Types Of Roof Tiles For Houses

If you’re planning to replace your home’s roof, you may be wondering what type of shingles to use. You’ll be spoiled for choice: shingles come in different types, styles, and colors to suit any decor or building style.

Here we present the different types of shingles available for residential roofs, so you can make an informed decision and choose the ones that best suit your needs.

What are roof tiles?

Roof shingles are just one element of a residential roofing system and act as a roof covering. Shingles are typically made of asphalt, fiberglass sheeting, and ceramic-coated granules. They are often installed in layers or overlapping rows. When installed as part of a complete roof system, shingles help protect your home from water leaks.

Shingles are typically rectangular in shape for a uniform appearance, although some are more irregular to look handmade. Shingles are used as the primary material for deflecting water, and both shingles and roofing tiles can be made from a variety of materials, including asphalt, metal, wood, clay, concrete, and slate.

Types of roof tiles and materials

Looking for a new roof? Narrow your options down to the types of roof tiles and shingle materials that best suit your style and needs.

Types of asphalt shingles

3-Tab Shingle: As the name suggests, this is a common type of asphalt shingle with three tabs. These single-ply shingles, like GAF Royal Sovereign, offer a uniform, flat appearance and are made from an asphalt-coated fiberglass sheet. Each piece is cut into three equal sections, or tabs (hence the name). This is the most economical roofing option.
Architectural Shingles – These shingles, such as GAF Timberline HDZ and Timberline AS II , are composed of multiple layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass laminated together. They are also cut differently than the 3-tab option, giving the shingle stylistic variation and a more three-dimensional appearance. They are often available in a variety of colors, such as Driftwood and Birchwood. When installed with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories , architectural shingles with LayerLock Technology qualify for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty * – the industry’s first warranty with no wind speed limit. Architectural shingles are also known as dimensional shingles.
Designer Shingles : These shingles are made just like other asphalt shingles, but come in a variety of colors and are designed to mimic the look of cedar, slate, or wood shingles.

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Other types of roofing materials

Clay and concrete tiles: These are a popular choice for Spanish-style structures, primarily in the Southwest and Southeast. They are very heavy, so homeowners interested in these materials should discuss structural concerns with their contractor before installing this type of roof.
Wood Shingles: Wood shingles, typically made of cedar or redwood, can also be used as shingle material due to their durability. Before installing this type of roof, make sure the product is treated with a fire retardant and that the installation meets your area’s fire-resistance requirements. Various types of shingles, such as GAF Woodland® and Grand Sequoia AS , offer a similar appearance to wood shingles but at a much lower cost and without the drawbacks of wood.
Slate shingles : Slate has a distinctive look often associated with high-end architecture and traditional Northeastern homes. Slate is beautiful and naturally durable. Before choosing this material, make sure your home can support the weight of this type of roof. Slate is also a very expensive roofing material.
Metal Shingles : These shingles are a durable and visually appealing option for those who want the strength of metal with the classic look of shingles. These shingles offer a modern appearance with excellent fire resistance and durability, making them ideal for a variety of roof types, as well as a wide variety of commercial and residential roofing applications. Premium options like the GAF TimberSteel™ system offer valuable warranties, such as 15-year limited hail leak warranties and unlimited wind speed coverage for select system components.
Solar Shingles : These shingles are an integrated solution that combines solar energy generation with an aesthetically pleasing roof system. Unlike solar panels, they have a more discreet appearance that blends better with existing roofing material. Solar shingles, such as GAF Energy Timberline Solar ES 2 , install directly next to traditional Timberline® asphalt shingles to create a stylish roof that generates solar energy and offers the same weather protection you’d expect from a conventional roof. These high-quality solar shingles are nailed on like any other asphalt or tile shingle, so installers don’t need specialized equipment, making the process faster and easier.

How to choose the right material for your roof

The best way to choose the right material is to consider the roof design and color that best complement your home. Remember to also consider local fire and building codes, as well as your budget.

Any reputable roofing contractor can help you select the best type of material for your specific situation. For example, if you live in an area with frequent hail, you might opt for higher-impact shingles, such as Timberline® AS II or Timberline UHDZ with UltraMat™ . Installing new shingles on your roof isn’t cheap, so it’s worth choosing carefully.

Roof warranties

It’s important to understand the warranty that covers your roofing system. In addition to the different types of shingles available, there are several types of limited warranties , such as basic manufacturer warranties, contractor warranties, and enhanced manufacturer warranties.

Warranty periods and coverage may vary depending on the type of product purchased, as well as the roofing contractor who installed the roof. Always review the limited warranty documents to understand the applicable coverage, as it may differ depending on the type of roof.

To see how your home would look with different types of shingles, visit the GAF Virtual Home Improvement Assistant. You can upload a photo of your own home or choose a model home that’s similar to yours.

The 15-year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty on Timberline shingles with LayerLock Technology requires the use of a GAF starter course, roof deck protection, ridge shingles, and a GAF Leak Barrier or Attic Vent. See the GAF Roof System Limited Warranty for complete coverage details and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for eligible GAF products.