The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Shingle Tile

As they have for years, asphalt shingles remain the most common type of residential roofing purchased in the U.S., says Kelly Moomey, the market analyst who covers roofing for Consumer Reports. "However, there are small, niche segments emerging," she says.

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Metal roofs, for instance, are expected to grow in popularity. The inherent advantages of this type of roof—including resistance to leaks and wind uplift, not to mention durability against the elements—are likely to make metal roofing more popular in areas prone to violent storms, according to the Freedonia Group, a market research company. Here are some other trends we see in roofing:

Fewer choices, higher installation costs. Stung by supply-chain issues of the past few years, manufacturers have cut back on new styles and colors, our sources tell us. At the same time, historically high prices for roofing installations could continue to rise in the next year or so, largely due to continued high demand from consumers and a tight labor market. Finding workers has been a challenge, explains Maciek Rupar, technical services director at the National Roofing Contractors Association, based in Rosemont, Ill. “Contractors aren’t complaining about the supply chain, but lead times for roof construction and replacement still may be extended due to a lack of qualified labor,” he says.

Solar roofing options expand. Major roofing manufacturers GAF and CertainTeed have joined Tesla in introducing photovoltaic—aka solar—roofing shingles for homes. CertainTeed’s Solstice shingle looks more like a traditional shingle than GAF’s Timberline model, which includes perpendicular bars across the shingle array.

Federal tax credits now apply only to solar roofs. Homeowners who retrofit their roofs with solar panels or solar roofing tiles now can get a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the project cost—with no income restrictions or dollar ceiling on the project—thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of . The credit is good through . But an earlier federal tax credit for traditional roofing with energy-efficient properties has expired.

"Cool roofs" are an option for sustainability. While this option isn’t new, it’s worth considering if you need a new roof and want to reduce your carbon footprint without buying costly solar. The trick: Pick a lighter color roof. Because a light-colored roof reflects more sunlight than a darker roof, it can reduce the energy and cost needed to cool your home by up to 15 percent. White roofs are best, reflecting from 60 to 90 percent of sunlight, according to the Department of Energy. But you also can shop for a "cool colored" roof: a darker roof that uses specialized pigments that reflect about 30 to 60 percent of sunlight. (Check the DOE’s Energy Saver page for advice on buying cool-roof roofing products for both shallow-pitched and steeply pitched roofs, and check the Cool Roof Rating Council for cool-roof products.)

When a roof is destroyed by fire, windstorm, hail, or other severe weather, there’s no denying it needs to be fixed. But often, the signal that your roof needs repair or replacement is nothing more than a seemingly innocent ceiling stain or drip. Caught early, a small leak can be fairly inexpensive to fix; if ignored, it may result in significant damage to your home.

Sometimes you can find the leak’s source yourself if you have an unfinished attic and can locate the water trickle along a rafter or stud. However, it’s best to have an experienced roofer do an inspection and handle the repairs. We don’t recommend that homeowners navigate steep ladders and pitched roofs themselves.

The remedy may be as simple as filling in a crack with caulk, replacing a few shingles, or installing some flashing—a waterproof membrane or metal sheet that redirects water. Most leaks can be stopped if they’re limited to a few spots. But if you’re experiencing recurring leaks and your roof is out of warranty, a new roof is in order. Even without obvious signs of damage, it’s wise to replace an out-of-warranty roof that’s more than 20 years old.

Keep in mind that even if your roof needs replacing, you may be able to replace only one side of it rather than the entire surface; that’s something to discuss with a contractor. If new shingles can be laid on top of the old ones, you’ll save money over having the old shingles torn off and starting from scratch. However, you or the contractor should check with your municipality to see what’s permitted; if two layers are already installed, you might not be allowed to add another.

Once you’ve decided on a roofing type, check the manufacturer’s website for contractor recommendations. A manufacturer’s credentialed contractors, in theory, have more training in installing the product. Your homeowners insurance company may also have a network of contractors. Look for contractors who have been around at least five years and have a good local reputation.

With any roofer, get local references and check for local and state licenses, proof of bonding, a Better Business Bureau rating, and active certificates of insurance—for liability and workers’ compensation.

Request bids from at least three pros. Roof replacement costs can vary widely, even when the exact same shingles will be installed. For asphalt shingles, prices range from about $75 to $105 per square for basic three-tab shingles, and up to $350 per square for multilayered architectural shingles. The cost of the shingles themselves should be similar no matter who installs them, but costs for labor and other materials are what you have to look out for when comparing bids.

Ask for a breakdown of all the costs involved: one price for the shingles, one for the labor of removing the old ones and installing the new ones, and a contingency budget that outlines the costs if your roofer discovers that sheathing or other materials need to be replaced.

Some installers offer workmanship warranties separate and apart from a shingle manufacturer’s. Be sure to ask for one in writing. Among the dozens of contractor websites from across the country that we reviewed, only a few showed explicit warranties. The promises we found covered between one and 50 years, though experts told us most roof problems happen in the first couple of years.

