Which Shingles Last The Longest in 2023 [Roofing Comparison]

What Is The Best Roofing Shingle In Ottawa
In 2023?

With 15 Types Of Shingles On The Market, It Can
Be Difficult To Decide The Best For Your Home

Are you considering a roof replacement for your Ottawa home? If so, chances are you are considering shingles for your roof, as these are the most common type of roofing material on the market.

However, if you think that a shingle is just a shingle – that there is no difference in what you put onto your roof – you would be thinking wrong! There are fifteen shingles on the market, ranging from traditional asphalt to metal that looks like asphalt.

What should you choose for your Greater Ottawa area roof? Let’s look at the best of the 15 types of shingles on the market to understand what you should select based on lifespan and upkeep.

The 15 Types Of Shingles

When people think of shingles, they often only picture an asphalt shingle. However, even within the asphalt shingle world, various types exist.

For those who know they want shingles for their roof replacement, there are fifteen types on the market that people can opt to use:

1. Copper shingles
2. Asphalt 3-tab
3. Metal shingles
4. Solar shingles
5. Clay tile shingles
6. Cedar wood shingles
7. Slate tile shingles
8. PVC roofing shingles
9. Aluminum shingles
10. Metal shingles
11. Corrugated steel shingles
12. Concrete tile shingles
13. Rubber shingles
14. Asphalt architectural shingles
15. Steel shingles

Out of these fifteen shingle types, the most common choices throughout the Greater Ottawa area are asphalt 3-tab, architectural, and wood shingles.

Comparing Common Roofing Materials

Out of the standard shingles seen in Ottawa, there are pros and cons to each. Knowing the ins and outs of your options will help you better decide which should be used on your roof.

Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles

In most cases, asphalt 3-tab shingles will last around 20 years. This is considered the most common among the standard options because it is highly affordable.

These shingles are relatively thin, making them easy to install for roofers, but they will wear out quickly due to how light they are. There are numerous color options for these budget-friendly shingles.

Architectural Shingles

When compared to the 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles are much more durable. They last anywhere from 30 to 50 years when installed properly. While they are more expensive, they have a doubled lifespan compared to the cheaper option.

The beauty of architectural shingles is that they are designed to look like other types of shingles. For example, while it may be made with fiberglass and other elements, the look of these shingles can be that of a wood-shake.

With various color options, the longer life, and the warranty architectural shingles often come with, they are a clear winner among homeowners in Ottawa.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles have a lifespan of around 25 years. However, depending upon the type of wood used, they can last as little as 15 years or as much as 50. Plus, they provide a rustic look, which is what many homeowners want for their homes.

However, there is upkeep required, especially if you opt for cedar, which requires maintenance. Wood shingles will cost much more than asphalt shingles since they require much more work and precise cutting to fit onto your roof.

The Winner For 2023: Asphalt

Whether you opt for 3-tab or architectural asphalt, you will have a winning roof when opting for either. Why is asphalt the clear winner for 2023?

Asphalt is one of the most accessible materials for a roof. Most professionals will install asphalt and even prefer it. The more options you have, the better your chances of getting a qualified roofer who knows what they are doing.

In addition, architectural asphalt has the longest life of all shingles with a ton of other added benefits.

Here are some other great reasons why you should choose asphalt shingle for your roof:

1. You will discover that asphalt is super easy to repair if there is an issue with it later down the line.
2. With the number of styles, colors, textures, and the like, you can create whatever look you want with your home.
3. Asphalt is super easy to work with and install.
4. The cost is more economical thanks to the years that asphalt can last.
5. Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt is low maintenance. (Who has the time to maintain their roof constantly?!)
6. Asphalt is also considered highly energy efficient in manufacturing, helping your home to be as energy efficient as possible.
7. It is a sustainable material that can be recycled in many cases.
8. Thanks to the nature of asphalt, algae growth that can cause many issues for your roof is naturally inhibited due to the material.
9. The shape of the roof and its slope will make no difference with asphalt, as it can easily conform to what is needed, giving you more protection for your roof.

Free Estimates For Your Ottawa Roof Replacement

If your Ottawa roof requires replacing, Firon Roofing is here to help. We offer GAF roofing, which includes asphalt 3-tab or architectural asphalt roofing. And we are highly trained by GAF to ensure we install it correctly as a Master Elite Contractor.

We offer free estimates for your roofing needs and invite you to contact us or call us at (613) 821–6222.