Time and weather take their toll on residential roofs. While this can show up via leaks from cracked seams or clogged gutters, you can see the most telling sign of a roof needing attention from examining roof shingles.
They can be cracked, discolored, or flat-out missing—if a particularly nasty storm comes through your area. Another sign of degradation is if your roof shingles are leaving many particles in the gutters.
This article will dive into the differences between common types of shingles, giving you a background on a critical component of any residential roofing project.
You have two main options if there’s a problem with your shingles:
Whenever you opt for roof repair, your roofing contractor will use the matching style of roof shingles already present on your roof.
If your roofing contractor determines a roof replacement is necessary, you can start looking at the different types of options available for roof shingles.
You can also investigate different roof shingles if your house is being built, before roof installation.
While there are as many as eighteen different options of roof shingles available, this article will highlight the three most common choices for homeowners, for simplicity’s sake.
They are:
Installation of roof shingles can only occur on pitched roofs—without the downward slope for drainage, this type of roofing isn’t a viable option.
Metal shingles are one of the longest-lasting options of shingles, as you may have guessed. They are great for high wind areas and give your home a refined aesthetic.
The downside? Metal roof shingles can cost twice as much as asphalt roofs. Also, they make more noise in the rain.
There are two primary options of asphalt roof shingles: 3-tab and architectural.
3-tab is the most common type of shingles and can be seen on many homes in any town in America. Architectural shingles are made from multiple layers of asphalt and are heavier and more durable than traditional roof shingles. Architectural shingles are commonly installed in new homes and during roof replacements.
The highest-quality asphalt shingles are rated up to fifty years and have high wind, fire, and impact damage ratings.
The downsides of asphalt shingles are their lower lifespan (when compared to metal shingles).
When choosing the right color for your shingles, you’ll want to consider something that goes with your home’s design and what fits into your neighborhood.
The most common colors for shingles in residential neighborhoods are brown and gray. These can vary from light to dark. Some types of roof shingles offer offset colors, which give your roof a textured look.
Both metal and asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors. Take a look at the color of your current shingles and decide if you want something lighter or darker—this is a good starting point for communication with your chosen roofing company.
Asphalt shingles offer great value, and installation is straightforward. It’s why so many people choose asphalt shingles in the first place!
Both metal and asphalt shingles come in various colors, and repair is easy due to their design. Professionals can repair any damaged portion of a shingled roof instead of replacement.
Lastly, a home topped with roof shingles can last anywhere from 25-50 years with proper maintenance, providing good value for your investment.
There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which type of shingles are best for your situation.
First and foremost is price considerations. Roof shingles come in a wide price range, from luxury to budget, so knowing what you can afford will go a long way in making your final decision. Your roofing contractor can help you figure out costs for materials and installation so you won’t find a bill higher than expected.
You’ll also need to keep in mind the climate in your location. Shingles are rated for different wind speeds, and with Dayton commonly seeing tornadoes, it’s worth talking with your roofing professional about your home’s requirements.
While there are countless options for shingles on the market, the few listed here are the most common. The biggest question often comes down to whether you want traditional asphalt shingles or would prefer changing to a different material at a greater cost.
Knowing your options and understanding what’s available will help when you get in touch with a roofing company. Remember to have your budget determined beforehand so your roofing professional can offer guidance about your chosen options' feasibility.
If you are looking for roof shingles and installation, Possert Construction is a full-service roofing professional dedicated to customer satisfaction. Give us a call or reach out via our contact page, and we’ll get back to you so we can schedule your free estimate!
