Types of Roof Shingles and Their Pros and Cons

When it comes to designing our dream house, the least favorite thing on the list is roofing. Unlike shopping for material comforts, choosing the right material for your roof is extremely important, as it is one of the main factors that will not just become a style statement of your house but will protect you in the years to come. When it comes to roofing, all homeowners want two things: The end result to be attractive that comes at a reasonable price. Prices range from blindingly sky-high to dirt cheap and the expenditure on the roofing material alone can empty your pockets.
We hate to break it to you but roofing is not an easy process. Before you go sulking in a corner, remember, the roofing material you choose will not only protect you but also your life’s biggest and most precious investment, your house. Choosing a roofing material should not be a tossup between quality and price because we are looking for both. The average life of a roof is around 20 years i.e. if it’s laid down correctly and with the right support. Your roofing material should be chosen on the basis of your house’s structural integrity because if the house cannot support it, it will all come crashing down. Keeping in mind all these factors, the following are different types of shingle materials and their pros and cons:

Asphalt

Around 75% of America’s population has asphalt shingles installed on their roof. The main reason being, it is the least expensive roofing material and the layer of fiberglass provides a net of safety. It comes in a variety of colors and is available in two materials, organic and fiberglass. Since the shingles are made with weak material, chances are they might crack in fluctuating temperatures.

Fiberglass

Pros

• Moisture, UV rays, and fire-resistant
• Waterproof
• Lightweight
• Lasts longer than organic mat shingles
• Cheap
• Moderate in weight

Cons

• Low insulation value
• Least green option
• Shorter life span

Organic Mat

Pros

• Waterproof
• Cheap

Cons

• Are heavy and need additional support
• Prone to moisture and fire
• Cannot be recycled
• Not long-lasting

Life Span: 20 to 25 years

Metal

Metal is one of the most liked roofing materials due to its long-lasting quality than any other roofing material. It is available in various materials, which include Aluminum, zinc, and copper. Since the shingles are constructed with low-galvanized metal, they require no maintenance. Metal roofing should always be installed by professional commercial roofers.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Eco-friendly
• Long-lasting
• Fire resistant
• High recycle value
• Can be used for rainwater harvesting
• High solar reflectance

Cons

• Expensive
• High installation cost
• Can become noisy
• Heavy hail can lead to curled up edges, loose nails, and leaks

Life Span: 50 years

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles and shakes are more expensive than asphalt shingles but less expensive than tiles. They are available in various materials such as southern pine, redwood, and cedar. Handling wood shingles and shakes can be quite difficult and therefore, must always be installed by professional roofing contractors. While they have a longer life than asphalt shingles, they are very high maintenance.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Moderate in weight
• Eco-friendly
• Natural wood gives the house a rustic, yet beautiful look
• Energy efficient
• Good wind resistance

Cons

• Is not fire or moisture resistant
• Shingles cannot be repaired and must be replaced
• Can easily warp and crack in the rain
• Is vulnerable to mold and termites

Life Span: 30 to 50 years
Note: Most wood shingles and shakes are rated either C or has no rating for fire. Before choosing this roofing material for your house, make sure that it is in compliance with your building codes. Wood shingles are available in Class A rating that are fire-resistant. However, they are expensive and cost around $400 per square foot.

Slate

Another roofing material is slate, which can increase a house’s aesthetic appeal. Made from natural stone, slate is mostly available in grey, red, black, green and purple color. This shingle material goes well with French château, European and colonial homes. One of the biggest drawbacks of this shingle is that it cannot be installed on houses that have a weak structure.

Pros

• Long-lasting than asphalt, wood, and metal
• Fire resistant
• Waterproof
• Can withstand frigid winter temperatures
• Eco-friendly

Cons

• Extremely expensive
• Heavyweight
• High installation and repair cost
• Poor insulation in summer due to its dark color

Life Span: 100 years

Clay

Clay shingles are made from natural clay and are available in many colors and designs that it is hard to recognize whether they are clay or not. These shingles are mostly used on commercial buildings because they cannot be installed on houses that have a weak structure.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Fire resistant
• Energy efficient
• Eco-friendly
• Keeps the house cool in summer by reflecting 50% of the solar energy

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavyweight
• Brittle
• Requires additional framing
• High installation cost
• Low wind resistance

Life Span: 50 years
Choosing a roofing material is not just about style. It is about choosing a vital component for your house that will prove to be a great investment in the future. The roofing material also depends on the area where you live and its climate conditions. A delicate matter such as this should always be handled by an expert. Anderson Industrial Roofing has been providing industrial, residential and commercial roofing services in Dallas, TX for more than 25 years. The company offers repair, installation, replacement, and restoration for all types of roofs. For further information about our services, give us a call.