Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Asphalt Shingles in San Antonio, TX
Asphalt shingles have been the most popular roofing material for decades, dating back almost a century as the roofing industry switched over from wood products. Today, materials like tile and metal have gained on asphalt shingles overall, particularly in storm-prone areas like here in San Antonio. But there are still plenty of reasons to choose shingles for your roof.
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we install a wide range of residential roof types, including shingles, tile roofing, residential metal, and more. Customers often ask us about premium products like tile and metal, only to learn that modern shingle products can often deliver premium protection for their roof at a fraction of the cost.
So to help customers make a fully informed decision, we’ve put together a complete guide to asphalt shingles, sharing more information about brands, shingle types, and the various advantages shingles provide. Let’s get started!
Types of Asphalt Shingles
In the earlier days of residential roofing, homeowners had few options to choose from for their roof. When it came to shingles, you pretty much got the shingles you got and that was all.
Today, however, is a completely different story. Not only are there a variety of colors and styles to choose from—which we’ll cover in a minute—but there are several types of asphalt shingles that each offer different advantages to suit your roofing needs. Industry leaders like Owens Corning and GAF are constantly innovating and improving on their products across all shingle types.
Here are the major types of shingles:
Three-Tab Shingles
The “standard” shingle variety, the three-tab shingle is by far the most common and generally the most affordable type of shingle available. These shingles come in sections with three “tabs” (what appear to be the individual shingles) on each piece. They’re affixed with a long strip of material that is then hidden by the layers of shingles above each row.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles make several improvements over traditional three-tab varieties, including improved durability and longevity as well as more aesthetic designs. These shingles enable homeowners to get the perfect look for their home alongside superior protection. A defining feature of architectural shingles is the inclusion of additional layers, with the outer layer of asphalt coating a core of durable fiberglass.
Premium/Designer Shingles
Premium shingles are the highest tier available, providing elegant looks while still offering much of the affordability shingles provide compared to things like tile or slate roofing (which designer shingles often emulate). These shingles offer a wide range of aesthetics along with superior craftsmanship and quality, protecting your home effectively while looking great.
How Long Should Asphalt Shingles Last?
Generally, a newly installed asphalt shingle roof will last for at least 15 years and up to around 30 years. The exact lifespan will depend on several factors, including:
- The type of shingles you choose. Three-tab shingles will last from around 15–20 years, while more premium shingles may last for 20–30 years.
- Roof maintenance. A well-maintained roof will last significantly longer than one that is simply installed and forgotten about.
- The quality of your roofer. A highly experienced roofer will deliver better-quality installation, setting your new roof up for success.
- Weather and climate. Frequent storms may shorten the lifespan of your roof. However, completing roof repairs and maintenance promptly can help to mitigate this issue.
How Much Do Asphalt Shingles Cost?
We’ve previously written a complete guide to the cost of roofing shingles. The final price of your roof can vary significantly, but the overall average cost of a shingle roof in San Antonio averages right around $15,000, overall the cheapest among roof replacement costs.
Generally speaking, the cost per square foot goes up as the quality of your asphalt shingles increases. Three-tab shingles tend to be the cheapest, at $4.00 per square foot, followed by architectural shingles at $5.00–$7.00 and luxury shingles at $7.00–$10.00.
You can see a full breakdown of pricing below:
| Roof Type | Cost Range (By Sq Ft) | Average Cost (By Sq Ft) | Lifespan | Notes |
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | – | $4.00 | 15–20 years | Most economical option |
| Architectural Shingles | $5.00 – $7.00 | $5.86 | 20–30 years | Enhanced durability and aesthetics |
| Luxury Asphalt | $7.00 – $10.00 | $7.00 | 30+ years | Premium asphalt option |
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
While they remain the most popular roofing material, asphalt shingles are not without their pros and cons. Here are some of the main attributes to be aware of:
✅ Pros of Asphalt Shingles
- Simple and straightforward to install
- Highly cost-effective compared to other materials
- A classic look with plenty of customizability
❌ Cons of Asphalt Shingles
- Shorter lifespan compared to some materials
- Can be susceptible to hail damage
- Less energy efficient than other options
Should I Switch from Asphalt to Metal Roofing?
The advantages of metal roofing compared to asphalt shingles are significant. Homeowners can enjoy superior durability and resistance to storm damage, a longer expected lifespan, energy efficiency, and many other benefits.
However, there are also several disadvantages of making the switch to metal residential roofing. If you currently have an asphalt shingle roof, here are some of the main reasons not to switch over to metal roofing, for your consideration:
- Significantly higher cost – Metal roofs cost much more to install compared to shingle roofs. While much of this cost will be made up for with time, the reality is that many homeowners simply don’t have the money set aside to pay for a significantly more expensive roof upfront.
- Change in appearance – While residential metal roofing products have been made more stylish over time, some homeowners just don’t like the look of metal roofing for their homes. In particular, metal roofing can’t really emulate the classic look of shingles—so if this is something you value, you should reconsider switching.
- Difficulty of repairs/maintenance – Asphalt shingles are perhaps the easiest of all roofing materials to maintain. In fact, homeowners with the right expertise could even replace a shingle or two if necessary (though we still recommend calling a professional). Metal roofing, on the other hand, requires a highly trained expert, and not all roofers work with metal. This can make it harder to find a roofing company if your roof becomes damaged or needs maintenance.
Popular Styles and Colors
The color options for shingles these days are nearly endless. This is both good and bad: as a homeowner, it means you can get the exact style you want for your home from nearly any shingle product. However, we understand that it can make the final decision a lot harder!
Some general options for shingle colors include:
- Grays or black – The most traditional colors, which pair well with nearly any style of home.
- Brown – A warmer, earthier tone that can give your home a welcoming appearance or evoke a more natural aesthetic.
- Blue – Light or dark, blue has become popular for both roofing and siding in recent years, with striking results.
- Green – A bolder choice that pairs especially well with homes that have manicured landscaping or trees, along with lighter-colored siding.
- Light colors – Off-whites and lighter grays or browns make an excellent neutral option that also helps to reflect heat away from the home.
Of course, these are just a few ideas out of many options, and it can be difficult to pick a design right away. We recommend using a roof visualizer tool to identify designs, then reaching out to your favorite roofer (hint hint!) to finalize the look for your home.
Replacing Your Roof? Dolan Roofing & Construction Can Help You Choose the Perfect Products
Tried and true, asphalt shingles remain one of the best roofing options when the time comes for a roof replacement. At Dolan Roofing & Construction, our team has a wealth of expertise in providing the best shingle roofing solutions for homeowners throughout the San Antonio area, delivering roofs that both add curb appeal and are ready to stand up to strong storms.
If you’re not sure what brand, product, or color you want for your roof, that’s totally okay! Our experts are standing and will be happy to discuss your needs before making recommendations for your home, your roof, and your budget. Reach out to our team to schedule an inspection and get started!
