Residential Roofing: 9 Types of Roof Shingle Materials

February 20, 2019

Roofs play a vital role in the structure of our homes. More than giving protection, they also administer the feeling of wholeness and completeness – defining the overall look of the entire house. That’s why, whether you’re building a new roof or remodelling your old one, it’s important to know at least a little bit about the different kinds of roof shingle materials.

With this in mind, we have created a quick guide of the different types of roof shingles available in the current market.

1. Asphalt Roof Shingles

Asphalt roof shingles are the most commonly used roof shingle material in residential roofing. It is consists of a hot asphalt saturated fiberglass mat with granule mineral coating at the top surface. It is the most affordable shingle material in the current market.

2. Cool Roof Shingles

Cool roof shingles are a variation of asphalt shingles, containing highly reflective granules. This material is primarily designed to deflect the heat from the sun’s UV rays instead of absorbing it, setting up a cooler home environment.

3. Cedar Roof Shingles

Cedar roof shingles are smoothed and tapered wood shingles. Generally, it has a rustic look to it. It’s considered one of the most expensive shingle materials on the market. That’s why it’s mainly used on high-end residential roofing.

4. Clay Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles are also known as architectural terracotta clay tiles. It is hailed as one of the best roof materials used in residential roofing for it can last for an entire generation. It is usually has a brown-orange appearance, but can also be manufactured in various custom colors and textures.

5. Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete roof tiles are created from mixing portland cement, sand, water. It can be molded into different shapes and thickness. It is considered as a resilient shingle material. However, it does weigh heavier, so you will have to be mindful of the support structure of your roof.

6. Metal Roof Shingles

In the past, metal roofing was only available as flat panels or corrugated seam roofs; nowadays, they are made available as shingles as well. It is considered an efficient shingle material. It doesn’t easily catch fire and is highly weather-resistant.

7. Composite Roof Shingles

Composite roof shingles are often referred to as synthetic tiles or synthetic roof shingles. They are usually made from different types of materials to simulate the appearance of other shingle materials. Most of the time, they are created from formulations of plastic polymers, fibers, and resins.

8. Rubber Roof Shingles

Rubber roof shingles are made from recycled rubber materials, mostly from recycled tires. They are synthesized to replicate the look of other types of shingle materials, just like composite roof shingles.

Copper Roof Shingles

Copper roof shingles are a different kind of metal roofing. They are also formed as interlocking shingles when installed. They are generally the most expensive type of shingle material in the market. This is why they are often used in the roofing systems in high-end residences.