you can use metal shingles or metal panels. The difference between them is the look. Metal shingles look like other types of shingles in a staggered pattern of courses that partially overlap each other. Metal panels are sheets or strips with a narrow overlapping seam.
As for the cost and service life of metal (shingles or panels), they come in at $6 to $14 per square foot and have a lifespan of at least 25 to 35 years.
The one area where metal shingles prevail over all other roofing materials is potential longevity. Certain metals, like copper roofing or zinc, can last up to a century, and even more in rare cases. They cost more upfront, but in the long run, they’re as cheap or cheaper than other types of shingles with a solid functionality.
Over the course of a century, most other roofing materials will need to be replaced a few times — even up to five times — so if we add those costs up and compare them to the upfront investment in something like copper, it may be worth it.
The most important functional consideration in choosing a metal shingle is the type of metal of the shingle. The major metals used for shingles are aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc.
The more economical metals like aluminum, tin, and steel aren’t necessarily better than asphalt shingles, but they’re not worse, either. They have a few particular strengths, but many homeowners won’t benefit from them. For example, affordable metal roofs may resist punctures better than asphalt or wood, but punctures to a roof are rare unless poorly maintained trees surround the home in areas that frequently experience high winds.
The two more expensive metals, copper and zinc, have more advantages over asphalt. They’re both long-lasting metals, so roof replacements are far less frequent — a homeowner might only have to put on one roof in their lifetime. They’re also unique, visually appealing, and gain an (often desirable) patina over time.
Read also: The cost of tin roofing
Wood Shingles
Wood is a traditional shingling material with functional properties as a roofing material. While wood requires the most maintenance of any shingle material, this drawback is offset by numerous advantages, like its sustainability and versatility.
Not to be overlooked in our environmentally conscious world, wood is a relatively sustainable roofing material — perhaps the most environmentally friendly roofing material. It’s a natural substance that doesn’t pollute the ground in landfills.
It’s important to under the difference between wood shingles and shakes, which are two distinct types of wood roofing materials. While they’re both used as shingling materials, shake denotes the traditional hand-split wood shingle and the modern manufactured equivalent. Shakes are thicker, tapered, and more varied in their shape, whereas wood shingles are cut to a uniform shape and thickness (not unlike asphalt shingles). Visually, shakes look more rugged and “old-timey” than wood shingles. Functionally, they perform the same and require the same maintenance regime, which includes things like cleaning and mold or mildew removal.
Slate Shingles
Slate is a long-lasting, durable roofing material with a life span of up to 100 years. It’s also naturally resistant to insects, rot, and fire. For slate roofing, you can expect to pay between $20 to $30 per square foot.
Slate shingles come in numerous colors, sizes, and textures. Manufacturers can cut and mill slate into different shapes to provide various looks. Colors, while varied, are limited to the natural colors of slate, as there’s no way to dye or paint it.
Slate shingles (or slate tiles) are some of the highest quality shingles, featuring a stately and dignified look. The biggest drawback to slate is the cost, as slate shingles are expensive and require technical installation by roofers who have experience with slate. It’s not suited to all homes, but it enhances the character and curb appeal of the right home.
Clay Shingles
Clay shingles are the ideal choice for hot climates and they perform well in mild climates, too. Clay is a lasting, durable material that comes in a variety of colors and styles, so finding something that matches your home shouldn’t be a problem.
Clay is a fantastic roofing material with a long history of use in hot and mild climates worldwide. These tiles make for a durable, lasting shingle that’s natural, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing.
There are several styles of clay shingle: pantile, flat, Roman, French, mission, imbrex, and tegula — plus many other brand-specific types.
Color-wise, clay is like slate in that it has a variety of colors, but they’re all confined to natural colors. However, clay colors are neutral earth tones that pair well with almost any color siding or brick. Not only are earth tones easy to match, but they’re also timeless, so you won’t ever have to worry about your roof looking dated.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are very different from traditional roofing materials. Similar to solar panels, solar shingles generate electricity from the sun. The difference is, solar shingles don’t sit in racks above the roof. Rather, they are the roof. Solar shingles combine the job of a shingle with the job of a solar panel to give homeowners the best of both worlds.
Solar shingles are an environmentally conscious roofing choice. Since they generate electricity, they supplement utility expenses and reduce reliance on the energy grid, which is powered by large-scale, industrial power generators that don’t always have the cleanest environmental record.
While initially skeptical of them as a shingling option, I’m happy to admit I was wrong. They have a service life on par with asphalt shingles: They’re low maintenance and suitable for any climate. Like solar panels, they can also be recycled, adding to their sustainability factor.
The drawbacks of solar tiles are expense and installation. The upfront cost of solar shingles is $15 to $37 per square foot, a substantial initial investment that isn’t always feasible for homeowners.
Homeowners should also consider that solar shingles require a more labor-intensive installation. Most roofing companies don’t do solar shingles; specialty solar installers usually do them. Given that they’re a technical installation, the labor price will be higher than most traditional roofing materials.
However, upfront costs may be worth it in the long run given the variety of rebates and tax credits available to homeowners who go solar. For those that can swing the higher initial investment, this type of roof is a choice that’ll pay you back in the long run.
If you’ve settled on your next roof being a solar roof or you’re curious to find out more about the costs and rebates available, consider checking out my recommend solar brands to get started today:
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So, What Is the Best Type of Shingle for Your Home?
Homeowners should first consider how the costs of roof shingles compare to their budget when deciding on the right type of shingles — and don’t forget to consider roof lifespan based on material. Depending on your willingness to spend upfront, a pricier roof could save you money over time.
The next consideration is your particular region and climate. Some roofing systems fare better in cold or hot climates, so you should think about your location. In general, clay is the only one with a hard limit. Rapid freezing and thawing can crack clay shingles, so they’re only suitable for hot or mild climates. Other than that, most other shingle materials perform well in any climate.
Style is the factor to think about when selecting the right shingle. It’s important to be happy with your shingle choice because they’ll be on your roof for decades. A poorly matched roof is an eyesore and can decrease the market value of a house. It’s also worth anticipating possible changes to other elements of the house. I advise clients to shoot for as neutral of a color as possible. That way, if they want to change the color of the siding or something else down the road, they won’t be fighting the roof to find something that works.
We recommend exploring our article to learn every detail about roof shingles.
FAQs About Types of Shingles
What is the most common shingle type?
This depends on geography. For example, in the Southwest U.S., clay tiles are the most prevalent. For North America in general, asphalt shingles are the most widely used type of shingle.
Are there any shingles that are environmentally friendly?
Yes. Roofing manufacturers use a variety of recycling strategies. You can buy recycled metal roofs and even recycle asphalt shingles. Other shingle materials like clay and slate are natural materials, so their existence in landfills doesn’t pollute the earth or groundwater. Wood is another sustainable choice when it comes to shingles.
What are the best types of shingles for cold climates?
Slate shingles are best for cold climates. As a natural stone, slate is durable and resists the effects of wind, water, and ice. While most materials lose some strength and integrity in frigid temperatures, slate performs in both cold and hot temperatures.
