There are many kinds of roofing shingles currently available and asphalt is the most popular material used in many areas. The large choice ensures that they will look good on almost any home. The higher quality shingles are long lasting and good value for money. This means that only minimal repair or replacement work will be needed.
Modern shingles will be suitable to most climates due to the large range of materials on offer. Many will be resistant to extreme temperatures and high winds. Algae resistant shingles are also common meaning that they are a desirable option in areas that experience high levels of rainfall.
The two main kinds of asphalt roofing shingles are the organic and the fibreglass varieties. The fibreglass options are more of a modern option and are generally replacing the use of organic shingles in most areas. Organic shingles are not usually as long lasting as the fibreglass ones. They are also heavier and not as resilient to fire. These are the major reasons for the dominance of fibreglass shingles in the current market.
Fibreglass shingles come in two classes which are called three-tab and architectural. These classes relate to how each roof shingle fits together when placed on a roof. Architectural shingles are more expensive but provide more secure joints and are generally longer lasting. They also offer easier installation much of the time.
Fibreglass architectural shingles are generally a sensible choice for most homeowners if they can afford the initial expense. They will prove to be a wise long term investment due to their resilience and general high quality. You can expect a lot less maintenance and repair costs than you would have to pay if you chose to use shingles which are cheaper but lower in quality.
Much more information relating to roof shingles and other roofing materials can be found using this link.