Roll roofing and composite shingles are both oil-based asphalt products, but that’s about as far as their similarities lie. Roll roofing is larger than shingles. It’s installed horizontally as long strips, whereas shingles are layered overtop each other. Most homeowners are accustomed to the layered look of shingles; therefore, traditional shingles are more visually appealing.
Rolled roofing is thinner and less durable than shingles, which is another reason most homes have shingles installed vs. roll roofing. The plus side of this roofing material is that it’s cheaper and a more cost-effective option if you need a quick or temporary fix.