Even though replacing a roof isn’t a do-it-yourself job, estimating the cost of the shingles themselves can be helpful when you’re comparing bids from roofers.

Manufacturers price roofing by the square, or 100-square-foot area, and that’s how we price each option in our ratings. To estimate how much roofing you’ll need, multiply the overall length and width of each roof section in feet, add the numbers for the sections together, and add 10 percent to allow for waste. Then divide by 100 to determine how many squares you’ll need. In addition to buying extra to account for waste, it’s a good idea to keep an additional bundle on hand for minor repairs. That way you’re covered if the manufacturer stops making those shingles.

For example, for a one-story, 2,300-square-foot house with a medium-pitched roof, you’ll want to figure on about 30 squares to cover 3,000 square feet total—that should give you enough for waste and extra shingles for future repairs.

While manufacturers price their product by the square, roofing is generally packaged, and sold, in bundles. Generally, you’ll need three to five bundles of shingles to cover one square of your roof—the exact number of bundles required depends on the type of shingle you are buying; the heavier the shingle, the less you get per bundle. By law, each shingle bundle should state clearly how many square feet it covers so that you can calculate the number of bundles you need and budget accordingly. 

Before giving you an estimate, a contractor should assess all components in and around your roof, including the drip edge and gutters that steer water runoff. In a complete roof repair or redo, you’ll typically need to replace the underlayment. That component, usually treated paper or synthetic sheets, serves as a weather barrier atop the sheathing or decking, which is the flat surface—typically made of oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood—that lies on the rafters. In a cold climate, a roofer may suggest applying an ice-dam protection membrane in some areas to guard against water seepage caused by ice buildup. Adding or updating the ridge vent and vented soffits can improve attic airflow and prevent harmful moisture buildup. Replacing or fixing flashing, the material around the chimney and where roofing planes meet, can prevent leaks; ask about alternatives to copper, which is durable and attractive but costly. 

Ideally, ask for a contract that locks in the job’s pricing. If the contractor requires you to abide by a temporary clause making you responsible for interim price increases, make sure you understand how much you’ll be responsible for. And if you need the roof done right away, ask the contractor which shingle colors and styles are available now, so you’ll face minimal wait time. If contractor doesn’t know, seek another roofer.

In your shingle shopping, you might be impressed by how many manufacturers offer a "lifetime protection" warranty. But in roofing parlance, a lifetime really isn’t a lifetime. It’s more like 10 years. That’s the period during which most manufacturers will pay the roof’s original owner in full to replace defective shingles under the baseline warranty. After that—and for the rest of the period you own your home—it’ll reimburse only for your shingles’ depreciated value.

Warranties involve a lot of fine print like that. For instance, to extend the full-replacement period, you have to either upgrade to a different shingle or buy more of the manufacturer’s components. A roofing warranty won’t pay if the shingle maker finds problems in your home’s ventilation. And manufacturers usually won’t cover damage from so-called acts of God, such as very high winds and hail. For that, you’ll have to put in a homeowners insurance claim or pay out of pocket.

Given all those gotchas, a warranty probably shouldn’t be your main focus in choosing a new roof. Rather, our testers recommend that you place your faith in a strong shingle and a reliable contractor. That said, see whether the warranty is transferable to the next owner. If you sell your home, a transferable roof warranty can be a perk to a potential buyer.

The addition of solar panels can also affect your warranty. So if you think you might add solar panels to your new roof, check the warranty of the shingle you’re considering to make sure a solar-panel installation won’t void it. You should also check for insurance coverage from the solar panel company.

There are a variety of different types of shingles available in the market. From composition shingles to synthetic slate shingles, homeowners have plenty of shingle options to choose from when looking to install a new roof. But what type of shingle is best? Which shingle is the best value for the best price? What shingle type lasts the longest? We’ve got the answers!

The company is the world’s best Shingle Tile supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Our team has collected expert advice from our experienced team of roofing contractors in Charlotte to provide you with a complete guide on the pros and cons of different shingle types that you can buy. Use this guide to help you choose the right shingle for your roof replacement or new construction.

Composition Shingles

Composition shingles, most frequently referred to as asphalt shingles, are the most common type of shingle used during new construction or a roof replacement. They are called composition shingles or composite shingles because they consist of fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral granules. Composite shingle types differ from wood shake shingles or clay tiles because they are a single material.

There are two main types of composite shingles available, three-tab shingles and architectural shingles.

Architectural shingles are probably the type of shingle you’ll first think of when you’re considering a new roof. Architectural shingles, also called dimensional shingles, are manufactured with two layers of asphalt fused to offer a thicker, multi-dimensional appearance. Their multi-layered design offers additional roof protection, which increases the roof’s lifespan by 10-15 years compared to 3 tab shingles.

Developers often use three-tab shingles due to being the least expensive product available. They are made with a single layer of asphalt and have a flat appearance on your roof. With only one layer of material, they weigh less and cost less than other asphalt shingles. Three-tab shingles are typically the shingle type you would buy if you’re looking for cost-effective options to replace your roof.

