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Different Types of Roofing Shingles

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published August 20, 2024

Roof shingles are roofing material consisting of overlapping elements placed one over the other. This guide will help you understand the different types of shingles and which is the best you can choose for your home roof.

What Are Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are roof coverings consisting of individual elements. These parts are usually flat, rectangular pieces arranged in rows from the bottom to the top of the roof, with each new row overlapping the gaps in the row below.  Shingles are tied to the roof rafters and are made of various materials such as wood, metal, plastic.

Shingles can be applied to nearly every roofing style. They can be used for houses, garages, sheds, commercial or agricultural buildings and much more. The best shingle choice for each project is different and also depends on the material used.

Benefits and Uses of Roof Shingles

  • Roof shingles protect the home from various elements such as rains, wind and UV rays.
  • These shingles help protect the home by keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer.
  • They are available in various materials, colors and styles and contribute significantly to the house's overall appearance and attractiveness.

Types of Roof Shingles

There are different kinds of shingles such as architectural shingles, hip and ridge shingles, Tab shingles and starter shingles. These different types of roofing shingles have their own unique features.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles can be called or named as dimensional or laminated shingles. These shingles contain numerous layers which are made of asphalt-coated fiberglass. These layers are bonded together, creating a textured, multidimensional appearance.

Features of architectural shingles: 

  • Dimensional Appearance

Architectural shingles are more than just a functional roofing material, but they are a style statement. Their layered, dimensional design enhances your home's exterior with a refined touch. The diverse shapes and depth they provide give your roof an elegant, visually compelling quality, making your home stand out in the neighborhood. 

  • Intense Durability 

When it comes to durability, architectural shingles last longer. Their thickness and heavy construction make them more resistant to the wear and tear of daily exposure to the weather. These shingles protect the roof from harsh UV rays, pounding rain and stormy winds. They offer lasting security and reassurance to homeowners. These shingles are also impact resistant, which means they can face harsh weather conditions and sudden intense shock or pressure.

  • Wide Range of Colors and Sizes 

These shingles come in a variety of colors, such as onyx black, desert tan, teak, estate gray. Architectural or laminated shingles come in a particular size of 32.8sq. feet per bundle.

  • Long Lasting Warranty Period

Investing in architectural shingles isn’t just about upgrading your roof, it is about investing in peace of mind. The extended warranty periods provided by numerous manufacturers allow for peace of mind, as your roof is safeguarded from defects or premature failure for decades. These shingles are also algae-resistant and prevent ugly black streaks.

  • Fire Resistant

Architectural Shingles are fire resistant of Class A rating which means the material is highly resistant to fire. This makes them reliable in preserving both the structure of the house and the people who live in it. 

Hip and Ridge Shingles

Hip and Ridge shingles are specially designed to protect the areas where two roof faces meet. They are usually curved or bent in the middle to help protect the joint from water intrusion and debris. These shingles come in various colors and designs.

Features of Hip and Ridge Shingles

  • High Quality

High-quality hip and ridge shingles help to keep snow, rain and debris from getting into the corners of roof sections. Some of the elements that protect these areas also help in effective ventilation purposes.

  • Warranty Benefits 

Hip and Ridge Shingle provides a warranty of 25 years. It will also protect you from the development of blue-green algae on the roof.

  • Sizes and Color Options

Hip and Ridge shingles sizes are available in 20 to 33 in feet per bundle. They are made in various colors such as black, gray and brown.

  • Fire Resistant

These shingles have a Class A fire rating. Class A rating is considered to be highly fire resistant. Hip and ridge shingles are considered to hold up against exposure to direct flames without catching a fire.

3 - Tab Shingles

3-tab shingles get their name from the three cut-out design at the  lower edge. These shingles are easy and simple to install and are composed of lightweight and thin material. 3-tab shingles are the right choice for homeowners on a certain budget or rental property owners.

Features of a 3-Tab Shingles

  • Weight and Durability

These shingles are light in weight which is an advantage because then they become easy and faster to install. At the same time there are chances of them breaking during installation. These shingles are not impact-resistant as they are made of lightweight material such as asphalt.

  • Lifespan

3 - Tab Shingles can last up to 25 years depending on several factors such as maintenance and climate.

  • Affordable

3 - Tab Shingles are comparatively cheaper in price and are an affordable material in the market.

  • Sizes and colors  

These shingles are available in sizes 33.33 sq feet per bundle. They are available in colors such as black and brown.

  • Algae Resistant

3 -Tab shingles are algae-resistant to help control growth of algae and discoloration.

  • Fire Resistant

These shingles have a Class A fire rating. Class A rating is considered to be highly fire resistant. They are considered to hold up against exposure to direct flames without catching a fire.

Starter Shingles

Starter shingles are the initial part of roofing that act as the first line of defense against wind and storm damage at the edges of roofs. Starter shingles represent a self-adhering base for the regular shingles to be installed on top of. This shingle is secured with five or six nails to provide added stability and resistance to wind uplift.

Features of Starter Shingles

  • Installation process

Starter shingles are installed on the edges mostly to conceal the joints between the finish shingles and to complete the overall roof coverage. Keep in mind that starter shingles also come with a sealant strip that will be positioned on the lower roof edge.

  • Provides a clean look

Without starter shingles, it can be hard to achieve a precise straight edge and aesthetically pleasing look. It gives the roofing contractor a perfect guide when installing regular shingles.

  • Prevents Water and Wind Resistance

The purpose of starter shingles is to prevent any water from finding its way through the cracks and gaps and leaking into your home. This way, the roof deck remains water-tight and resistant to leaks and potential water damage.

  • Size and Color

Starter shingles are available in 105-lin ft per bundle and are available in the color black, gray, brown.

  • Fire Resistant

Starter Shingles are fire resistant. They have a class A rating which means they are considered to hold up against exposure to direct flames without catching a fire.

Caution

Starter shingles are not algae resistant.

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