What Are the Different Types of House Shingles?

Wood Shingles

• Due to the plentiful resource of trees, wood shingles were used more in the past but have decreased in popularity in some areas, which is partly due to the shingles' vulnerability to fire, insects and weather, which can cause mold, warping and shrinkage. Over time, the color of the attractive wood shingles will fade. The shingles also need regular cleaning. They are generally made from cedar, pine and spruce, sawn smooth on both sides and constructed with even levels of thickness but are available in different widths.

Asphalt Shingles

• Asphalt shingles are a favorite choice for home roofing due to their durable nature of lasting about 20 to 30 years and their relative inexpensive cost. Available in a range of colors and styles, many asphalt shingles have three tabs and are basically made of either asphalt-coated fiberglass or asphalt-coated recycled paper that has ceramic granules embedded in it. They are relatively simple to install, repair and replace and can be walked on by homeowners without suffering damage. These shingles are vulnerable to damage from such factors as high winds and low-hanging tree limbs.

Slate Shingles

• If any type of shingle were to be voted the most stylish and sophisticated, slate shingles are the probable choice. Made of quarried stone that is split into thin sections and cut down to size, slate shingles are resistant to changing weather conditions and, with proper maintenance, are long lasting. This type is also very heavy and needs to be placed on a roof that can shoulder this load. The average homeowner might need to call a professional to repair them as the shingles break easily and are also very slick to walk on.

Additional Shingle Types

• Tile shingles, which are made of either clay or concrete, provide attractive roofing that resemble a Mediterranean house look. They also have the benefit of being very weather and fire resistant. Durable metal shingles have gained popularity as house shingles, shifting from being only on industrial and agricultural-type buildings in the past. These shingles are usually made from steel, aluminum, stainless steel or copper. As they don't appear to be made of metal on top of houses, metal shingles are also very low maintenance and are more environmentally friendly than other types of shingles such as asphalt.