Updated On

September 26, 2024

Why You Can Trust Us

Today’s Homeowner exists to help you maintain or improve your home safely and effectively. We uphold strict editorial standards and carefully vet the advice and resources referenced in our articles. Click below to learn more about our review process and how we earn money.

Learn More

    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:

    Top Pick
    Erie Home Logo

    4.1

    Specialized metal shingles

    Service area spans dozens of states

    Provides first-time roof installation & military discounts

    GET QUOTE
    Limited Time:
    Zero Down – 18 months same as cash with minimum monthly payment
    Best Asphalt Shingles

    3.9

    Thousands of 5-star reviews

    Phone, email, & text consultations

    Factory-trained installers

    GET QUOTE
    Limited Time:
    Get 10% Off Your Roofing Project
    Best Quality Shingles

    3.7

    Top-quality shingles

    Provides windows & solar system services

    Quick, thorough installations

    GET QUOTE
    Limited Time:
    No current offers available.

    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 ShingleCost LongevityMaintenance
    Asphalt $4–$820–30 yearsMedium
    Metal $6–$1425–35 yearsLow
    Wood $4–$825–40 yearsHigh
    Slate$10–$20100+ yearsLow
    Clay$9–$1450–100 yearsMedium
    Solar$15–$3725–30 yearsLow

    Asphalt Shingles

    Closeup of asphalt shingles on a roof.
    Credit: Canva

    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

    Environmentally safe
    Easy installation
    Tolerate cold temperatures better than asphalt
    The paper and felt substrate is more flammable than fiberglass
    Doesn’t resist heat as well
    Has a shorter service life

    Fiberglass Shingles Pros & Cons

    Resists fire
    Resists heat well
    Easy to install
    Has a longer service life
    Widely available
    More expensive
    Doesn’t tolerate cold as well as organic

    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. 

    Tan brick house with an asphalt shingle roof.
    Credit: Canva

    Metal Shingles

    Metal shingles on circular pitched roof.
    Credit: Canva

    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.

    Fire, rot, and insect resistant
    Resists organic buildup from moss, lichen, and algae
    Lightweight
    Can be placed over asphalt shingles
    Low maintenance
    Wide variety of colors
    Resists punctures well
    Strong and flexible material
    Resists ultraviolet radiation well
    Recyclable
    Potential higher upfront costs
    Not suited to seaside or coastal homes
    Noisy when it rains or hails
    Can get dented or deformed

    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

    Green metal tiles on roof.
    Credit: Canva

    Wood Shingles

    Closeup of brown wood shingles.
    Credit: Canva

    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.

    Naturally water-resistant
    Flexible
    Insulates well against heat and ultraviolet rays
    Environmentally friendly
    Lightweight
    Versatile — can be used on any roof pitch except flat
    Flammable
    Susceptible to damage from insects
    Rots and warps if improperly installed
    Discolors or lightens in color over time
    Requires more maintenance than all other shingle materials

    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.

    Wood shakes on a roof with dormer.
    Credit: Canva

    Slate Shingles

    Closeup of gray slate shingles on roof.
    Credit: Canva

    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. 

    Durable
    Resistant to insects, rot, and fire
    Resists organic buildup from moss, lichen, and algae
    Natural material that doesn’t create pollution
    Can be repurposed after use on a roof
    Low maintenance
    Heavy
    Fragile to work with, walk on, and handle
    Technical installation
    Doesn’t come with a material warranty
    Expensive

    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.

    Closeup of rough, gray slate shingles.
    Credit: Canva
    Asphalt Shingles
    Asphalt shingle roofing costs between $6,600 and $19,500 for a standard 3,000-square-foot roof or between $2.20 and $6.50 per square foot.
    GET ESTIMATES
    Cedar Shingles
    For a 3,000-square-foot roof, the average cost of cedar shingles is between $13,500 and $25,500 and between $18,000 and $33,000 for cedar shakes.
    GET ESTIMATES
    Rubber Shingles
    On average, rubber roofing costs between $4–$8 per square foot. However, the cost of installing a new rubber roof varies based on your location.
    GET ESTIMATES
    Get a Free Roofing Estimate
    Get Connected with Professional Roofers in Your Area

    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.

    Closeup of tan, clay shingles on roof.
    Credit: Canva
    Durable
    Wind and impact resistant
    Fire, insect, and rot resistant
    Long-lasting
    Environmentally friendly
    Low maintenance
    Easily repairable
    Good insulative properties against heat and UV rays
    Heavy
    Expensive
    Fragile to work with, walk on, and handle
    Require technical installation
    Not suitable for cold climates
    Can’t be used on steep roof pitches

    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.

    Worker installing clay shingles.
    Credit: Canva

    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.

    Better look than solar panels
    Quick installation process
    Replaces traditional roofing material
    Comparable service life to asphalt shingles
    Suitable for all climates
    Class A fire resistant
    Requires technical installation
    Expensive
    Lower efficiency than solar panels

    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:

    Best Solar Financing
    blue raven logo

    4.3

    No payments needed for 18 months

    Provides in-house financing

    Offers top brands like LG and Trina

    GET QUOTE
    Best Customer Service

    3.9

    Highly rated customer service

    Provides  24/7 panel monitoring

    Solid A+ rating with the BBB

    GET QUOTE
    Best Damage Protection

    3.7

    Affordable prices

    Excellent selection of panels and services

    Locations in 22 states

    GET QUOTE

    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.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Doug Sluga

    Doug Sluga

    Doug Sluga is a professional roofer and carpenter with ten years of experience in residential and commercial construction. His expertise spans the breadth of the roofing trade from minor repairs to laying shingles to framing trusses. These days he spends most of his time writing about roofing and the roofing industry.

    Learn More

    photo of Lora Novak

    Lora Novak

    Senior Editor

    Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

    Learn More

    Browse by Major Market