Roofing Buying Guide

Architectural shingles are thicker and heavier than standard 3-tab shingles, giving them superior strength against wind lift. They can withstand wind speeds of up to 130 mph. Made from two laminated strips and high-quality asphalt, architectural shingles are designed to deflect light, helping keep the roof and your home cooler.

3-tab shingles, on the other hand, come in a single shape and size and have a shorter lifespan than architectural shingles. While they’re more affordable, they’re thinner, lighter, and require more frequent replacement.

Hip and ridge shingles play a vital role in any roofing system by protecting the most vulnerable parts of your roof. They’re installed where two roof planes meet to form an angle, providing a secure, finished look. Because these areas take the brunt of wind and weather, hip and ridge shingles are specially shaped to provide extra strength and durability.

To maintain a seamless appearance, hip and ridge shingles are available in the same material and style as your primary roofing shingles, giving your home a polished, finished appearance.

Starter shingles are the first layer of protection for your roof. They’re installed along the edges, at the eaves and rakes, to help prevent shingles from lifting or blowing off in strong winds. Starter shingles also create a secure seal that helps your roof shed water efficiently, reducing the risk of leaks and protecting against wind uplift.

Asphalt composite shingles are affordable, durable and available in a wide array of colors, making them a popular choice for roofing. They’re a composite product made with either a fiberglass mat base with minerals embedded in asphalt or a cellulose mat base (also known as organic asphalt shingles) from recycled minerals and asphalt. Organic shingles contain more asphalt than fiberglass shingles, making them heavier and more durable.

Asphalt composite shingles include architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles, hip & ridge shingles and starter shingles.

Metal roofing is known for its durability, minimal maintenance, and heat-reflective, nonflammable properties. It’s a long-lasting option, but keep in mind that metal panels can expand and contract with temperature changes and may be noisy during heavy rain or hail.

The most common metal roofing materials include steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc:

• Steel – Exceptionally strong and sustainable, steel holds paint finishes well and comes in a variety of modern styles. Along with aluminum, it’s one of the most popular choices for residential roofs. Galvanized steel performs well in extreme temperatures and harsh climates, resisting wind, hail, snow, and fire.
• Aluminum – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum is ideal for coastal areas and stands up to severe weather without rusting.
• Copper – Durable and scratch-resistant, copper develops a natural patina over time for a distinctive look. While long-lasting, it’s typically more expensive than other options.
• Zinc – Low-maintenance and highly durable, zinc resists rust and corrosion. Its unique self-healing property allows scratches to repair over time as the protective patina forms.

Panel Profiles:

• Corrugated panels feature interlocking metal sheets with wave-like ridges. They’re easy to install but use exposed fasteners, which can wear over time.
• Ribbed panels have raised ribs (or ridges) running vertically along the length of the panel to channel water off the roof efficiently. Typically installed with exposed fasteners, it makes them easier and more cost-effective to install compared to concealed systems.
• Standing seam panels run from ridge to eaves with raised seams that channel water away. These panels use concealed fasteners for a sleek, modern appearance and added protection.

Closure strips are foam pieces designed to seal the gaps at the top and bottom of corrugated roof panels. They fit snugly between the roof deck and the ridges of the panels, preventing rain, snow, insects, and pests from getting underneath. Closure strips can also help reduce noise from wind and rain.

The shape of each strip must match the panel’s profile, and its length should align with the panel width. Because profiles vary by manufacturer and style, always use the closure strips recommended for your specific panels. There are two types:

• Inside Closures: Installed at the bottom of the panels along the eaves (roof edges).
• Outside Closures: Placed at the top of the panels along the ridge line.

Installation is straightforward but check your roofing instructions for the exact steps for your panel type.

Clay and concrete tiles offer a natural, rustic look and exceptional durability, with a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. These tiles come in fluted, flat, or interlocking styles and can even be crafted into a half-barrel “S” shape for added airflow. Because they’re heavier than other roofing materials, they require a reinforced roof structure.

Perfect for hot climates, clay and concrete tiles are fire-resistant, slow to absorb heat, and impervious to rot and algae. Their strength and timeless appeal make them a long-lasting choice for homeowners seeking beauty and performance.

Slate shingles are among the most durable roofing materials available, offering exceptional longevity and timeless appeal. While they are one of the more expensive options, their lifespan makes them a worthwhile investment. Slate comes in two types: hard slate, which can last up to 200 years, and soft slate, which typically lasts around 100 years.

Ideal for hot climates, slate shingles are highly weather-resistant, provide excellent insulation, and are impervious to heat, sun, and cold. Because of their weight, they require a reinforced roof structure for proper support.

Wood roofing adds a warm, natural look to your home. There are two main types:

• Wood Shingles – Machine-cut for a smooth, uniform, and flat appearance. They’re typically thinner than shakes.
• Wood Shakes – Thicker and more textured, with a rough, irregular look that adds depth and dimension. Shakes are usually made from cedar and split by hand or machine.

Both wood shingles and cedar shakes require regular maintenance to preserve their beauty and performance. This includes treating them every few years with fire retardants, fungicides, and water repellents, as well as removing moss or lichen that may develop.

Don’t forget to include drip edge flashing in your roofing plan. Drip edge flashing—also called eave trim—is a critical roofing component that helps protect your home from moisture damage. Most building codes require it for roof installations.

Drip edge runs along the eaves and rakes (the roof’s edges), covering the upper faces of the fascia boards that sit parallel to the roof edge. Its design serves two key purposes:

• Top edge: Prevents water from seeping under the roofing material and helps seal the roof edges against wind-driven rain.
• Bottom edge: Extends outward to direct water runoff away from the roof and, on homes with gutters, into the gutter system.
• Installation timing matters: drip edge should be installed before shingles or roofing panels. Placement can vary based on location, building codes, and whether it’s on eaves or rakes. In some cases, it goes under the underlayment and ice-and-water barrier; in others, it sits on top of these layers.