Types of Roofing Shingles: Complete Guide

Before diving into each type, here is a quick summary to orient you. The term "shingle" technically refers to any overlapping roofing element, but in common usage it usually means asphalt shingles. However, wood shingles, cedar shakes, and synthetic shingles are also important categories.

3-tab shingles are the most basic and economical asphalt shingle. Each shingle strip has three equally-sized tabs separated by cutouts, creating a flat, uniform appearance on the roof. They consist of a single layer of asphalt-coated fiberglass mat topped with ceramic granules.

When to Choose 3-Tab

3-tab shingles make sense when budget is the primary concern, for rental properties where maximum curb appeal is not essential, or for sheds, garages, and outbuildings. They are also a good choice if you plan to sell the home within 5-10 years and want a clean, fresh roof without premium investment.

Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated shingles) are the most popular roofing product in America. They feature two or more layers of asphalt-coated material bonded together, creating a dimensional, textured appearance that resembles natural wood shakes or slate.

Popular Product Lines

Luxury shingles are the premium tier of asphalt roofing. These thick, multi-layered shingles are designed to closely replicate the appearance of natural slate or cedar shakes. They offer the best warranties, highest impact resistance, and most striking visual appearance in the asphalt category.

Popular Luxury Lines

• GAF Grand Sequoia: Extra-large shingle with bold, natural wood appearance
• Owens Corning Berkshire: Mimics natural slate with deep, rich color tones
• CertainTeed Grand Manor: Triple-layer construction replicates hand-cut European slate
• Atlas StormMaster Shake: Impact-resistant luxury with hand-split cedar look

Impact-resistant (IR) shingles are engineered to withstand hail and wind-driven debris. They are rated using UL 2218, which drops a steel ball from increasing heights. Class 4 is the highest rating, meaning the shingle withstands a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet.

The insurance savings alone can pay for the upgrade within 5-8 years in hail-prone regions. See our roof insurance claims guide for more on working with insurance.

Wood shingles are machine-sawn from blocks of wood (bolts), producing uniform pieces with smooth faces and consistent thickness. They differ from shakes, which are hand-split. Cedar, redwood, and southern pine are the most common species.

Wood shingles create a refined, uniform appearance compared to the more rustic look of shakes. They work well on historical homes or any project requiring a natural, elegant aesthetic.

Cedar shakes are hand-split from cedar logs, producing thick, textured pieces with a rough, rustic character. They are heavier and more expensive than wood shingles but deliver a distinctive, artisanal look that is impossible to replicate with manufactured products.

Cedar shakes age beautifully, developing a silver-gray patina over time. They provide excellent insulation and are a favorite for mountain homes, lodges, and Craftsman-style architecture. See our cedar shake roofing guide.

Synthetic shingles are manufactured from engineered polymers, rubber, or recycled plastics to replicate the appearance of natural materials like slate, cedar, and tile. They are a growing category that offers the aesthetics of premium materials at lower cost and weight.

Leading Brands

• DaVinci Roofscapes: Polymer composite shingles that mimic slate and shake
• Brava Roof Tile: Synthetic Spanish barrel tile, cedar shake, and Old World slate
• EcoStar: Rubber-based tiles made from recycled materials