Picking Out the Perfect Shingle
Choose the Right Roofing Shingles
If you’re building a new home or just replacing your current homes roofing, deciding what shingles to use isn’t always an easy process. There are many types of shingles available, sometimes making the process of choosing one a difficult one. To make the process easier, we’ve made a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roofing shingle. Take a look below!
Asphalt
Out of all of the types of shingles, asphalt are the most commonly used. Asphalt is the least expensive option, and relatively easy to install. These shingles are made of fiberglass mats and coated with asphalt.
Disadvantages: Asphalt shingles will have a short life span of 20 to 30 years. They don’t do well in areas where the temperature fluctuates unexpectedly.
Advantages: They’re the most economical of roofing options and come in plenty of styles and color selections.
Metal
Metal roofs can be made with many different materials, aluminum, steel, zinc, copper, and titanium to name a few. If your metal roof is properly maintained, it could last you as long as 50 years. If your home’s roofline is flat or steep, you may want to consider metal.
Disadvantages: In bad weather (rain, hail) metal roofing can become noisy.
Advantages: Metal roofs are very durable, fireproof and good at shedding snow and ice.
Slate
Slate shingles are the most durable, they can last anywhere from 80 to 100 years if properly maintained. Slate shingles are also highly resistant to water and physical damage.
Disadvantages: Slate roofing has a higher price tag than most, and is expensive to repair due to the fact very few roofing companies specialize in this particular type of shingle. Slate roofing is also pretty heavy, and may not be the best fit for your home if it cannot handle the weight.
Advantages: Slate roofing is one of the longest lasting types of roofing material to choose from.
Wood
Woof shingles are durable, and have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, they are also the most one of the more environmentally friendly types of roofing compared to others. Wood roof shingles are usually made of cedar, but may also be made from other rot-resistant woods, such as redwood.
Disadvantages: While wooden roofing is energy-efficient and has a long lifespan, they are less fire-resistant than other types. Wooden shingles are also more susceptible to mold and termites.
Advantages: They’re visually appealing and generally cooler than other types of shingles that are darker in color.
How Much Do Shingles Cost?
When purchasing your new roofing materials, there are quite a few factors that will determine the final cost. These factors include the current condition of your roof, whether or not the supporting structure needs to be repaired, and the shape of your roof. Take a look at some of the average costs of roofing shingles, provided by HomeAdvisor.
| Type of Shingle | Average Cost | Installation Cost | Lifespan |
| Asphalt | $100 to $150 per square | $1,700 to $8,400 | 20 to 30 years |
| Metal | $100 to $1,000 (depending on material) | $2,000 to $15,000 | Up to 50 years |
| Slate | $200 to $650 | $5,000 to $23,000 | 80 to 100 years |
| Wood | $400 to $700 | $7,000 to $15,000 | 30 to 50 years |
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roofing material, and how much each costs, you can make a better educated decision on which is best for you and your home. Remember to factor in the climate and weather patterns of where you live, as some types are better suited for your home than others. If you’re ready to get to work on your roof, call us at Waste Solutions 123 for the right size dumpster to handle the mess!