Types of House Shingles

House shingles can be decorative or simply practical. Their layered construction creates a seal and keeps water and cold air from leaking into the home. If a leak does develop, shingles make it easy to repair one section of the roof instead of having to pay for a complete replacement.

Asphalt

Asphalt is the material of choice for most house shingles because of its low cost and ease of replacement. Asphalt is susceptible to leaks and cracking and must be replaced more frequently than other roofing materials.

Fiberglass Reinforcement

The lightest house shingles are composed of an asphalt exterior with a thin backing of fiberglass. The fiberglass makes them more durable and fire-resistant.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles can also be used to shingle a house. Curved clay tiles are a good way to add texture to a home's roof. Be careful when using clay shingles because of their heavy weight. The underlying support system may need to be reinforced before the tiles can be installed.

Wood

Wood is not used for house shingles as much as it used to be. The newer roofing materials are more economical and less likely to catch on fire. Wooden shingles can also be destroyed by weather or termites.

Slate

Slate shingles are long-lasting because of their ability to resist termites, weather, and fire. Slate may be more expensive than other roofing materials, but may be worth it over the life of the home in saved repair and replacement costs.