Roof using Shingle . Shingle is a low-cost roofing material that is not widely used in France. A shingle roof is designed to look like a slate roof. However, it should be noted that this roofing is much less durable than slate. Are you looking for concrete information about shingle roofing? Are you wondering how much a shingle roof costs, or when to install a shingle roof? This page provides detailed information about shingle roofing, its qualities and defects.
Shingle roofing originated in the United States, specifically North America, a little over a century ago. It is an inexpensive roofing material designed to mimic slate.
The composition of shingle roofing
Shingle is a strong roof covering. Composed of a layer of fiberglass sandwiched between two bitumens to ensure its resistance to UV (ultraviolet), it is a reliable, strong and waterproof material.
Today, shingle comes in all colors for more aesthetics: black, gray, green, yellow, red and other. Its most common version is the black version, which can look like slate roofing.
The installation of a shingle roof
Unlike most roofing materials, shingle roofing is easy to install and does not require extensive work. To limit your expenses and save even more on your budget, you can even install a shingle roof yourself (as long as you take the precautions associated with working at height, of course).
Here are two common techniques used to install shingles:
French style: this is a fastening technique performed on a batten, with the help of a hook (as for slate installation). This is the best way to successfully install a shingle roof. Note that this type of work can only be done if you have a good hand. If not, it is best to leave it to a professional roofer.
American style: this method is easier to do, but is rather reserved for annexed dwellings such as the roof of the garage, the garden or the greenhouse, the barn and others. Again, this practice is recommended for the experienced do-it-yourselfer. It consists of nailing the shingle directly to the wood frame already covered upstream.
In either case, shingle roofing is not recommended for a primary residence.
Note: Some brands even offer shingle that can be glued on, for an even easier (but less durable) installation.
Installing a shingle roof
American-style shingle installation is within the reach of any good handyman.
Characteristics of the shingle roof
The shingle roof is very flexible and easily adapts to different types of roofs, regardless of the slope. Its main advantage is its low price, combined with a beautiful aesthetic. Easy to install and very attractive from a budget point of view, the shingle roof is not perfect for all that! Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of this roof covering.
The advantages of this roofing
Shingle is the ideal roof covering if you are on a budget, and you are looking for a roof for a secondary building.
Indeed, this roof benefits from many qualities:
Easy to install,
Very affordable (it is one of the least expensive roofs)
Resistant to fire and cold,
Aesthetic and timeless with different color choices,
Flexible and easy to handle.
If you are looking to install a roof covering yourself, it is obvious that the installation of such tiling is its main asset. Quite aesthetically pleasing, it is a suitable choice for a garden shed or workshop roof.
The disadvantages of shingle roofing
However, don’t be fooled by its very affordable price.
In fact, shingle roofing will suffer from a number of limitations, which are worth knowing about:
Poorly installed, this roof will be fragile, and the shingle could easily come off. Without additional insulation: shingles suffer from catastrophic thermal and sound insulation. That’s why we don’t recommend it on a main house.
The durability of a shingle roof is very low (about 20 years at most), and it is a roof that deteriorates quite quickly.
In the end, the shingle roof is only suitable for a garden shed or an uninhabited room. Its poor insulation and low durability will make you regret such a choice on a main house!
Shingle roofing
Shingle roofing is only suitable for an unheated building (garden shed, carport, etc.).
The price of a shingle roof
As mentioned above, the price of a shingle roof is clearly attractive. And for good reason, the price of such thatching can range from 8 to 15 € per m² on average (excluding installation costs), which is very advantageous.
The table below tells you more about the price of shingle roofing:
Shingle model Estimated price/m² (without installation)
Red iron-on shingle 8 to 10 € per sqm
Black shingle 8 to 12 € per m²
Green shingle 10 to 15 € per m²
Please note that the price of shingle installation by a professional is between 10 and 20 €/m² (excluding supplies). It is therefore also a very economical roofing material to install.