Asphalt Shingles vs. Wood Shakes/Shingles

Asphalt Shingles

There’s nothing trivial about picking the right roof. From curb appeal to durability, cost efficiency to lifespan, the material (and quality) of shingles you choose could make the difference between paying for constant maintenance work for decades or looking at yet another roof replacement due to weather damage. In a place like Dallas/Fort Worth, the weather swings from high heat to harsh hailstorms, so what type of roof can handle it — without breaking the bank?

You can see a comparison of all major roofing materials in our comprehensive roofing guide. But today, we’re narrowing in on two popular and affordable options: Asphalt shingles and wood shingle/shakes. Here’s what you need to know.

Asphalt Shingles

Outline

1 Asphalt Shingles
2 Wood Shakes/Shingles
3 Comparison: Asphalt vs. Wood Shingles
4
5
6 We’re Here to Help

Next time you’re in your car, take a look at the roofs in your neighborhood. Chances are, most of them will be some kind of asphalt shingles. They’re the most widely used residential roofing material in Texas, after all. When it comes to balancing cost, durability, and lifespan, it’s hard to find a better option. But not all asphalt singles are the same. While they’re all made from at least one layer of fiberglass coated with asphalt and covered with granules, the thickness and amount of layers make a big difference.

That’s why the most affordable and least durable is the 3-tab variety, which consists of one layer. The next step up is the architectural variety, which is a bit more expensive but longer lasting and more durable. And finally, there’s the premium option, which is much more expensive, but the most durable and longest-lasting on the market. For convenience, we’ll be comparing architectural shingles to wood shingles in the section below. (And don’t miss our deep dive into asphalt shingle types).

Wood Shakes/Shingles

Wood shakes and shingles may require quite a bit of upkeep, but for some homeowners, it’s worth it for the rustic charm of a wood roof. Typically, wood shingles are thin and flat, made from cedar, redwood, poplar, or other durable woods, while shakes tend to be thicker and more textured. Shakes are more commonly used for siding, since their thickness and texture would invite more weathering as roofing materials than flat shingles. As we’ll cover below, their performance in extreme weather and their high maintenance needs aren’t ideal for busy homeowners or homeowners on a budget. For convenience, we’ll compare wood shingles, which are more common than shakes, to asphalt shingles.

Comparison: Asphalt vs. Wood Shingles

Cost Effectiveness

Both wood and asphalt shingles vary in terms of upfront and upkeep costs. While architectural asphalt shingles are only moderately more expensive than their 3-tab counterparts, they provide significantly improved durability and a longer lifespan.

Due to wood being a porous organic material, even treated wood shingles will require more ongoing maintenance and inspections than asphalt, which doesn’t have the same rot and insect problems. Add to the equation the lower durability of wood shingles, as we’ll explore next, and you can see why the long-term cost of wooden shingles can be considered higher than architectural asphalt. The best long-term investment of the two will likely be architectural asphalt shingles.

Toughness

Due to their multi-layer construction, architectural asphalt shingles provide solid protection from foot traffic, punctures, and tears. Depending on the brand’s quality, a wind warranty of up to 130 mph can be achieved with a lifespan between 15 and 30 years. Wood shingles, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to severe weather, like the hail storms and high heat common in Texas. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 30 years, depending heavily on how well-maintained homeowners keep them.

Fire resistance also favors asphalt shingles, with most achieving a Class A fire rating, while wood shingles carry a higher fire risk unless treated with fire-retardant chemicals, which of course increase the upfront and upkeep costs. All-in-all, wood shingles are less durable and resistant than architectural asphalt shingles — especially when it comes to severe weather.

Aesthetics

Aesthetically, asphalt shingles allow for a wide variety of color, pattern, and texture options, which makes them ideal for homeowners who want to improve curb appeal by installing a roof that accentuates their home’s design. But wood shingles have their own appeal that can’t be mimicked by asphalt — their distinctly organic texture and color are great compliments to traditional and rustic homes. With a variety of wood types and staining options, they’re also quite versatile. For aesthetic options, asphalt vs. wood shingles comes down to personal taste.