
According to our friends at CertainTeed, one of the nation’s leading producers of roofing materials, there are three primary types of asphalt shingles:
- 3-tab shingles — also referred to as three-tab shingles.
- Dimensional shingles — sometimes called architectural or laminate shingles.
- Luxury shingles — occasionally called premium shingles.
What is the best brand of roofing shingles?
- MetalWorks (Tamko)
- PermaLock
- AlumaLock
- InterLock
- Matterhorn (CertainTeed)
- Decra
What are the best architectural roofing shingles?
Ultimately, the test revealed that the top 10 shingle brands were:
- Atlas – Pinnacle Pristine
- GAF-Elk – Royal Sovereign
- CertainTeed – XT 25
- Atlas – StormMaster Slate
- Tamko – Heritage
- Owens Corning – Oakridge
- Owens Corning – Duration
- Owens Corning – Berkshire Collection
- IKO – Crowne Slate
- IKO – Cambridge
What company makes the best roofing shingles?
What company makes the best roofing shingles?
- GAF. GAF is the biggest shingle maker in the USA, which makes them one of the biggest shingle makers in the world.
- Owens Corning. Owens Corning may not be quite as popular as GAF, but the difference is pretty slim. ...
- Certainteed. Certainteed is a high-end shingle manufacturer, and the prices of their products will generally reflect that fact.
- Tamko. ...
Are metal roofs better than shingles?
While asphalt shingles can withstand fire, metal roofs offer the best resistance. And though it’s commonly believed hail can easily dent a metal roof, that’s a myth. Metal roofs are more efficient at handling common hail impacts than asphalt shingles. Winner: Metal roofing. Eco-friendliness Both can be recycled.

What is shingle roof called?
Considered to be a premium type of asphalt shingle, architectural roofing shingles are also called dimensional shingles or laminated shingles because there are two layers of shingle pieces laminated together to provide a dimensional look.
Are shingles an asphalt roof?
Asphalt roof shingles are the most popular roofing material used on homes across North America, and with good reason. They are designed to protect a home through decades of weathering with minimal upkeep, and are available in hundreds of colors and styles.
What class roof are asphalt shingles?
Due to the materials used in their construction, most asphalt shingle roof assemblies have a Class A fire resistance rating. Fire resistance is based on two test standards: UL 790 and ASTM E 108. There are three levels of fire resistance; Class A is the highest level.
What are the three types of roofing?
Three Common Roof Designs and Their AdvantagesHip. A hip roof has slopes on all of its sides. The roof doesn't have even a single vertical side. ... Gable. A gable roof features two sloping sides that meet at the top to form a ridge. ... Flat. A flat roof has an extremely low pitch and is almost horizontally level.
Which roof is better asphalt or shingles?
More Fire Resistant: Fiberglass shingles provide more fire resistance. Cost: Fiberglass shingles cost less than organic asphalt. The lighter weight also means it costs less to install them. More Environmentally Friendly: Since they contain less asphalt, they are a more environmentally friendly option.
What is the most common type of roofing?
asphalt shinglesThe most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and easy to install. These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing the appearance of the shingle.
How do I know if my roof is Class 4?
To receive a Class 4 rating, a roofing shingle must withstand having a 2-inch steel ball dropped multiple times from a height of 20 feet. For more perspective, if this same test is repeated on a 4-inch concrete paver, the force of the steel ball would crack the paver in half.
What are the 5 most common types of roofing?
5 Most Common Types of Roofs Used on Residential HomesAsphalt Shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for homeowners today. ... Metal Roofing. This type of roof is becoming more and more common. ... Ceramic Tiles. ... Slate Shingles. ... Wood/Cedar Shake Shingles. ... Conclusion. ... Related Article.
What does a Class A roof mean?
Class A is the highest rating, offering the highest resistance to fire, and unrated is the worst. Examples of a Class A roof covering include concrete or clay roof tiles, fiberglass asphalt composition shingles and metal roofs. An example of an unrated covering is an untreated wood shake roof.
