How to Pick Roof Shingles
Choosing the right roof shingles for your home is a crucial decision. With the wide variety of roofing options available, understanding the different types of shingles and their warranties can help you make an educated decision that suits your family’s needs.
When choosing roofing shingles you should consider the climate you live in, the durability of the product you are choosing, the aesthetics and style of your home and neighborhood, maintenance, and warranty.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shingles
- Climate – Consider the area you live in. Does it rain a lot? Is it extremely hot year-round? Different types of shingles perform better in different areas. For instance, people living in southern states like California and Florida will need a roof that helps keep their homes cooler. However, people living in northern states that experience an abundance of snow in the winter may need a roof that helps keep their families warm.
- Durability – Does your home experience hail and heavy storms? Or maybe huge wind gusts that blow debris onto your roof. Certain Materials offer exceptional longevity and resistance to elements, while others will require frequent maintenance.
- Aesthetics and Style – The roof you choose should compliment the architectural style of your home and the neighborhood you live in. From rustic charm to smooth and sleek, there is a roof for every aesthetic.
- Maintenance – Are you ready for regular maintenance for your home? Or do you need something you only need to check on after weather events? Some roofing materials require regular upkeep, others are low-maintenance solutions that can save you time and effort.
- Warranty – Not all shingles are created equal. Work with your roofing contractor to understand the different types of warranties offered. Understand the coverage provided and any exclusions or limitations that apply.
Exploring Different Types of Roofing Shingles
Now that you have thought about what your wants and needs are, you can begin to consider the type of shingles that best suit your home. Choosing the right shingles for your home is a step in the right direction for improving your home’s roofing system.
Wood Roof Shingles
Wood shingles are a unique choice for your home. Under good weather conditions, they can last over 30 years and are more eco-friendly than other shingles. However, Wood is highly flammable and prone to rotting, mold, and pest issues. Homeowners who currently have wood shingles should be prepared to perform regular maintenance and incur higher repair costs. When working with wood shingles you should read the local laws and safety regulations. You may repair your wood shake shingles, but not make a full roof replacement according to state of Ohio fire regulations.
Tile Roof Shingles
Tile shingles often grab people’s attention because of their distinctive look. They are low-maintenance shingles that can last up to 100 years. However, Tile shingles are extremely heavy meaning there is a need for structural reinforcement which brings a higher installation cost. Tile shingles can also experience impact fractures from severe weather occurrences on and when being walked on. Working with tile roofs requires extreme delicacy, attention to detail, and time.
Metal Roof Shingles
Metal roofs come in a variety of materials including copper, steel, aluminum, and alloy strips. Metal roofing is more reflective and burn-resistant than other roofing materials making them a great choice for homes in warmer climates. However, metal roofing is noisy during rainstorms and is easily dented. This type of roofing material is susceptible to blowing off when met with strong winds due to the ridge caps not being tucked under. Metal will often come with a higher price because they are more expensive to install.
Asphalt Roof Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing choice because of their versatility. Asphalt is more affordable than other roofing materials and can last from 20 to 50 years. Asphalt Shingles have water-resistive properties that assist in protecting the building structure, improving energy efficiency, extending the lifespan of the roof, reducing maintenance costs, and improving indoor air quality. While asphalt shingles are cost-effective, they may be susceptible to wind damage and require periodic maintenance.
Choosing The Right Roof Color
The roof you choose for your home will contribute significantly to the aesthetics of your home. Your roof can account for around 40% of your home’s exterior.
Depending on the area you live in, and your specific problem, lighter-colored roofing shingles can help keep your home cooler in the summer, whereas dark-colored shingles can help keep your home warm in the winter.
In the north natural sunlight has a cool, blue colored cast. The farther south you go, the sun gives a more orange-colored cast. The cool gray and blue shingles that look fantastic on a home in the north, may look washed out in the south. When choosing the best shingle for your home look at samples in the natural light at different times of the day to see the color variation. The color you choose for your home should also be guided by local and state codes to comply with the environment.
Do Shingles Come With A Warranty?
Not all shingles are created equal. Work with your roofing contractor to understand the different types of warranties offered.
Manufacturer Warranties
Some manufacturers offer warranties that cover defects in materials and workmanship, others only cover issues caused by factory defects. These warranties typically do not cover issues arising from improper installation or inadequate maintenance.
For information on CertainTeed warranties visit their website or speak to a consultant at D&G Roofing and Restoraiton. CertainTeed is one of the only companies that offers a warranty that comes with a cost of living increase. CertainTeed offers a 4% increase each year when you get an extended warranty.
Contractor Warranties
Many roofing contractors provide additional warranties in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty. These warranties typically include coverage for their installation work. Many contractor warranties cover a shorter time than a manufacturer’s warranty. It is important to understand the terms and duration of each warranty to ensure comprehensive coverage for your roofing system. If you encounter any problems with your new roof, call your contractor right away to address problems.
The Best Choice For Your Home
Selecting the right roof shingles for your home involves careful consideration of various factors. From climate sustainability and durability to aesthetic preferences and warranty coverage. By understanding each of these factors you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and functionality of your home. The choice you make will have a lasting impact on the comfort, appearance, and value of your home.
Ready For A New Roof?
Now that you know what roofing materials are available to you, you can talk to a roofing expert about the best way to move forward with your exterior home project. D&G Roofing and Restoration is a Dayton, Ohio Roofing Company ready to help you solve your problems. We are experienced, certified, and insured. With almost 200 5-star reviews, we are sure to be the solution for your exterior home problems. Have our experts inspect your roof and guide you to the best solution to your problems.
