Selecting the Right Shingle Roof with Stonebridge

Asphalt shingles are multilayered, containing a fiberglass base mat, asphalt coating, ceramic granules, and more. This construction gives them enhanced protection against the elements, pesky outdoor critters, and flames. Besides being structurally sound, these shingles are also available in a wide variety of textures and colors. It’s no wonder, then, that the vast majority of homes in the US have asphalt shingle roofs.

For businesses and homeowners wanting to save on energy costs, switching to lighter or cooler-colored granules can improve the energy efficiency of standard asphalt shingles.

Also known as laminated shingles, architectural shingles are a special variety of asphalt shingles. They’re made with higher-quality base materials and stronger adhesives to create a final product that can last more than 50 years.

Learn More About Architectural Shingles Roofing

Metal shingles are shingles made of sturdy metals like aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. Compared to other types of shingles, metal ones are often much more lightweight, have a longer lifespan, can withstand high winds, and offer superior impact resistance.

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Slate tiles have been popular for centuries in roofs of all makes and styles, from colonial to Tudor-style buildings. This popularity is due to slate’s long lifespan and clean natural look. While slate looks and performs great, it can be energy inefficient in warmer climates, difficult to install, and heavy. For those looking for a more lightweight or break-resistant alternative to slate tiles, synthetic slate shingles can be worth exploring.

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Also known as synthetic or composite shingles, polymer shingles are composed of a mix of synthetic materials like rubber, recycled plastics, and asphalt. They can be molded to look like more natural shingles, like wood or stone, yet are more durable and easier to maintain than these natural alternatives.

Learn More About Rubber Roofing

When installed and maintained properly, clay tiles can last nearly 100 years, offering resistance to high winds, fire, and difficult weather. While incredibly durable and attractive, clay tiles aren’t for every building. They can be incredibly heavy, expensive, and prone to breaking if dropped.

Learn More About Tile Roofing

Like clay tiles and shingles, concrete shingles are energy efficient, can withstand harsh elements and pests, and are incredibly long lasting when installed and maintained properly. Even better, when on a flat- or low-sloped roof, they offer a great foundation on which to install solar panels.

Who doesn’t love the look and feel of real wood? Wood shakes and shingles are popular roofing shingle options for both homes and businesses in North America as they are insulating materials (meaning potentially lower energy costs), made from renewable resources, and enhance curb appeal.

Wood shakes are typically thicker than shingles and most commonly made from California redwood and various varieties of cedar. Wood shingles are usually thinner at the end than shakes and are often made of not just redwood and cedar, but also pine, teak, and cypress. Which one is best depends on the slope of the roof, the owner’s budget, and availability.

Also known as luxury or premium shingles, designer shingles are engineered with one goal in mind: improving curb appeal. They can look like more expensive materials like cedar while still offering the benefits of sturdier, more affordable materials like asphalt. Because of their superior craftsmanship, many designer shingles from brands like GAF offer lifetime warranties.

Also known as strip shingles, 3-tab shingles are a lightweight, affordable type of the standard asphalt shingle. They are so named because they are made with three tabs, making one tile look like three separate ones. Composed of only a single layer of material, 3-tab shingles are not as durable as other types of shingles, but they are usually the most affordable options on the market.