How to Choose Roofing Shingles: Types and Features of the Material
09.01.2025
Bitumen shingles are a versatile roofing solution ideal for pitched roofs of any shape. Lightweight, flexible, and durable, they withstand extreme temperatures and prevent moisture infiltration, making them a reliable choice for diverse climates.
While commonly used in residential low-rise and cottage construction, bitumen shingles also suit multi-story residential complexes, administrative buildings, and sports facilities. Additionally, they are widely used in roof renovation projects for private and industrial buildings.
When selecting bitumen shingles, consider factors like climate suitability, roof complexity, desired aesthetics, and budget. Styles like hexagonal, diamond, or beaver tail offer unique visual effects, while single-, double-, or triple-layer options provide various levels of strength, insulation, and wind resistance. Select shingles with UV-resistant and color-stable protective coatings like basalt for long-lasting color and surface protection.
What Are Shingles Made Of?
The base of roofing shingles is made of glass-fiber or glass fabric, which are known for their strength, moisture resistance, resistance to mechanical damage, and chemical and biological neutrality. The reinforcing layer (base) is abundantly impregnated with improved bitumen, and basalt granules are applied on top. At the bottom, the shingles have a self-adhesive layer, which is protected by a siliconized polymer film.
The structure of the material resembles a layered cake, which looks as follows from bottom to top:
- Protective film
- Self-adhesive layer
- Improved bitumen
- Base
- Improved bitumen
- Colored stone granulate
To understand which shingles are best to choose for a roof, let's take a closer look at their classification and types.
Types of Roofing Shingles Based on the Base Material
Bitumen shingles offer strength, water resistance, and flexibility. The reinforcing layer provides strength and resistance to mechanical damage, with glass-fiber and glass fabric commonly used as the base materials. Occasionally, polyester is also used, but due to its cost, it"s reserved for areas with the highest performance requirements.
Glass-Fiber
Glass-fiber is an eco-friendly synthetic material made from a non-woven base created by thermally processing quartz sand. The random fiber arrangement in glass-fiber creates numerous connections, resulting in a highly flexible and strong material that retains its shape and geometric dimensions well. It is resistant to decay, highly fire-resistant, and offers excellent sound absorption. When impregnated with enhanced bitumen, glass-fiber becomes waterproof, making it ideal for roofing applications.
Glass Fabric
Glass fabric is created from interwoven strands that intersect at perpendicular angles, giving the material exceptional durability. Like glass-fiber, glass fabric also has excellent resistance to decay, fire, and sound. Due to these shared properties, both glass-fiber and glass fabric are ideal bases for residential roofing shingles, providing the necessary strength and durability for long-lasting roofs.
Types of Bitumen Used for Impregnation
Bitumen, a naturally viscous material, forms as oil weathers over time. Its synthetic counterpart is produced through oil, coal, and shale processing. Natural bitumen has a melting point of around 45°C and may crack over time or in extreme cold. For roofing applications, bitumen is either oxidized or modified to increase its elasticity and frost resistance, allowing it to withstand temperatures up to 100–110°C.
Oxidized Bitumen
Oxidized bitumen is made through a process that involves forced oxidation of petroleum bitumen with a catalyst at high temperatures. This process removes reactivity with oxygen, making the product resistant to environmental conditions. Oxidized bitumen is thermally stable, does not deform, retains elasticity over time, and resists damage from sunlight without releasing harmful substances. Shingles impregnated with oxidized bitumen are cost-effective and perform well in moderate climates, tolerating temperatures up to 110°C.
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is produced by mixing natural bitumen with specific additives, making the production process simpler and more energy-efficient. The characteristics of modified bitumen vary based on the chosen additives, which commonly include styrene-butadiene-styrene rubber (SBS) or atactic polypropylene (APP). Both SBS and APP modified bitumen enhance the mechanical strength, water tightness, and durability of shingles, though each has unique pros and cons:
SBS-Modified Bitumen Shingles
- Pros: These shingles are ideal for roofs with complex shapes, as they conform easily to the substrate. They perform exceptionally well in cold climates, retaining elasticity in severe frosts, which enhances their strength.
- Cons: In hot weather or direct sunlight, SBS-modified bitumen may soften, increasing the risk of mechanical damage. This factor should be considered when installing SBS-modified shingles in hot conditions.
SBS-modified bitumen shingles are best suited for northern and central regions, where colder climates prevail. For warmer southern regions, a different option is preferable.
APP-Modified Bitumen Shingles
- Pros: Known for their flexibility, APP-modified bitumen shingles offer high heat resistance, UV stability, and chemical inertness.
