If the time has come to reroof your home, you’re likely wondering “What type of roof shingles are best?”, and should you choose the same material you currently have or switch to something else? The choice really is a matter of preference and often comes down to the initial and long-term costs.

Many Types of Roofing Shingles

– Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most prevalent roofing material used in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and throughout North America and therefore an obvious choice when determining what type of roof shingles are best. It’s important to note that there are different kinds of asphalt shingles. A 3-tab shingle is a traditional and most affordable option, but they often only have a lifespan of 12 years or so in our region. Therefore, we recommend architectural shingles, which are also known as dimensional and laminated shingles. They are thicker and typically last between 25 to 30 years. That makes them the better long-term value, and their thickness also allows for more design options.

– Composite Shingles

Composite shingles, which are also known as synthetic shingles, are one of the newest options on the market. They’re often made from recycled materials, which can make them a more environmentally friendly choice, and their manufactured nature allows them to mimic other roofing materials, such as cedar and slate. They are heavier than asphalt shingles, which is a consideration. Composite shingles can also last longer in theory, but in practice, the total cost of ownership in our region will generally be a bit higher.

– Wood Shingles

Wood, and cedar in particular, is the classic answer to what type of roof shingles are best. In fact, there was a time before asphalt shingles were readily available when wood was the most common roofing option. Cedar is available as shingles, which have a smooth surface, and shakes, which have a rough-hewn surface. This material has a lifespan of about 50 years and ages gracefully in a way that other roofing materials do not, but the material and installation are significantly more expensive than asphalt shingles.

– Slate Shingles

If money were not an issue, then slate would be the common choice for what type of roof shingles are best. Slate can last upward of 100 years with little to no maintenance, and it has an elegant aesthetic that adds tremendous value to a home. That said, the material, which is sourced from Europe and mainly Italy, is expensive. The material is heavy. It’s also fragile during shipping and the installation process, and it has to be installed one shingle at a time. That results in an overall cost that is simply prohibitive to most homeowners.

Other Roofing Options

Shingles aren’t your only option for roofing. There are tiles, such as clay and concrete tiles, often associated with the Mediterranean aesthetic. Flat roofing, such as EPDM and BUR, are most often associated with commercial buildings but are used for residential purposes when a home has sections of a roof that are flat or low-pitched. You can also choose a metal roofing system, which is a traditional choice but becoming increasingly trendy due to modern improvements to aesthetics. Choices include aluminum, copper, steel, and zinc.

Green Eco Solutions is Here to Help

If the home you need reroofed is in the Lehigh Valley or the surrounding areas, contact Green Eco Solutions for a free quote. We are an award-winning and fully licensed residential roofing contractor that has extensive experience installing energy-efficient asphalt shingles and also metal roofing systems. Schedule a consultation online, or call us at 1-610-973-2500 with any additional questions about “What type of roof shingles are best?”.