Types of Asphalt Shingles and Pros and Cons of Each

Learn which one is best for your home

woman looking at asphalt roof samples for house
Photo: Kristina Blokhin / Adobe Stock
woman looking at asphalt roof samples for house
Photo: Kristina Blokhin / Adobe Stock
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If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

example of three tab shingles for roof
Photo: Edlits / Getty Images

If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

ProsCons
Requires less supportLess durable
Easy installationShorter life span
AffordableFewer styles

If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

example of Architectural Shingles for roof
Photo: JamesYetMingAu-Photography / Getty Images

If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

ProsCons
20 to 50-year life spanMore expensive
Resistant to shingle curlingHeavy weight
Aesthetic appealRequires more support

If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

ProsCons
30-year life spanExpensive
Often come with warrantiesDon’t last as long as high-end fiberglass shingles
Thick enough to enhance energy efficiencyMay require additional support

If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

man installing asphalt shingles on roof of home
Photo: brizmaker / Adobe Stock

If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

Angi Tip

The many factors that play into choosing a roofing material may surprise you, such as durability, cost, style, and the climate in which you live. Many homeowners choose asphalt, but there are various types on the market. A roofer can advise you on the best materials for your home and region.

Samantha Velez
Content Editor, Angi

If the focus is aesthetics, architectural shingles will give you more styles and colors to choose from.

If you need a budget option because your roof is on the verge of catastrophe, three-tab asphalt shingles are great for being able to afford a new roof now. This does mean you’ll need to replace them sooner.

When roofing pros install your roof, you benefit from expert advice, installation, and company warranties. 

Local roofing pros also understand how to follow a manufacturer’s recommendations during installation. This can be tough for homeowners attempting DIY roofing because failing to follow the right guidelines during installation can create a faulty roof. A shoddy installation could even nullify a manufacturer’s roofing warranty. The last thing you want is to damage your home by letting in moisture and mold because of faulty or incomplete roof installation.

Knowing how to choose the right asphalt roof installed by the right contractor using the right professional tools is the secret to getting a beautiful roof that offers protection, ventilation, and value for decades to come.

Scott Dylan Westerlund and  C.E. Larusso contributed to this piece.

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