Is your roof looking tired and worn out? Perhaps it sustained some damage over the winter or during spring storms, and you are exploring options for the best shingles for your new roof. At , we offer a wide variety of roofing materials to suit every budget and style preference, and our expert installation team will give you complete peace of mind about your purchase.
We’d like to demystify the process of choosing the best shingles for your house by providing you with a little information about each type, as well as a little advice for selecting the right option for you.
Asphalt
The most well-known and arguably the most popular option for roofing is asphalt shingles. These budget-friendly, easily installed, shingles come in a tremendous variety of colors and style variations and will protect your home for 15-20 years. Asphalt shingles are a composite of fiberglass and asphalt. They have a grainy texture that helps deflect both heat and ultraviolet radiation. When they are installed, they are arranged in overlapping patterns to keep water and melting snow from seeping into your home.
Three-tab
Three-tab shingles are named for their shape. Every shingle has three sections, the equivalent of three shingles made into a single piece. This accelerates installation, but on a roof, it gives the appearance of standard single shingles.
Architectural
Architectural shingles are designed to add depth and dimension to the roof. They are made of multiple layers glued together, which achieves a visually interesting effect on the roof.
Dimensional
Dimensional shingles are designed with a variety of shapes and layers, creating the overall effect of a much more expensive type of roof, such as slate (without the weight) or shakes (without the maintenance).
Why people love asphalt shingles:
- Affordability
- Variety of color options
- Strength and durability of up to 20 years
- Require little-to-no maintenance
- Mold resistant
- Withstand harsh weather conditions
- Environmentally responsible choice
Composite
https://todayshomeowner.com/roofing/guides/composite-roof-shingles-what-you-should-know
A wide variety of materials are incorporated into the “recipe” for composite shingles: wood fiber, asphalt, laminate, slate, and fiberglass. The result is a long-lasting product that won’t need replacing for half- a- century. Composite shingles are also reasonably priced and support the environment, as they are made with recycled materials.
Like asphalt shingles, they come in a variety of colors to complement any home style and color palette. They are engineered to withstand severe weather and protect your home from the threats of fire, water damage, or invading creepy crawlies.
Why People Love Composite Shingles
- Long-term affordability
- Strength/durability of up to 50 years
- Environmentally responsible
- Lightweight
- Variety of color options
- Mold resistant
- Low maintenance
Slate
Slate is an all-natural material, a unique rock that can be easily split into thin pieces for creating tiles. Depending on where it is quarried, you can select from different colors from black to shades of gray, green, and more. Slate also comes in a variety of options in terms of hardness and shape.
However, slate roofs offer the ultimate peace of mind in terms of durability, as they can be expected to last for up to 200 years. That means replacing that roof on the family estate isn’t likely to be an issue in your great-grandchildren’s lifetime! It is an expensive initial investment, and that price can be impacted by the options you select, as well as the complexity of installation. Additionally, slate is extremely heavy, and many roof structures need additional support in order to sustain the weight. This too will add to the cost of slate.
Why People Love Slate Shingles
- Durability beyond a lifetime
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Low maintenance
- Customizable
- Weather and fire resistant
Tile
Tile shingles can be made of clay or of concrete. They add charm and architectural interest to a home, as well as being a fantastic heat deflector in the summertime and insulator in the winter. Tiles can be made in a variety of shapes and come in several colors, though classic terra cotta is the shade most people think of. Depending on the type of tile chosen, the weight may put a strain on the existing roof structure, requiring you to add reinforcement before the tile is laid. Tile is pest resistant, and aside from replacing broken tiles occasionally, the maintenance should be very limited. This is good news, as the initial cost of a tile roof can be double that of an asphalt roof (or more).
Why People Love Tile Shingles
- Aesthetic appeal
- Durability of 50 years or more
- Energy savings
- Low maintenance
- Variety of options
Metal
Metal roofs are another durable option, with a typical life expectancy that can reach 70 years. They have a reputation for withstanding incredible winds, and they are fairly resistant to damage from falling limbs. Metal roofs do a great job of deflecting the sun’s heat, which will in turn make it easier (and less expensive) to cool your home. Most metal roofs are made of at least partially recycled materials, and when you no longer need that roof on your home, the entire product can be recycled. As a bonus, if you love listening to the sound of rain falling on the roof, it will be amplified by the metal.
Metal roofs are expensive to install, but if you are looking to finish out your forever home, you’ll find the costs are worth it for the benefits you can receive.
Why People Love Metal Roofs
- Strength
- Durability up to 70 years
- Environmental sustainability
- Fireproof
- Improved energy costs
Which is the Best Shingle for You?
Aside from the practical considerations, such as budget and preferred features, one way to get an idea of what you want for your own roof is simply driving around and looking at the variety of colors, textures, and styles on the roofs of other houses. What do you find you’re drawn to? What do you dislike? This will help you narrow down your choices. would also love to meet with you for a consultation. We can explore options for the best shingle for your home and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today!
