Roof shingles are unquestionably one of the essential building materials that shield your house from the elements. To keep a home dry, they are made to be installed in rows that overlap one another. There are numerous shapes, hues, and materials available for roofing shingles. You should pick shingles for your roof that showcase your aesthetic and design preferences because they are highly visible.
However, you must also consider costs, utility, longevity, and performance requirements specific to a given region (like algae protection in humid areas). Because of these components, picking the best roofing shingles is more complicated than simply choosing ones with an excellent design and color.
While you may feel you have too many options, this article will assist you in comparing various shingle types and creating a set of standards for selecting the best one for your roof.
Popular Roofing Materials
There are a variety of roofing materials and designs available. Use this list to learn about your choices and use it as a decision-making tool.
- Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are North America’s most widely used type of residential roofing. These shingles are designed to be long-lasting and require little maintenance. They are a popular option for homeowners and building professionals due to their low cost, availability in a wide range of colors and styles, and can suit almost any taste.
Organic base shingles are waterproof because they are made of paper or roofing felt saturated with asphalt. On the other hand, glass and fiber are combined with asphalt on fiberglass base shingles to make them waterproof.
Mineral granules are then applied as a wear surface before being covered. Although they are the most resilient, organic shingles can catch fire easily. Given that more asphalt is used in their production, they are less “green.” Consider installing fiberglass shingles if you’re worried about fire.
There are two types of asphalt shingle styles. Strip and dimensional laminated shingles are the two types of asphalt styles available. The term “strip shingle” refers to a length of shingle material with cutouts or tabs on one or both sides (typically three times the length to height in proportion).
The three-tab strip shingle is the most prevalent kind of strip shingle. The shingle has various layers of tabs to add texture and dimension.
- Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are a wise choice if you live in a fire-prone area. Besides, these shingles can be cut into smaller, shingle-like shapes or flat, panel-like forms. If we talk about metal vs asphalt shingles, metal shingles outlast asphalt in terms of lifespan. However, metal roofing typically costs a little bit more per square foot, sometimes by a ratio of two or three.
- Solar Shingles and Tiles
You may be familiar with non-integrated solar roofing systems, such as panels installed on top of your roof; however, solar shingles are a growing option. These tiles blend in with the existing roofing, giving it a flatter, smoother appearance.
Solar tiles are more expensive than some alternatives, but the money you save on your electricity bill can more than makeup for that. Adding solar energy panels to their homes may make some homeowners eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit.
- Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wooden roofing materials are a good choice if you want a natural appearance. Shakes are typically hand-cut and have a rougher, more rustic appearance than shingles, even though they are made of similar materials. Even though wood shingles and shakes are frequently treated to resist rot and water damage, they often don’t last as long as other shingles and can pose a fire hazard if not kept up with.
- Stone and Slate Tiles
Flat stone shingles have a classic and timeless appearance that can add elegance and strength to any home. They also have the added benefit of being fire-resistant and durable. The drawback is that slate shingles are both expensive and heavy. They also usually necessitate specialized installation to be correctly installed. Additionally, it requires careful maintenance, including regular gutter cleaning and replacing broken tiles.
- Clay and Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta tiles are a traditional and distinctive roof design with a long lifespan. They offer the advantages of heat dispersion and energy efficiency in addition to being a breathable material. Clay tiles, however, are frequently pricy and heavy. Although the tiles themselves are durable and long-lasting, the weight of the tiles may require more frequent replacement of the roofing underlayment.
Other Considerations
While aesthetic preference plays a role in selecting a roofing material, there are other factors to take into account that may have an impact on your home’s durability and resale value. Here are a few things to think about as you consider your options:
- Local Climate
During the selection of the material, consider the local weather patterns. While snowfall can add dangerous weight to rooftops already weighed down by heavy materials, strong winds can rip lighter shingles right off.
Additionally, some roofing materials, like metal, have cooling or sun-reflective qualities that are advantageous in hot climates. Because of their resistance to strong winds, slate and clay are used in some coastal areas. They also withstand heat and fire very well.
- Weight Limits
Shingle materials come in a wide range of weights. Therefore, before making a choice, it is crucial to understand how much weight the structure of your home can support safely. A “dead load” tolerance, or the weight of the roof structure, is assigned to buildings.
The structure won’t withstand its weight if the dead load is exceeded. The dead load in the typical home is about 15 pounds per sq. foot.
- The slope of your roof
Slope, which is used to describe how steep the tilt of your roof is, is typically measured using two numbers, one for the rise, or height, of your roof, and the other for the run, which is used to describe its length. Depending on how steep it is, your roof’s slope may not be suitable for heavier roof shingle types, like slate or clay tiles.
Conclusion
Each type of roof shingle has particular advantages and disadvantages. Some will need a little bit more attention than others. You should be able to comprehend the differences between each structure with this article’s assistance. With the help of this knowledge, you can now decide which shingle type is best for the roof of your home.
