Best Roof Shingle Brands

How should my roof look?

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle and come in many different colors. However, you can use different roofing materials to match the architecture and style of your home.

• Rustic:  If you want a rustic look, wood shingles are a great way to go. That’s why they’ve been used for hundreds of years! They turn a rustic gray color when weathered and fit cottage, craftsman or Tudor-style homes.
• Elegant: If elegance is more your style, choose a roofing material like clay or slate tile. Tile is made in many different shapes and textures that offer a unique, upscale feel.
• Modern: For a more modern look, consider metal paneling or shingles. Metal roofing comes in aluminum, copper, stainless steel and zinc. If your home is modern and you’re on a budget, asphalt shingles are your cheapest option.

How heavy is the material?

The heavier the roofing material, the more support your roof needs. You’ll want to make note of your house’s frame capacity before you choose your roofing material. Otherwise, you might need to make some adjustments to support a heavier roof.

• Additional framing: Heavy roofing materials like clay, concrete or slate require additional framing for many houses that weren’t designed to hold a heavier roof. Additional framing requires you to add reinforcing planks in your attic to hold heavier roofing material.
• Insulation: Lightweight roofing material like asphalt shingles, metal paneling and some synthetic materials do not insulate as well as heavier material. The more insulation your roofing material gives you, the more energy-efficient your home will be.

What's your current roof’s design?

Check to see if the design of your home can withstand the weight of certain roofing material. Depending on the type of roof you want, your current roof may need reinforcing to accommodate newer, heavier material. Likewise, the climate in which your home is located is important to determine the functionality of your desired materials.

• Pitch: Your roof's pitch (the angle of its slope) determines the functionality requirements of your roofing material. If the pitch of your roof is steep, you should consider wood shingles because wood sheds water faster. Slate tiles might be a good option if your roof has a lot of edges and corners because they can be easily cut to custom-fit tricky areas of your roof.
• Underlayments: The underlayment is the waterproof material underneath your roofing shingles or tiles. It provides an added layer of protection against weather and helps make your home more energy-efficient.
• Climate resistance: If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather, you’ll want your roof to stand up to harsher elements. Waterproof underlayment and wood shingles can keep you dry. You’ll need premium roofing with a high wind-rating to stand up to the strong winds caused by tornadoes and hurricanes.

How much does it cost and how long will it last?

Consider the cost and durability of the roofing material before making a final decision. Like with most things, you get what you pay for. For example, the cheaper asphalt shingles last around 15-20 years, while the expensive concrete and slate tiles last closer to 60 years. Look for lifetime and limited warranties on all material.

• Cost: Asphalt shingles are the cheapest option on the market, ranging from around $70 to $120 per square (one “square” equals 100 square feet). Slate and clay or concrete tiles are the most expensive and can cost anywhere between $300 to $600 per square.
• Lifespan: Asphalt shingles typically last around 20 to 25 years. More expensive material like slate and clay tiles hold for around 40 to 50 years. In some cases, they can even last longer. Some synthetic material is less expensive than natural material and can last up to 50 years.
• Warranties: See if the roofing material you are interested in comes with a warranty. Many premium roofing materials come with lifetime guarantees, including coverage for damage from winds over 100 miles per hour.

» MORE: Roofing statistics

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are economical and easy to install, making them the most common roofing material in the United States. Asphalt shingles come in many colors and are the least expensive roofing material on the market. However, they have the shortest life span (20 to 25 years) and lack the insulation of other roofing materials. They’re also more susceptible to hail damage than more durable material.

Clay and concrete tiles

Clay and concrete tiles give an elegant look to a structure using a flat, ribbed or scalloped tile design. Concrete tiles are less expensive than clay but have added weight. Both clay and concrete tiles are not flammable, and concrete tiles are energy efficient. The weight of these tiles may require additional framing on your home. Clay and concrete tiles typically last around 40 to 50 years.

Metal

Metal roofs are typically available in two types (panels and shingles) and come in copper, aluminum, stainless steel and zinc. Although they’re expensive, metal roofs are resistant to extreme weather and last a long time. They’re also ideal for harvesting rainwater. Metal roofs usually last anywhere from 40 to 75 years.

Slate

Like clay and concrete, slate provides an elegant look to a structure and may require additional framing due to its weight. It’s extremely durable and fire resistant. It comes in shades of red, purple, green and black. Slate roofs can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.

Wood shingles

Wood shingles have been around for hundreds of years. They create a rustic look when installed that continues to develop as they’re weathered. Some areas have fire codes that prevent the use of wood shingles, but you can purchase Class A fire-rated wood shingles that are treated with a fire-resistant coating. Wood shingles are commonly made from cedar, redwood and pine and last up to 40 years.

Synthetic

You can find roofing material made from rubber, plastic and polymer developed to be strong and look like natural material like wood or slate. Synthetic roofing is less expensive than natural products, but some products can absorb water if the quality is not great. Most synthetic roofs are warrantied for up to 50 years.

Homeowners needing their roof repaired

Many factors can cause your roof to need repair. Tree limbs, damage from severe storms, constant sun, heat and old age all contribute to the decline of your roof.

Homeowners needing their roof replaced

Every homeowner will eventually need their roof replaced. Most roofing companies can create tailor-made replacement plans based on the type of roof you have.

People building a new home

If you’re designing and building a new home, you’ll need to research roofing materials such as shingles, metal, wood, slate and clay and concrete tiles. Keep in mind that it might be easier to add support for heavy roofing material during the build stage than it will be to update your structure later.

Roofing contractors needing shingles and supplies

Roofing contractors work with manufacturers of roofing material and insulation to supply products for their business.