More than five million houses get a new roof every year.

It can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on what type of roofing you use.

Consumer Reporter Becky Thompson teamed up with Consumer Reports to find the best type.

Laminated shingles are growing in popularity. They create a 3-D surface that mimics wood or slate for a fraction of the price of the real thing.

Consumer Reports tested asphalt shingles, both laminated and three-tab shingles, which are made from a single layer and are generally lighter weight.

Dave Trezza from Consumer Reports says, "A traditional three-tab shingle is flatter in appearance. It doesn't mimic wood or slate as well as the laminate shingle would."

Laminated shingles have single and double layers. That's what gives them a more three-dimensional look.

Consumer Reports tested more than two dozen different shingles in all. They ranged in price from $30 to $140 per 100 square feet.

Testers performed several strength tests on this machine.

In this one, some shingles rated excellent, withstanding forces of almost 125 pounds before breaking.

Other shingles didn't perform nearly as well, breaking at forces of fewer than 50 pounds.

Another important strength test determines how much force it takes to tear a shingle away from the nail holding it to the roof.

Most shingles exceeded the industry standard if you want the three-dimensional look of a laminate,

Consumer Reports found two good choices at a good price.

The first is CertainTeed's landmark 50 shingles. They cost $65 per 100 square feet.

The second Timberline Ultra shingles from GAF. They go for $55 per 100 square feet.

Either would be a very good choice if a new roof is next on your list of home improvements.

Consumer Reports says if you want to put a new roof on without removing your old shingles, lighter weight three-tabs are less likely to stress the roof structure.

Consumer Reports top-rated the CertainTeed XT25 three-tab shingles. They're economical too, costing just $30 per 100 square feet.