How to Choose a Shingle for your Residential Roof

Selecting the best roof shingle for your residential roof can be an overwhelming task. There are many options in shingle composition, style, colors and price. All of these options must be weighed when making your shingle decision. Having a trusted professional roofing company show you shingle options and make educated suggestions for an appropriate shingle for to protect your home is a great way to start the process.

Seven common shingle types

There are many types of shingles from the low-cost asphalt variety to more expensive tile and slate options. Here are the seven most common types of residential roofing shingles for you to consider:

1. Three-Tab Shingles: Three-tab shingles are a thin asphalt shingle and are the least expensive option. Even though they are low-cost, you can still get a warranty on this type of shingle and they often last 20 to 30 years. Three-tab shingles have cutouts running along the bottom edge which makes it look like three separate shingles when installed but is actually one sheet. They are easy to install, come in hundreds of colors and are great option for rental properties or roofs where cost is a factor.
2. Architectural Shingles: Architectural roof shingles are a type of asphalt shingle that are more premium than three-tab shingles. They were originally developed in the 1970’s and are commonly used on homes throughout the US. Available in a wide variety of colors, they contain extra asphalt which gives them more of a curve look than three-tab shingles. Architectural shingles last longer, typically look better, and are more resistant to weather. Recently, designer architectural asphalt shingles have opened new style possibilities for your roof. Designer asphalt shingles can now look like wood shake, slate, tile or have a cutout design.
3. Fiberglass Shingles: Fiberglass asphalt shingles are formed with a fiberglass base and layered with a waterproof coating. They are lightweight, fire-resistant, UV ray resistant, durable, have a long warranty, and can be cost effective. They are a good medium-grade asphalt shingle that is better then three-tab but less expensive than architectural.
4. Organic Asphalt Shingles: Organic asphalt shingles are made from organic materials such as wood chips, recycled cardboard, rags and paper. The organic shingles are waterproof and heavier than fiberglass shingles but don’t last as long. They are inexpensive and an environmentally-friendly option. However, in high humidity areas or areas with a lot of freezing temperatures organic shingles can retain moisture. The retention of moisture can cause organic shingles to break down faster and often they will not last the 20 to 30 year life expectancy.
5. Tile Shingles or Roof Tiles: Tile shingles are often seen on Spanish or Mediterranean style homes. They are among the most expensive option because of their longevity (they can last up to 100 years) and for their cost of installation. Tile shingles are heavier than asphalt shingles, so you need to make sure your home’s structure is capable of holding the weight. They come in fewer colors than asphalt but can come in different shapes.    
6. Wood Shingles: Wood shingles have been used for centuries and are a good sustainable, environmentally-friendly roofing option. They can provide better insulation than asphalt and are less expensive than tile. However, they do not last as long as tile shingles and are not as fire-resistant as other types of shingles. The installation process can also be time-consuming and costly. Wood shingles can also succumb to mold and termites, factors that do not affect any other type of shingles.
7. Slate Shingles: Slate shingles can last as long as tile shingles. Life-expectancy is from 80 to 100 years. They are very water and damage resistant and are good for areas with extreme temperatures. One drawback to having slate shingles are less color options. Slate shingles are expensive to install, repair, and are heavy like tile shingles. However, they are extremely durable, eco-friendly and fireproof. 

Seven things to consider when choosing the color and style of your shingle

The color of the shingle used on your residential roof is very important decision. Your roof can account for up to 40% of your home’s visual exterior; shingle color can make a big impact. Here are seven things to consider before making your final decision:

1. The Climate of North Texas: The color of your shingles can affect the temperature of your home’s attic by 20 to 40 degrees. This makes a huge difference in the heating or cooling cost of your home. Shingles light in color can deflect sunlight and can help keep temperatures down in our hot summers. Dark shingles absorb heat and can help your home stay warm in the cooler months.
2. Shingle Color Coordination: Having your shingles color coordinate with the bricks, wooden siding, stone, stucco or trim on your home is important. The list below are some suggestions for coordinating house color to shingle color.

• House Color: Red = Shingle Color: Dark Brown, Black, Gray, Green
• House Color: Light Gray = Shingle Color: Gray, Black, Green, Blue, White
• House Color: Beige Cream = Shingle Color: Brown, Black, Gray, Green, Blue
• House Color: Brown = Shingle Color: Gray, Brown, Green, Blue
• House Color: White = Shingle Color: All colors work.
• House Color: Weathered Wood = Shingle Color: Brown, Green, Black, Gray

1. The Architectural Style of your Home: Dark colors on your roof can make your home look smaller and light colors can make your home look larger.
2. Make a Statement with your Roof: If you want to make a statement with your roof color is a great way to do it. Pick an unusual color combination with your home and the roof.
3. Neighborhood Considerations: A homeowner’s association may have rules and regulations about what colors are used on your home. Make sure, if you have an HOA, you check with them before choosing your roof shingles. It is also a good idea to review your neighbors’ roofs and choose a color that does not clash.
4. View Shingle Samples at your Home: Before making your final decision on shingles, it is a good idea to view real shingle samples at your home against the different colors and architectural details of your home. Some roofing professionals also offer a digital color visualizer tool where you can view similar homes like yours with different roof color options.
5. Check the Shipment of Shingles when they are Delivered: If you can, keep the shingle sample that you have chosen then compare it to the shipment of shingles that are delivered to your home. Be sure to check the pallets of shingles to make sure they are the right color. Make sure you do this BEFORE the shingles are put on your roof. Realizing that the wrong shingle is on your roof after they have started the roofing process can cost you time and money.

So many choices for your Residential Roof

Roofing shingles come in so many colors and types. One of the newest types of shingle are solar roof shingles. These are designed to look like traditional shingles but transform the sun’s energy into electricity that can be used to power your home. The wisest thing to do when deciding on the type and color of shingle for your residential roof is to have the help of a knowledgeable roofing professional. A qualified professional can help you navigate the roofing business and all of the many options for your roof.