Types of roof tiles

Although most homes in the United States use asphalt shingles, there are many types of roofing shingles available. These slim, rectangular shapes not only cling to your ceiling for their color and aesthetic appeal; They work to protect your roof from damage. Designed to be strong and durable, shingles keep weather and nature from taking a toll on your roof. A great shingle will protect your home from whatever the world throws at it, whether it’s pouring rain, dangerous hail, snow and ice, or just leaves and wildlife. Today we will look at three of the most common shingles: asphalt, clapboard, and slate. Each type has pros and cons, so it’s important to decide which values ​​are most important to you (cost, maintenance, aesthetics, or durability).

asphalt shingles

Incredibly popular in the United States, asphalt shingles are inexpensive and easy to install. They are created from a mat covered with asphalt, with granules that protect the shingle from weather damage. Over time, these granules soften and fall off, exposing the mat and nail heads to damage. Asphalt shingles work best in areas with consistent weather and are waterproof and fire resistant. Although their durability varies depending on the quality of the shingle and the climate, these shingles will remain in good condition for about 15 to 20 years.

wood shingles

Wood shake shingles are usually made from cedar, fir, or pine. Beautiful and insulating, their reddish brown color will fade to a more grayish brown over time. These shingles are textured on the front and smooth on the back, and because they expand as they age, they should never be installed directly next to each other. Although individual shingles may need to be replaced over time due to warping, shrinking or chipping, wood shake shingles can last 25-30 years. However, they do require a fair amount of maintenance: they need to stay dry, so brush off any leaves, debris, or dirt that might trap moisture. To prolong the life of wood shake shingles, you can treat the shingles before installation.

slate roof tiles

Slate is beautiful and highly durable (it can last over 100 years!), but it’s also heavy, difficult to install and repair, and usually quite expensive. These shingles require a special cutter to measure size and can be easily damaged by walking on them (so always call a professional for repairs). However, the board needs little maintenance and will last a long, long time. If you have the money and weren’t expecting to do the installation and repairs yourself, slate is a strong and durable type of tile.

– – – – –

When choosing a shingle, decide which factors are most important to you. Are you looking for something inexpensive, maintenance-free, or durable? Once you’ve figured this out, it’s easy to choose the perfect type of shingle for your home.