What Are the Different Types of Roof Shingles?
Roof shingles are quickly becoming a firm favourite among homeowners for small DIY roofing projects like shed or garage roofs. With quick installation, longevity, and durability at a great price, it’s easy to see why. Learn more about what roof shingles are.
But what’s the difference between roof shingle materials, and which is best for you? In this guide, we’re going to talk you through the three main types of shingle, discussing their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Roof Shingle
Below we’re going to discuss the three most common types of roofing shingle. These include felt shingles, wood shingles, and metal shingles.
Felt
Felt shingles are some of the most cost-effective roofing materials available. An ideal choice for small garden outbuildings, felt roof shingles offer moderate durability and longevity at a great price, and available in a huge range of styles and designs.
- Cost: £8-15 per square metre depending on brand
- Lifespan: 15 years, although with proper maintenance can last over 25 years
- Weight: 6kg-30kg per 10m² depending on brand
- Installation: Quick and easy using specially designed fixings
- Aesthetics: Huge array of shapes, sizes, and finishes available in many colours
- Great for: Sheds, lean-tos, garages, door canopies
Wood
Wood shingles are some of the most uncommon kinds of roof shingle. Made from real cedar wood, these offer fantastic visual appeal along with excellent performance, robust durability, and longevity.
- Cost: £15-20 per square metre depending on brand and shingle
- Lifespan: 30 years or more, but can last over half a century
- Weight: 12kg-20kg per 10m² depending on the kind of wood
- Installation: Slightly more difficult than felt due to increased weight, but still straightforward
- Aesthetics: Iconic, highly unique natural aesthetic ideal for structures in natural settings
- Great for: Larger garden projects, garden offices, chalets, stables, even as cladding
Metal
Metal shingles are undoubtedly the premium roofing shingle option. Offering the greatest strength and longevity, but at the highest cost. There are however many different styles, shapes, and finishes for you to choose from.
- Cost: £22-£29 per square metre, along with accessories
- Lifespan: 40-70 years, depending on maintenance levels
- Weight: 15kg-30kg per 10m² depending on brand and exact shingle
- Installation: Straightforward thanks to full complementary system of fixings and accessories
- Aesthetics: Broad selection of colours, textures, and shapes to choose from to suit you
- Great for: Ideal for use on larger projects such as garage roofs, summer houses, or homes
Which Type of Shingle is Right for Me?
The two most important things to consider are by far your budget, and the project you’re undertaking.
- Felt Shingles: Garden sheds, door canopies, small garages, lean-tos, stables, storehouses, other outbuildings in the garden
- Wood Shingles: Large garages, stables, chalets, summer houses, garden offices, residential buildings in rural areas
- Metal Shingles: Large outbuildings, chalets, summer houses, garden offices, residential buildings, extensions, commercial premises
Conclusion
By now we hope you’ve got a better idea of the best shingle type for your project. With such a wide variety to choose from, you’re sure to find a shingle that’s just perfect for you. Be sure to look at our extensive roofing shingle range, and once you’re chosen the one that’s right for you, we also stock all the fixings and accessories you’ll need to get your project underway and finished ASAP.
Or, if you’ve already made your choice, find out how to install roof shingles here.
