What Are Roof Shingles?

The roof is one of the most important parts of your home for protection from the elements, energy efficiency, and even curb appeal. But what are roof shingles? What shingle options do you have, and how do they compare? In this guide, we’ll answer these crucial questions and more to give you a better idea of your home’s unsung hero.

What Are Roof Shingles?

Roof shingles are small pieces of roofing material that cover your house and create a visually appealing, waterproof barrier to keep rain and snow out. The term most often refers to rectangular pieces of building material made from asphalt that overlap each other to create a pathway for runoff to flow into your gutters or off of your structure.

What Are Shingles Made Of?

Roof shingles are most commonly made of asphalt, fiberglass, and granules, but other types can be made from wood, metal, rubber, clay, concrete, and more.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are made from a mixture of asphalt, fiberglass, and roof granules or grit. They’re the most affordable roofing material and also the most common. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors, grades, and shapes that can boost your curb appeal, maximize durability in extreme weather, or increase roof lifespan. Asphalt shingle roofs cost $10,500, on average, and they last for between 20 and 30 years, depending on the type of asphalt roof shingle you choose.

Wood Shingles (Shakes)

Wood shingles, also called wood shakes, are made from cedar or poplar. They’re less fire-resistant than most other options and aren’t ideal in areas where wildfires are an issue, but they add charm and curb appeal to your home. A wood shake roof costs $21,000, on average, and lasts between 25 and 50 years with proper maintenance.

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles can be made from aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper. They require almost no maintenance and last for 40 to 80 years or longer, depending on your climate and the type of metal. A metal roof costs an average of $11,700.

Rubber Shingles

Rubber roof shingles are made from recycled rubber, requiring minimal maintenance but providing comparatively little curb appeal. Rubber shingles can look like other materials, including wood shakes and slate shingles. A rubber roof costs $12,000 to install and lasts for 30 to 50 years.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are made from natural slate, making them the heaviest roofing material and the most likely to require structural reinforcement. These shingles can last for up to 150 years, but they come with a hefty price tag. Slate roofs cost $13,500 on average, but they boast outstanding curb appeal and long-term value.

Clay or Concrete Shingles

Clay and concrete shingles—sometimes called tiles—are either made from natural clay or concrete. These are heavy roofing materials that may require structural reinforcement, as well. They last for 50 to 100 years—or more with proper maintenance—but tile roofs cost $17,500, making them a pricey option up front.

How to Choose the Right Roof Shingles for Your Home

Most roofing types will protect your home regardless of where you live, but there are a few key things to consider to make sure you choose the best option for value and longevity.

Climate

Roof shingles are exposed to more rain, snow, blown debris, tree debris, and sunlight than any other part of your home, which is why the climate in your area is the most important factor when choosing what type of roof shingles to install.

In particularly rainy or humid climates, algae-resistant shingles like asphalt shingles with copper roof strips, metal shingles, or rubber shingles might be worth considering. When you hire a roofer, discuss which options will work best for your needs. It’s best to consult a roofing company near you to help you decide what type of shingles will provide the best value in your area.

Cost and Value

Asphalt shingles are the most budget-friendly roofing material, but you should also consider long-term value. Metal shingles, for example, cost more but last twice as long, so you get more value from them over time. Think about roof maintenance requirements, as well, to keep all of your bases covered.

Curb Appeal

Your roof shingles play an important role in curb appeal and, as a result, the value your roof adds to your home. If you’re thinking about selling soon or just want the best look possible, consider aesthetics when choosing roof shingles.