The problem is that the three-tab asphalt shingle is so popular that many homeowners don't know what options exist for their roofs. Even the range of asphalt shingles has expanded over the years and you have a number of options when it comes time to re-shingle your roof.
As mentioned, one of the reasons that asphalt shingles are so popular is their versatility. It starts with the variety of colours of asphalt shingles. Roofing is an underestimated component of the overall look of your home and something as simple as a different colour of shingle can dramatically change the look of your house.
But the versatility of asphalt shingles goes beyond the rainbow of colours. Architectural shingles, made by laminating together two or three layers of asphalt shingles, have added new and interesting looks residential roofs. With multiple layers, architectural roofing shingles have a three dimensional appearance, which designers have used to imitate the look different types of roofing shingles. So now you can get the reliability and value of traditional asphalt shingles, but with the look of wooden shakes or slate shingles. The combination of colours and styles means you can get just about any look you want for your roof, all with reliable asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles? versatility isn't limited to appearance and applications. Even with reasonable prices compared to other roofing shingles, it does not mean that installing a new asphalt shingled roof is cheap. So it's not something you want to do very often. All roofing shingles are rated according to their warranteed life expectancy. Ratings for asphalt shingles range from 15 to 50 years. You can find asphalt shingles that have a ?lifetime? warranty, but some warranties can be deceiving and you should make sure you read and understand the terms.
Although they seem to be everywhere, asphalt shingles are not your only option for roofing shingles. Many homeowners opt for the unique features and rustic look of wooden shingles. Made primarily from western red cedar, wooden shingles are the environmentally friendly choice of roofing materials. Not only are the shingles biodegradable, but they also insulate better than other roofing shingles, so they reduce energy consumption ? and costs.
Contrary to what many homeowners believe, cedar roofing shingles are resistant to insect infestations and have fire retardant qualities. Cedar shingles also resist the elements and, unlike asphalt shingles, will not curl or delaminate.
There are two main drawbacks to cedar shingles. First, they are about twice as costly as asphalt shingles. Second, they have a shorter lifespan. The combination of higher price and shorter life limits the appeal of cedar shingles to those homeowners looking for the unique appearance and characteristics of wooden shingles.
If durability is your main criteria for choosing a roofing shingle, then slate shingles are for you. Many slate shingled roofs will last 100 years or more. Very often, the only reason slate shingles need repair or replacement is because metal components, like the nails used to fasten the shingles, have corroded and failed.
Slate shingles also give a home a very distinctive look and are in higher demand in upscale neighbourhoods. Part of the reason for this is the cost of slate shingles, generally regarded to be the most expensive roofing material, sometimes costing 10 times more than asphalt shingles.
If slate is your choice, be prepared for even more extra costs. Slate shingles are much heavier than other roofing materials, so much so that the roofing supports of many homes need to be reinforced before a slate roof can be installed. Even if your home can handle the weight, the mounting hardware and flashing used with slate shingles should be made of copper, so they will last as long as the slate. Copper components cost about 10 times as much as regular metal flashing and nails.
While asphalt, wood and slate account for the vast majority of roofing shingles, there are still other options. Clay tiles are long lasting, maintenance free and fire proof, but they are also very heavy and difficult to install. Metal roofing is increasingly popular with versions that look like any other type of roofing shingle.
The roofing shingle specialists at Contex Roofing know all about different types of roofing shingles and they would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
It's the most important part of any roofing system, but the only thing many people know about roofing shingles is that they are available in different colors. While color is important for the overall look of your home, the more you know about shingles, the better you will be able to get the best roof for your home.
The first thing you should know about shingles is that they are not all created equal. Roofing shingles are made from a variety of different materials. Asphalt shingles are the most common, usually the least expensive and definitely the most versatile type of shingle. Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass base with a layer of asphalt applied over the base. The asphalt layer is covered with a coating of ceramic granules to protect it from roof traffic and the elements. It's the ceramic granules that give shingles their color.
Newer fiberglass based shingles have multiple layers laminated together for added durability and a greater variety of shingle designs beyond the traditional flat, three-tab design.
All roof shingles are rated according to their warranteed lifespan. Asphalt shingles have a wide range of ratings, generally from 15 years to over 50 years. Usually, a shingle with a longer lifespan will be more expensive than a shingle with a shorter lifespan.
Asphalt shingles are also rated for wind resistance and, if you live in a windy area, you should make sure you use shingles with a higher wind resistance rating. Algae can grow on shingles, especially in moist climates. If algae is a problem in your area, look for algae resistant shingles.
Wooden shingles are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add a distinctive rustic look to their homes. Aside from its unique appearance, wood shingles have a number of other benefits. Wood shingles are made almost exclusively from red cedar, which has a natural resistance to insects that can damage other types of shingles.
Cedar is also very water resistant, which prevents algae from growing. Even though wooden shingles can be over a half-inch thick, they are relatively lightweight and are easy to carry and handle.
Wooden shingles come in a variety of styles, usually based on the length of the shingle and the way the exposed end of the shingle is cut and finished.
The main drawback to wooden shingles is their lifespan, which is generally from 15 to 30 years. By comparison, asphalt shingles can last over 50 years.
By far the most durable roofing shingles are made of slate. If installed properly, a slate roof can last well over a hundred years. Usually the first things to wear out on a slate shingled roof are the metal fasteners, like nails, which corrode and fail before any problems arise with the slate shingles.
Their longevity makes slate the most expensive roofing shingles. Because of the high price, they are not as common as asphalt or wooden shingled roofs, so a slate shingles are a mark of distinction for any home.
Price isn't the only drawback to a slate roof. Slate shingles are heavier than any other type of roofing shingles. Even if you can afford a price that is around ten times higher than asphalt shingles, you might need to reinforce your roof trusses and deck to support a slate roof.
With laminated asphalt shingles now very closely imitating the look of slate shingles, even homeowners who can afford slate are second-guessing the idea of paying so much more for something that will likely out live them and their homes.
While metal roofing has been around for a number of years, it has enjoyed a recent revival in popularity due to new styles that very closely imitate the look of wooden and slate shingles. Metal shingles have a number of advantages that have contributed to their resurgence. Metal is versatile and available in a variety of styles and colors. Most metal shingles have a basic warranty that is equal to the highest asphalt shingle warranty of 50 years or more.
Metal shingles hold up well against all types of weather, wind and rain. Insects and algae are not a problem. Metal shingles are generally maintenance free because they cannot curl, split, peel or crack ? symptoms that can reduce the lifespan of other shingle materials.
However, metal shingles can be tricky to install, so you will probably need a professional installer. Metal can also cost more than asphalt and wood, so you need to weigh the advantages against the extra cost.
Of course, there are a number of other roofing options beyond shingles, including copper roofing and clay tiles. Regardless of the roofing material and style you choose, it pays to find out as much as you can about the options available to you.
DiGiorgi Roofing has been installing shingles on Connecticut roofs for over 75 years.
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