Types of Roof Shingles for Houses

If you're looking to replace the roof of your house, you may wonder what types of roof shingles you should or could use. You have no shortage of options—shingles come in different types, styles, and colors to fit any decor or construction style.

Here's a look at the different types of roof shingles available for the residential roofing of homes, so you can make an informed choice about the right shingles for your needs.

What Are Roof Shingles?

Roof shingles are just one element that make up a residential roofing system and act as a roof covering. The shingle is typically made of asphalt, fiberglass mat, and ceramic-coated granules. They're often installed in overlapping layers or courses. When installed as part of a complete roofing system, shingles help protect your home from water infiltration.

Shingles are generally rectangular in shape for a consistent look, although some are more irregular to appear handcrafted. Shingles are used as the primary water-shedding material, and roofing shingles and tiles may be made out of many different types of materials, including asphalt, metal, wood, clay, concrete, and slate.

Types of Roof Shingles and Materials

Looking for a new roof? Narrow down your options to the types of roof shingles and shingle materials that best match your style and needs.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

• 3-tab: A common type of asphalt shingle is called a 3-tab. These single-layer shingles, like GAF Royal Sovereign®, offer a uniform, flat appearance and are made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt. Each piece is cut into three equal sections or tabs—hence its name. This is the most economical roofing choice.

• Architectural: Architectural shingles, like GAF Timberline HDZ® and Timberline® AS II, are made of multiple layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass that are laminated together. They're also cut differently from the 3-tab option, giving the shingle a variation in style and a more three-dimensional look. They often come in a variety of colors, like Driftwood shingles and Birchwood shingles. When installed with the required combination of four qualifying GAF Accessories, GAF architectural shingles with LayerLock® Technology qualify for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty***, the industry's first wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation. Architectural shingles are also sometimes referred to as dimensional shingles.

• Designer: These shingles are made just like other asphalt shingles, but they come in different colors and are designed to mimic the look of cedar, slate, or wood shake 

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^{† Lifetime refers to the length of warranty coverage provided and means as long as the original individual owner(s) of a single-family detached residence [or eligible second owner(s)] owns the property where the qualifying GAF products are installed. For other owners/structures, Lifetime coverage is not applicable. Lifetime coverage on shingles requires the use of GAF Lifetime Shingles only. See the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.}

Alternate Shingle Materials

• Clay and Concrete: These are a popular choice for Spanish-style structures, mainly in the Southwest and Southeast. They're very heavy, so homeowners interested in these materials should address structural concerns with their contractor before installing this type of roof.

• Wood: Wood—generally cedar or redwood—can also be used as a shingle material due to its durability. Before installing this type of roof, make sure the product you select is treated with flame retardant and installed in a manner that meets fire rating requirements in your area. You can find different types of shingles, like GAF Woodland® and Grand Sequoia® AS, that give off a similar wood shake appearance but at a much lower cost and without the downsides of wood.

• Slate: Slate has a distinctive look that's often associated with high-end architecture and traditional Northeastern homes. Slate is beautiful and naturally durable. Before selecting this material, make sure your home can support the weight of this type of roof. Slate is also a very expensive roofing material.

• Metal: Metal shingles are a durable and visually appealing option for homeowners who want the strength of metal with the classic look of shingles. These types of roof shingles provide a sleek appearance with excellent fire resistance and durability, which makes them sought out for many different types of roofs as well as a variety of commercial and residential roofing applications. Premium options, like the GAF TimberSteel™ system, offer valuable warranties, like 15-year limited warranties for hail coverage against leaks and no max wind speed coverage for select system components.

• Solar: Solar shingles act as an integrated solution that combines solar energy production with an attractive roofing system. Unlike solar panels, they have a more low-profile appearance that tends to blend in better with your existing roofing material. Solar shingles, like GAF Energy Timberline Solar® ES 2, get installed directly next to Timberline® traditional asphalt shingles to create a stylish roof appearance that generates solar power and still provides the same weather protection expected from a traditional roof. High-quality solar shingles like these are nailable and installed the same way as other asphalt shingles and roof tile types, so no specialized equipment is required for installers, making the process faster and easier.

