Shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the industry. They dominate the Sevierville, TN, skyline for multiple reasons: they balance price, performance, and striking visual appeal like no other. Residents simply love them.

But not every homeowner is an expert in the matter, often wondering, “What is a shingle roof, how long will it last, and what should I budget?” The answers are essential whether you’re building a new house or replacing a storm-damaged roof. Alvarado Roofing & Construction has created the perfect guide to everything you should know, no fluff, no jargon, so you can understand why this roof system is the best in town.

The Definition of Shingle Roofing

What Is Shingle Roofing

Let’s start with the basics: What is shingle roofing? It’s a water-shedding blanket made of hundreds, in some cases, thousands, of small overlapping panels installed in horizontal rows called “courses.” Since each shingle covers the nails of the course below it, this creates a double layer that redirects water into the gutters instead of your living room.
Modern shingles fall into two main categories:

  • Organic-based shingles: Wood or cellulose mats soaked in asphalt.
  • Fiberglass-based shingles: Woven glass fibers coated in asphalt, then topped with colored mineral granules.

Those granules add weight, ultraviolet protection, and the color combinations that give your house character. In fact, you can even swap the asphalt with other materials like wood, steel, slate, or a polymer blend, and that still would be considered “shingle roofing” as long as the pieces overlap. Continue reading to learn about the different types of roof shingles adorning Sevierville’s homes!

The Most Popular Types of Shingle Roofs

Asphalt Shingle Roof

Asphalt Roofs Are The Darlings Of The Roofing Industry
Asphalt roofs are the darlings of the roofing industry. Many homeowners consider them “reliable family sedans”, as there are multiple affordable options available. They are made from a fiberglass mat saturated with asphalt and finished with ceramic granules. There are currently three styles: architectural shingles, also called dimensional shingles; 3-tab shingles; and luxury shingles.

Metal Shingle Roof

Metal Roofs Have Gained Popularity In Recent Years

Metal roofs have gained popularity in recent years and, of course, metal shingles are not left behind. These are stamped aluminum or galvanized steel panels factory-coated to resist rust and reflect heat. They interlock tightly, shrug off embers, and achieve top wind ratings. This means that, while other roofs struggle, this type shrugs off the elements like nothing ever happened.

You can expect 50–70 worry-free years with minimal maintenance and strong resale value. It’s true that you’ll pay more on day one, but the lifetime cost often matches or beats traditional materials, such as asphalt, because you may never need a second replacement.

Composite Shingles

Composite Shingles Are Deceptive In A Good Sense
Composite shingles are deceptive, in a good sense. Made from a blend of recycled plastics, rubber, and UV-stable pigments, they pass off as high-end materials without the weight or the expense. Up close, you’ll definitely notice engineered grain patterns. From down the street? Most people will assume they’re other materials, such as wood shingles or slate.

The good news doesn’t end there. Some premium lines are backed with 30–50-year warranties and Class A fire ratings. Impact resistance is unmatched, making composites a wise choice in hail-prone areas. All of these benefits come with a price point between architectural asphalt and entry-level metal.

Cedar Shingles

For homeowners who crave authentic texture, cedar shingles or shakes deliver rustic charm and natural insulation. Cedar’s oils repel insects and slow rot, but these wooden roof shingles still need periodic cleaning and a breathable underlayment to vent moisture.

With routine care, you’ll enjoy 20–25 years of service and a color that deepens from honey-gold to soft silver. Local codes may require your wooden shingles to come with fire-retardant treatments, so talk to our residential roofers before ordering materials.

Slate Shingles

Slate Roofing Is The King Of Building Materials
Slate roofing is the king of building materials. It’s quarried stone split into thin, elegant tiles. A professionally installed slate roof boasts 80 to more than 100 years of life, perfectly resisting fire and freeze-thaw cycles, while elevating property value like no other upgrades.

There are downsides, of course, because nothing can be perfect. In this case, it’s both the cost and weight. Slate can run five times the price of asphalt and may demand structural reinforcement. But install it once, and your great-grandchildren might still enjoy its beauty.

What is the Longevity of Shingle Roofing?

We cannot finish answering the question, “What is a shingle roof?” without talking about longevity. In all truth, the average lifespan of a shingle roof depends on attic ventilation, workmanship, and local weather. As you may know already, in Sevierville, summer heat can cook poorly vented attics, aging asphalt prematurely. On the other hand, spring hail can bruise wood shakes.

Considering this, we highly recommend routine inspections (ideally every spring and fall) by a licensed and insured contractor such as our team at Alvarado Roofing & Construction to catch minor issues before they develop into massive migraines.

That being said, below is an approximation of the longevity of various materials:

Material Typical Lifespan
Asphalt (3-tab) 20–30 years
Architectural Asphalt 25–35 years
Cedar 20–25 years
Composite 30–50 years
Metal 50–70 years
Slate 80–100+ years

What Are the Pros and Cons of Shingle Roofing?

Roofing Gallery 1
And let’s be honest, how could we answer “what is a shingle roof?” without discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this type of roofing? Read below to make a conscious decision for your property:

Pros

  • Affordability & availability: Materials are stocked at every Tennessee supplier, and as a popular choice, plenty of crews are skilled in installing them.
  • Design flexibility: From charcoal architectural shingles to terra-cotta-tone composites, you’ll find a hue and profile that flatter your façade.
  • Easy repairs: Individual shingles can be swapped after a storm instead of replacing whole panels, saving money.
  • Energy options: “Cool roof” asphalt blends and reflective metal finishes cut attic temps by up to 20°F in July, trimming AC bills.
  • Lightweight choices: Asphalt and composite shingles rarely require structural upgrades, unlike tile or slate.

Cons

  • Variable lifespan: Budget asphalt may need replacing twice during a homeowner’s term, whereas metal or slate is once-and-done.
  • Storm vulnerability: High winds might lift unsealed tabs, and hail can bruise asphalt or split cedar.
  • Maintenance: Wood demands cleaning, while dark asphalt can stain in shady, humid spots without zinc or copper strips.
  • Environmental impact: Traditional asphalt shingles are petroleum-based. Recycling programs exist but aren’t yet universal across Tennessee.
  • Flat-roof limitation: Shingles require at least a moderate slope; nearly flat roofs are better off with membranes instead.

What Is the Average Cost of Shingle Roofing?

The cost of a shingle roof will vary, considering the quality of the materials, the underlayment, the scope of the project, and more. However, on average, it can cost around:

Material (installed) 2,000 sq ft roof
Asphalt (3-tab) $8k – $10k
Architectural Asphalt $10k – $14k
Cedar $12k – $18k
Composite $16k – $24k
Metal Shingle $14k – $20k
Natural Slate $30k – $50k

Want to know how much it would actually cost for your residential property? Get in touch with one of our representatives for a completely free quote.

Ready to Install Your Shingle Roofing?

In conclusion, what is a shingle roof? It refers to a roof covering made of many individual overlapping pieces known as shingles. These shingles are usually flat, rectangular pieces installed from the bottom edge of the roof up in rows, with each higher row covering the nails below. Depending on the material, a shingle roof can last from 20 to 100+ years and offers beauty and durability for an affordable price.

Already made up your mind about shingle roofing? Alvarado Roofing & Construction has protected homes in Sevierville for over two decades, providing elite roof replacement and installation that no other contractors offer. Whether you require dimensional asphalt shingles or metal shingles, our licensed and insured crew guarantees peace of mind long after the final nail is driven. Contact us today to learn how we’ll transform your roofing experience!