Types of Roofing Shingles: Which is Best for Your Home?

If you’re planning a roofing installation, your next decision will be choosing the right shingle type. The style of your home, shingle type durability, and budget are the top factors for choosing the best shingles for your home. There are various options available, from asphalt to metal and slate. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each to help you make a decision:

We’ll discuss the following types of roof shingles along with common questions: 

• Most popular: Asphalt Roof Shingles
• Classic & Inviting: Wood Roof Shingles
• Resilient & Energy Efficient: Metal Roofing
• Stately Elegance: Slate and Tile
• New Material, same classic look: Synthetic Roof Shingles
• Choosing the right roofing shingles for your property

Understanding Roofing Shingles and Their Importance

Roofing shingles shield your home from harsh weather conditions. The perfect shingles will boost your home’s aesthetic value and resale price. Carefully consider: 

• Your climate: Metal shingles perform well in extreme temperatures. Wood shingles are suited for drier climates. 
• The Material: The standard asphalt type is durable and affordable. High-end shingle types come with unique benefits. 
• Your Budget: Because the cost varies widely, the trick is factoring in longevity and energy efficiency to balance the long-term value. 

Considering the above, let’s examine the types of roofing shingles available. 

Asphalt shingles are popular due to their durability, affordability, and versatility. They come in various styles and colors, with reliable protection for many architectural styles. 

With 3 types of asphalt shingles, you have options: 

1. 3-Tab Shingles – These 3-tab shingles are the least expensive and produce a flat, uniform appearance. They are decently durable but have a shorter lifespan (15-20 years) and may require more frequent repairs. 
2. Architectural Shingles   - Architectural shingles are more textured and layered, lasting 25-30 years, offering superior wind resistance. 
3. Luxury Shingles – Luxury shingles are the most durable and appealing asphalt shingles designed to mimic the look of slate or wood. These beauties last up to 50 years, but cost more. 

Lifespan and Maintenance 

• On average, asphalt shingles last between 15 to 30 years
• Roof inspections and cleaning debris from gutters can extend their lifespan 
• Minor damages, like curled or missing shingles, should be promptly repaired 

Wood Shingles and Shakes – A Classic Look

Wood shingles and shakes offer timeless beauty for homeowners drawn to a natural, rustic aesthetic. Made from cedar, redwood, or pine, wood shingles combine warmth with a classic look to a home.

Wood shingles and wood shakes differ in appearance and durability:

Pros of Wood Roofing: 

• Natural Beauty 
• Energy Efficient 
• Eco-Friendly 

Cons of Wood Roofing: 

• Fire Risk 
• Higher maintenance needs 
• Upfront Costs are higher 

Best Home Styles for Wood Roofing 

• Rustic Cabins & Cottages 
• Cape Cod Homes 
• Craftsman-Style Houses 

Wood shingles and shakes are elegant, but require diligent upkeep. They should be cleaned and sealed to prevent moss, rot, and insect infestations.

Metal Roofing Shingles – Durable and Energy Efficient

Metal roofing shingles offer durability, energy-efficiency and superior weather resistance.. With minimal maintenance requirements, these types of roof shingles are made from various materials:

• Aluminum shingles are lightweight, rust-resistant, and perfect for coastal areas.  Aluminum will reduce heating costs by reflecting heat. 
• Steel shingles are durable and often coated with zinc or aluminum to prevent corrosion. 
• Copper shingles are premium, with a beautiful patina that develops over time. They are incredibly long-lasting but cost more. 

Energy Efficiency & Longevity 

• Metal shingles work well in warm climates by reflecting solar heat that can reduce cooling costs by 25%. 
• Their longevity surpasses asphalt shingles by 40 to 70+ years. 
• Made from recycled materials and fully recyclable when replaced, metal shingles are eco-friendly. 

Cost vs Long-Term Savings 

• Initial Cost: Metal shingles cost between $5 and $14 per square foot - depending on the materials used. 
• Durability: Because metal shingles are more durable and require little maintenance, homeowners save on repairs and replacements over time, making the initial cost worth the investment. 
• Energy Savings: Saving on energy bills also adds to the value of metal shingles. 

Metal shingles offer longevity, energy efficiency, and sustainability for those who can invest in their higher initial cost.

Slate and Tile Roofing – Elegant and Long-Lasting

If you’re looking for a high-end, timeless look, slate, and tile roofing is unmatched in beauty and durability. 

• Aesthetic Appeal: Slate is a gorgeous natural stone that will add elegance to any home. They will add distinction with color options of gray, green, black, and red to your home’s aesthetic. 
• Longevity: With a five-span of 75 to 100+ years, slate shingles offer great value. 
• Weather & Fire Resistance: Slate shingles are amazingly resistant to fire, mold, and harsh weather – perfect climates with extreme conditions. 

 Clay & Concrete Tiles: Durable Alternatives to Slate 

If the luxurious slate tiles are beyond your budget, clay, and concrete tiles may offer a pleasing alternative for less. 

• Clay Tiles are beautiful, highly durable, and fire-resistant. They last 40 to 50 years.  A square foot costs $10 - $18. 
• Concrete Tiles cost less than clay and can look like slate or wood while delivering strong weather resistance. They last 40 - 50 years, costing $4 - $9 per square foot.

Composite and Synthetic Shingles – Modern Alternatives

Composite and synthetic shingles made from rubber, plastic, and polymer blends mimic natural materials, offering enhanced performance. These shingle types are: 



• Lightweight 
• Affordable 
• Durable 
• Eco-Friendly 

Low-maintenance synthetic shingles are affordable and last 40 - 50 years.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Shingles for Your Home

Consider your climate, home style, and budget when choosing the right shingles for your roof. 

Metal and slate shingles are the most resistant to extreme weather conditions. Wood shingles complement rustic homes; clay shingles suit Mediterranean designs, and slate shingles are elegant.  Asphalt is affordable. Metal and slate cost more initially but offer value with a longer-lasting product, energy savings, and lower maintenance costs.

To choose the best type of roof shingles for your home and budget, consult a professional roofer for expert advice on durability, cost, and structural considerations.

Making the Right Choice for Your Roof

Whether you’re considering asphalt, durable metal, or elegant slate shingles for your roof, Preferred Roofing KC is here to help you make the right choice. Our experienced roofers deliver trusted advice and service to homeowners in Lee’s Summit and the surrounding neighborhoods according to your needs. 

Contact Preferred Roofing KC today for a FREE consultation!