When it is time to have a new roof installed in your home, or a complete roof replacement, one of the first calls you and your roofing contractor will have to make is on what materials you will use. Most homeowners are often surprised at the myriads of palatable roofing shingles available, each offering great but unique benefits, and of course, drawbacks, and costs. Some of the most common types of roofing shingles you are most likely to make use of include, asphalt, metal, wood, tile, and slate. However, let's take a closer look at all these types of roofing shingles available and help you narrow down on the best fit shingle for your home.
When deciding on what type of roofing shingles to choose, the primary point worth considering is your locale and budget. Where you live will narrow down your roofing options. Also, you should be mindful of cost. Roof complete replacement and installation of new roofing shingles could cost close to a fortune. If you are going to install new shingles, you need to find ways to cut costs. This has to be carefully discussed with your local roofer before you engage in the business proper. Below are what to look out for in any roofing shingle.
Climate
Always look for roofing shingles that perfectly complements the weather and climate of where you live. Such is not hard to come by, as most homes close to yours will be sporting such roofing material.
Budget/Cost
Always go for shingles that its repairs, replacement, maintenance, and installation cost and even the shingles itself goes in line with your budget. Remember always to have a flexible budget.
Quality
No matter what it will cost, never compromise on quality. Choose the shingles that are tough, durable, have extended warranties, replacement guarantee in case the products are found to have any manufacturing defect.
Reviews AndRecommendation
Check out reviews from people that have used or still using the shingles before you make a choice. These reviews can be gotten from the internet or directly from the shingle manufacturer. Also, ask recommendations from your local roofing contractor. Most likely, no two roofing contractors will agree on what is best for your roof, but at least they will give you hints. You can choose the product that suits your needs.
Get Info From Locals
Look around your district; there are homes with different roofing types. If you like any roofing, talk to the homeowner and find out if the roof has given any problems, how much maintenance it needs, what are the costs involved and if possible, get the details from the roofing contractor who did the job.
Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used type of roofing shingle. Perhaps, this could be attributed to their ease of installation, low cost, durability, and reliability even in the most unfriendly weather condition. Well, whichever it is, it truly serves the role of protecting you from the elements, diligently, I must add.
These shingles make for an excellent roofing material type alternative for all forms of building. It can also be procured in diverse colors, styles, texture, appeal, and features. It's color variations, and color mixes available for homeowners have added to the popularity of this shingle. Roofing on homes creates a sort of appeal to the onlooker. Well installed roofing system increases the value of the home in many ways. Asphalt shingles are available in two types:
Organic asphalt shingles-mostly made of waste paper saturated with asphalt to make it waterproof, adhesive asphalt is applied as a top coating, and ceramic granules are embedded in them.
Fibreglass asphalt shingles- with a base layer of glass fiber reinforcing mat that is made from wet, random-laid fiberglass bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin.
Pros
Cons
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles may look like cedar or slate shingles, but they are much more durable. Metal shingles require very little maintenance, yet they may last up to 50 years. Also, they can be installed over an existing roof, which can save homeowners a considerable amount of money as there is no need to tear down.Albeit, it can be a time-consuming and challenging task. Metal shingles also tend to be more expensive than other shingles; they are even more difficult to install.
Pros
Cons
Wood Shingles
Sometimes referred to as shakes, wood shingles are made from cut wood. They are lightweight and easily installed for easy repair and replacement. Wood shingles are not just an attractive roofing material, but they also improve insulation in your home.
Pros
Cons
Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are carved out from the natural stone, and it is incredibly durable roofing material. A slate roof has a life span that can extend as long as half a century or longer. Slate has a remarkable feature of withstanding the heat of the sun while providing excellent ventilation to the inside of the home. On the other end, they are costly to install and require professional roofing services for its installation. Since slates are very heavy so it can be installed only if the structure of the building has a solid foundation.
Pros
Cons
Very expensive and requires a more experienced professional
Could be too heavy for your building
Roofing Tiles
There are different types of tile roofing shingles, ranging from ceramic to clay, concrete, metal, bituminous, and a whole lot of others. These are also available in a wide range of sizes and styles. Depending on your personal preference, although roofing tiles could be quite expensive to procure and to install; they have pleasant durability. They also provide an excellent weather barrier. Roofing tiles are fire-resistant and easy to maintain, but can be quite heavy and are therefore not appropriate for all roofs.
Solar shingles
Solar roofing is the new trend worldwide. Aside from offering protection from elements, it also utilizes the energy from the sun to power your home. It is most useful in areas with a warmer climate.
Before embarking on any roofing activities, its always pertinent for you to have a budget, but make it flexible. Also, having an honest and experienced roofing contractor beside you is a big plus.