What are the two most common roof styles?
What Style is Your Roof? 7 Common Roof TypesWhile some of these are popular residential roof types, there are a few that are also popular choices for commercial roofs. ... Gable roofs are one of the most popular types of roofs. ... A hip roof is formed of four sloping sides that are all equal in length.More items...
What are the 4 most popular types of residential roofing?
There are many types of residential roofing materials available, but these four are the most popular of the bunch.Asphalt Shingles. ... Metal. ... Clay. ... Slate.
What is a regular roof called?
gable roofA gable roof is the typical pitched triangular roof that you see on many houses in the U.S., and it's probably what you think of when you picture what a suburban home looks like in most states with the standard peaked roof lines.
Are my shingles asphalt or composite?
Yes, composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same thing. It's simply just another term the roofing industry uses for asphalt shingles. The term “composition” comes from the fact that asphalt shingles are a composite of man-made materials.
How long does shingle asphalt roof last?
15-30 yearsThe average lifespan of different types of roofs include: 15-30 years for asphalt shingles. 20-50 years for composite shingles. 30 years for modified rubber shingles.
What are 2 disadvantages to asphalt shingles?
Drawbacks of Asphalt Shingle RoofingIt's not the most durable roofing option. ... Shingles can be damaged by high winds. ... Mildew is a common problem. ... It isn't the most energy-efficient option.
What are Asphalt Shingles?
The different types of asphalt shingles have improved greatly since their first debut in the United States back in the early 1900s. You can find ma...
What is a 3 tab shingle?
Also known as “strip shingles,” 3-tab asphalt shingles get their name from the way they are cut and installed. They are the most basic form of shin...
What are dimensional shingles?
Also known as “architectural shingles” or “laminate shingles,” this is the most common asphalt shingle. During manufacturing, they are given two or...
What are luxury shingles?
Also known as “premium shingles,” these are the highest quality type of asphalt shingles. Standing out due to appearance and functionality, these l...
Should I Get Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingle roofing is a great option for homeowners wanting something budget-friendly yet effective and reliable for their roofing upgrade. As...
How many different types of roof shingles are there?
There are 18 different types of roof shingles you can choose to replace or have installed on your home. Each one has different benefits, costs, materials, and style. We break down all shingled roof types below.
What is solar shingles?
Solar Shingles. Solar roofing shingles are one of the most modern types of roof shingles you can install today. They’re of course more expensive compared to other roofing options but they aren’t there just to keep water out of your home. Solar shingles are designed to generate electricity to power your home.
How long do asphalt shingles last?
Though they are more expensive, they can last up to twice as long as 3-tab asphalt shingles. Architectural asphalt shingles can last from 30 to 50 years or more with proper maintenance. Though some homeowners choose to DIY install a new roof, we highly suggest hiring a local roof contractor to complete the job.
How much does it cost to install architectural shingles?
Architectural shingles cost a bit more to install at $ 1.50 to $5.50 per square foot or $150 to $550 per square. They come in more luxurious looking styles that homeowners prefer and can even simulate wood shake designs. Though they are more expensive, they can last up to twice as long as 3-tab asphalt shingles. Architectural asphalt shingles can last from 30 to 50 years or more with proper maintenance. Though some homeowners choose to DIY install a new roof, we highly suggest hiring a local roof contractor to complete the job.
How much does it cost to replace a 3 tab roof?
The average cost for a 3 tab asphalt shingle roof replacement costs anywhere from $4,286 to $6,429 on a single story 1,800 sq. ft home. Total replacement costs can vary depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. Asphalt roofing materials alone will cost you around $0.85¢ to $1.50 per sq. foot or $85 to $150 per square of asphalt shingle roofing materials. Architectural shingles are a bit more expensive to install at around $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot.
What is the most affordable roofing material?
Asphalt shingle roof costs are the most affordable as far as installation goes. They are the most common type of roof replacements or new home roof installations that homeowners choose. There are three main types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab asphalt, fiberglass asphalt, and architectural style asphalt shingles. 3 tab asphalt shingles are the most affordable shingle to install but they are thinner, have an organic-mat paper base, and wear out more quickly than fiberglass or architectural shingles.
