Petes Builders Commercial Roofing

Everything You Need to Know About Roofing Shingles & Alternatives

When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, your roofing choice matters. Whether you’re considering a new installation or planning a replacement, Pete’s Builders is here to help homeowners in Wyoming and Nebraska make informed decisions. In this guide, we’ll cover the types of Roofing Shingles, proper nail sizes, bundle estimates, where Roofing shingles are made, and finally, whether metal roofing is a better option.


1. What Are the 3 Types of Shingles Used in Roofing?

There are several shingle options available, but these three dominate the residential roofing market:

✨ Asphalt Shingles
The most popular option in America, especially in Wyoming and Nebraska homes is Asphalt Roofing. They’re affordable, available in various colors, and come in three styles:

  • 3-tab
  • Architectural (dimensional)
  • Luxury (designer)

🌳 Wood Shingles
Typically made from cedar, these give homes a natural, rustic look. However, they require more maintenance and aren’t ideal for areas with wildfire risk.

β›° Slate or Composite Shingles
Slate is elegant and extremely durable, but heavy and expensive. Composite shingles imitate slate but are more affordable and lightweight.


2. What Size Roofing Nails for Shingles Should You Use?

The standard recommendation for roofing nails is 1 ΒΌ inch galvanized steel nails. However, this can vary based on:

  • Shingle thickness
  • Roof pitch
  • Local building codes in Wyoming or Nebraska
  • Type of underlayment used

Pete’s Builders uses high-quality fasteners that meet or exceed local standards.


3. Where Are Roofing Shingles Made?

Most roofing shingles used in our projects come from major U.S.-based manufacturers:

  • GAF – Headquartered in New Jersey
  • Owens Corning – Based in Ohio
  • CertainTeed – Pennsylvania origin

These companies operate production plants across the Midwest, ensuring easy access and reliable supply in Nebraska and Wyoming.


4. How Many Roofing Shingles in a Bundle?

On average:

  • 3-tab shingles: ~26 shingles per bundle
  • Architectural shingles: ~21–22 shingles per bundle

How many bundles make a roofing square?
A “square” in roofing = 100 square feet of coverage β†’ usually 3 bundles per square.

This makes it easier to estimate your project size and materials when working with a local contractor like Pete’s Builders.


5. Is Metal Roofing Better Than Shingles?

It depends on your priorities.

Metal Roofing Pros:

  • Lasts 40–70 years
  • Energy efficient (reflects heat)
  • Fire and weather resistant

Shingle Roofing Pros:

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Simple to install and repair
  • Widely available and visually adaptable

Conclusion: For extreme climates or long-term investment, metal might be ideal. For budget-friendly, beautiful results, shingles remain the top choice in Wyoming & Nebraska.


6. Choosing the Right Roofing for Your Home

At Pete’s Builders, we assess:

  • Your home structure
  • Energy efficiency goals
  • Weather conditions
  • Budget

We’ll recommend whether shingles or metal will offer better long-term protection and ROI.


7. Need a Roofing Quote in Wyoming or Nebraska?

Pete’s Builders offers free consultations and on-site inspections in Cheyenne, Laramie, Casper, Scottsbluff, and North Platte.

🌟 Get expert advice, accurate estimates, and dependable craftsmanship.

Call us today or visit: petesbuilderscommercial.com/