Chances are, you don’t give a second thought to your roof or the type of material your shingles are made from. However, did you know that depending on where you live, weather conditions, and your aesthetic, the type of roof shingles you choose can significantly impact your home and protect you and your loved ones from the elements?
At Integrity Roofing, LLC, we know that the material we use to construct your new roof matters. Understanding the different types of shingles available to you when repairing or replacing your roof is vital. What are the different types of roof shingles, and which ones work best for your home improvement project? Let us give you an overview.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common shingles used in homes today. There are a variety of types of asphalt shingles. Two of the most common are fiberglass and organic. Both types come with an asphalt exterior. However, fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass mat under the asphalt coating, while organic shingles utilize a wood product mat. We use CertainTeed asphalt shingles at Integrity Roofing because of their incredible durability and pleasing aesthetics.
Asphalt shingles also come in two styles: three-tab and architectural. Three-tab asphalt shingles are functional and economical. Architectural asphalt shingles offer a more polished and sophisticated appearance.
Asphalt shingles are an excellent option because they come in various colors and complementary architectural styles. However, these shingles can break down more quickly in areas that experience extreme weather events and climate swings. They can last up to thirty years, depending on the conditions.
Metal shingles come in various types of metal and can be low maintenance, lightweight, and environmentally friendly. Depending on your aesthetic, you can find metal shingles in aluminum, copper, or steel. Their reflective design can help reduce summer cooling costs, and they can be very durable. Their attractiveness also complements numerous home styles. Metal shingles are also a popular option for those who love the sound of rain on a metal roof.
There are a few drawbacks to consider when looking at metal shingles. They amplify sound and can be more complicated to repair when damaged. However, they can last 40 to 70 years.
Wood shingles come from durable, strong wood like cedar, pine, and oak. Sometimes, they are also called wood shakes, but shakes are wood shingles made by splitting thin rectangles of wood from a log. Wood shingles are an environmentally friendly option and are moderately durable. Wood shingles and shakes give homes a classic, rustic appearance and can resist high winds.
Wood shingles are not suited to areas with significant fire danger and may require more regular maintenance than other roofing materials. They can last up to thirty years with appropriate care.
Slate tiles are another excellent option for homeowners in areas that experience extreme weather events. Slate is heavy, durable, and resistant to fire, insects, and rot. Slate comes in numerous earth tones like brown and gray and hints of blue. Since it is a natural stone material, don’t expect to find outrageous color options.
Slate is an elegant design choice and requires almost no regular maintenance. However, it is heavy and needs to be placed in a home with extra structural support. It is also a relatively expensive roofing material. However, that cost may be offset by the knowledge that slate is durable and has an extremely long life span. Slate roofs can last from fifty to two hundred years.
Are you looking for an environmentally friendly shingle to help you generate clean energy for your home? Solar shingles may be the right fit for you. Solar shingles are slightly less efficient than traditional solar panels but are discreet, less obvious, and less obtrusive-looking.
Although solar shingles are a green, energy-efficient option, they have a shorter life span than other roofing materials. They can last about twenty years. These shingles must also be used with another type of shingle, as you generally cannot cover an entire roof with solar shingles.
Most people don’t think of concrete as a roofing material, but concrete shingles are becoming a popular roofing option. Concrete shingles are durable and have a long life span, often lasting up to sixty years. They are economical and can be formed and colored to resemble higher-end roofing materials like clay and slate. Another benefit to concrete? It requires almost no maintenance on your part.
Concrete is not for everyone. Since the material is heavier than other roofing materials, you need substantial structural support for concrete shingles.
Clay tiles are the perfect choice for homes with a Spanish or Mediterranean influence. Prevalent in the Southwest, clay tiles come in numerous shapes and earth-toned colors. Natural clay tiles are fire and insect-resistant. They are also highly durable and last a long time, up to one hundred years in many cases.
Unfortunately, clay tiles can be expensive and are not for homeowners looking for an economical roofing option. They may also only be appropriate for a home with significant structural support because they are heavier than other roofing materials.
There is no easy answer to this question. To determine the best roofing shingles for your home and office, you must consider numerous factors, like your budget, location, roofing structure, and personal design preferences. At Integrity Roofing, we’ll work with you to find the perfect roofing material for your home or business. We can inspect your current roof and sit down with you to discuss your needs before helping you select a material that will deliver the results you desire.
At Integrity Roofing, we also partner with reputable shingle manufacturers like CertainTeed. CertainTeed offers exceptional products in a wide variety of colors and styles. Their products are durable and come with a warranty, so you know they stand behind the quality of their products just like we stand behind the quality of our work.
Are you ready to protect your home and loved ones? Integrity Roofing can help. Let’s start with a free, systematic inspection of your current roof. We deliver a comprehensive assessment so you know what you need. We also help with insurance claims and can offer financing options.
Contact our professional team today for more information.
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