• Asphalt shingles are one of the most common shingle types.roof image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether you are repairing your roof after extreme damage or simply want to replace your shingles to update the look or value of your home, you will have to consider what type of shingles you want to use on your roof. Each shingle type offers different benefits and amounts of durability, and some are easier to repair and maintain than others.
  
  

Asphalt

• Asphalt shingles are very sturdy and durable, generally lasting 20 to 30 years. These shingles are usually reinforced with fiberglass or thick paper, and are very easy to lay using nails and roofing cement. Asphalt shingles have three tabs per shingle, each with a strip of tar or roofing cement to hold the shingle on top of them.
  
  Repairing asphalt shingles is extremely easy, as you simply need to apply a dab of roofing cement under any upturned edges and push the shingle back into place. If an entire shingle needs replacement, pull the shingle off of the roof and insert a new one using roofing cement and nails.
  
  

Laminated

• Similar to asphalt shingles, laminated shingles are typically made of several layers of material, including asphalt. This type of shingle offers more decoration and design than a traditional three-tab asphalt shingle, and generally has rounded tabs and shadowed lines to make the finished roof more visually appealing. Laminated shingles are thicker and more durable than asphalt shingles, and will require longer nails to attach them to your roof.
  
  Repairing laminated shingles takes the same process as repairing three-tab asphalt shingles. Use roofing cement to hold down any loose edges, and use long nails when laying a new shingle.
  
  

Slate

• Slate shingles are some of the heaviest and most durable roof coverings available, with many slate shingle roofs holding up for more than 100 years. However, while these shingles are sturdy and hold up well to the elements, they are extremely easy to break during installation. Slate shingles are typically flat, colorful square-shaped stones that need to be cut to size using a pressure cutter.
  
  When repairing your slate shingles, be very careful when walking on them because they can be damaged very easily. Remove any nails from the sides of the shingles and slide a new shingle into place.
  
  

Shake

• Shake shingles are made of wood and have a rough, rustic look. A shake shingle roof generally lasts around 30 years depending on the climate you live in; more humid climates can cause the wood to warp and splinter, damaging your roof. When laying a shake shingle roof, always be sure to leave 1/4 inch of space between each shingle to allow room for the wood to expand.
  
  To repair your shake shingle roof, remove the nails securing the shingle and replace the shingle with a new one.
  
  

Clay Tile

• Clay tile shingles are commonly seen in areas such as Arizona and California, where a lot of the architecture is Spanish-inspired. They tiles are rounded and interlock with one another across the roof. This type of shingle offers fire resistance and can also keep your heating and cooling costs down because it insulates well. Depending on brand, the warranty for most clay tile shingles is around 50 years.