One of the most common and trusted roofing materials today is roofing shingles. There are many reasons why your local roofing contractor may advise you to choose shingles for your roof. This article offers the main pros and cons of the various roofing shingles available today.

Asphalt Shingles

Also known as composition shingles, asphalt shingles are among the most common roofing shingles you’ll find on the market in the United States. They’re made of asphalt, fiberglass, and other reinforcing materials, and that’s why they’re more durable than other common roofing materials.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles

• Asphalt shingles are fairly economical.
• It’s possible to replace a single asphalt shingle when necessary
• Asphalt shingles come in a variety of designs and color schemes to suit different roofing needs

Cons of Asphalt Shingles

• If your house is in a wooded area, your asphalt shingles will likely grow moss and mildew.
• Over time, asphalt shingles will fade, especially if exposed to excess sunlight.

Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are shingles made of synthetic materials, including UV protectants, that will keep your roof looking new for many years. These shingles are available in many styles, color schemes, and textures to meet different roofing needs.

Pros of Composite Shingles

• Since composite shingles are made of synthetic materials, they can be created in virtually any color and texture you want
• They can last up to 50 years without repair.
• Composite shingles are made of recyclable materials that can be recycled when you replace them.
• They’re highly resistant to moss and mildew growth
• They require less maintenance

Cons of Composite Shingles

• Composite shingles cost more to purchase than asphalt and wood shingles
• You can’t install them in a way that increases their wind resistance above 115 miles an hour

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are obtained from tough trees like cedar, pine, and spruce for durability. They can last for over 50 years.

Pros of Wood Shingles

• They’re very durable and resistant to harsh weather elements
• They provide natural insulation
• They’re easy to repair and replace

Cons of Wood Shingles

• They can rot and breakdown when exposed to excess moisture
• Newly installed wood shingles take long to acquire the impressive gray color

Slate Shingles

These shingles are made from sedimentary rocks. They’re very attractive, but they need special installation skills.

Pros of Slate Shingles

• They last very long
• They require low maintenance
• They’re non-combustible

Cons of Slate Shingles

• They’re quite expensive
• Finding an experienced roofer to install them may be a hassle
• They can be too heavy for your structure