If you've decided to have a shingle roof put on your home, then you have already made the first important decision. But now it's time to choose the exact type of shingles you want for your home, and that decision can be harder than you'd think. There are thousands of brands and styles of shingles on the market, but you can pretty easily narrow them down by considering these key factors.

3-Tab or Architectural Styles

There are two basic styles of shingles to choose from. 3-tab shingles are more traditional with three even rectangular tabs on each panel. Architectural shingles have a variety of tabs, large and small, for a more textured appearance. The difference really comes down to appearance. If you can't see much of your roof from the ground, then 3-tab shingles are a perfectly fine choice. If you have a steeper roof and can see more of the roof from the ground, then you may prefer the more attractive look of architectural shingles.

Life Expectancy

How long do you want the roof to last? The longer you expect it to last, the more you'll pay for it. You can buy 15- and 20-year shingles quite affordably, and they may be the best choice if you're on a really tight budget or if you're roofing an older home you don't expect to live in for much longer. 30-year and 50-year shingles cost significantly more, but they'll keep you from having to replace the roof so soon. Weigh your budget and longevity desires here to make the right choice.

Weather-Resistance Features

Consider the weather in your area, and choose a shingle made to withstand those conditions. For instance, if you live in an area with high winds, choose wind-resistant shingles. If you live in a really hot area, buy heat- and UV-resistant shingles. Choosing shingles appropriate for your climate will ensure your shingles last longer and need fewer repairs.

Color

Finally, you get to choose your shingle color There are a few things to consider here. Pick a color that coordinates with your home's siding and other accent colors. But also consider other factors. For example, if you have trees overhanging the roof, you probably want to pick a darker color so that if the roof grows algae, which is common because when there are trees around, the algae is not as obvious.

These are the key factors to consider when choosing shingles for your residential roof. Remember to ask your residential roofing company for input, too.