Roofing Shingles - What and Why?

If you’re looking to repair or replace your roof, one of the first decisions you will be faced with is what type of shingles you wish to use.  Similar to the various classes of tile that are available for the indoors, there are a number of shingle-types to choose from for the outdoors.  So what are the types and why should you choose them (or not)?

1.      Asphalt/Composition Shingles:

These shingles are an excellent choice and utilized widely in neighborhoods all over the country - and for good reason.  You can choose from a range of colors and styles to compliment the construction and paint color of your home and are often available in recycled content.  Asphalt is also inexpensive but still incredibly durable against rain, snow, hail and fire with one exception – they can be vulnerable to high winds and can potentially be ripped off or damaged during a wind storm.

2.      Clay Tile Shingles:

Picture Florida or Southern California for these red, stylized shingles.  These shingles are fabulous for complimenting southwest, Italian or Spanish design and it’s no mistake that you often see this type used in warmer climates.  Clay tile doesn’t absorb as much heat from the sun as the other shingle options, keeping your sunny home significantly cooler while still providing fire protection and durability.  It’s also no mistake that you never find them in frosty climates since they can be prone to water damage or even breakage.

3.      Concrete Shingles:

Protecting your home from extreme wind, weather and fire, concrete shingles give you just about everything you need for a long lasting, low maintenance roof.  Concrete tiles can mimic the appearance of traditional wooden shingles while vastly improving upon the protection wooden shingles can provide, making concrete an increasingly popular option.

4.      Slate Shingles:

While it may be one of the most costly choices for your new roof, slate is universally considered to be a chic and stylish option – slate is extremely heavy (which means you may pay more not only for the material but also for the installation) and you also need to make sure your roof can withstand the additional weight.  However, it still provides superior protection against weather, fire, insects and like the asphalt tiles, you can enjoy a wide selection of colors and styles to choose from.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of available roofing materials on the market.  Some people are still using metal and wood as solutions to their roofing needs but these four types will be readily available at any home improvement store for a fair price, whatever your budget.