The roof is one of the most important features of your home. It protects you from wind, rain, hail, and other adverse weather. It can also help insulate your home and protect you from severe heat and cold.

The style of roof you choose can change your home’s curb appeal or make your home more energy-efficient. This guide covers several of the most popular types of roof shingles so you can make the best decision for your home and budget.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt Shingle roofs are the most common type of roof in the United States. An asphalt roof is cost-effective and easy to install. There are three main types of asphalt roofs.

• Strip Shingles. Strip shingles, also known as 3-tab shingles, are the most simple of the asphalt shingles. They are made of a single layer of asphalt and look flat. Strip shingles are lighter than other asphalt shingles but are the most affordable.
• Dimensional Shingles. Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural shingles, are the most common type of asphalt shingles today. They are made of 2 or more layers of asphalt. They are heavier than strip shingles, and they last longer as well. They are more expensive than strip shingles but still cost-effective. They can be made to have a similar look to wood shake or slate shingles, meaning they can make your home more attractive.
• Luxury Shingles. Luxury Shingles are the best quality asphalt shingles available on the market. Of the asphalt shingles, luxury shingles provide the most protection from adverse weather. They are designed to look like wood-shake or slate tile and can have a strong resemblance to these materials in appearance. These are the heaviest and most expensive of the asphalt shingles, but they offer superior quality and style.

Clay Shingles

Clay shingles are made of clay that is hardened by baking. Clay, or terracotta, shingles, have been around for thousands of years. The reason they have remained popular for so long is because of their amazing durability. Not only do clay shingles last a long time, but they are also very low-maintenance.

Clay roofs are very attractive and would go a long way towards increasing your home’s curb appeal. Unfortunately, clay roofs are very expensive, but they can be expected to last from 50 to 100 years, so the high upfront costs save money in the long run.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are made from natural slate tiles. This material is beautiful as well as durable. A slate roof would make your home stand out and add a lot of curb appeal. A slate roof can last 100 years or more.

Slate shingles are environmentally friendly, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance. Like clay, slate roofs can be very expensive.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles and wood shakes are both common types of wood roofs. The main difference between them is how they are cut. Wood shakes tend to be thicker and more roughly cut.

Wood shingles are commonly made from cedar, spruce, or pine. A wood shingle or wood shake roof is a real eye-catcher. These attractive roofs have a unique texture and style. These roofs are environmentally friendly, UV resistant, and fairly easy to repair or replace. These roofs can be pricey and are expected to last 20-30 years.

Metal Shingles

Metal is a popular material for roofs, with metal shingles being one kind of metal roof. Metal shingles are made to look similar to asphalt shingles. These shingles are very durable, long-lasting, and recyclable.

Metal shingles are resistant to mildew and algae. They are also wind and fire-resistant. Metal roofs reflect heat and light, helping to keep the home cooler. They also keep the home warm in winter. Metal roofs can last from 40-70 years.

For more information about different kinds of roofs, visit Roof Advance today or get a free estimate here.