When choosing roofing shingles for a shed, there are several options to consider depending on your budget, climate, and personal preference.
You can get roofing shingles made from asphalt and fiberglass, metal, wood, and slate. For a shed the best roofing shingle is asphalt. Asphalt is very durable and the least expensive choice.
In this article I’m going to go over asphalt roofing shingles, the pros and cons of each type. I have listed the topics in this article below, just scroll down to the section that best suits your needs.
Types of Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Pros and Cons of 3-Tab Shingles
Pros and cons of Architectural Shingles
Pros and Cons of Luxury Shingles
Pros and Cons of Strip Shingles
Pros and Cons of Impact-Resistant Shingles
How Many Shingles in a Bundle?
How Many Bundles of Shingles in a Square?
How Many Shingles in a Square?
How Much Does a Bundle of Shingles Weight
How to Calculate How Many Roofing Shingles You’ll Need
Types of Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles are a popular choice for roofing materials because they are durable, easy to install, and come in a variety of styles and colors.
3-Tab Shingles… These are the most basic and economical type of asphalt shingles. They have a flat appearance and are designed to lay in a single layer.
Architectural Shingles… Also known as dimensional or laminated shingles, architectural shingles have a more textured, three-dimensional appearance that gives a richer and more sophisticated look to your roof.
Luxury Shingles… Luxury shingles are the most premium type of asphalt shingles. They are thicker, more durable, and offer greater design flexibility than other types of shingles.
Strip Shingles… Strip shingles are a subset of 3-tab shingles but with a more decorative appearance. They come in various widths and shapes to create a more dimensional look to your roof.
Impact-Resistant Shingles… Impact-resistant shingles are designed to withstand severe weather conditions such as hail and high winds. They are typically made with a special polymer coating that reinforces the shingle.
Pros and Cons of 3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles are a type of asphalt shingle that has been a popular roofing material for many years.
Pros:
Cost-Effective… 3-tab shingles are less expensive than other roofing materials, making them an attractive option for homeowners who are on a budget.
Easy to Install… These shingles are easy to install and can be installed quickly by a roofing professional.
Variety of Colors… 3-tab shingles come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find a match for your home’s exterior.
Lightweight… They are lightweight, which means they won’t put as much stress on your home’s structure as other roofing materials.
Cons:
Short Lifespan… 3-tab shingles have a relatively short lifespan of around 15-25 years, which means they will need to be replaced more frequently than other roofing materials.
Not as Durable… Compared to other roofing materials, 3-tab shingles are not as durable and may be more susceptible to damage from wind, hail, and other weather-related conditions.
Limited Warranty… The warranty for 3-tab shingles is typically shorter than other roofing materials, which means you may have to pay for repairs or replacement sooner than you would with other types of roofing.
Less Insulation… 3-tab shingles don’t provide as much insulation as other roofing materials, which means you may experience higher energy bills due to heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
Pros and cons of Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles, also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, are a type of roofing material that consists of multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass to create a textured, three-dimensional appearance.
Pros:
Aesthetic Appeal… Architectural shingles offer a more attractive look than traditional 3-tab shingles. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and can mimic the look of natural materials like slate or cedar.
Durability… Because of their multiple layers, architectural shingles are more durable than 3-tab shingles and can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as wind, rain, and hail.
Longer Lifespan… The lifespan of architectural shingles is longer than that of 3-tab shingles. Most manufacturers offer warranties that range from 25 to 50 years.
Energy Efficiency… Some types of architectural shingles are designed to reflect sunlight, which can help to lower cooling costs in warmer climates.
Cons:
Cost… Architectural shingles are more expensive than 3-tab shingles. The additional layers and materials required for manufacturing result in a higher price point.
Installation Complexity… Installing architectural shingles requires more time and skill than installing 3-tab shingles due to their three-dimensional design.
Weight… Architectural shingles are heavier than 3-tab shingles and may require additional support from the roof structure.
Maintenance… While architectural shingles are durable, they can still be susceptible to damage from debris or foot traffic and may require maintenance or repair.
Pros and Cons of Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles are high-end roofing materials that are designed to provide both aesthetic appeal and durability.
Pros:
Aesthetics… Are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and styles, making it easy to find an option that complements the overall design of your home.
Durability… Made with high-quality materials that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and hail.
Longevity… Longer lifespan than standard shingles, with some options lasting up to 50 years or more.
Energy Efficiency… Some luxury shingles are designed to reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by your home and potentially lowering your energy bills.
Increased Home Value… The installation of luxury shingles can increase the resale value of your home, as potential buyers will appreciate the added durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.
Cons:
Higher Cost… Are more expensive than standard shingles, which can make them less accessible for homeowners on a tight budget.
Installation Complexity… Luxury shingles may require a more complex installation process, which can lead to higher installation costs.
Weight… Some luxury shingles are heavier than standard shingles, which may require additional support structures for your roof.
Limited Availability… May not be available in all areas, or there may be limited options to choose from.
Maintenance… While luxury shingles are durable, they still require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Related Helpful Reading
The 7 Most Popular & Practical Shed Roof Designs
Are Trusses a Better Choice for a Shed Roof?
5 Advantages of a Slant Roof Shed for Your Shed
How to Pick the Correct Roof Sheathing Thickness for a Shed
How Much Roof Overhang Should a Shed Have?
Rolled Roofing Vs 3-Tab Shingles
Pros and Cons of Strip Shingles
Strip shingles are a popular choice for roofing because of their affordability, ease of installation, and durability. However, like any roofing material, there are both pros and cons to using strip shingles.