What to consider when replacing a roof with new shingles?
A new shingled roof is a big investment, so you’ll want to take into consideration the cost to install certain roof shingle types as well as the lifespan you can expect from each.
What is a shingle roof?
Shingles are merely small segments of building material installed above the underlayment, sheathing, and trusses of a roof to beautify and protect your property from outdoor elements. You’ll find they come in a wide variety of materials, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. We’ll cover six types of shingles here and lay out ...
Which type of shingle is the most energy efficient?
Metal shingles —consisting of aluminum, steel, copper, or an alloy stamped into a variety of shapes—are among the most energy-efficient of all shingle types due to their ability to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it and thereby lower cooling costs.
How much does asphalt roofing cost?
These types of shingles are the least expensive and most widely available, costing around $90 per square (a roofing measurement equivalent to 100 square feet of material)—not including any additional insulation, underlayment, or labor—and lasting 15 to 30+ years. Of the two styles, dimensional shingles cost half as much and last twice as long as three-tab.
How long do wood shingles last?
Wood shingles are machine-cut from cedar, spruce, or pine to offer a trim yet natural-looking and environmentally-friendly option that lasts 20 to 25 years. Plus, this type of shingle comes at an economical price point: It costs more than asphalt and less than clay/concrete and composite tiles, at $350 to $450 per square according to HomeAdvisor.com. Following installation, it’s easy to power-wash mildew- or mold-ridden shingles, but damaged individual shingles often need to be replaced rather than repaired, and the plywood decking required below the shingles makes them more difficult to replace on your own than asphalt shingles.
How much does composite shingles cost?
Composite shingles —made of polymer, rubber, or plastic and sold in a variety of colors and styles starting at $300 per square —convincingly mimic the look and feel of shingles made of natural materials such as wood or slate.
How much does it cost to replace metal shingles?
Overall, metal shingles cost more than either asphalt or wood shingles, on the order of $265 to $375 per square. However, you can potentially save money using metal shingles to re-roof by installing them directly over your old, in-good-condition shingles and avoiding the costs associated with the tearing down a roof to start fresh. In addition, both the repair and replacement of individual shingles are DIY-friendly thanks to their light weight (half that of asphalt shingles) and ability to be secured to the roof with just screws.
Can you powerwash shingles?
Following installation, it’s easy to power-wash mildew- or mold-ridden shingles, but damaged individual shingles often need to be replaced rather than repaired, and the plywood decking required below the shingles makes them more difficult to replace on your own than asphalt shingles.
How big is a shingle?
A: Asphalt shingles range in size and shape, with a standard size of 12” x 36” (1-foot x 3 feet). Dimensional shingles can be 13” x 19” up to 37” x 41”.
Who makes the most shingles?
GAF is the world's largest manufacturer of asphalt shingles and accounts for over 25% of the shingles on homes throughout North America. The most popular line is the Timberline (comparable to OC's Duration line), which also has multiple variations (HDZ, AS II, CS, AH, UHD, NS).
How to Pick Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of performances, styles, and tiers. Trying to decide on the right shingle can make you feel overwhelmed with so many options. Consider these factors to choose suitable shingles.
How long does metal roofing last?
A: Metal is a more expensive material, but it lasts fifty years or longer, whereas even designer shingles only have 30 years. Check out this guide comparing metal to asphalt roofing.
What is the nail zone on a roof?
The nail zone of the shingle is the spot where the nail secures onto the roof . If you're DIYing your roof, you'll want shingles with a prominent nail zone that's easier to strike.
What is the highest fire rating?
When comparing shingles, you'll see that they have Class ratings of A, B, C, or Unrated. Class A shingles are the highest fire ratings, meaning they are the safest and most fire-resistant. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, Class A shingles are a must.
How long do architectural shingles last?
You can get this type in a wide range of profiles, styles, and colors with long-term warranties of 20 to 50 years.
