Breaking Down the Basic Roof Types

Here’s a simple breakdown of the basic roof types you see in typical residential roofing. Hopefully this can be a starting point for you learn your options for your roof installation or replacement.

Basic roof types diagram breaking down roofing basics

Composition Shingle vs Metal

Your first choice is metal or composition shingle, usually metal is going to cost you more but last longer.

 

Composition Shingles

  • 3 Tab – Is the most basic composition shingle, it’s the most inexpensive but has a thin appearance and doesn’t hold up as well in our Texas windstorms. We don’t recommend 3 tab on our projects.

  • Architectural Shingles – These hold up better than 3 tab and have a dimensional appearance. Upgrading from 3 tab to architectural will improve the look of your home instantly. The price difference is minimal for the benefits, that’s why this is our go to. There are many choices when it comes to colors, brands, and styles.

  • Class 4/Impact Resistant/Hail Resistant – You hear these referred to by all these names, basic options look just like architectural shingles but they are made to handle hail of larger sizes. There is more cost involved, especially if you go with a designer style but you may save yourself an insurance claim deductible after a hail storm in the future.

  • Designer/Specialty Shingles – There is a vast world of specialty shingles out there with many different shapes and looks, the price of these will definitely run higher than your typical architectural shingle but you get a one of a kind look.

Metal Roof

  • R-Panel – Your cheaper metal option, the raise lines are wider and the fasteners are exposed, installation is faster. But the exposed fasteners take away from the sleek look and could allow for leaks down the road.

  • Standing Seam – With thin, raised, crimped seams and hidden fasteners the installation is custom and requires skill for standing seam but you get a really sleek look and you remove the weakest point of R-Panel (the exposed fasteners). This custom option will cost more than R-panel.

  • Metal Shingles – Much like the specialty shingles of the composition shingle category this is going to be your most expensive option with many choices. Stone coated steel shingles are one high end option and are extremely durable. Some are even made to look like natural materials like slate.

Composition Shingle vs Metal

Your first choice is metal or composition shingle, usually metal is going to cost you more but last longer.

 

Composition Shingles

  • 3 Tab – Is the most basic composition shingle, it’s the most inexpensive but has a thin appearance and doesn’t hold up as well in our Texas windstorms. We don’t recommend 3 tab on our projects.

  • Architectural Shingles – These hold up better than 3 tab and have a dimensional appearance. Upgrading from 3 tab to architectural will improve the look of your home instantly. The price difference is minimal for the benefits, that’s why this is our go to. There are many choices when it comes to colors, brands, and styles.

  • Class 4/Impact Resistant/Hail Resistant – You hear these referred to by all these names, basic options look just like architectural shingles but they are made to handle hail of larger sizes. There is more cost involved, especially if you go with a designer style but you may save yourself an insurance claim deductible after a hail storm in the future.

  • Designer/Specialty Shingles – There is a vast world of specialty shingles out there with many different shapes and looks, the price of these will definitely run higher than your typical architectural shingle but you get a one of a kind look.

Metal Roof

  • R-Panel – Your cheaper metal option, the raise lines are wider and the fasteners are exposed, installation is faster. But the exposed fasteners take away from the sleek look and could allow for leaks down the road.

  • Standing Seam – With thin, raised, crimped seams and hidden fasteners the installation is custom and requires skill for standing seam but you get a really sleek look and you remove the weakest point of R-Panel (the exposed fasteners). This custom option will cost more than R-panel.

  • Metal Shingles – Much like the specialty shingles of the composition shingle category this is going to be your most expensive option with many choices. Stone coated steel shingles are one high end option and are extremely durable. Some are even made to look like natural materials like slate.

rlrroofing

rlrroofing

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