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Whether you’re in the market for a new home or you’re making some upgrades to your current one, roof shingles are important. Today, there are many different types of shingles available and here, our roofing experts share the most popular types of roof shingles:
Asphalt is by far the most popular type of roof shingle. These shingles are low-maintenance and are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to achieve many different looks. Some can even be made to look like other materials (like slate or wood shake). Asphalt shingles are also very easy to install and are naturally fire resistant. This helps keeps costs low while offering quality protection for your home.
Slate shingles offer a sleek, unique appearance, which draws in many homeowners. They’re also one of the most durable types of roof shingles available. Because of this, however, they’re very expensive and very heavy. In fact, a slate roof can weigh anywhere between 800 and 1,500 pounds per square (100 square feet). This means these roofs can only be installed on buildings that can withstand the weight.
When you think of metal roofing, images of agricultural structures (like barns or sheds) probably come to mind. Many of these buildings use metal because it’s long-lasting and holds up well against rain and snow. This also typically makes metal more expensive than other types of roofing shingles. In addition, metals like copper, steel, aluminum, or zinc amplify noise and can dent easily.
Wood roof shingles give homes a very traditional look and offer a “blending” element. However, wood roofs need protection, so they require more maintenance than other types of roof shingles. In addition, fire codes in some areas don’t allow for wooden roofs. In fact, during the 1920s, there was a push to replace wood shingles because of their fire hazard. This is what lead to the growth of asphalt shingles.
You’ll usually find ceramic tiles (also called “tile roofing”) on homes in warm climates like California, Florida, or the Mediterranean. Like slate, ceramic is heavy, and can only be used on buildings that can withstand the weight. Because the installation process is intricate, ceramic can cost up to three times more than asphalt shingles. However, they are also one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available.
At P.J. Fitzpatrick, we offer roofing installation and roofing repairs that you can count on. If you’re in the market for a new roof, take a look at our Photo Gallery for some inspiration. We can help you choose the right material, color, shape, and size for your home.