Which Shingles Are the Best? Comparing the Leading Roofing Materials

While residential roofing trends tend to come and go, shingles have continued to dominate the roofing industry as the most popular roofing material on the market.

In fact, studies indicate that asphalt shingles are used in over 80% of roofing and re-roofing projects in the U.S., primarily due to all the flexibility and options roofing shingles allow homeowners to work with.

There are plenty of reasons more roofing contractors tend to recommend shingles to so many of their customers.

Typical benefits homeowners can expect to experience when installing a new roof using shingles can include:

• Wide variety of colors, textures, and styles to choose from

• Cost-effective, affordable roofing material options

• Longer life expectancy

• Renowned durability with an ideal material weight

• Simple installation

• Easy to repair and replace, and extremely low maintenance

But with so many types of shingles to choose from nowadays, how do you know which material will work best with your home? For starters, there are many subcategories of asphalt shingles, which are the most common roofing material in America. Then there’s the option of wood shingles, which are usually cedar shakes.

Let’s break down the leading roofing materials to determine which types of shingles are the best for your roofing needs!

Asphalt Shingles

There’s a reason asphalt shingles are far and away the most popular type of roofing shingle. Whether you’re looking to give your home a luxurious, high-end dimensional appearance or you’re looking to maximize your value with a cost-effective, long-lasting roofing material, asphalt shingles provide plenty of options to match your budgeting and aesthetic needs. 

Asphalt shingles are manufactured from a variety of raw materials, often either organic materials such as cellulose fibers or inorganic materials such as glass fibers. The materials are saturated and coated with asphalt, then topped off with ceramic-coated opaque mineral granules to serve as the surface.

The two primary forms of asphalt shingles are Three-Tab and Dimensional. Three-Tab shingles serve as a more traditional and affordable asphalt shingles option. In contrast, Dimensional asphalt shingles focus more on aesthetic and style, mimicking the appearance of other roofing materials, such as cedar or slate shakes, without having to deal with the maintenance and upkeep associated with those materials.

Essentially, asphalt shingles provide extreme flexibility when it comes to choosing a look and performance you can count on for many years to come.

Architectural Asphalt Shingles

What makes architectural shingles stand out amidst the competition is how they’re essentially a hybrid of all other popular roofing shingle materials. Sometimes referred to as dimensional, composite, or laminate shingles, what makes architectural shingles a truly one-of-a-kind roofing material is all in its name.

From an architectural standpoint, these shingles provide renowned color, texture, and pattern choices. They are also created to replicate the appearance of more expensive roofing materials, such as slate, tile, or cedar shake.

And because they’re a heavier material than asphalt shingles, architectural shingles offer less stress on roofs because they don’t require the added support that more traditional roofing materials need. They also provide a relatively simple installation process, saving homeowners more on labor and maintenance costs.

Why We Recommend GAF Timberline Shingles

When it comes to long-lasting appearance and performance, nothing automatically upgrades your home’s resale value and curb appeal quite like GAF Timberline Shingles.

More homeowners in the United States choose Timberline shingles over any other brand, and they’re always backed by exclusive warranties, equipping homeowners with full, comprehensive coverage and optimal security. Plus, with their patented LayerLock™ Technology, you can expect unparalleled roofing performance and protection by experiencing the widest nailing zone on the market and a wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.

Cedar Shakes

Enhanced energy-efficiency, renowned weather resistance, superior insulation; those are three traits homeowners can expect to experience when installing a new wood shingle roof.

With a more natural look and feel to its appearance, wood shingles are an excellent choice for those looking to exhibit a more refined aesthetic, while not having to sacrifice any durability or resilience.

And as a more low-density roofing material, wood shingles are known for enhancing your home’s insulation, which can also help you reduce your energy bills.

Metal Roofing

One of the biggest attractions of metal roofing is its longevity. A professionally installed system can last up to 50 years or more with the proper care and maintenance. They don't come in traditional shingles but larger sections, making them an easier installation process, and their lightweight nature means less pressure on your home's structural integrity.

Metal is also an eco-friendly option because it can be recycled repeatedly; some products are over 40% recycled, making them a sustainable choice. When all of this is combined with their fire resistance and low maintenance qualities, it makes an attractive option to consider.

Contact Timberline for Shingle Repair & Installation

When your Austin-area Minnesota home needs a roofing shingles upgrade, Timberline Roofing & Contracting has the team, resources, and materials to help improve your roof’s performance and appearance!

We provide durable asphalt shingles that encompass the perfect balance of beauty and durability, all while taking advantage of our protective warranties and flexible financing options.

Get a quote here on all our shingles materials, or call us at 507-396-4412 for immediate assistance.