Your Guide to Selecting the Best Roof Shingles
Your Guide to Selecting the Best Roof Shingles
A new roof is a major investment, so it’s essential to pick a style that perfectly suits your home and fits your budget. We'll help make your decision easier by diving into some of the most popular types of roofing shingles, highlighting their benefits, and offering tips on how to choose the best option for your needs.
What are the best roofing shingles?
When selecting the best roofing shingles for your home, consider several factors, including your local climate, budget, and the style of your house. Think about how your roof will perform against the elements—if you live in an area prone to heavy rain or snow, you'll want durable shingles that can withstand these conditions. Keep reading to find the best roofing shingles for your home.
Top 10 best rated roof shingles
Asphalt: Best overall value
Fiberglass: Best fire resistance
Metal: Most versatile
Cedar shakes: Best natural aesthetic
Clay tile: Best curb appeal
Concrete tile: Best durability in extreme weather
Composite: Best low maintenance
Slate: Longest lifespan
Synthetic slate: Most cost-effective slate alternative
Solar shingle: Best energy generation
Asphalt shingles: Best overall value
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material. They provide the best overall value, combining affordability and variety, with lifespans of 15 to 30 years. They come in two main styles: 3-tab and architectural. 3-tab shingles are cost-effective but less durable, only handling winds up to 60 mph.
In contrast, architectural shingles cost a bit more, but are thicker and offer a longer lifespan of 20 to 30 years. They can withstand wind gusts of up to 130 mph making them a better choice for homes in areas prone to severe weather, such as coastal regions or places with frequent storms.
Fiberglass shingle roofs: Best fire resistance
Fiberglass shingles are an increasingly popular roofing option, excelling in fire safety and providing crucial protection in areas prone to wildfires. Their lightweight design makes them easy to install, while their durability and resistance to extreme heat ensure reliable long-term home protection, typically lasting 20 to 30 years.
Metal roofing: Most versatile
Metal shingles are the most versatile roof shingles, adapting to various architectural styles and climates, and excelling in extreme conditions. Available in steel, aluminum, and copper, they offer outstanding durability, energy efficiency, and design flexibility. These long-lasting roofs last 30 to 50 years, with copper potentially lasting up to 100 years.
Cedar shakes: Best natural aesthetic
Cedar shake shingles earn our award for the best natural aesthetic. Made from split cedar logs, they offer rustic charm and natural beauty that homeowners love. With a lifespan of 30 to 40 years, they are durable and resistant to the elements. Their distinctive appearance makes them a favorite for those seeking a unique roofing style with solid performance.
Clay tiles: Best curb appeal
Clay roof tiles are recognized for their curb appeal, especially in Mediterranean-style homes, where they add a classic and timeless aesthetic. Their distinctive red hues and rustic texture beautifully complement stucco walls and ornate arches. With a longevity of 50 to 100 years, clay tiles provide durability, fire resistance, and weather protection, making them ideal for hot climates.
Concrete tiles: Best durability in extreme weather
Concrete roof tiles are celebrated for their exceptional durability in extreme weather, providing longevity of 35 to 50+ years. Made from sand, cement, and water, they effectively withstand high winds, heavy rain, and hail. As a more affordable alternative to clay tiles, concrete offers robust, long-term protection for homes in challenging climates while maintaining an appealing aesthetic.
Composite shingles: Best low maintenance
Our top choice for low-maintenance roof shingles is composite roofing. With a lifespan of 15 to 50 years and minimal upkeep, they resist rot, mold, and fading. Made from blended and recycled materials, they provide excellent weather resistance and versatility, making them an affordable option for various architectural styles.
Slate shingles: Longest lifespan
Premium slate roof shingles, made from natural stone, offer unmatched longevity of up to 200 years, making them a worthwhile investment despite their higher initial cost. Known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, they resist water, fire, and extreme weather. Available in various colors and textures, slate provides timeless beauty and long-term value, ensuring lasting satisfaction for homeowners.
Synthetic slate: Most cost-effective slate alternative
Synthetic slate shingles are the most cost-effective alternative to natural slate, offering a similar aesthetic at a lower price and weight. Made from durable polymers, they mimic the appearance of traditional slate while providing easy installation, weather resistance, and a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. It’s the perfect option for homeowners seeking the elegance of slate without the high price point.
Solar shingles: Most innovative roofing solution
Solar roof shingles are an innovative option that merges the appearance of traditional tiles with the ability to generate solar energy. With a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, they provide durability, weather resistance, and substantial energy cost savings, particularly in sunny regions like the Southwest. This eco-friendly solution enables homeowners to use renewable energy without sacrificing style.
Comparing the best shingles for a roof
A new roof can elevate your home from ordinary to extraordinary! With a wide variety of shingle materials available, it’s crucial to choose one that aligns with your budget, style, and specific needs. The table below compares the 10 best roofing shingle options to help you make an informed decision.
| Material | Average cost (per square foot)* |
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | $3 – $5 |
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| Fiberglass | $3 – $5 |
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| Metal | $6 – $14 |
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| Cedar shakes | $7 – $15 |
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| Clay tile | $8 – $25 |
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| Concrete tile | $7 – $19 |
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| Composite | $7 – $14 |
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| Slate | $10 – $30 |
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| Synthetic slate | $9 – $12 |
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| Solar shingles | $21 – $40 |
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*Including materials and installation
When choosing roofing shingles, opt for reputable brands to ensure quality and durability. Check out our guide on the best roof shingles brands to help you select the right ones for your home.
Getting estimates from roofing companies
Once you’ve narrowed down the best roofing shingles for your home, it’s time to contact roofing companies near you for estimates. Here are some tips to help:
Contact multiple roofing companies in your area for estimates.
Read online reviews and testimonials from recent customers on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for detailed estimates, which itemize materials, labor, and any additional costs like permits or cleanup.
Be sure the estimates all include the same quality materials for a better comparison.
Pick a roofing company that has been in business for 5+ years and carries the proper insurance and licenses.
Verify both material and workmanship warranties to ensure protection against defects.
Be cautious of estimates that are significantly lower than others or lack detail, as these may indicate subpar materials or hidden costs.
Questions to ask a roof installer
To gauge the roofer's expertise and reliability, ask these questions:
What is your experience in roofing with my preferred shingle material?
Are you licensed and insured?
Can you provide references?
What type of warranty do you offer?
What is the estimated timeline for completion?
What materials do you recommend, and why?
How do you handle unexpected issues during the project?
Will you provide a detailed written estimate?
What is your payment schedule?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.