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Roof shingles are crucial to your home’s defense against the elements and provide a decorative, sturdy shelter from the weather conditions around your house. Their selection and installation can be daunting for homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be. When getting your roof replaced or installed, you must consider many things before you can say which roof shingles are the best choice for you and your house.
Some of the factors can be durability, color, material, environmental codes, climate, and the architecture of your building. We understand that choosing roof shingles is not just about practicality; aesthetics also play an essential role. After all, they significantly contribute to your property’s curb appeal.
This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about roof shingles, from types, materials, and leading manufacturers to how you should choose them for your home.
These roofing materials are composed of fiberglass or organic felt and coated with asphalt and granules, typically made of crushed rocks, and they protect against the sun’s UV rays. A staple in many American homes, asphalt shingle roofing systems offer affordability and durability.
Consumer prices at Lowe’s for asphalt shingles are $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot, relatively inexpensive compared to other materials like slate or metal. For perspective, a standard measurement range for residential roofs in Florida is between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet.
Because they come in standardized sizes and are lightweight, they can be easily nailed or stapled onto the roof, making the installation process much easier and saving you money on labor costs. Additionally, asphalt shingles come in various colors and styles to help you find which complements your desired aesthetic. One downfall of asphalt shingles is that they are not the most environmentally friendly choice as they are not recyclable
They can last up to 10 years and are resistant to fire and wind, which makes them a good choice for hurricane-prone areas. They come in two categories: architectural shingles and three-tab shingles. Architectural or laminated shingles consist of two or more basic shingles laminated or bonded together. According to shingle manufacturer IKO, these shingles are specially engineered to create architectural appeal for the roof by utilizing the individual shingle’s contour, cut, and dimensional thickness. Architectural shingles have a long lifespan of about 30 years.
Accross the United States, asphalt shingles are today’s most popular roofing material, economical to produce, relatively easy to install, and widely available. They are less costly than wood shakes, tile, metal, or slate, but also because their guaranteed lifespan puts them favorably against competitors.
However, asphalt shingle roofs are less eco-friendly than some other roofing options because they are a petroleum-based product. Additionally, shingles can contribute to landfill waste when they need to be replaced.
At least a dozen major U.S. and Canadian building-product manufacturers market asphalt shingles, including GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning.
Shingle roofs have a shorter lifespan than roofing materials like metal or slate. According to Forbes, asphalt shingle roofs typically last from 15 to 30 years, while most metal and slate roofs can last up to 50 years. The lifespan mostly depends on the quality of the shingles, the installation, and maintenance
Slate is a premium roofing material, highly valued for its durability and natural beauty. It is a type of metamorphic rock formed of clay or volcanic ash, and it is tough and dense, making it the perfect roofing material.
According to Forbes, while a typical asphalt roof lasts about 20 to 30 years, a slate roof should last 50 to 200 years when properly installed and taken care of, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Because they are non-combustible, they can help protect your home from the spread of flames during a fire, and they are also wind and water-resistant. They are naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, reducing the need for frequent treatments or cleaning. They are environmentally sustainable and recyclable.
According to an analysis by Fixr, the average cost of installing slate shingles ranges from $1.50 to $30 per sq. ft. installed. The project’s total cost differs depending on the size of your roof and the type of slate you choose. Most homeowners pay around $22,500 to install a slate roof on a 1,500 sq. ft. home.
You must ensure that the structure of your home can support the weight because slate is heavy and requires a solid construction to support its weight. Each square of slate weighs 800-1,500 lbs. You may need additional structural modifications, adding more to the cost of your slate roof.
Labor is also a significant cost factor in slate roof installation because slate requires meticulous installation and demands a considerable amount of time and effort. It can take 10 to 12 hours of installation time per square (equal to 100 square feet), making it labor-intensive.
Regular maintenance becomes crucial in areas prone to severe weather conditions such as hail storms to prevent cracks and chips from developing, thus ensuring a lengthy lifespan for the beautiful yet delicate roof surface.
Despite these potential drawbacks, many homeowners find that the overall benefits outweigh the risks, making them a worthwhile investment for those seeking to blend tradition and modernity in their home design scheme.
Synthetic shingles are a popular roofing option due to their affordability and attractive appearance. They are made of fiberglass and asphalt or recycled materials like plastic and rubber.
They’re fire- and moisture-resistant and typically last around 50 years. Shingles from DaVinci Roofscapes, the leading composite manufacturer, hold a Class 4 impact rating, the highest rating a roofing material can have. Composite shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. While this isn’t a big deal, since composite shingles are relatively new to the roofing industry, they still have some unknowns.
Composite shingles are unique because they’re designed to look like slate, wood, or other roofing materials, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired look without the associated cost. They allow you to customize your desired roof to fit your style due to their various color presentations.
Home Guide says they cost $7 to $14 per square foot installed or $15,000 to $26,500 on average, depending on the style and brand. Besides being easy to install, they require little maintenance and stress the house’s structure less due to their lightweight.
They are a popular roofing option for homeowners who want a durable, long-lasting, and sleek roof. They are made of various types of metal, including aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. Additionally, they can be painted or coated to match the scheme of your home.
They can give your home a modern, sleek appearance and a unique touch. They are fire resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, strong winds, and hail, making them ideal for homeowners in harsh weather areas. They do not require regular repair or cleaning, saving you time and money in the long run. They can absorb moisture, which makes them mold and mildew-resistant.
Metal shingles range from $6 to $14 per square foot, with a total installation cost of $9,000 to $35,000. Metal shingles reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of heat absorbed into your home and helping to reduce the energy required to cool your house during summer.
They can last between 40 to 70 years. Therefore, this can be an excellent option if you want a durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly solution that offers a modern appearance.
Cedar shake shingles are the best choice if you are looking for a natural and rustic look. While serving the same functions as an asphalt or metal roof, a cedar shake roof is one of the most aesthetically pleasing.
Made from cedar wood, a versatile and durable domestic hardwood that grows on both the East and West coasts of the US, these shingles add a unique charm. Cedar trees are cut into 2-foot sections and hand-split or sawed into a tapered thickness to create these products. Hand-split cedar shake shingles have a rugged look, while taper-sawn gives them a much smoother look.
Home Advisor says the average cost of cedar wood shingles is between $4.50 to $9 per square foot, while the average price for cedar shakes goes between $5.50 to $13.50 per square foot, with a total cost of installation of $16,000 to $27,000
Cedar wood is known for its rot, decay, and insect damage resistance, typically lasting 30 years. They offer excellent insulation properties due to their natural thermal resistance that helps to keep the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
They require periodic maintenance, including resealing or re-coating to preserve their appearance that, over time, develops an attractive, weathered look.
