Roof Shingle Calculator

Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are a type of roofing material that comprises of separate, overlapping components used to cover and protect the roof. These components are normally rectangular and put out in courses from the roof's base upward, with each course covering the joints in the one below it. A variety of materials, including wood, slate, flagstone, metal, plastic, and composite materials like fiber cement and asphalt shingles, are used to make shingles, which are supported by the roof rafters. In Europe and several regions of Asia, ceramic roof tiles continue to be the most common kind. Shingles on roofs could decay more quickly and need greater water resistance than shingles on walls.

Types of Roof Shingles

1. Clay Tiles

Clay roofing tiles are manufactured using clay as the primary material. Clay tiles may vary in color, ranging from white to yellow, orange, and brown. The durability of roof tiles is largely determined by their density, which in turn is influenced by the duration and temperature of the heating process. Roof tiles are known to be highly resilient and long-lasting.



Although clay tiles can provide your home with a distinctive look, they are typically priced at two to three times the cost of a standard asphalt shingle roof. Metal roofs are a great choice for those who value durability, longevity, and eco-friendliness. They require minimal maintenance and are resistant to rot and mold. However, it's important to note that they can be expensive, challenging to install, and unsuitable for certain roof slopes. Additionally, they tend to be brittle and heavy.

2. Aluminum Shingles

In recent years, the popularity of metal roofing has grown significantly. Many people choose metal roof shingles because of their attractive appearance, long-lasting durability, and the wide range of color and design options available. Aluminum shingles are a great choice for older homes that lack the structural support for heavy shingles. This is because they are lightweight and easy to install.

Due to its durability and long lifespan, metal roofing is increasingly becoming a popular choice for roof replacements. When installed and maintained correctly, aluminum shingles have the potential to last for up to 100 years.

3. Asphalt 3 Tab Shingles

3-tab asphalt shingles, also referred to as "strip shingles," are named after their unique cutting and installation process. Asphalt shingles in their simplest form consist of a single layer and are cut into strips. Upon installation, they have a flat appearance and provide a slate-like look to your roof. 3-tab shingles are a cost-effective option for roofing as they are made from a single strip, making them lightweight and less expensive compared to other types of asphalt shingles and competing roofing materials. One disadvantage of using 3-tab shingles is that they offer a limited range of aesthetic choices. Additionally, they may be more prone to blowing off as compared to other types of asphalt shingles.

4. Dimensional Shingles

The most commonly used type of asphalt shingle is also referred to as "architectural shingles" or "laminate shingles." During the manufacturing process, the roof is constructed with two or more layers to achieve a thicker and more multi-dimensional appearance in the final product. These roofing materials can be designed to imitate the appearance of natural slate or wood shake, which has the potential to enhance the visual appeal of your home's exterior. Dimensional shingles have a drawback in that they are comparatively heavier than 3-tab shingles, which can result in additional weight on your roof. Nevertheless, their durability is enhanced by the double layers they possess.

5. Standing Seam Metal

A standing seam metal roof is a roofing system that features raised seams, also known as vertical legs, which are elevated above the flat surface of the metal panel. Although many homeowners may not be aware of it, the standing seam system is a versatile option that can be utilized for both walls and roofs, with the latter being the more commonly chosen application.



The primary benefit of standing seam metal roofs is that the fastener remains concealed, providing protection. You can attach the metal panel to your roof deck in two ways: either by using a clip or by directly fastening it to the decking material with a fastener flange located underneath the vertical leg.

Standing seam roofs are available in a wide range of colors, widths, shapes, thicknesses, and other features, making them a popular choice due to their versatility in meeting various preferences.

6. Luxury Shingles

These shingles are commonly referred to as "premium shingles" and are considered to be of the highest quality among asphalt shingles. These laminated asphalt shingles not only provide premium weather protection but also enhance the appearance of your home with their unique design and functionality. These asphalt shingles are highly functional and dimensional, and are available in a wide range of colors. Additionally, they are the most durable option among all asphalt shingles. Their roofing products provide a highly authentic representation of wood shake and slate roofing, at a much more reasonable cost than the actual materials themselves. The primary drawbacks of these shingles are their weight, which is twice that of 3-tab shingles, and their cost. What is the advantage of that additional weight? This product offers enhanced durability against tears and impact. Living in a region that is prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, or hail can make this information quite helpful.

7. Corrugated Steel

Metal roofing of this kind is produced by roll-forming a metal sheet into panels. The steel panels, which have a traditional wavy design, are fastened directly onto the roof using screws. This roofing option is both cost-effective and lightweight, while also offering durability, longevity, and energy efficiency due to its metal composition.

Although the term "corrugated" may be confusing, those in the roofing industry use it to describe the wavy "S" shape of the panel. Corrugation is applicable to objects that have rounded and wavy shapes, while boxy and square shapes are not suitable. However, the term actually refers to a type of metal that is shaped into ridges or grooves, including boxy and square shapes. It is important to clarify your roofing style when making a decision.

The purpose of the corrugating process is to enhance the strength of the metal sheet, thereby increasing its resistance to breakage. Corrugating enhances the steel panel's strength-to-weight ratio, thereby improving its durability over time.

8. Slate Tile

This roofing material is highly regarded for its attractive appearance. It is composed of metamorphic rock and may exhibit a relatively weak bond between its layers. Because of this, slate tile is often divided along these planes. Although individual slate tiles may be prone to cracking, a slate tile roof can last up to 50 years without requiring replacement.

