Roofing shingles may not be the most exciting part of your home, but they play an incredibly important role in protecting your home. Plus, the right shingles can enhance curb appeal and make your home stand out from the crowd.
If you’ve never built a home or replaced your roof before, you may not be aware of the sheer number of options available. From materials and shapes to colors and layouts, the world of shingles is surprisingly vast.
Shingles come in various shapes, each with its own functional and aesthetic advantages. At Kanga Roof, we know that choosing the right shingle shape depends on your budget, the climate, and your desired look. In this guide, we’ll explore both standard and specialty shingle shapes and give expert tips for choosing the right one.
The Most Common Shingle Shapes
First, let’s take a look at some of the most common shingle shapes:
Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are flat, uniform, and rectangular. Rather than being installed one tiny rectangle at a time, they come in a larger sheet of material with tabs cut into the bottom edge. Once installed, this creates the look of three separate shingles — hence the name.
Since their first use in 1935, this shingle shape has remained incredibly popular due to its wide availability and cost-effectiveness. They’re lightweight and easy to install, which can cut down on service costs, as well.
Three-tab shingles are best for homeowners on a budget or houses with a simpler, more traditional style. However, they may have a shorter lifespan than other shingle shapes, which is important to factor into your decision.
Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles
Architectural shingles are thicker, multi-layered shingles with varying shapes to create a textured appearance. They add visual depth to a roof, elevating its appearance and imitating the look of wood or slate.
Because architectural shingles are about 50 percent thicker than three-tab shingles, they provide increased durability and often have a longer lifespan. This makes them ideal for homeowners seeking both performance and aesthetics.
However, this shingle shape typically comes with a higher upfront cost. But when you factor in the decreased need for repairs and replacements, they can be more cost-effective in the long run than three-tab shingles.
Specialty Shingle Shapes
Premium shingles are often designed to mimic materials like tile, wood shake, or slate. They create high-end, unique aesthetics that subtly elevate curb appeal, making them excellent for homes with specific architectural styles. If you want a distinctive look, specialty shingles are for you.
They can come in many different shapes:
- Diamond shingles come to a point at the bottom, creating a bold, geometric pattern. Their distinctive and modern design makes them ideal for contemporary homes.
- Half cove shingles have round cutouts on both bottom corners and a straight bottom edge.
- Arrow shingles are similar to half cove, but the cutouts meet in a point — think of the top of a heart.
- Hexagonal shingles are six-sided and look like hexagons when stacked on top of each other. They’re perfect for adding character to historic homes and cottages.
- Round and fish scale shingles are both round at the bottom, but fish scale shingles have a more rectangular shape.
Specialty shingles offer the opportunity to mix different shapes, resulting in a totally unique look. By thinking outside the box, you can create a roof design that stands out from your neighbors’ homes, adding significant curb appeal.
However, these shingle shapes are undoubtedly more expensive than other options. Plus, when you consider the specialized skills needed to create these intricate designs, you can expect to pay more for labor, as well.
Choosing the Right Shingle Shape for Your Home
As you navigate the many shingle shapes on the market, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help to guide your decision:
- Your home’s style: Match the shingle shape to your home’s architectural style — for instance, standard three-tab shingles for traditional homes or hexagonal shingles for historic homes.
- Climate and durability needs: Architectural and designer shingles are ideal for areas with harsh weather thanks to their enhanced durability.
- Budget: Weigh the cost of installation and materials against long-term benefits like durability and aesthetics.
- Resale value: Specialty shingle shapes can increase your home’s value.
Find the Perfect Shingle Shapes with Kanga Roof
At Kanga Roof, we are committed to providing homeowners with the roofing solutions they need. Whether you’re building a new home, replacing your old roof, or just need some repairs, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more!
Follow Us