What Kind Of Roofing Shingle Should I Put On My House?
Are you looking to replace your roof? Or do you need a roof for your new home? Before selecting roofing materials based on curb appeal alone, it would be best to learn about the top popular types of shingles in the current market to help you make a wise decision. To best make the appropriate decision, it is advisable to take on the roofing journey with a professional Colorado Springs roofing contractor.
When it comes to finding a roofing system for your residential building, it is often easier to choose between shingles, paneled roofing, and other types of roofing that suit your home’s style and design. However, the difficult part is deciding the materials that are worth your consideration.
The Basics Of Shingles
Shingles are a trendy roofing type used by most Americans. They are designed as small segments made from building materials and installed so that they overlap each other. When installed, shingles instantly increase your home’s aesthetics while protecting your home from harsh outdoor elements. Also, they come in a wide range of styles and materials, each with its unique benefits and disadvantages. We will cover the top kinds of shingles and tips on finding what is ideal for your roof.
How To Choose The Right Shingles For Your Home
The quality of your home’s roof is highly dependable on the type of shingles used. Installing a solid frame will not benefit you if the material fitted on top is not up to standards. This is why it is crucial to determine what type of shingle is suitable for your home and which ones to avoid. Therefore, you will need to familiarize yourself with different shingle products to prevent the risk of being duped into purchasing flashy products with low performance.
The journey to finding the right shingles for your home starts with understanding the different types of materials and what you consider when choosing a shingles material. Here are a few tips to help you with the decision.
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Is the material suitable for your climate?
If you experience extreme weather seasons such as the hot summer and cold winters, you will need to prioritize durable materials that can withstand harsh climatic conditions.
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Does the material complement your home’s design and structure?
Different types of shingles match different architectural designs. It would be best if you let an experienced roofing contractor assist you in matching your shingles to your home.
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What maintenance effort will it require?
Some products are high-maintenance and will need much time for maintenance. Before selecting shingles, consider the amount of commitment you are willing to put into it.
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What is its price?
Typically, asphalt shingles are the most affordable and match with many types of houses. Ceramics usually make beautiful roofs but require to be paid in premium.
The Top Types Of Shingles To Consider
1. Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are made of asphalt and supported by organic materials such as cellulose or wood, or fiberglass. They are the less expensive type of shingles and widely available, the reason they are most popular. Additionally, they are fireproof, waterproof, and resilient to medium hail storms and snow.
2. Wood
This type of shingles is made from pine, spruce, or cedar and provides an environment-friendly and durable option. Such shingles last for up to 20 to 25 years. Some of the basic facts of wood shingles include:
- They cost slightly higher than asphalt
- Easy to power-wash
- They are difficult to replace without professional help
- They are vulnerable to termites, rot, and fire
- Not suitable for wet or dry climates
3. Metal
Metal shingles cost higher than wood or asphalt and have a longer lifespan. They are also considered energy-efficient as they can reflect light instead of absorbing heat. Some of its facts include:
- a lifespan of up to 70 to 75 years
- Resistance to Rain, fire, wind, rot, and hail
- Repair and replacement of metal shingles are DIY friendly
- They are lightweight.
4. Slate
Slate shingles are naturally elegant and durable. They are heat and moisture resistant, have the longest lifespan than other shingles types, heavyweight, and highly expensive. To make it better, they are suitable for all climates. The significant drawbacks of this type of shingles are that they are highly costly to purchase, install, and maintain. Before you can choose this shingle, consult with professionals to determine whether your house can withstand its weight.
Whether you need slate shingles or any other type of shingles will highly depend on your budget, style, and durability. There are dozens of types and brands in the market that provide a lot of choices. However, it can be hard to declare what is suitable for your home. Your local roofing contractor can give you the best point of view.