Roof Shingle Designs | A Complete Guide
Roof shingle patterns play an essential role in the aesthetic appeal, durability, and lifespan of a roof. Different shingle patterns come with varying pros and cons, making it important to choose the right pattern that suits your home design and environment. In this article, we will look at six different types of roof shingle patterns and everything you need to know about them, including the pros and cons, costs, and other essential details to help you make an informed decision.
Interlocking Shingles
Interlocking shingles, also known as individual shingles, are designed to interlock with each other to create a tight seal against the elements. These shingles are available in a range of materials, including asphalt, fiberglass, and metal. They are durable, easy to install, and can be customized to fit any home design. Interlocking shingles are also more resistant to wind and hail damage than other types of shingles. The cost of interlocking shingles ranges from $300 to $400 per square.
Pros
- Offers high wind resistance
- Interlocking design provides a tight seal against elements
- Easy to install
- Come in various materials
Cons
- More Expensive than other patters
- Limited color options compared to other types of shingles
- May be more difficult to find replacement shingles due to their unique interlocking design
Fish-Scale Shingles
Fish-scale shingles, also known as scalloped shingles, are designed to resemble fish scales. These shingles are a popular choice for homes with a Victorian or Tudor design. They are available in a range of materials, including asphalt, wood, and metal. Fish-scale shingles offer excellent durability, but they are more expensive than other types of shingles. The cost of fish-scale shingles ranges from $500 to $800 per square.
Pros
- Offers an attractive and unique appearance
- Durable
- Available in a range of materials
Cons
- Due to their unique shape, they may be more difficult and time-consuming to install
- Can be more prone to algae growth and require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance
Diamond-Shaped Shingles
Diamond-shaped shingles, also known as rhomboid shingles, are designed to resemble a diamond shape. These shingles are a popular choice for homes with a modern and contemporary design. They are available in a range of materials, including asphalt, metal, and wood. Diamond-shaped shingles offer excellent durability and are more resistant to wind and hail damage. The cost of diamond-shaped shingles ranges from $400 to $600 per square.
Pros
- More resistant to wind and hail damage, providing increased protection for homes
- Can provide energy savings due to their reflective surfaces, especially in lighter colors that reflect more sunlight
- Can increase a home’s resale value with their unique and eye-catching design
Cons
- May not be suitable for all types of roof designs due to their unique shape
- Diamond-shaped shingles may be more prone to leaks due to their shape and design
Hexagonal Shingles
Hexagonal shingles are designed to resemble a hexagon shape. These shingles are a popular choice for homes with a modern and contemporary design. They are available in a range of materials, including asphalt, metal, and wood. Hexagonal shingles offer excellent durability and are more resistant to wind and hail damage. The cost of hexagonal shingles ranges from $400 to $600 per square.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting, often with warranties of up to 50 years
- More resistant to wind and hail damage, providing increased protection for homes
- Can provide energy savings due to their reflective surfaces, especially in lighter colors that reflect more sunlight
- Can be customized with various colors and finishes to fit any home design
Cons
- May not be suitable for all types of roof designs due to their unique shape
Octagonal Shingles
Octagonal shingles are similar to hexagonal shingles but have eight sides instead of six. This pattern works well for homes with a more traditional or rustic design. They are available in a range of materials, including asphalt, metal, and wood. Octagonal shingles offer excellent durability and are more resistant to wind and hail damage. The cost of octagonal shingles ranges from $400 to $600 per square.
Pros
Offers a unique and attractive appearance
Durable
More resistant to wind and hail damage
Cons
- The eight sides of octagonal shingles may make them more difficult to install than other types of shingles
- May not be suitable for all types of roof designs due to their unique shape
Square Shingles
Square shingles are the most basic shingle pattern and are installed in a straight line, creating a uniform and clean appearance. This pattern is best suited for homes with simple and modern designs. They are available in a range of materials, including asphalt, metal, and wood. Square shingles offer good durability and are relatively easy to install. The cost of square shingles ranges from $200 to $300 per square.
Pros
- Uniform and clean appearance
- Relatively easy to install
- Available in a range of materials
Cons
- Less resistant to wind and hail damage compared to other types of shingles
- May not suit homes with more ornate or decorative designs.
