Which Roof Shingle is Best For You?

Types of Roof Shingles

When it comes to roof shingles, most homeowners think asphalt is their only option. This makes sense because it is by far the most common (and one of the most affordable), but even asphalt shingles come in various types. If you’re looking to install a new roof on your home and you’re a bit overwhelmed by the decision-making process, we get it, and we’re here to help.

Without further ado, let’s break down the most popular types of roof shingles, along with their cost, durability, and other key features, so you can confidently move forward with your roof project.

We’ll go more into these types below. 

Asphalt Roof Shingles

Asphalt shingles are America’s favorite for a reason: they’re affordable, easy to install, and available in tons of colors. Whether you’re replacing a roof or starting from scratch, asphalt offers a solid, budget-friendly solution.

Cost: $3.50 to $16 per square foot
Lifespan: 15 to 50 years
Material: Asphalt with either fiberglass or organic mat base (newer shingles don’t use organic mat bases)
Look: Traditional and versatile
Fire/Weather Resistance: Generally reliable, especially in upgraded styles

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

Flat and uniform, these are the most basic type of asphalt shingles — perfect if you’re keeping costs low. They do a decent enough job, but you’ll have to replace them sooner than many roof materials.

Cost: $3.50 to $5 per square foot
Lifespan: Around 20 years

Architectural Shingles

Also called dimensional shingles, these offer a layered look and better durability than three-tab shingles. Architectural asphalt shingles are some of the most commonly installed roof shingles.

Cost: $4 to $8.50 per square foot
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years, on average. Some may last up to 50 years

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

Designed to mimic natural slate or shake, luxury synthetic asphalt shingles offer premium aesthetics and performance at a lower price than the real thing. They’re made from a composite of plastic, wood, asphalt, and laminate.

Cost: $7 to $16 per square foot
Lifespan: 30 to 40 years, on average

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Cedar Shingles

Wood roofing brings warmth and a rustic feel that many homeowners love. Cedar is the most common choice for wood roofs, known for its durability and timeless charm. Just keep in mind, wood roofs require a little more care to keep them looking and performing their best.

Material: Cedar
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years
Fire/Weather Resistance: Poor, but can be improved with treatment
Look: Natural, warm, and textured

Cedar Shingles

Smooth and cut for uniformity, cedar shingles offer a cleaner, more polished look.

Cost: $6 to $10 per square foot

Cedar Shakes

Thicker and more rugged than shingles, shakes give off a hand-split, rustic vibe.

Cost: $8 to $16 per square foot

Composite Roof Shingles

If you love the look of slate or wood but want something lighter and easier to maintain, composite shingles are worth a look. They’re made from recycled materials and designed to imitate higher-end products at a fraction of the weight and cost.

Cost: $4 to $8 per square foot
Lifespan: 7 to 20 years
Material: Recycled plastic, rubber, or polymers
Look: Mimics slate, shake, or other traditional styles
Fire/Weather Resistance: Varies by brand

Metal Shingles

Metal roofs used to be seen mostly on barns and industrial buildings, but not anymore. Today’s metal shingles are stylish, customizable, and incredibly durable. They’re great in areas with heavy snow or strong storms, and they can last a lifetime.

Cost: $6 to $21 per square foot
Lifespan: 50 to 100+ years
Material: Steel, aluminum, copper, tin, or zinc
Look: Sleek, modern, or rustic, depending on the finish
Fire/Weather Resistance: Excellent

Slate Shingles and Tiles

Made from natural stone (although hybrid and synthetic options are available), slate adds serious curb appeal to your home and can last for generations. While it’s one of the most expensive options out there, many homeowners feel the look and longevity are worth every penny.

Cost: $8 to $35 per square foot
Lifespan: 60 to 150 years
Material: Natural slate
Look: Classic and high-end
Fire/Weather Resistance: Excellent

Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are a great choice if you want a roof that works for you (literally). They generate electricity for your home while still functioning as regular roofing. They also look less industrial than solar panels, so if you’re not a fan of the look of big rectangular panels on top of a home, these provide the benefit of solar without the eyesore. You’ll pay more upfront, but they can cut down your energy costs over time.

Cost: $21 to $25 per square foot
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
Material: Photovoltaic (PV) cells
Look: Sleek and subtle — blends with asphalt-style roofing
Fire/Weather Resistance: Good

Rubber Shingles

Rubber shingles are a tough and eco-friendly alternative to asphalt. Typically made from recycled rubber (often tires), they look surprisingly similar to traditional shingles but offer better impact resistance and lower maintenance.

Cost: $4 to $13 per square foot
Lifespan: 15 to 30 years
Material: Recycled rubber
Look: Similar to asphalt
Fire/Weather Resistance: Good

Roofing Tiles

While not technically a shingle (but what really makes a shingle a shingle?), tile roofing has been used for centuries, and for good reason. It’s long-lasting, naturally fire-resistant, and beautiful. While it’s heavier than other materials, a properly installed tile roof can last a lifetime.

Material: Typically clay or concrete
Lifespan: Up to 100 years
Look: Spanish or Mediterranean vibes
Fire/Weather Resistance: Excellent

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are classic and rich in color, typically found in warm-weather regions.

Cost: $11 to $22 per square foot

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are usually a bit more affordable than clay but heavier. They offer similar styles and colors.

Cost: $10.70 to $27.50 per square foot

What Type of Roof Shingle Is Best?

There’s no single “best” shingle type; it all comes down to what you’re hoping to accomplish. If you’re watching your budget, asphalt or composite might be the way to go. Want something that lasts for decades? Metal, clay, or slate could be a better fit. Looking to lower your energy bills? Consider rubber or solar shingles.

Think about what matters most to you — cost, appearance, sustainability, or durability — and let that guide your decision.

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FAQ: Roof Shingles

What is the most expensive type of shingles?

Slate shingles are the most expensive option, costing between $8 and $35 per square foot installed. Made from natural stone, slate offers a high-end appearance, exceptional durability, and a lifespan of 60 to 150 years. While the upfront cost is steep, many homeowners consider slate worth it for its timeless style and long-term performance.

What type of roof shingles are best?

There’s no cut-and-dry answer to what type of roof shingles are best; it really depends on your goals, budget, and climate. Slate and metal shingles offer the longest lifespan, lasting 50 to 150 years, while 3-tab or architectural asphalt shingles are the most affordable. If energy efficiency is important, metal, rubber, or solar shingles can help reduce cooling costs. For high-end curb appeal, luxury asphalt, cedar, composite, or slate shingles stand out. The best option is the one that aligns with your home’s needs and your long-term priorities.

What is the most affordable roof shingle type?

3-tab asphalt shingles are the most budget-friendly shingle type, typically costing $3.50 to $5 per square foot installed. They provide reliable performance and a lifespan of around 20 years, making them a popular choice for cost-conscious homeowners.

Are metal roof shingles better than asphalt?

Metal roof shingles are generally better than asphalt when it comes to lifespan, durability, and energy efficiency. They last 50 to 100+ years, resist extreme weather, and reflect heat to reduce cooling costs. However, asphalt shingles are more affordable upfront, easier to install, and widely available, making them a good choice for homeowners on a tighter budget or those planning to move within 10 to 15 years.

How much does it cost to shingle a 1,500-square-foot roof?

Shingling a 1,500-square-foot roof with asphalt shingles typically costs between $5,250 and $12,750, depending on whether you choose 3-tab or architectural styles. Metal shingles cost more, ranging from $9,000 to $31,500, but offer superior durability and a longer lifespan, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.