The Best Roof Shingles for Your Home (2024)
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Shingles are one of the most popular roof types thanks to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. However, the wide range of designs, materials, and styles available can be overwhelming. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of different types of shingles, key factors to consider, and the best shingle brands to shop from. Whether you’re installing a new roof or undergoing roof replacement, we’ll help you choose the best roof shingles for your home.
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For an expert comparison of the most popular roofing materials—including asphalt, wood, metal, and tile—check out this video:
What Factors Should You Consider for Roof Shingles?
These are the most important factors to consider when searching for the best roof shingle for your home.
The type of shingle roofing material has the biggest impact on your roof’s cost and performance. We’ve compiled the pros and cons of each available material, along with their average costs.* Note that shingles and other roofing materials are priced per “square,” and a roofing square equals 100 square feet.
- Asphalt shingles ($80–$100 per square): Asphalt shingle roofs are affordable and widely available. They have an average life span of 15–20 years and come in various styles. You can choose composite materials such as fiberglass for increased durability and energy efficiency.
- Clay (800–$1,800 per square): Clay tiles are made from natural clay that has been kiln-fired to enhance its durability and hardness. You are most likely to see this type of roof on homes with Spanish- or Italian-style architecture. Clay tiles can last 75 years or longer, but they are heavier and more expensive than other materials.
- Composite ($100–$1,500 per square): Composite shingles, also called synthetic shingles, are made from a combination of recycled or man-made materials and are typically molded to look like slate or cedar shingles. Common ingredients include rubber, plastic polymer, fiberglass, wood, asphalt, and laminate. They’re fire- and moisture-resistant and can last up to 50 years.
- Metal ($325–$650 per square): Metal shingles are made from various metals, such as aluminum or steel. Many metal shingle roofs use 100% recyclable materials and are Energy Star-certified, meaning they help reduce your energy bills. Metal roofs last 40–80 years.
- Slate ($800–$1,800 per square): The slate roof cost is high, but slate is an incredibly durable roofing material, often lasting more than 100 years. Slate roofs are made of natural rock cut into shingles. This material is heavy, so you may have to pay to install additional structural support. However, a beautiful natural stone roof adds curb appeal.
- Solar ($2,100–$2,300 per square): Solar shingles are a newer type of shingle roof made of thin layers of photovoltaic (PV) sheets with a glass base. These shingles act like mini solar panels, absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity for your home. Like standard roof shingles, solar shingles are designed to withstand the elements, including heavy rain, wind, and hail. They typically come with a 25-year warranty but can last longer.
- Wood ($350–$500 per square): A basic wooden shingle is made from split logs. These shingles provide a smooth, uniform look and last up to 50 years. You can also opt for wood shakes, which act like shingles but look more rustic and natural. Not all jurisdictions allow wood roofs due to a lack of impact resistance and their vulnerability to fire damage.
*Cost figures in this article are sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi and HomeAdvisor. Unless otherwise noted, these ranges reflect material costs only and do not include installation costs.
Shingle color affects your home’s overall appearance. Darker shades, such as black and gray, can make objects appear smaller and more compact. Lighter colors make objects look more prominent and closer, so white or lighter-colored shingles can make a small home look bigger. Many white roofs are known as cool roofs since they reflect heat away from your home.
Consider your home’s other exterior elements, such as the siding, when choosing a shingle color. We recommend picking a color that contrasts with your other exterior elements for the most striking look.
Asphalt shingles come in three styles that affect the roof’s performance and installation cost. We’ve detailed the types of asphalt shingles below, along with average prices for each:
- 3-tab shingles ($305 per square, installed): 3-tab asphalt shingles are the most popular style. They’re inexpensive, durable, and easy to maintain, lasting 15–20 years. They come in standard colors such as gray, brown, and black.
- Architectural shingles ($900 per square, installed): Architectural shingles have a heavy fiberglass base covered by ceramic-coated mineral granules. These shingles are of higher quality and more water-resistant than basic asphalt shingles, resulting in a longer life span of 20–50 years.