Installing slate tiles can be a complex process as it necessitates a sturdy mortar surface and proficient craftsmanship. Although slate tile roofing has a long lifespan, its softness and tendency to split are significant drawbacks.

9. Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are made from wood, as the name suggests. Wood shingles are precisely cut into identical shapes, which limits the flexibility in terms of design. Improper maintenance of wood shingles can lead to rot and mold, despite their unique appearance that often captivates homeowners.



Wooden shingles have a lifespan that ranges from 15 to 50 years. The durability of a wooden shingle roof is determined by several factors such as the type of wood used, the pre-installation treatment of the wood, the quality of installation, and the level of maintenance.

10. Wood Shake Shingles

Wood shingles and wood shakes are almost interchangeable. The two are mostly distinguishable by their respective styles. Wood shingles are cut into uniform shapes that match each other, whereas wood shakes are either sawn off or hand split. Cedar trees are typically used to make wood shake shingles. The logs are divided into shakes, which results in a roof that has a more rustic look compared to using wood shingles.

Wood shaking shingles may last between 30 and 40 years and are often more costly than wood shingles. This depends on the quality of the wood, how they are installed, and how well they are maintained. Wood shaking shingles are just as vulnerable to decay and mold as regular wood shingles.

11. Concrete Tile

Concrete roofing tiles provide a cost-effective option as compared to the conventional clay tiles. Consider a concrete tile roof if you desire the look of a clay tile roof and high durability, but without the expensive price tag.

Concrete tiles have a long lifespan of approximately 50 years, provide exceptional fire protection, and entail minimal maintenance. Additionally, they exhibit high resistance to rot and mold. Similar to clay tiles, concrete tile roofing can be quite heavy and may not be appropriate for all types of roof slopes. Over time, the color of them may fade.

12. Impact-Resistant Shingles

If you are searching for shingles that can withstand high winds and hail, this is an excellent option to consider. An impact-resistant shingle is a specially designed type of shingle that can endure damage caused by hail and high winds. There is a wide range of material types available for them, such as copper, aluminum, plastic, and resin.

In order for a shingle to receive approval as impact-resistant, it must successfully pass specific testing criteria. Steel balls of four different sizes, ranging from 1.25 inches to 2 inches, are dropped from varying heights between 12 and 20 feet. The purpose of this process is to simulate the rapid descent of hail. Apart from passing the hail test, an impact-resistant shingle roof should also have the capability to endure strong winds of up to 110 miles per hour.

Impact-resistant shingles could be an ideal solution for those residing in regions prone to severe storms or for those who desire to safeguard their homes from infrequent storm occurrences. Regrettably, numerous homeowners lose their homes due to wind damage or hail storms. Investing in impact-resistant shingles can provide added protection against potential catastrophes.

13. Composition Shingles

Composition shingle roofing is a type of asphalt shingles that can imitate various shingle styles. These roofing materials are blended together, including fiberglass, asphalt, and even recycled paper, to create a more durable and environmentally friendly product.

Composition shingles are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs to match the style of your home and roof. Additionally, they come with a warranty of up to 50 years. These items are lightweight and durable. These materials are resistant to weather elements and do not split, peel, warp, or crack. Additionally, they can be made from various recyclable materials such as plastics, tires, or wood shavings.

14. Solar Panels

If you are searching for roof shingles that can assist you in going off-grid, consider exploring solar panel shingles among the various types available. Solar shingles are a contemporary roofing solution that consists of solar panels designed to function and look like traditional roofing materials. They accomplish this task while simultaneously producing electricity for your household.



Solar shingles could be an ideal option for you if you desire to maintain the traditional look and aesthetics of your roof while also benefiting from the energy efficiency of solar panels. By making your home eco-friendly, you can save money on your energy bills in the long run.

One disadvantage of solar panel shingles is the high cost of installation, and it can be challenging to locate a professional with expertise in this specific type of roofing installation.

15. Copper Shingles

Copper roofing is a highly durable and long-lasting option available in the market, comparable to other roofing types such as clay, concrete, and slate tiles. Having said that, this roofing type can be costly due to the high value of the material.

Although copper roofs are typically installed in panels, it is also possible to install them in the form of shingles. Installing a copper roof on your home can enhance its value and potentially lead to reduced insurance premiums, thanks to the material's fire-resistant properties. Additionally, it has a natural resistance to the growth of mold and algae.

One disadvantage of copper roofing is that it tends to produce a lot of noise. The soundproofing of the room is not very effective against rain or wind, which can result in a considerable amount of noise during storms.

16. Rubber Roof Shingles

Rubber roof shingles usually consist of around 95 percent recycled materials. Roofing materials can be manufactured using various recycled materials such as rubber, plastic, slate dust, or even old shingles. After its useful life as a roofing material is through, rubber shingles may be melted down and recycled into something entirely new.

This type of shingle is primarily made of rubber, which makes it highly resistant to mold and mildew growth. It is also quite durable and can withstand various weather conditions. Additionally, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how little maintenance is needed to ensure a long lifespan for these shingles. One disadvantage is that they can emit an unpleasant odor, particularly when newly installed, and they are not among the most affordable options for roofing materials.

Roof Shingles Life

The longevity of a newly installed roof replacement can be determined by the type of roof shingle and the climatic conditions of the region in which it is installed. The lifespan that each style of roof may be expected to have before having to be replaced is listed below: