Roof shingles play a very important role in preserving the aesthetic and functional quality of your home. They serve as a protective mechanism to keep your home well-insulated and sheltered from the elements. Thus, it's only logical that homeowners should be concerned about what kind of shingles they're having installed during a roofing job. After all, you don't want to find out later on that you regret your choice and would rather have a different roof altogether. To help you choose an ideal shingle type for your roof, here's a straightforward overview of the five main roof shingle types:
1. Asphalt Shingles
According to the roofing specialists at Northface Construction, asphalt shingles are the most common type used in modern residential construction. Asphalt shingles can be made with fiberglass or organic materials and come in a variety of design configurations, including architectural or three-tab. Learning about each of these material and design options more thoroughly is a recommended step for any homeowner who's in the process of selecting shingles for an upcoming roofing project.
2. Tiles
Tile shingles are more of an elegant option that's commonly seen in Mediterranean and Spanish architectural themes. They're also usually made out of lightly colored materials, so they keep the temperature of your roof cooler than asphalt shingles, although they're a bit more expensive. Overall, tiles may be worth the extra cost because they're some of the most aesthetically appealing and durable, with an impressive average lifespan of eight decades.
3. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is usually used for homes that have flat or steeply graded roofs. Most metal roofs will last for about a half a century before requiring any significant repairs. However, ongoing maintenance is recommended to help the roof reach the half-century point without issues.
4. Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are some of the most damage-resistant shingles you'll find, with a leading average lifespan of 80-125 years. While they're not the cheapest option, it's comforting to know that your roof might not need repairs until your grandchildren or great-grandchildren are the same age you are now.
5. Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are more of an aesthetic selection, as they only last about three to five decades at best. They look great with certain architectural styles, but the downside is they usually need to be completely replaced as proper repairs are often not possible.
Choosing the Right Roofing Company is Equally Important
There's no point in going through all that hassle to select the perfect shingles if you're not going to have them installed by a licensed and accredited roofing company. Don't try to cut corners by hiring amateurs or handymen to do the job. While you may save money by going down that route, your chances of running into problems in the future will be greatly increased. Ultimately, it's better to spend more now for the highest quality installation service than to spend even more later on for repair services because the job wasn't done right initially.
