Shingles come in a large number of patterns, materials and colors. Each type of shingle comes with a specific set of shingle installation instructions. Following the specific instructions for each type of shingle guarantees that the shingles are properly installed and the roof can complete the task of protecting the home and providing insulation from the weather.



The most common type of shingles is the asphalt shingles. These shingles are easy to install and are weather resistant. These shingles function best where the weather is not prone to a frequent freeze-thaw pattern as water can then get trapped between the shingles and force them apart. The shingle installation instructions for this type of shingle include laying down tar paper and nailing the shingles over the tar paper in an overlapping formation.



Metal roofing is the easiest type of roofing to install. This roof is made of large metal shingles that attach together to form a solid metal roof. This roof is very effective at keeping the home safe from water damage and is resistant to the freeze-thaw damage that other roofs are prone to. The shingle installation instructions for this roof include laying the metal shingles over tar paper and rivet it to the roof. The metal shingles are riveted together in a slight overlap to prevent water and moisture from slipping between the sheets.

Slate is one of the oldest types of shingles used in the United States. This used to be the most common type of shingle. The slate roof is very difficult to install and is very difficult to maintain. Due to the challenges that this type of roof pose, slate roofs have fallen out of favor. Shingle installation instructions on this type of roof include drilling holes into the slate and securing it to the roof in slightly overlapping patterns. This causes many pieces of slate to break or crack. These cracks can often cause breaks as water expands and contracts during the year.