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Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roof types installed by homeowners. They are incredibly affordable when comparing different roof types. Asphalt roof shingles are lightweight, durable, come in an array of colors, and can last up to 20 years. Some premium asphalt shingle brands boast a 50 year lifespan. Replacing your current roof with asphalt shingles can upgrade your home’s curb appeal.

Roof tiles are designed mainly to keep out rain, and are traditionally made from locally available materials such as terracotta or slate. Modern materials such as concrete and plastic are also used and some clay tiles have a waterproof glaze. Roof tiles are 'hung' from the framework of a roof by fixing them with nails. The tiles are usually hung in parallel rows, with each row overlapping the row below it to exclude rainwater and to cover the nails that hold the row below.

The longevity of slate is key to its value in the eyes of homeowners. After all, roofing can be expensive. Slate is one of the few roofing options that doesn't need to be replaced within the span of a lifetime. In most environments, slate shingles will last at least 125 years and sometimes as long as 200 years Authentic slate shingles have been the roofing material of choice for centuries throughout Europe and the United States for estate homes.

Wood roofing comes in two style types wood shingles or wood shakes. The only difference is the appearance of your cedar roof once installed. Cedar shingles are machine cut and tapered off for a crisp and clean appearance, while cedar shakes are hand split giving them a more rustic appeal. Functionally, the most important difference between cedar shakes and shingles is that shingles are milled more precisely than shakes.

Architectural shingles are thicker asphalt shingle types that can create the appearance of visually stunning natural roofing like slate, cedar, or clay tiles at a fraction of the cost. Because of their extra thickness and contouring, they cost more than traditional asphalt shingles, but they last longer and carry longer warranties. They last from 30 to 50 years and are fire resistant.

Fiberglass shingles are made of a woven fiberglass base mat, covered with a waterproof asphalt coating, and topped with ceramic granules that shield the shingles from harmful UV rays. Because of the composition of the fiberglass mat, less asphalt is needed to give the shingles their durability and strength, making them a lighter and more environmentally friendly option than traditional organic-mat asphalt shingles.

When comparing metal roofing to asphalt shingle types there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration such as price, durability, roofing style preference, overall maintenance, and lifespan of each roof type.

Plastic shingles, sometimes referred to as synthetic or composite shingles, are popular for their low cost and their ability to imitate more expensive types of roofing like cedar wood shingles or slate roofing. Synthetic shingle roofing is lightweight and makes it easy to install roof shingles on your home.

Rubber shingle roofs offer a budget-friendly roofing shingle option that is durable, eco-friendly, and available in a variety of colors and designs. They are generally resistant to rotting, cracking, mold, discoloration, denting, and moisture absorption.