Which Roof Shingles Are the Best?

Apex, NC sees summer heat, humidity, occasional storms, and sometimes hail. So in terms of roofs, your roof must withstand all that while still looking good. Which is why it is not uncommon for homeowners to ask questions like “Which roof shingles are the best for the money?” or “What is the best roof shingle for a typical house here?”

In reality, you want good quality roof shingles without overpaying. And choosing the right roof shingles means combining durability, style, and price. In this blog by Apex Roofing & Restoration, we’ll walk through top roofing shingles, compare them side by side, and help you pick what works for you.

Types of Roof Shingles

Here are the main options you’ll see on the market. We’ll give a quick intro and then pros and cons so you can see trade-offs.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in the U.S. They offer affordability, flexibility, and a wide range of colors, making them a popular choice among homeowners.

• Pros: Asphalt shingles are cost-effective, making them a solid choice for homeowners who want reliable roofing without overspending. Plus, the variety of colors and styles allows you to match your roof with your home’s exterior.
• Cons: Asphalt shingles are less durable than premium options and may wear faster in extreme heat, heavy rain, or hail, which may require more frequent repairs or replacements over time.

Three-tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles are a basic style of asphalt roofing. They’re lightweight, flat, and uniform, designed for budget-friendly projects but with shorter lifespans than architectural shingles.

• Pros: Three-tab shingles are very budget-friendly and easy to install, which reduces labor and material costs. Their straightforward design makes them a practical option for basic roofing projects.
• Cons: They are less durable than architectural or premium shingles and have a flatter, less dimensional appearance, which may affect the overall aesthetic and longevity of your roof.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are thicker, dimensional asphalt shingles that mimic the texture of slate or wood. They provide improved durability, visual appeal, and longer service life, making them the best roof shingles for homeowners seeking both aesthetic appeal and long-term performance.

• Pros: Architectural shingles offer better roof shingle quality with improved durability and a longer lifespan. Their dimensional design adds visual appeal, enhancing your home’s exterior and overall curb appeal.
• Cons: Architectural shingles cost more upfront than standard options and are slightly heavier, which may require careful installation and slightly stronger roof support.

Metal Roofing Shingles

Metal roofing shingles are made of steel, aluminum, or copper. They can replicate tile or slate, while offering superior durability, weather resistance, and energy-efficient roofing for decades.

• Pros: Metal roofing shingles are long lasting and extremely durable, providing excellent protection against extreme weather. They also offer energy-efficient roofing benefits by reflecting sunlight and helping reduce cooling costs.
• Cons: Metal shingles have a higher upfront cost and typically require professional installation to ensure proper performance and longevity.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are smooth, precisely cut pieces of cedar or other wood. They are well-known for their clean, natural look and provide excellent insulation while being environment-conscious, making them an eco-friendly and biodegradable shingles option for environmentally conscious homeowners.

• Pros: Wood shingles offer a natural and warm look, adding rustic charm to your home. They also provide good insulation and are an eco-friendly and biodegradable shingles option for environmentally conscious homeowners.
• Cons: Wood shingles require more maintenance than asphalt or metal options and have lower fire resistance unless properly treated.

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are hand-split or sawn thicker wood materials with a rugged, textured appearance. They’re more durable than wood shingles but require maintenance against rot and moisture.

• Pros: Wood shakes have a strong, rugged visual texture that adds character to your roof. They are more durable than thin wood shingles and provide better long-term performance.
• Cons: Wood shakes require more maintenance to prevent rot and moisture damage. They are also heavier and more labor-intensive to install compared to other roofing options.

Slate Shingles

Slate shingles are natural stone tiles valued for their timeless elegance, extreme durability, and longevity. They resist fire, water, pests, and can last more than a century.

• Pros: Slate shingles are extremely durable, often lasting over a century. They resist fire, water, and pests, and their timeless look adds unmatched elegance to any home.
• Cons: Slate shingles are very expensive and heavy, requiring a strong roof structure and professional installation for best results.

In practice, the architectural shingles and standard asphalt shingles see the most use. But depending on your priorities, metal or slate may edge ahead.

What is the Average Shingle Roof Cost

Cost is often a key factor when picking a roof, so here’s a table showing the typical installed prices and expected lifespan for each type of roof shingle.

Type	Approx. Installed Cost	Lifespan of Shingles
Asphalt Shingles	$4.50 – $12.25 per sq ft	20 – 30 years
Three-tab Shingles	$3.40 to $4.65 per sq ft	15–25 years
Architectural Shingles	$4.00 to $8.50 per sq ft	25–50 years
Metal Roofing Shingles	$3.00 to $10.00+ per sq ft	40–70 years
Wood Shingles / Shakes	$6.50 to $11.00 per sq ft	25–40 years
Slate Shingles	$10.00 to $25.00+ per sq ft	50–100+ years

It’s important to consider the durability of roof shingles alongside cost, since some options last decades longer than others. This table helps you compare budget-friendly roof shingles vs high end options, so you can decide what best suits your budget.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Roof Shingles

Here are four things you must weigh carefully.

Durability

You want something that lasts. Look for impact-resistant shingles and options that can withstand extreme weather while maintaining performance over time. Architectural and metal styles usually deliver long-lasting durability more reliably than basic types.

Budget

You have a limit. Some options are premium roof shingles and cost more up front, but provide low-maintenance durable roofing and save money in the long run. Others are budget-friendly roof shingles, better for tight budgets.

Style & Aesthetics

Your roof affects curb appeal. Do you want a modern look roofing materials style or natural and rustic? Do you want your home’s siding and roofing to blend? Always think about enhancing curb appeal. The right choice can boost curb appeal and even increase home value when selling your property.

Climate Suitability

In hot climates roofs, reflective metal roofs help by reflecting heat. But in cold regions, thicker or insulated options may do better. Consider wind, rain, humidity, and storms when judging which shingles are best for roofing in your location. Also evaluate climate suitability of shingles carefully for your region to maximize roof life.

Conclusion

Choosing the best shingles for a roof depends on the mix of cost, durability, style, and climate. For a balance of cost, durability, and style, most homeowners prefer architectural asphalt shingles. This combination of benefits explains why these are often considered quality roofing shingles by roofing experts.

At Apex Roofing & Restoration we offer shingle roofing repair, installation, and replacement services at affordable rates so you can keep your property safe year round. Contact us at 919-569-5000 or visit our website Apex Roofing for more info.

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