How to Choose the Right Shingle Type for Your Home

You have no shortage of options when you go to select roof shingles for your home. That can be a blessing and a curse—while you have the flexibility to boost your home's curb appeal in a way that matches your personal style, the overabundance of choices can make picking one all the more difficult.

Not sure where to start? Certain shades and materials may make more sense based on your area, your home, and your priorities for your roof.

Location and Weather Considerations when Selecting a Shingle Type

In real estate, you often hear the phrase "location is everything." The same is true of choosing roof shingles for your home. In areas that typically face extreme weather, homeowners may want to consider the following factors.

• Wind: If your home is in a region with strong winds, consider a shingle that either comes with, or is eligible for, warranty coverage for blow offs in high winds.

• Hail: Homeowners in the hail belt may want to consider shingles that pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance test. While roof warranty coverage is not typically offered for hail damaged roofing shingles, shingles that pass this test have the best chance of standing up to hail.

Shingle Performance Features: Energy Efficiency

Roof shingles may influence the cooling efficiency of your home. In hotter regions with intense direct sunlight, you might consider installing a cool roof shingle designed to reflect more of the sun's rays to help keep your attic cooler. This may result in cooling cost savings.*

On the other hand, if you live in an area where the climate is colder for more months of the year, a less reflective shingle that absorbs more of the sun's rays may be a better option.

Another option to consider is installing solar panels on your roof. The Timberline Solar (TM) roofing system includes traditional shingles and solar shingles that can be installed by one contractor.

Warranty Coverage of Asphalt Shingles

When you invest in a roof for your home, consider the warranty options available. With GAF, homeowners can choose from five different levels of warranty protection. Warranty eligibility depends on the combination of GAF products installed, as well as who installs them. Most GAF roofing shingles come with a Lifetime** limited warranty, and 10-50 years of non-prorated coverage. When installed with the required combination of GAF Accessories,Timberline HDZ® Shingles are eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty- an industry-first 15-year limited wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.***

Try Shingles Before You Buy

After you have reviewed all the considerations above, you can test out what your new roof is going to look like on your home. GAF offers a comprehensive Style Guide that not only explains the color options but includes a roof visualizer tool. Try on different styles and colors of shingles to see how they complement your home—the tool lets you either upload a photo or choose from a model in a similar style to your home.

Once you've got your ideal roof in mind, you're ready to find a contractor certified by GAF**** near you to bring your vision to life.

Shingle Type FAQs

What are the three types of asphalt shingles offered by GAF?

GAF offers three main categories of asphalt shingles designed to fit different budgets, styles, and performance needs:

• 3-Tab Shingles (Strip Shingles): The most traditional and economical option. These feature a single, flat layer cut into three equal tabs (like GAF Royal Sovereign®) for a clean, uniform look.

• Architectural Shingles (Dimensional Shingles): The most popular choice for modern homes. They are constructed with multiple layers of fiberglass and asphalt fused together, creating a thick, three-dimensional look that mimics wood shakes. GAF’s Timberline® series is America’s #1 shingle brand.

• Designer Shingles (Luxury Shingles): The premium, top-tier option. These are extra-thick, multi-layered shingles designed to accurately replicate the look of high-end materials like slate or genuine cedar shakes at a fraction of the cost.

What is the most common roof shingle?

Asphalt shingles are by far the most common type of roof shingle, covering the vast majority of residential homes across North America. Within the asphalt category, architectural (or dimensional) shingles have become the most widely installed style. Homeowners and contractors prefer them because they offer the perfect balance of affordability, excellent wind resistance, and a multi-dimensional look that boosts curb appeal.

This Article was Originally Published: December 6, 2021 | Updated: June 26, 2026

*Savings will vary and are not guaranteed.

**Definition of Lifetime: The word "Lifetime" means as long as you, the original owner(s) [or the second owner(s) if coverage was properly transferred during the Smart Choice Protection Period], own the property where the shingles and/or accessories are installed. The Lifetime warranty is applicable only to shingles and accessories installed on a single-family detached residence owned by individuals. For any other type of owner or building, such as a corporation, governmental entity, religious entity, condominium or homeowner association, school, apartment building, office building, or multi-use structure, the length of the warranty is 40 years

***15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline HDZ® Shingles requires the use of GAF starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, and leak barrier or attic ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.

****Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products.