Your 2023 Roof Shingles Guide

Aesthetics, longevity, and performance are all vital attributes to look for when choosing roofing materials for your Little Rock, AR home. Although having lots of options to choose from helps homeowners meet their goals, it also complicates the selection process. After all, if you don’t know the benefits, drawbacks, and ideal applications for each shingle type, you can’t make an informed decision. The following is your 2023 roof shingles guide to help you find the best roof shingles for your project.

Different Roofing Materials and Your Project Goals

There are nearly 20 different types of roof shingles currently available, and experienced roofing companies are proficient in working with all of them. Asphalt shingles are presently the most popular choice in the nation with over 80% of all re-roofing and new construction projects using them. These shingles are durable, easy to install, and long-lasting. For a relatively modest cost, you can get an attractive and high-performing asphalt shingle roof that lasts three decades or more.

However, building aesthetics, efficiency, and other factors could rank superior to cost. For some homeowners, all-copper roofs are the preferred choice. Copper roofs have high levels of intrinsic value. Thus, if you’re looking to add considerable value to your home in 2023, this is a good way to start. Copper shingles weather well and they gradually develop beautiful patinas. Copper handily ranks among the most fireproof roofing materials available, and it’s more resistant to wind, rain, snow, and hail than many other options.

Along with budget, certain existing problems or concerns might impact your shingle selection. For instance, if you have a multi-level home with a low-sloped roof at the first level, you might need oversize gutters and downspouts to accommodate greater runoff, and shingles that offer a superior level of weather resistance.

There Are Three Types of Asphalt Shingles

Although asphalt shingles are by far the most popular option for residential roofing, this doesn’t mean that nearly all homes throughout the nation are poised to look exactly the same. Asphalt shingles are available in three different types:

• Three-tab shingles
• Fiberglass asphalt shingles
• Architectural asphalt shingles

Three-tab asphalt shingles are the most economical choice. Most options have a manufacturer-specified lifespan of 25 years. They have slim profiles and a basic look, and the ability to hold up well in almost all weather. Unfortunately, due to thin bases that are comprised of organic mat paper, three-tab asphalt shingles tend to be the least enduring.

Architectural shingles are expected to last at least three full decades. Some can even last up to 50 years. They’re priced a bit higher than standard, three-tab designs, but they’re incredibly versatile. Also known as laminate or dimensional shingles, they have thick, fiberglass mat bases, and they’re made up of two separate layers of asphalt shingles that are securely laminated together.

Fiberglass shingles are light and easy to install, but they contain less asphalt than organic, three-tab shingles and architectural shingles. As such, they don’t always provide the best level of weather resistance. Like architectural shingles, fiberglass asphalt shingles can last between 30 and 50 years.

Wood Shingles and Wood Shake

Wood shingles and wood shakes are comprised of real wood. Wood shingles have very precise shapes, dimensions, and outlines, and they give roofs a very clean and uniform look. Comparatively, wood shakes are either sawed off or hand-hewed to create a more rustic aesthetic. Wood shingle roofs can last between 15 and 50 years depending upon how well they’re maintained and the type of wood that’s been used. Wood shake roofs have an average lifespan of about 30 years.

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles can create a very diverse range of looks. They’re comprised of zinc, tin, aluminum, copper, or steel. If you want custom tile shapes, a roof with intrinsic value, or a very specific roof color or aesthetic, there are metal options to suit. Best of all, well-made metal roofs often last up to 100 years.

Slate Shingles

With expected lifespans of up to 150 years, slate shingles are easily the most enduring roofing option available. You’ll pay a bit more per square foot for slate shingles, but you’re virtually guaranteed to get great returns over time. Slate holds up well in nearly all temperature extremes, and it maintains its good looks throughout the decades with minimal maintenance. However, given how heavy this roofing material is, it’s rarely the ideal choice for homes with steeply sloped roofs.

We’ve been proudly serving residents of Little Rock, AR for over a decade. We offer residential roofing installation, maintenance, and repair services. We also provide storm damage repairs and roof inspections. To discuss our complete range of roof shingles, call Big Rock KangaROOF today!