There are dozens of choices available for roofing materials, including many materials and styles of roofing shingles. Because the options for shingled roofing are so numerous, they deserve to be discussed as a group, omitting sheets, tiles, rolled roofing, and other common roof types. Metal is typically thought of as sheet roofing, but there are a couple of metal shingle options that are worth considering in this list. Check out the most popular types of roofing shingles for your roof repair or replacement project below.
One note before we begin: Any prices listed here should be considered rough estimates. The costs were researched using pre-pandemic numbers, and may not reflect the actual cost of materials and labor in our post-pandemic world. And while the list costs are not as accurate as we would prefer, the price ratios between roofing shingles are the same, which gives you a relatively accurate comparison between types.
Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles
This type of shingle is the most commonly used roof material. 3-tab shingles lie flat against the roofing underlayment and have an expected longevity of around 20 years. There are plenty of comparably priced alternatives on the market and asphalt shingles are slowly being replaced by more cost and environmentally-friendly options. 3-Tab shingles cost around $1.75 to $3.35 per square foot.
Asphalt Architectural Shingles
Also known as dimensional shingles, this variation on asphalt shingles uses composite layers to give your roof a more visible texture. Architectural shingles can be more than twice as thick as traditional 3-Tab shingles and last for around 30 years. Depending on the design, this type of material will cost between $4.50 and $8.50 per square foot.
Aluminum Shingles
Aluminum shingles are one of the lightest roofing materials on the market and offer the longevity and durability associated with metal roofing. Because they do not rust, aluminum shingles are more popular in coastal regions that have a high salt content in the air. The cost per square foot is between $2.00 and $4.50, making them a comparable replacement for asphalt.
Rubber Shingles
Rubber shingles are often billed as being environmentally and economically friendly. Rubber shingles are available in styles to resemble other roofing types, including asphalt shingles, shake shingles, and roofing tiles. They are considered budget-friendly because they can last for up to 50 years and are resistant to weather, rodents, and commonly caused damages. Rubber shingles will average out between $4.50 and $9.00 per square foot.
Steel Shingles
Steel shingles may resemble 3-tab asphalt or wood shake shingles, with an expected lifespan of as much as 80 years. Steel is one of the most expensive roofing materials, but it will also outperform almost any other type. Unlike metal panel roofs, a steel shingle roof is designed to reduce sound, eliminating the noisiness associated with traditional metal roofs. At $6.00 to $12.00 per square foot, steel shingles may be more affordable than you had imagined.
Wood Shake Shingles
Shake shingles are the most natural form of roofing material, but it is also more susceptible to decay, rodents, and weather. Natural wood offers an excellent visual product, but its fragility makes wood extremely expensive over the course of home ownership because it needs to be replaced as often as every 15 to 20 years. Cedar shake shingles are labor-intensive to make, and the extra workmanship is passed on to consumers in the form of a cost per square foot that averages around $9.00. Cedar shingles are visually appealing but they aren’t a great choice in areas that have high winds, frequent rains, or excessive temperature fluctuations.
Solar Shingles
Resembling asphalt roof tiles, solar shingles are the most expensive type of shingle currently on the market. On the other hand, solar shingles are able to offset the initial cost beginning immediately after installation by producing enough electricity to power up to 60 percent of your electric needs. When calculated over the expected span of 25 years, solar shingles will more than pay for the cost of having them installed and providing routine maintenance. Going eco-friendly comes at a price, though, and you can expect solar shingles to average out somewhere above $20 per square foot.
Choosing a Shingle Type
These are not the only types of roofing shingles used in roofing today, but they account for a majority of them. For example, there are around 4 different types of metal shingles available, each with a different set of styles, colors, and cost per square foot. The information presented above should provide you with enough basic information to narrow down the selection, and you can optimize your search once you have settled on a basic shingle type. If immediate cost is your only concern, asphalt 3-Tab shingles offer the best price point, but spending up to twice as much for a roof that needs less maintenance and has a much longer expected usefulness is probably the most economical solution over the course of your home ownership.
Material Cost Vs Roof Replacement
It should be noted that most roof replacements require more than tearing off the old roof and installing a new one. If the existing roof is in bad condition, you may also have to replace trusses, roofing underlayment, or make other repairs. In the worst situations, a leaking roof may be responsible for damage to your walls, ceilings, and floors. All of these repairs will be in addition to the initial cost per square foot and may range from a few hundred dollars to thousands.
Putting a roof on your house is going to cost a noticeable percentage of the home value. It will also substantially increase the resale value, offer greater curb appeal, and protect the home it covers for at least 20 years. However, the quality of the job performed will add or subtract years from the roof’s longevity, and it is in your best interest to verify your home contractors before you sign a contract. You can do this by checking the contractor’s licensing and insurance, looking for online reviews and testimonials, and referencing their standing with your regional Better Business Bureau.
Peak Roofing & Exteriors
If you’re looking for an honest and experienced team that can handle your residential roofing project in Northwest Arkansas, Northeast Louisiana, or West Texas, look no further. Peak Roofing & Exteriors can take care of your home or business with quality and integrity. Contact us today and book a FREE inspection!