Are you thinking about putting a new roof on your home? You might be wondering about the type of material to use. Many homeowners choose shingles as their go-to choice. Roofing shingles are an excellent material that can provide essential protection for your home and boost its aesthetic appeal.
However, with a wide variety of shingle types available, you will want to know their differences, benefits, and costs to make the best decision for your next project.
At RoofingScout, we are here to help. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about roofing shingles from the types available to maintenance tips and cost expectations.
What are roofing shingles?
In the United States, roofing shingles are a popular material used on residential properties. They are small, flat, rectangular pieces of roofing material. These shingles can comprise several materials, including asphalt, wood, slate, and metal. When they're placed on the roof, they will overlap each other to cover the entire surface.
Many people choose these materials because they're affordable, versatile for any roof style, and easy to install. Along with that, they're durable and visually appealing. No matter your home's architectural design, you can find shingles in various colors, styles, and textures to match your style preferences.
Types of roofing shingles
Generally, you can find three types of shingles: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. They each have their own unique features, advantages, and price range. Let's look at the basics of these shingle types:
- Three-tab shingles are the most cost-effective choice on the market. These shingles have three tabs per shingle, hence the name. Three-tab shingles provide your home with a uniform look. You will usually find them made with asphalt.
- Architectural shingles are sometimes known either as dimensional or laminate shingles. These are an upgrade from 3-tab shingles in both quality and appearance. The shingles are thicker, and they have a layered design that adds some depth and dimension to the roof. With that, these shingles can give your roof the look of expensive materials without the costs.
- One of the top-of-the-line options is luxury shingles. These designer shingles are some of the highest-quality materials available. Often, these shingles will look like natural materials, such as slate or cedar shakes. Luxury shingles give a high-end look without the added costs and maintenance.
When choosing a roofing material, consider their class rating. These shingles are rated based on their impact resistance:
- Class 1: Minimal impact resistance
- Class 2: Moderate protection from small impacts
- Class 3: Substantial impact resistance from mid-level impacts
- Class 4: The highest level of impact resistance, protecting against larger impacts, including hail
Manufacturers determine shingles' classes based on how well one holds up to a steel ball dropped on it from various heights. For example, a class 1 shingle can withstand the impact of a 1.25-inch steel ball dropped two times from 12 feet up. If the shingle sustains any damage other than dents or some loss of surface materials, that's considered "broken" for the purposes of the test.
It's important to keep in mind that class 1 shingles aren't inherently better than class 4 shingles—class 4 shingles are often made thicker, and the materials vary, so it's always a good idea to consult with a professional roofer when choosing which class to go with for your roofing project.
You may also see shingles rated by class for their fire protection ability. Fire safety ratings range from class A (the most resistant to fire exposure) to class C (the least). Similarly, manufacturers rate shingles based on wind resistance as well. The wind resistance classification scale starts at class A, referring to shingles able to withstand 60-mph winds for two hours, and ends at class F, which refers to shingles that are able to withstand 110-mph winds for that same two-hour time span.
Lastly, some insurance providers offer lower premiums on homes that use higher-class shingles. Because multiple factors go into determining a premium, the actual amount can vary between providers and covered parties. However, the discount (or credit) will vary depending on the class of material used, with the lowest incentives for class 1 shingles.
Cost considerations for roofing shingles
In all projects, costs are the major deciding factor between materials. If you are looking for a less expensive option, the cost for asphalt shingles is around $4.25 to $8.25 per square foot while architectural shingles are $12.25 per square foot. Since luxury shingle materials can vary, so can the costs. They can range from $6 to $30 per square foot.
Also, consider the labor costs. Asphalt shingles are straightforward to install while luxury ones may require more specialized tools and skilled roofers to complete the job, adding to the costs.
While these are general prices, other factors can always affect the entire cost of your project.