- Luxury shingles ($600–$1,000 per square, installation costs vary): Luxury shingles are also called designer shingles, SD shingles, or premium asphalt shingles. They’re the largest of the three styles and mimic the appearance of high-end materials like slate tiles or cedar shakes. Though they’re more expensive than other asphalt shingles, they are also more weather-resistant and last an average of 30 years.
The local climate and weather conditions play a role in how long your shingles last. Here are a few weather-related factors to consider:
- Extreme temperatures: Roofing materials may expand and contract as the weather changes. If you live in an area with large temperature fluctuations, be sure to choose a material that can withstand the extremes, such as asphalt or metal roofing.
- Sun exposure: In regions with intense sun, UV-resistant materials like metal, slate, or tiles will last longer. A reflective coating will help reduce heat absorption and lower your energy costs.
- Rainfall and humidity: If you live in a wet or humid climate, paying extra for upgraded shingles with better water and mold resistance may be worth it.
- Wind: Architectural shingles and metal roofs offer better wind resistance than traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or windy days.
- Snow and ice: Consider the average snowfall in your area. Your roof will need to effectively bear that additional weight and shed the snow or ice. Metal roofs perform particularly well in snowy weather, as the snow slides off more easily.
- Hail: If you live in an area prone to hail, research the impact resistance of different roofing materials. Synthetic shingles, such as rubberized or polymer-based shingles, are typically a safe choice.
- Fire risk: Most roofing materials are fire-tested and assigned one of three fire protection ratings: Class A, Class B, and Class C. If you live in an area prone to wildfires, opt for shingles with a Class A rating.
How Much Does Shingle Roofing Cost?
A shingle roof costs an average of $5,994–$9,791 for a 2,000-square-foot home. However, shingle roof installation can cost significantly more depending on the size of your roof and the type of shingles you choose. These prices apply to asphalt shingles, the cheapest option. Other materials may cost more.
As you price out different options, remember that the shingles themselves are only part of the overall cost. Whether you hire a roofing company or attempt a DIY installation, you have other costs to consider, such as permits, underlayment, and flashing. For professional installation, you will pay for labor. For a DIY installation, be sure to factor in the cost of any tools and equipment you don’t already have.
What Are the Best Asphalt Roof Shingle Brands?
We evaluated national shingle brands based on important factors such as product selection, customer support, and warranties. We determined the following to be the best roof shingle brands based on our research:
- GAF
- IKO
- Owens Corning
GAF
GAF offers multiple shingle styles, whether you want a historic appearance or something more modern. We also like that it includes a limited lifetime warranty for all of its shingles. You can find GAF shingles at popular retailers such as The Home Depot. The company’s website has a tool to connect you with installers certified for GAF roofing products.
IKO
IKO laminates its shingles to increase durability and weather resistance. The company offers four shingle collections to match various home styles, including colonial and contemporary styles. Like GAF, the company offers in-house certification for roofers to ensure you get the best installation quality.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning is another popular shingle manufacturer that you’ll find at big-box retailers such as Lowe’s. The company produces high-end shingles with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Ethisphere, an organization that helps define the standards of ethical business practices, placed Owens Corning on its 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies list. The roofing manufacturer is also known to work around solar panels.
Our Conclusion
The best roof shingle depends on your home’s style, roof layout, and local weather conditions. Most homeowners use asphalt shingles because they’re more affordable, accessible, and versatile. We recommend consulting a professional roofer to determine which roofing option best matches your needs and budget. Use our tool below to connect with residential roofing contractors near you.
FAQ About Best Roof Shingles
What grade of shingle is the best?
We recommend looking for shingles with a Grade 4 rating. This rating means the shingles have more impact resistance and better fire ratings than others. These shingles last longer and provide more protection from high winds and environmental damage.
Should the roof be darker or lighter than the house?
We suggest getting roofing and siding that contrast in color. For example, most homes use light-colored siding with a dark-colored roof, but you can opt for the inverse for a striking appearance.
Are more expensive shingles worth it?
More expensive shingles, such as architectural or designer shingles, can be worth it. Generally, a higher price tag indicates that the shingles are more durable or aesthetically pleasing than basic 3-tab asphalt shingles. That means they provide more long-term value to your home and cut down on repair and replacement costs.
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