Pros:
Affordability… Are one of the most affordable roofing options available, making them an attractive choice for homeowners on a budget.
Easy to Install… Strip shingles are relatively easy to install and require minimal preparation, which can save time and money on installation.
Wide Range of Colors and Styles… Come in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose a roof that matches the style and color of their home.
Durability… Are designed to last for many years, with most warranties ranging from 20 to 30 years.
Cons:
Vulnerable to High Winds… Vulnerable to damage from high winds, especially if they are not installed correctly.
Limited Lifespan… While strip shingles can last for many years, they have a shorter lifespan than some other roofing materials, such as metal or slate.
Prone to Algae Growth… Strip shingles are prone to algae growth, which can cause unsightly stains on the roof.
Environmental Concerns… Are not the most environmentally friendly roofing option, as they are made from petroleum-based products and are not easily recyclable.
Pros and Cons of Impact-Resistant Shingles
Impact-resistant shingles are roofing materials designed to withstand the impact of hail, wind, and other types of severe weather conditions.
Pros:
Durability… These are made with a special polymer or rubber material that makes them more durable than traditional asphalt shingles. They are less likely to crack or break when hit by hail, debris, or strong winds.
Protection… Provide an added layer of protection for your roof, which can help prevent water damage and leaks.
Insurance Savings… Depending on where you live, some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowner’s insurance premiums if you install impact-resistant shingles. This is because they are less likely to sustain damage during a storm, which can save the insurance company money in claims.
Aesthetics… Come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose a look that complements your home’s architecture.
Cons:
Cost… Are typically more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, which can be a deterrent for homeowners on a tight budget.
Weight… Are heavier than traditional shingles, so your roof may require additional structural support to accommodate the extra weight.
Installation… Because of their weight and thickness, impact-resistant shingles can be more difficult to install than traditional shingles. This may require a more experienced roofing contractor, which can add to the overall cost.
Availability… Depending on where you live, it may be more difficult to find a supplier that carries impact-resistant shingles. This can make them less accessible and more expensive to obtain.
How Many Shingles in a Bundle?
The number of shingles in a bundle can vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of shingle being used. Typically, asphalt shingles are packaged in bundles that contain between 21 and 29 shingles. However, it’s important to check the product specifications from the manufacturer or supplier to confirm the exact number of shingles in each bundle before making a purchase.
How Many Bundles of Shingles in a Square?
In the roofing industry, a “square” is a unit of measurement used to describe the area of a roof. One square equals 100 square feet (10 feet by 10 feet).
The number of shingle bundles required to cover a square depends on the type of shingles being used and their size. Generally, a bundle of shingles is designed to cover approximately 1/3 of a square (or 33.3 square feet).
So, to cover one square (100 square feet), you would need approximately 3 bundles of shingles. However, this number can vary depending on factors such as the shape of the roof, the slope of the roof, and the specific shingle brand and model being used. It’s always best to consult with a roofing professional to determine the exact number of shingle bundles required for your specific roofing project.
How Many Shingles in a Square?
In the context of roofing, a “square” refers to an area of 100 square feet. The number of shingles in a square will depend on the size and type of the shingles.
As a rough estimate, a bundle of asphalt shingles typically covers about 1/3 of a square (or 33.33 square feet). Therefore, you would need approximately three bundles of shingles to cover a square. The exact number of shingles in a bundle can vary depending on the manufacturer, but it is usually between 21 and 29 shingles per bundle.
So, if we assume that each bundle contains 25 shingles, then you would need a total of 75 shingles to cover a square. However, this is just an estimate and the actual number of shingles required may vary based on the specific roofing project.
How Much Does a Bundle of Shingles Weight
The weight of a bundle of shingles can vary depending on the size and type of shingle. In general, a bundle of asphalt shingles can weigh between 50 and 80 pounds (22 to 36 kg).
For example, a bundle of 3-tab asphalt shingles typically weighs around 60 to 70 pounds (27 to 32 kg), while a bundle of architectural shingles can weigh between 65 and 80 pounds (29 to 36 kg).
It’s important to note that the weight of a bundle of shingles can also vary depending on the manufacturer and specific product, so it’s always a good idea to check the product specifications before making any calculations or purchasing decisions.
How to Calculate How Many Roofing Shingles You’ll Need
To calculate the number of roofing shingles you’ll need, follow these steps:
1] Determine the Area of the Roof… Measure the length and width of the roof, and multiply them together to get the total square footage. For example, if the roof is 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, the total area would be 30 x 20 = 600 square feet.
2] Decide on the Shingle Type… The number of shingles needed can vary depending on the type of shingle you choose, as well as the manufacturer and the specific product line. Check the packaging or manufacturer’s website for information on how much coverage each shingle provides.
3] Calculate the Number of Shingles… Divide the total area of the roof by the coverage area of one shingle to get the total number of shingles needed. For example, if one shingle covers 3 square feet, you would divide 600 by 3 to get 200 shingles.
It’s always a good idea to add a little extra to account for waste, errors, and repairs, so you might want to consider purchasing a few extra shingles just in case.
I usually get an extra bundle of roofing shingles just in case I need to replace the odd one. If your roof is a hip roof or has valleys, you should add 10% more to the total.
Conclusion
I hope this article has made your decision about choosing the best shingle for your shed has proved you with the information you need. Thanks for reading.