Roofing shingles are one of the most important building materials used to protect your home from rain, snow and wind. These shingles come in a variety of materials, colors and styles, allowing you to choose one that reflects your aesthetic and style preferences.
Table of Contents
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are among the most popular shingle roofing choices in North America. They are easy to install, offer a range of colors and styles that can suit almost any taste, and they’re affordably priced. Asphalt shingles are built to last decades while requiring minimal upkeep.
There are several types of asphalt shingles to choose from, including strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles.
Strip shingles are the most common option for roofing, and are typically found on residential homes. Strip shingles are made from asphalt and come in a single layer, which makes them easy to install on an average roof.
Dimensional shingles are crafted from laminated layers of asphalt to replicate the appearance of natural wood shake roofing or slate tile roofing. They’re the most prevalent choice for American homes, and are installed with fasteners that are hidden behind a drip edge and rake board.
Luxury shingles are the top dog when it comes to exterior home improvement. Featuring rich, sophisticated design and color blends as well as superior durability and performance, these high-end shingles add value and beauty to any home exterior.
Slate roof tiles are similar to clay tiles. Slates can come in a wide range of sizes and colors, so you can match your home’s architectural style. Slates are typically found in areas with significant slate resources, but they are also prevalent across the United States. Slate roofs are considered attractive, though they are expensive and difficult to install due to their fraigle.
Clay Tiles
Traditional clay roofing tiles have been popular in hot, dry climates for hundreds of years. They are made from local materials that are fired at high temperatures to harden them, which offer superior protection against fire, one of the biggest threats in rural areas.
Clay tiles are also extremely heavy and breakable, meaning they need to be handled carefully. In addition to installation costs, clay materials can have a significant environmental impact on both the creation process and final disposal.
Also read: Asphalt Crack Sealing and other Handy Tips to Take Care of Your Driveway