- Cons: In extreme cold, these shingles can lose elasticity, causing the bitumen layer to become brittle.
APP-modified bitumen shingles are ideal for southern and coastal climates, as they withstand temperatures up to 140°C. In moderate regions, they do not offer significant advantages over other bitumen types, and their higher cost may not be justified. They are generally not recommended for northern or Siberian climates.
Types of Protective Dressing for Bitumen Shingles
Bitumen shingles, one of the most popular roofing materials , have a protective layer of dressing melted into the bitumen on the front side, covering the entire shingle surface. This layer not only enhances aesthetics but also protects the roof from mechanical damage, reflects ultraviolet radiation, and helps hold snow on the roof.
Common granulate materials for bitumen shingles include basalt, shale, anthracite, and slag chips. The aesthetic appeal and durability of the shingle coating depend largely on the type of granulate used. Among these, basalt dressing is favored for its superior qualities and is the most commonly used option.
Basalt chips are produced through the high-temperature baking of small basalt fractions, which are simultaneously infused with stable pigments. The resulting granules have a rounded shape, a robust shell, and a durable color. Different particle sizes are applied to the bitumen surface, creating a highly adhesive and densely packed layer. Small particles fill the spaces between larger ones, resulting in a durable, long-lasting coating.
Types of Roofing Shingles by Layer Count
Bitumen shingles are available as flat sheets with shaped cutouts along one edge, simulating three to five individual shingles. Shingles can consist of one, two, or three layers, impacting their strength, durability, and price .
Single-Layer Shingles
Single-layer shingles are an economical and easy-to-install option, making them popular in various applications. With a lifespan of 10 to 50 years, they closely follow the roof"s shape, which can highlight substrate unevenness. They offer quality roofing at an affordable price.
Double-Layer Shingles
Double-layer shingles are made by gluing two shingle layers together, creating a more pronounced relief pattern. They are stronger and more wind-resistant than single-layer shingles and have a longer lifespan, up to 60 years. Installation is quicker, as these shingles don"t require a starter strip or detailed alignment. However, they come at a higher cost, which is offset by their durability.
Triple-Layer Shingles
The most durable and wind-resistant option, triple-layer shingles are created by offsetting two full layers and adding a third layer of randomly glued strips for a 3D effect. This design allows for varied roofing patterns and reaches up to 9 mm in thickness, making it the most resilient choice. With a warranty of up to 60 years, triple-layer shingles are ideal for high-performance needs, albeit at a premium price.
Types of Roofing Shingles Based on Decorative Shape
Shingles are crafted as sheets with a distinctively shaped lower edge, offering diverse options to suit various architectural styles. The shingle shape is central to the roof"s aesthetic, allowing buyers to achieve unique and memorable designs.
Sonata Hexagonal shingles form a honeycomb-like, three-dimensional pattern. Typically offered in single colors, they create a precise, geometric appearance. Gradient shadow options are also available to add visual depth and character. |
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Beaver Tail Recognizable by semicircular cutouts, "beaver tail" shingles pair well with traditional building styles. The rounded "petals" effectively cover curved surfaces and lend a refined, harmonious look. These shingles are also known for their affordability. |
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Dragon Teeth Trapezoidal shingles, often referred to as "dragon teeth," are a blend of rectangles and trapezoids in contrasting shades, creating a striking relief effect. These shingles are typically found in middle to high price segments due to their unique appearance. |
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Accord Asymmetrical shingles, resembling natural wood shakes, are known as Accord shingles. They"re available as single-layer and premium double-layer collections, offering an organic, rustic aesthetic ideal for more natural-looking designs |
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Advantages of Shingles
![]() Aesthetics: Wide range of colors and shapes. |
![]() Color fastness: Long-lasting color. |
![]() Flexibility: Suitable for complex roof shapes. |
![]() Durability: Up to 60 years of service life. |
![]() Moisture resistance: Effective waterproofing. |
![]() UV protection: Basalt granules reflect UV rays. |
![]() Fire safety: Flame-retardant. |
![]() Biological stability: Resistant to decay and fungal growth. |
![]() Wind resistance: Excellent wind performance. |
![]() Soundproofing: Reduces rain and hail noise. |
![]() Lightweight: Lighter than ceramic tiles, reducing rafter load. |
![]() Easy installation: No special skills or tools required. |
![]() Cost-effectiveness: Minimal waste during installation. |
![]() Repairability: Damaged shingles can be easily replaced. |
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