3 Tab Shingles 

Pros:

• Lower cost to install (up to $1.20 per square foot)
• Easy to repair
• Large option of colors and styles available
• Lighter and consists of less material
• Easy and relatively quick installation
• Energy-efficient options are available
• Fire resistant

Cons:

• More vulnerable to harsh weather
• Unable to withstand high winds (can handle winds up to 60 mph)
• Flat in appearance
• Shorter lifespan than other shingle types
• Will not increase the value of a home
• Not the most environmentally friendly
• At least a 2/12 roof pitch is required for installation
• Excess friction can knock the granules loose

Three-tab shingles are a great choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective shingle choice for your roof replacement or home construction, offering your roof a lifespan of up to 25 years.

Owens Corning 3 tab shingles are some of our favorites! You can check out their array of options on their website.

Architectural Shingles

Pros:

• Easy and quick installation
• Ability to withstand high winds (can handle winds up to 130 mph)
• Wider variety of color, shading, and shape options
• Energy-efficient options are available
• Provides dimension to your home, visually appealing
• Less likely to curl than 3-tab shingles
• Fire Resistant
• Often offered with a lifetime warranty (50+ years)

Cons:

• Higher installation cost (up to $3.00 per square foot)
• Not the most environmentally friendly
• Lesser grades of architectural shingles can have a shorter life span
• At least a 2/12 roof pitch is required for installation
• Can be damaged by heavy hail
• Excess friction can knock the granules loose

Architectural shingles have a typical 30-50 years lifespan, giving homeowners more time in-between roof replacements and roof repairs. Although this shingle type costs more than its counterpart three-tab shingles, most homeowners find it worthwhile to pay a little more for more durability and an extended warranty.

Roof Shake or Wooden Shingles

Shake shingles and wooden shingles are becoming increasingly popular in North Carolina, especially in Charlotte. The difference between shake and wood shingles lies within the manufacturing process. Wood shake is crafted by splitting thin rectangles of material from a wooden log, and wood shingles are machine-cut from a block of wood.

Although manufactured differently, shake shingles and wooden shingles offer significant benefits to a home.

Pros:

• A unique look that will boost the curb appeal of your home
• Extremely wind resistant (can handle winds anywhere from 173 mph to 245 mph depending on cut and size)
• Impact resistance
• Ultraviolet (UV) light-resistant
• Energy efficient
• Eco-friendly
• Lightweight
• It has a longer average lifespan than three-tab shingles
• Boosts the value of your home
• Fire-resistant if the wood is appropriately treated before installation

Cons:

• More expensive than asphalt shingles (up to $5.50 per square foot)
• Attract insects such as wasps and other wood loving insects
• Requires more routine maintenance than an asphalt shingle to prevent moss, mold, and mildew growth
• Absorbs moisture which can lead to the wood rotting and warping if not installed correctly
• Untreated wood has a very poor fire rating and is even prohibited by the fire codes in some areas

Roof shake and wood shingles boast an impressive lifespan of 30-50 years if well-maintained.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles, or slate tiles, are likely the most expensive type of shingle on our list. That said, buying this type of shingle gives you enough benefits to, well, last a lifetime! Slate roofing is one of the most durable types of roofing on the market, fireproof and low maintenance!

Pros:

• Presents a classic, clean, and modern look
• Highly durable in high winds, high temperatures, and hail events
• Fireproof
• Longevity & warranties (most slate tile manufacturers will offer up to a 100-year warranty)
• Slate is not susceptible to damaging effect that causes wear and tear on asphalt shingles and absorbs very little water due to the slate’s lack of porosity
• It will significantly increase your resale home value due to the permanence, durability, and aesthetic appeal. These qualities will make your home more attractive to potential buyers should you ever decide to sell.
• Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• Much more costly than other roofing options (up to $20.00 per square foot)
• Weight (slate roofs weigh up to 4x as much as an asphalt roof)
• Be sure to hire a roofing company contractor with expertise in slate roofing. Improper installation of slate can lead to considerable problems with your roof
• Poor durability when walking on the roof unless you know what you’re doing
• Repairs are complicated as it is nearly impossible to find a perfect match for replacement tiles

Roofers will often tell you that you’ll buy slate roofing not only for you but your children too! Slate shingles have a typical lifespan of up to 200 years which means, if you can afford the initial cost of shingle installation, you won’t have to worry about your roof for many years to come!

Click here to view slate shingle options.

Bonus: Synthetic Slate Shingles

A newly developed product in the roofing industry is the synthetic slate shingle. If slate shingles have caught your eye, but you are leaning towards another shingle type due to the cost, look at our blog posting regarding the comparison of synthetic slate shingles vs. asphalt shingles. While synthetic slate is still more costly than asphalt shingles, it is not as pricey as bonafide slate shingles.

What Shingles to Buy? 

You’ve reached the end of our guide to help you choose the best shingle type to buy for your home. Whether you’re looking for cost-effective three-tab shingle options or shake, we recommend you reach out to your trusted roofing contractor to discuss the cost of these shingle types in your market.

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