Asphalt Roof Shingles vs. Wood Shingles: Which Is The Best?

Choosing the right roofing material for your Winnipeg home is a big decision. With Manitoba’s extreme weather conditions – from freezing winters to hot summers – your roof needs to withstand a lot. Two popular options many Winnipeg homeowners consider are asphalt roof shingles and wood shingles. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but which one makes the most sense for your home? Let’s break down everything you need to know to make a smart choice for your roofing project.

Understanding Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles remain the most common roofing material across North America, and for good reason. These shingles consist of a fiberglass base coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules that provide color and protection.

Types of Asphalt Roof Shingles

When exploring asphalt shingle roofs, you’ll encounter a few main types:

1. Three-tab shingles – These traditional, flat shingles have three tabs per strip. They’re the most affordable asphalt option.
2. Architectural shingles – Also called dimensional or laminate shingles, these are thicker with a layered look that resembles wood shakes. They’ve become the standard for many new homes in Winnipeg.
3. Premium or designer shingles – These high-end asphalt roofing shingles mimic the look of slate or wood while providing enhanced durability.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles Roofing

Weather Resistance for Winnipeg Climate Asphalt shingles stand up well to our harsh Manitoba winters. Quality asphalt shingles roof systems can withstand heavy snow, ice, and the freeze-thaw cycles common in Winnipeg.

Affordability Asphalt roof shingles typically costs about half the price of wood shingles. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners.

Easy Installation and Repairs The installation process for an asphalt shingle roof is straightforward, which keeps labor costs down. If damage occurs, fixing sections of asphalt shingles is relatively simple.

Low Maintenance Asphalt roofing shingles need less regular care than wood. They resist algae and moss growth, which is helpful during Winnipeg’s humid summers.

Fire Resistance Asphalt roof shingles have good fire ratings – an important safety feature for any home.

Color and Style Options Today’s asphalt shingles roof options come in countless colors and styles to match any home design, from classic to contemporary.

Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Shorter Lifespan While quality asphalt shingles can last 20-30 years in good condition, this is less than wood shingles typically offer.

Environmental Impact Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based products and not as eco-friendly as wood. They also contribute significantly to construction waste.

Less Insulation Asphalt roof shingles provide less natural insulation than wood, which matters during those -30°C Winnipeg winter days.

Getting to Know Wood Shingles

Wood shingles give homes a natural, rustic appearance that many homeowners love. They’re typically made from cedar, redwood, or pine.

Types of Wood Shingles

Wood roofing comes in two main forms:

1. Wood shingles – These are machine-cut and have a smooth, uniform appearance with clean edges.
2. Wood shakes – Hand-split rather than sawn, shakes have a rougher, more rustic look with varying thicknesses.

Pros of Wood Shingles

Natural Beauty Nothing matches the warm, natural appearance of wood shingles. They weather to a beautiful silver-gray over time, creating a distinctive look many homeowners desire.

Longevity With proper maintenance, wood shingles can last 30-50 years – significantly longer than most asphalt shingles roofing.

Insulation Benefits Wood provides natural insulation that can help keep your Winnipeg home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, potentially reducing energy bills.

Eco-Friendly Option Wood is a renewable resource, and shingles can be recycled or allowed to biodegrade naturally at the end of their life.

Wind Resistance Wood shingles typically perform better in high winds than basic asphalt options – an important consideration for Winnipeg’s occasional strong storms.

Cons of Wood Shingles

Higher Initial Cost Wood shingles cost roughly twice as much as asphalt shingles roofing for both materials and installation.

Maintenance Requirements Wood requires more regular care to prevent moss, mildew, and insect damage. In Winnipeg’s variable climate, this means more frequent inspections and treatments.

Fire Concerns Without proper fire-resistant treatments, wood shingles present a greater fire hazard than asphalt options.

Climate Challenges Wood can crack, warp, or rot in areas with significant moisture or dramatic temperature changes – both common in Manitoba.

Winnipeg Weather Considerations

Our unique Manitoba climate plays a major role in roofing performance and longevity. Here’s how each material holds up:

Winter Performance

Winnipeg winters are legendary for their harshness, with temperatures regularly dropping below -20°C and heavy snowfall.

Asphalt shingles roof systems handle cold relatively well, though they can become brittle in extreme cold. Quality architectural asphalt roof shingles are designed to resist cracking even in our coldest months. They also shed snow effectively.

Wood shingles provide better natural insulation against cold but may experience more expansion and contraction with temperature swings. Cedar, in particular, handles winter conditions well due to its natural oils.

Summer Considerations

During Winnipeg’s warm, sometimes humid summers:

Asphalt roof shingles absorb more heat, which can increase cooling costs and potentially shorten their lifespan. Lighter-colored asphalt shingles help reflect some heat.

Wood shingles stay cooler naturally and provide better ventilation. However, they need protection against moisture to prevent rot during humid periods.

