Navigating the vast sea of roof shingles to find the best one can be daunting. With brands aplenty, each boasting their own strengths and features, making a choice even harder.
This blog will guide you on your journey to finding the 5 best roof shingles by providing a comprehensive review of types, factors to consider, and top brands in the market today.
Read on for an easier path to optimal roofing choices, and reach out to your contractor when you’re ready to install a new shingle roof.
Different Types of Roof Shingles
There are several different types of roof shingles, including:
- Asphalt 🪨
- Wood 🪵
- Synthetic slate 🏛️
- Clay 🧱
- Metal shingles 🤖
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles reign supreme in roofing due to their affordability, durability, and versatility. There are five main types: three-tab, architectural, luxury, dimensional, and upgraded.
Three-tab shingles offer a traditional look with weather-resistant properties. Architectural asphalt shingles are thicker and provide rich aesthetics, while luxury ones emulate high-end materials like cedar or slate without the hefty price tag.
Dimensional shingles have a layered appearance that adds depth to any roof, whereas upgraded versions have improved features such as enhanced durability or resistance against severe weather conditions.
Brands like Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed, Malarkey, and TAMKO lead the market by providing high-quality options based on strength tests conducted by Consumer Reports.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles, a time-honored choice for roofing material, offer homeowners beauty and charm. Crafted from cedar or redwood, these shingles are a natural choice with environmental benefits that synthetic materials can’t match.
Wood shingles have less exposure than wood shakes, which makes them more efficient at shedding water.
While their aesthetic appeal is undeniable, wood shingles require sufficient maintenance to prolong their lifespan and preserve their appearance.
Synthetic Slate Shingles
Synthetic slate shingles provide a unique combination of durability and aesthetic appeal, made possible by the mixture of fiberglass, hemp fibers, post-industrial plastic, and recycled paper used in their fabrication.
These faux slate shingles are lightweight but also contain advanced ultraviolet inhibitors to reduce wear from the sun. Weather-resistant and more affordable than traditional slate alternatives, synthetic slate shingles have made a name for themselves as an environmentally-friendly roofing solution.
Clay Shingles
Clay shingles are popular for homeowners looking for durable and long-lasting roofing solutions. With a lifespan of over 100 years, clay shingles offer exceptional strength and durability.
They are resistant to high winds, hail, and fire, making them suitable for various weather conditions and climates. Clay shingles are known for their quality and can also be eco-friendly and low maintenance.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are a popular choice for homeowners looking for a durable, low-maintenance roofing option. With a wide range of profiles, styles, and colors, metal shingles provide functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Whether it’s the energy efficiency and longevity of standing seam or stamped metal shingle roofing or the visually pleasing look of metal roofs that mimic traditional shingles, there is something for everyone.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Roof Shingles
When choosing the best roof shingles, consider factors such as durability and strength, cost, climate suitability, and desired style and design.
Durability & Strength
Highly rated roofing shingles that offer durability and strength are essential for protecting your home from storm damage, hail damage, and debris damage. Non-impact-resistant shingles can easily get damaged during severe weather events.
When choosing the best roof shingles, it’s crucial to consider factors like wind resistance, fire resistance, and overall durability. Shingle roofs with excellent quality provide the best value for money.
Cost
The cost of roof shingles is a factor to consider when choosing the best option for your home. Different types of shingles come with varying price ranges. For example, cedar shingles for a 3,000-square-foot area can range from $12,380 to $22,360.
Composite shingles range from $7.50 to $13 per square foot. Asphalt shingle roofs, on the other hand, have a cost range of $6,600 to $19,500 for a standard 3,000-square-foot roof.
It’s also worth noting that the labor cost for installing shingles is typically consistent across different types but may be higher for more premium options.
Climate
Different climates have varying weather conditions that can ultimately impact the longevity and performance of roof shingles. For example, regions with high winds require shingles that are rated for wind resistance to prevent damage.
In areas with heavy rainfall, you’ll want to choose shingles with good water resistance and drainage properties to avoid leaks and water damage. If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, such as hot summers or cold winters, selecting shingles designed to withstand these conditions is crucial.
Finally, certain climates may necessitate shingles treated to resist mold, algae, or impact damage caused by storms or high humidity.
Style & Design
Roof shingles are not just about protecting your home; they also enhance its style and design. With a wide variety of roofing materials, colors, and patterns available, you can choose roof shingles that complement the overall aesthetic of your house.
Whether you prefer a classic look with wood or asphalt shingles or want to try a unique appeal with synthetic slate or metal shingles, there is an option that suits every taste.
The advancements in shingle design and construction made by leading manufacturers have resulted in more durable and visually appealing options than ever before.
Best Brands of Roof Shingles
Atlas’s Pinnacle® Pristine is known as one of the most popular and highly rated brands of roof shingles. With their superior durability and strength, these shingles offer long-lasting protection for your home.
Consumer Reports has also revealed top-rated options like 3-tab, architectural, and multilayered shingles. When it comes to asphalt shingles specifically, Malarkey Roofing Products stands out as a leader in producing high-quality products.
Additionally, GAF consistently ranks among the best brands overall in the roofing industry. So if you’re looking for the best brands of roof shingles, consider options from Atlas, Malarkey Roofing Products, and GAF for reliable and durable roofing materials.
Your Next Project
In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best roof shingles for your home, it’s crucial to consider factors such as durability, cost, climate suitability, and style.
Whether you’re looking for strength, aesthetics, or affordability, top-notch brands like Owens Corning, GAF, Atlas, and more offer options to meet your roofing needs.
For a professional estimate for your next project, contact us at Clear Cut Roofing today!
