As a homeowner, when you choose roof shingles, you need to consider your budget and your preferences. Some shingles are more affordable, whereas others can be quite expensive. Once you have your budget set, you can use this to look for the right shingles in terms of benefits, life span, cost, materials, and styles. This will save you from needing roof leak repair companies down the road.There are many different kinds of shingles, but these are some of the most common.
3 Tab Asphalt Shingles
Depending on the size, incline, and area of your roof, 3 tab asphalt shingles can cost between $5000 and $8000. They are generally seen as a more affordable option and are what most homeowners use when they install a new roof. In older homes, when old roof shingles need to be replaced, 3 tab asphalt shingles are often the first choice for many homeowners too.
This option is affordable and easy to install. However, these shingles are also thinner than other asphalt shingle options.
Pros
- Affordable for most budgets
- Great for both installation and replacement shingles
- Commonly used option
- Easy to install
- Organic mat paper base
Cons
- Less thick than other asphalt tiles
- Not as long-lasting as other options
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are known for being tough and long-lasting. Your roof will also have a sculpted look, with an elegant design shown off by the extra laminate layer.
Many homeowners choose architectural shingles because they like the way they look, and the shingles can simulate wood designs.
These shingles do come at a higher price, but if they are properly cared for and maintained, can last for as long as thirty to fifty years. This is double the lifespan of asphalt shingles, which makes these an appealing option, despite the higher price tag.
Pros
- Durable
- Extra laminate layer
- Sculpted look
- Available for DIY and professional installation
Cons
- More expensive to install than other styles
Metal Roof Shingles
If they are properly looked after, metal roof shingles have a lot of the same advantages as other types of roof shingles and improve on many of those benefits too. This is one of the hardest roofs to install for many roof contractors in Atlanta.
One of the major benefits is the long lifespan. Metal shingles can last for a very long time. They can last up 75 to 100 years. This extended lifespan is one of the longest that there is in the roofing industry, which makes these shingles a very popular option for roofing. The cost of buying and installing metal shingles is also lower than some other types.
Pros
- Available in sheet panels
- DIY and professional installation can be done
- Materials include zinc, tin, steel, copper, and aluminum
- Lightweight
- Stylish and ergonomic
Cons
- Can be a bit more expensive when compared to other options
- More expensive to maintain
Wood Roof Shingles
Wooden shingles can be cut into lots of different shapes. These shingles give a much more rustic look than other roofing options and can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years, depending on the materials that have been used for the roof and how well they are maintained by the homeowner.
Pros
- Stylish
- Long-lasting
- Can be installed by DIY or professionals
Cons
- Expensive
Slate Tile Roof Shingles
Slate tile roof shingles have one of the longest lifespans around. Some roofing companies even offer these shingles with a durability warranty of 60 to 150 years. This means that your cost of replacement is drastically reduced.
This style is both thin and stone-cast and can cost on an average around $8 to $14 per square foot to have installed.
One thing to keep in mind if you are considering this style is that while slate tile roof shingles are thin, they are also very heavy. Slate shingles are not really suitable for those intending to install them themselves, as they can be difficult to install. You should hire a professional roofer to install them for you.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Modern
- Stylish
Cons
- Heavy
- No color variation
- Difficult to install
- Expensive
Tile Roof Shingles
Tiles have a wide-ranging lifespan and are one of the easiest options to install. How durable they are will depend on their installation is carried out.
Tiles are one of the cheaper options on the market, however, they can start to slip within only ten years if they are installed on a mortar bed.
There are eight subtypes of tile roof shingles, including bituminous tiles, stone slate tiles, polymer sand tiles, copper tiles, and concrete interlocking tiles. If you choose imitation sale tiles, they can last from 10 to 35 years, whereas the slate stone tiles can last between 60 and 150 years. The type and installation can make a big difference.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to install
- Cheap and affordable
Cons
- Expensive installation
