Even with a roofer’s help, roofing shingles are so plentiful that you might be confused about what’s right for your home. While a roofer will guide you in the right direction, you might want to learn more about shingles yourself. We’ll breakdown the pros and cons of some of the most common types of shingles so you can learn some more about roofing.
Pros and Cons of Various Roof Shingles
Asphalt Shingles
Pros:
- Cheaper than most other shingles
- Most common type of shingle
- Rated to last up to 25-30 years in most cases
Cons:
- Not very pretty
- May be limited by what your insurance company wants
- Color choices can be bland
Laminated Shingles
Pros:
- Prettier than regular asphalt singles
- Rated to last upwards of 50 years
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Can be very expensive
- Maintenance can be hard to perform yourself
- Costly to repair
Wood Shingles
Pros:
- Offer a rustic look
- Lightweight
- Easy to install, replace or repair
Cons:
- Many insurance companies won’t insure this type of shingle
- Can cost much more depending on the type of wood
- Less fire-resistant than other types of shingles
Slate Shingles
Pros:
- Distinctive, attractive and come in plenty of color variation
- Can last up to 100 years
- Expensive to install
Cons:
- Expensive to install and maintain
- Requires special tools to repair
- Structural reinforcement is often required
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle because of their cost and how easy they are to install. Most roofers will recommend asphalt shingles when they come to your home because of that. Other shingles aren’t bad for a roof, it just depends on your home, how much you want to spend and the look you’re going for.
When consulting with a roofer, you’ll go over what’s the best for your home. They’ll go over more detailed pros and cons with you, suggest a shingle type to go with, and they can even work with your insurance company to ensure you’re getting the best roof possible.
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