Spring Thaw and Fall Rains

Manitoba’s dramatic seasonal changes bring specific challenges:

Asphalt shingles roofing handles moisture well when properly installed. However, the freeze-thaw cycles common in Winnipeg Springs can stress asphalt over time.

Wood shingles require proper treatments and maintenance to resist moisture damage during rainy seasons. Without this care, they may develop mold or begin rotting, especially in shady areas.

Cost Comparison for Winnipeg Homes

When budgeting for a new roof, consider both initial and long-term costs:

Initial Installation Costs

For an average 2,000-square-foot Winnipeg home:

Asphalt roof shingles installation typically ranges from $5,000-$12,000 depending on the quality of materials chosen.

Wood shingles installation usually costs between $12,000-$24,000 for the same size roof.

Lifespan and Replacement Costs

Asphalt roofing shingles in Winnipeg typically need replacement every 15-30 years depending on quality and weather exposure.

Wood shingles can last 30-50 years with proper maintenance, potentially making them more cost-effective long-term despite higher upfront costs.

Maintenance Expenses

Asphalt shingles roofing requires minimal maintenance – perhaps $100-300 every few years for simple repairs and cleaning.

Wood shingles need regular treatments against moisture and insects, costing approximately $400-700 every 3-5 years to maintain properly in our climate.

Energy Efficiency in Manitoba’s Climate

Roofing material affects your home’s energy efficiency, which matters in a place with both extreme cold and summer heat:

Asphalt roof shingles provide decent insulation but absorb more solar heat. Some premium asphalt shingles are now designed with enhanced reflective properties for better energy efficiency.

Wood shingles offer superior natural insulation with an R-value about twice that of asphalt. This natural insulation can help reduce heating costs during Winnipeg’s long winters.

Installation Considerations for Winnipeg Homes

The installation process differs significantly between these roofing types:

Asphalt shingles roof installation is faster and requires less specialized labor. Most Winnipeg roofing companies can complete an asphalt roof in 1-3 days.

Wood shingles installation demands more skill and time, often taking 5-7 days for the same size roof. Finding qualified installers for wood shingles in Winnipeg requires more research.

Durability in Manitoba Conditions

How long will your roof last in our challenging climate?

Asphalt roof shingles hold up well against basic weather elements but may suffer damage from extreme temperature fluctuations. Impact-resistant asphalt shingles are available that stand up better to hail – a real concern during Manitoba storm season.

Wood shingles can last decades when properly maintained, but require more consistent care to reach their full potential lifespan in our climate. Cedar shingles particularly excel in Winnipeg due to their natural resistance to moisture and insects.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

For eco-conscious Winnipeg homeowners:

Asphalt shingles are petroleum-based products that eventually end up in landfills, though some recycling programs are becoming available. They’re not the most environmentally friendly option.

Wood shingles are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable. Cedar shingles are often harvested using sustainable forestry practices. However, the treatments used to protect wood shingles may contain chemicals of environmental concern.

Appearance and Home Value

The look of your roof significantly impacts curb appeal:

Asphalt shingles roofing offers consistent, clean lines with many color options to match any home style. Modern architectural asphalt shingles can mimic the appearance of more expensive materials.

Wood shingles provide distinctive character and natural beauty that many buyers value. They can increase a home’s value, particularly for higher-end properties or historically styled homes common in older Winnipeg neighborhoods.

Making Your Decision

When choosing between asphalt shingles and wood for your Winnipeg home, consider these key factors:

1. Budget – Both immediate and long-term financial plans
2. Home Style – The architectural design of your house
3. Maintenance Willingness – Your interest in roof upkeep
4. Environmental Priorities – Your sustainability concerns
5. Expected Time in Home – How long you plan to stay

FAQ About Roofing Options for Winnipeg Homes

Why Choose All Weather Exteriors for Your Winnipeg Roof

Working with Winnipeg’s top roofing professionals makes all the difference when installing your new roof. All Weather Exteriors brings unmatched expertise in asphalt and wood shingle installation and specific knowledge of how these materials perform in Manitoba’s unique climate.

Our team understands Winnipeg homes’ specific challenges – from heavy snow loads to summer storms, temperature extremes to high winds. We help you select the perfect roofing material for your home’s specific needs, budget, and aesthetic goals.

Don’t trust your home’s most important protection system to just anyone. All Weather Exteriors provides premium installation, manufacturer-backed warranties, and ongoing support to ensure your roof performs perfectly for decades to come.

Ready for a Roof That Stands Up to Winnipeg Weather?

Contact All Weather Exteriors today for your free, no-obligation roofing consultation. Our experts will assess your home, discuss your options between asphalt shingles roofing and wood shingles, and provide a detailed quote for your project.

Don’t wait until leaks or damage force your hand – plan your roofing project now and enjoy peace of mind through every Manitoba season. Call us at 204-510-2959 or visit our website to schedule your consultation. Protect your home with Winnipeg’s most trusted roofing team!